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Buying a Used Tacoma--best year?
Posted on 11/27/23 at 1:43 pm
Posted on 11/27/23 at 1:43 pm
My sister is looking for a used 6 cylinder Tacoma for her son. Google search answers are all over the map. What would you guys recommend? And is 4WD worth it if you'll be driving on paved roads 90% of the time? No major towing except a utility trailer.
Thanks.
Thanks.
This post was edited on 9/14/24 at 2:31 pm
16
Posted on 11/27/23 at 1:49 pm to DarthTiger
2000-2004 were great. Not sure if you can find one with decent miles at an affordable rate currently.
2wd is fine for that application but 4wd wouldn't hurt.
2wd is fine for that application but 4wd wouldn't hurt.
Posted on 11/27/23 at 2:12 pm to DarthTiger
Just bought my 16 yr old a 2018 SR5 with 58k miles on it. I researched and tracker autotrader and gar gurus daily for 4 months.
My opinion, for any 3rd gen (16-23), the year does not matter at all as far as pricing or reliability goes. It is based on mileage. I also would not get 4wd unless needed. It drives the price way up for that being the only additional feature. They are all pretty much the same on the interior with the exception of the limited. I got a V6 but that is only because the price was right. I was actually looking for a 4 cylinder due it being a virtually bullet proof and reliable motor. The I4 is slow as molasses but sort of liked that for my new driver. Also, most SR's do not come with a hitch or trailer plugs, so it would have to be added or maybe the off chance she finds one someone already added. Most SR5 do have the hitch and plug from factory.
Let me know if you have other questions. I sort of feel like an expert at this point.
My opinion, for any 3rd gen (16-23), the year does not matter at all as far as pricing or reliability goes. It is based on mileage. I also would not get 4wd unless needed. It drives the price way up for that being the only additional feature. They are all pretty much the same on the interior with the exception of the limited. I got a V6 but that is only because the price was right. I was actually looking for a 4 cylinder due it being a virtually bullet proof and reliable motor. The I4 is slow as molasses but sort of liked that for my new driver. Also, most SR's do not come with a hitch or trailer plugs, so it would have to be added or maybe the off chance she finds one someone already added. Most SR5 do have the hitch and plug from factory.
Let me know if you have other questions. I sort of feel like an expert at this point.
This post was edited on 11/27/23 at 2:48 pm
Posted on 11/27/23 at 2:32 pm to DarthTiger
second gen (05-15)supposedly has frame issues. If one of these is considered make sure the frame is inspected. People claim the second gen had the best engine, the 4.0. The first gen 3.4 V6 was a decent engine as well. A lot of people complained about the lack of power and weird shifting with the 3rd gens (16-23). I would not recommend a 4WD, but looking into a prerunner. The prerunner has almost everything the 4WD has except the front diff and transfer case that s 4wd has. The 4 banger is fine if it is a 2wd single cab, other than that it id very underpowered. Tell him/her to read the tacoma forum.
Posted on 11/27/23 at 2:42 pm to lsuCJ5
Yes, gear hunting as they call it. That is def a thing, but more of an annoyance than an issue to me. I've driven my son's truck a few times and it wasn't something I just absolutely couldn't stand. They way I looked at deciding on engine, etc., is that it is for a 16 year old and I just needed something safe and reliable to get him to a from school. He is damn lucky I got him what I got him and could've gotten nothing at all or any POS I could get for super cheap.
Posted on 11/27/23 at 3:38 pm to DarthTiger
I bought a ‘97 Extended cab 4x4 in ‘06. Having the 4x4 won’t hurt you except it will cost a tad more up front. Good luck.
Posted on 11/27/23 at 5:50 pm to Marlo Stanfield
I'm looking for something similar for my 15 year old son. Mind saying how much you spent on it?
Posted on 11/27/23 at 6:07 pm to DarthTiger
1998
Posted on 11/27/23 at 6:48 pm to DarthTiger
Gen 1 - Gen 3 (whichever’s last Gen with 4 ltr.)
Posted on 11/27/23 at 8:44 pm to DarthTiger
The truly good ones were pre-tacoma hilux.
Posted on 11/28/23 at 5:13 am to DarthTiger
2005-2015 with the 4.0L.
The 2004 crew cab 4x4 is the unicorn of them all tho.
The 2004 crew cab 4x4 is the unicorn of them all tho.
Posted on 11/28/23 at 7:25 am to DarthTiger
05-15 has the reliable 4.0L V6
09 tacoma owner here, 206k miles and rolling
09 tacoma owner here, 206k miles and rolling
Posted on 11/28/23 at 10:25 am to DarthTiger
I have a 05 manual for sale as we speak if anyone interested 
Posted on 11/28/23 at 12:32 pm to Marlo Stanfield
quote:
My opinion, for any 3rd gen (16-23), the year does not matter at all as far as pricing or reliability goes
I'll point out something that won't matter to OP but might to his son: 3rd gens from '16-some '19s have Toyota's awful Entune radio head unit. 19s onward have a better one that has carplay or android auto with real navigation and not whatever this is:
Posted on 11/28/23 at 1:21 pm to Saskwatch
quote:
2wd is fine for that application but 4wd wouldn't hurt.
I would never buy a 2WD truck. I just had use my 4WD yesterday.
Posted on 11/28/23 at 2:12 pm to cable
quote:
I would never buy a 2WD truck. I just had use my 4WD yesterday.
same, man. no damn way.
Posted on 11/28/23 at 2:57 pm to m2pro
2nd gen with 263k miles 4.0L checking in. Use it for my hunting fishing camping vehichle these days. Great trucks
Posted on 11/28/23 at 5:19 pm to DarthTiger
I have a 2000 extended cab 4x4 . It has a 4 cylinder with 5 speed stick shift . 375,000 miles . Only issue is having to get out and lock hubs . Been a good one .
Posted on 11/28/23 at 6:10 pm to Nado Jenkins83
quote:edited for my sitch
2nd gen with 283k miles 4.0L checking in. Use it for my hunting fishing camping daily driver vehichle these days.
Posted on 11/29/23 at 6:40 am to Tigre85
quote:
Only issue is having to get out and lock hubs .
Manual hubs are the goat. The auto hubs are fragile pos.
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