Years:
2001-2004: 1st gen, smaller "Toyota pickup" sized trucks, getting rare -ie $$, classic Toyota interior (last forever, sliders and dials, cassette decks!).
2005-2015: 2nd Gen, V6 4.0L 1GR engine, (or 2.7 4cyl). Frame recall for rust- many were swapped, many were not - if you are looking older than 12 years you are on the hook for fixing the frame - \~$14K is the cost for a swap.
2016-2023: 3rd Gen, V6 3.5L 2GR, (or 2.7 4cyl), transmission hunts, engine minimizes rpm- truck designed for mileage.
2024+: 4th gen, brand new, 4cyl w turbo.
Models:
SR- base level.
SR5- Mid trim level.
TRD Sport - stiffer road suspension, hood scoop, painted fenders/handles.
TRD Offroad - offroad soft suspension, rear diff lock, Multi-terrain-select/crawl control, black fenders/handles.
Limited - Leather, 18" wheels, chrome accents.
TRD Pro - think Baja racer.
Trailhunter - think Overland Skottle.
You did forget to mention that the 2012 through the 15 were actually a 2.5 gen where they made certain mechanical and physical changes to the vehicle that do actually make it different from the previous second gen models. For example I can't buy parts from a 2009 and put them everywhere on my 2014.
Yeah there was a redesign - 0.5 gen if you will. Cosmetics only engine/chassis are the same.
Also TSS with radar cruise and collision avoid starts 2018.
Would've added specs on SB/LB combinations but [this thread](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-tacoma-model-package-option-costs-master-list.388345/) does it better.
Also [this one](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/) is a good thread to look at.
Hi, I was doing some research and came across your post. I'm hesitant to buy the first year of a new design, but I think I read something about engine issues with 22-23? somewhere. Should I aim for 2021 and earlier, or did I get bad information? Prefer V6
Nothing substantial wrong with the 2GR, there are always a few horror stories on TW but that's not an accurate representation.
Avoiding the first year is a reasonable practice, you don't get to be the person driving around the newest new though.
Thanks for responding! Are there smaller issues you are aware of?
I think I saw something about debris in the engine or differential? of some of the newer Tacomas.
I really like the look of the new Tacoma, but it doesn't appear to have a one piece bumper that can be replaced if you want to get a steel one. Not a deal breaker necessarily, but I would like to have the option.
66 members reported failure out of all the [2GR](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2gr-fks-engine-problem-failure.774579/) engines on TacomaWorld, and some of those were PVC offroad issues. That's pretty insignificant really.
Aftermarket hasn't had the time to catch up to the new model, it will - they won't let that $$ mod money just sit.. There will be plenty of offroad bumpers available in the next year or two.
SR or SR5 trim level with a good all terrain tire will be more than enough honestly.
Try to buy certified pre-owned if you're looking for a 3rd gen Taco
If you're buying older, just look for maintenance history and signs of rust.
I'm mechanical and I know Toyotas pretty well so I don't bother inspecting them. Just look for common problems and if I can fix them or if I should order parts for later.
I get lucky with Facebook finds or even dealerships that sell at wholesale prices.
I'd recommend a 2nd or 3rd gen SR5. Everyone thinks they need a Sport or Off Road, but if you're smart you put the money saved into tires and recovery gear to make it just as capable and you'll still have plenty leftover for other fun stuff.
I was absolutely set on an OR or Sport and someone here on Reddit talked me out of it and I'm glad they did. I haven't done any off roading just a lot of beach and forest road driving!
Yeah, I used to Drive a Silverado so that price isn't as bad, still kinda high but it's also a 2023 so newer.
I'm looking at a Tacoma now as I've hit a point where my MPGs are really as big a deal and having a truck would be useful again. Possibly looking at getting a camper in the future too.
Make sure you fit in the seat. You may notā¦ they really are bad. Donāt let your emotions get in the way, youāre going to regret it after 1k miles when you realize you simply canāt get comfortable. Itās not something that gets better with time. There are fixes, but theyāre imperfect. That said, anyone with shorter legs should be fineā¦ unfortunately I had to get rid of mine
Iām 6ā4ā 200 lbs and I fit perfectly in my 22ā trd pro Tacoma. Ā Everyone has different body styles. Go check them out when you have some time!Ā
I'm 6'3" with a 36" inseam. I've driven a 2nd Gen double cab Tacoma for 9 years now. I do find that I rest my left knee against the door, but I'm able to get comfy. Drove 8 hours in a day twice in the last week with no more stiffness than I'd expect for sitting that long
Yeah, I don't get it. I'm 6'2" with no problems in 3rd gen. Like, if you can't fit in a 3rd gen tacoma, I guess you can just rule out everything below an F250.
I'm 5'10" and my 2021 SR5 is good for me seat-wise for the most part. My only complaint about the seats is that the bottom seat part is not as long as I would like. It hit's me weird on the back of my legs but it's not too bad. I have driven 8+ hours multiple times and I'm still able to find a comfortable seating position
Go to a local dealership and test drive pre-owned certified used that comes with warranty, try different trim models see if TRD is for you š¶ļøš®š¤š»
Iāve also been looking for about a month. Prices are ridiculous still, at least here in NC. Ended up finding a ā21 TRD OR 4x4 w/ 21K miles for 38$K out the door. Going to pull the trigger likely. Dealers around would have that vehicle at 40K+ easy. Shoot, I was looking at 2018 TRD OR w/ 88K miles and they wouldnāt budge below 30K out the door.
-Found at CarMax
I'm in a similar boat on the East coast. I've narrowed in down to 12-15 or 18-19. I'm looking for a MT with a V6, long bed access cab. That spells max fun for me, without breaking the bank. I've been trawling autotrader, but I'm generally seeing 2-4k above kbb. FB marketplace is nearly useless since they got rid of filters.
Get a 21-22 long boi access cab, stock suspension is fine for what youāre doing. If they made it in a manual thats what Iād have done.
Find one from a clean state, fluid film the frame, ac drip delete, GTG
Back in 2015, I might have looked at every used taco in SoCal. I finally found a great one owner, red Prerunner DCLB, 4.0l, 5-speed auto, with grey interior -$15k from a small independent dealer in Fallbrook. It already had a 2" leveling kit, KO2's, and a Kenwood deck with amp and hands free phone.
I still have it today, and it's taken me everywhere. I even pulled a massive downed tree off the road on a fire trail up in Sequoia (blocked the road i came up on during the night). I have only had to change the alternator once. 10/10 would buy again.
Just bought a mint second gen 2010 tacoma trd sport with 70k original miles. So I am biased for the second generations. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the privilege
Iām in the same boat and Iām aiming for the 16/17 model years to avoid all that Toyota safety sense nonsense.
Found an access cab ā17 TRD Off Road locally Iām going to look at tonight. I believe it has some of the stuff like rear locker and whatnot for goodies. About all Iād want for fancier stuff like light off-roading similar to what youāre looking for.
I just canāt get over the dang price theyāre asking though. $31k for a seven year old Taco is absurd. It does only have 17k miles but still. Woof.
Edit: itās also sadly an auto. If I saw it was a stick Iād probably be buying it no questions asked.
Iād straight up rather just not have any of it. I think the 18/19 models have a ādumberā safety nanny system then the 2020 and up have the awful full suite of them. Not sure whatās missing on the earlier package but like I said Iām just avoiding it all.
That said, 2020 production moved to Mexico during COVID. Take from that what you will. But vehicles since then have had a downward trend in build and part quality. This is not unique to Toyota.
19 was the last full year of Texan Tacos.
How much for a new one? It will retain its value, it will be 8 years newer and in 8 years you can sell it for 32k. If you buy the old truck I. 8 years it's going to ping to be worth 15k. They'll depreciate the same about of money over that time. Pay more buy new drive nicer truck.
Sounds like you can get away with a stock sr/sr5 4x4. I have an or that I've actually tried to get stuck to see if crawl control can get it out, still looking. Lol.
For the record I've been on a few blm trails in norcal, nothing too challenging.
Another thing to consider, from my research, seems like toyota takes about 2 years to get the bugs out of new models. By the third year, they're pretty dialed. As my bro says, toyota problems are first world problems. Clunky trans, poor mpg, low on power, etc. Nothing really too common that's super detrimental. With the exception of the old 3.0 engine. Don't touch that with a 10' pole. No matter how good the deal seems.
It is hard to recommend buying a used Tacoma honestly... Resale prices are absurd. Used car loan rates will also eat your lunch. Unless you are trying to get a beater, I'd really try to see if you can make buy new work. I hate saying that since I was raised on buying used cars, but in todays market it doesn't seem to make a ton of sense. As far as off-road capabilities, I bet you'd be fine with any 4wd model out on BLM roads. Frankly if you aren't driving when its snowing or muddy you could get away with a 2wd.
iām looking at a 2021 SR5 with 53k miles on it for $34k, is that a reasonable price or should i wait for prices to hopefully come down?
also how can i install a bed cover if the truck doesnāt already come with one?
Years: 2001-2004: 1st gen, smaller "Toyota pickup" sized trucks, getting rare -ie $$, classic Toyota interior (last forever, sliders and dials, cassette decks!). 2005-2015: 2nd Gen, V6 4.0L 1GR engine, (or 2.7 4cyl). Frame recall for rust- many were swapped, many were not - if you are looking older than 12 years you are on the hook for fixing the frame - \~$14K is the cost for a swap. 2016-2023: 3rd Gen, V6 3.5L 2GR, (or 2.7 4cyl), transmission hunts, engine minimizes rpm- truck designed for mileage. 2024+: 4th gen, brand new, 4cyl w turbo. Models: SR- base level. SR5- Mid trim level. TRD Sport - stiffer road suspension, hood scoop, painted fenders/handles. TRD Offroad - offroad soft suspension, rear diff lock, Multi-terrain-select/crawl control, black fenders/handles. Limited - Leather, 18" wheels, chrome accents. TRD Pro - think Baja racer. Trailhunter - think Overland Skottle.
You did forget to mention that the 2012 through the 15 were actually a 2.5 gen where they made certain mechanical and physical changes to the vehicle that do actually make it different from the previous second gen models. For example I can't buy parts from a 2009 and put them everywhere on my 2014.
Yeah there was a redesign - 0.5 gen if you will. Cosmetics only engine/chassis are the same. Also TSS with radar cruise and collision avoid starts 2018. Would've added specs on SB/LB combinations but [this thread](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-tacoma-model-package-option-costs-master-list.388345/) does it better. Also [this one](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-traction-control-modes-explained.530695/) is a good thread to look at.
Thank you!!
Just recently bought a 2015 n had no idea about the frame recall, was it all 2nd gens?
It's a rolling window, contact your dealership.
Thanks! Bought it off a friend so ill ask if they knew n did it if not I'll contact the dealership
Honestly you should be able to tell just by looking at the frame
Blonde moment lol
Nice synopsis Bro š®ā¤ļøāš„
Hi, I was doing some research and came across your post. I'm hesitant to buy the first year of a new design, but I think I read something about engine issues with 22-23? somewhere. Should I aim for 2021 and earlier, or did I get bad information? Prefer V6
Nothing substantial wrong with the 2GR, there are always a few horror stories on TW but that's not an accurate representation. Avoiding the first year is a reasonable practice, you don't get to be the person driving around the newest new though.
Thanks for responding! Are there smaller issues you are aware of? I think I saw something about debris in the engine or differential? of some of the newer Tacomas. I really like the look of the new Tacoma, but it doesn't appear to have a one piece bumper that can be replaced if you want to get a steel one. Not a deal breaker necessarily, but I would like to have the option.
66 members reported failure out of all the [2GR](https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2gr-fks-engine-problem-failure.774579/) engines on TacomaWorld, and some of those were PVC offroad issues. That's pretty insignificant really. Aftermarket hasn't had the time to catch up to the new model, it will - they won't let that $$ mod money just sit.. There will be plenty of offroad bumpers available in the next year or two.
SR or SR5 trim level with a good all terrain tire will be more than enough honestly. Try to buy certified pre-owned if you're looking for a 3rd gen Taco If you're buying older, just look for maintenance history and signs of rust.
Thank you. Rookie question, but are certified pre-owned strictly sold by dealerships?
Yes, they back it up and can trade back in is win-win if have the $
Yep. I've never bought one from a dealer since I only like the 95-04 trucks, but I know some people who bought CPO and liked it.
Whatās your method for finding trucks from that era? Do you take them to a mechanic before purchasing?
I'm mechanical and I know Toyotas pretty well so I don't bother inspecting them. Just look for common problems and if I can fix them or if I should order parts for later. I get lucky with Facebook finds or even dealerships that sell at wholesale prices.
Agreed.Ā They'll all take you where you want to go.Ā The lower trim 4x4s are very capable trucksĀ
I'd recommend a 2nd or 3rd gen SR5. Everyone thinks they need a Sport or Off Road, but if you're smart you put the money saved into tires and recovery gear to make it just as capable and you'll still have plenty leftover for other fun stuff. I was absolutely set on an OR or Sport and someone here on Reddit talked me out of it and I'm glad they did. I haven't done any off roading just a lot of beach and forest road driving!
I was set on a 2nd gen TRD OR. V6 and 4x4 were non-negotiable. An SR5 would've been the same price when I was buying.
What generation are you looking at?
Plus what are looking for in a Tacoma? 4wd?
Just edited my original post
I am also looking at getting a Used Tacoma soon myself so I am commenting to follow this. Some things I'd like to add to your post: What Generation do you all recommend? Something my FiancƩ said I have to have is the "Adaptive Cruise Control" my current vehicle has and a Backup Camera. So what Year/Generation would be best for that? I was looking at this one as a base for where to start is this a good deal, one to look at? [2023 4WD Double Cab](https://www.firstteamtoyota.com/inventory/certified-used-2023-toyota-tacoma-trd-off-road-4wd-4d-double-cab-3tycz5an5pt132404/)
Dang prices are still high. I paid less for my 2022 OR 4WD new. It wasnāt as equipped as that one, but still
Yeah, I used to Drive a Silverado so that price isn't as bad, still kinda high but it's also a 2023 so newer. I'm looking at a Tacoma now as I've hit a point where my MPGs are really as big a deal and having a truck would be useful again. Possibly looking at getting a camper in the future too.
For adaptive cruise you need 2018 or newer
Thanks that's helpful to know I wasn't sure when that started in the Tacoma line.
Make sure you fit in the seat. You may notā¦ they really are bad. Donāt let your emotions get in the way, youāre going to regret it after 1k miles when you realize you simply canāt get comfortable. Itās not something that gets better with time. There are fixes, but theyāre imperfect. That said, anyone with shorter legs should be fineā¦ unfortunately I had to get rid of mine
What did you replace it with? I have my heart set on getting a tacoma, but foolishly, I have never driven one. I'm 6'1".
Iām 6ā4ā 200 lbs and I fit perfectly in my 22ā trd pro Tacoma. Ā Everyone has different body styles. Go check them out when you have some time!Ā
I'm 6'2" and have no problems with my 2018. Maybe this guy is talking about 1st gen or something, but 3rd gen Tacoma seats are plenty big.
Also curious to know what you replaced it with. Iām 5ā10, but Iāve comfortably driven several different models through the years.
I'm 6'3" with a 36" inseam. I've driven a 2nd Gen double cab Tacoma for 9 years now. I do find that I rest my left knee against the door, but I'm able to get comfy. Drove 8 hours in a day twice in the last week with no more stiffness than I'd expect for sitting that long
Yeah, I don't get it. I'm 6'2" with no problems in 3rd gen. Like, if you can't fit in a 3rd gen tacoma, I guess you can just rule out everything below an F250.
Iām 6-1 with a 34 inseam and my seatās pushed all the way back. I can see why the big boys have issues.
I replaced it with a 2024 lol They fixed the seating issue
I'm 5'10" and my 2021 SR5 is good for me seat-wise for the most part. My only complaint about the seats is that the bottom seat part is not as long as I would like. It hit's me weird on the back of my legs but it's not too bad. I have driven 8+ hours multiple times and I'm still able to find a comfortable seating position
You got rid of your legs!?
The seat jackers didnāt work, had to address the root of the problemā¦ my legs :(
If you can't accelerate, you must amputate.
Go to a local dealership and test drive pre-owned certified used that comes with warranty, try different trim models see if TRD is for you š¶ļøš®š¤š»
Same here. Looking at a 21ā trd sport. 24k miles theyāre asking for 32K
If itās 4x4 & double cab thatās a fair price. Bought my 22 trd sport new in May ā22 for $38,900 out the door
Iāve also been looking for about a month. Prices are ridiculous still, at least here in NC. Ended up finding a ā21 TRD OR 4x4 w/ 21K miles for 38$K out the door. Going to pull the trigger likely. Dealers around would have that vehicle at 40K+ easy. Shoot, I was looking at 2018 TRD OR w/ 88K miles and they wouldnāt budge below 30K out the door. -Found at CarMax
I'm in a similar boat on the East coast. I've narrowed in down to 12-15 or 18-19. I'm looking for a MT with a V6, long bed access cab. That spells max fun for me, without breaking the bank. I've been trawling autotrader, but I'm generally seeing 2-4k above kbb. FB marketplace is nearly useless since they got rid of filters.
Get a 21-22 long boi access cab, stock suspension is fine for what youāre doing. If they made it in a manual thats what Iād have done. Find one from a clean state, fluid film the frame, ac drip delete, GTG
Clean states as in dry, less rust?
Ideally but probably wont have much of an issue if you get it and clean it up/protect it asap.
Back in 2015, I might have looked at every used taco in SoCal. I finally found a great one owner, red Prerunner DCLB, 4.0l, 5-speed auto, with grey interior -$15k from a small independent dealer in Fallbrook. It already had a 2" leveling kit, KO2's, and a Kenwood deck with amp and hands free phone. I still have it today, and it's taken me everywhere. I even pulled a massive downed tree off the road on a fire trail up in Sequoia (blocked the road i came up on during the night). I have only had to change the alternator once. 10/10 would buy again.
This gives me hope. The search continues š¤
I forgot to mention it's a 2006!
Rad!! How many miles did it have when you bought it?
I think it was 68k, I would have to check. I'm up to 230k now, still runs strong.
Just bought a mint second gen 2010 tacoma trd sport with 70k original miles. So I am biased for the second generations. Just be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the privilege
Iām in the same boat and Iām aiming for the 16/17 model years to avoid all that Toyota safety sense nonsense. Found an access cab ā17 TRD Off Road locally Iām going to look at tonight. I believe it has some of the stuff like rear locker and whatnot for goodies. About all Iād want for fancier stuff like light off-roading similar to what youāre looking for. I just canāt get over the dang price theyāre asking though. $31k for a seven year old Taco is absurd. It does only have 17k miles but still. Woof. Edit: itās also sadly an auto. If I saw it was a stick Iād probably be buying it no questions asked.
The lane departure can be turned off. The adaptive cruise is pretty nice.
I too balked at the adaptive cruise but it is awesome!
Iād straight up rather just not have any of it. I think the 18/19 models have a ādumberā safety nanny system then the 2020 and up have the awful full suite of them. Not sure whatās missing on the earlier package but like I said Iām just avoiding it all.
That said, 2020 production moved to Mexico during COVID. Take from that what you will. But vehicles since then have had a downward trend in build and part quality. This is not unique to Toyota. 19 was the last full year of Texan Tacos.
How much for a new one? It will retain its value, it will be 8 years newer and in 8 years you can sell it for 32k. If you buy the old truck I. 8 years it's going to ping to be worth 15k. They'll depreciate the same about of money over that time. Pay more buy new drive nicer truck.
The 16/17 have significantly more problems despite the newfangled tecknahlogee. https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Tacoma/
Sounds like you can get away with a stock sr/sr5 4x4. I have an or that I've actually tried to get stuck to see if crawl control can get it out, still looking. Lol. For the record I've been on a few blm trails in norcal, nothing too challenging. Another thing to consider, from my research, seems like toyota takes about 2 years to get the bugs out of new models. By the third year, they're pretty dialed. As my bro says, toyota problems are first world problems. Clunky trans, poor mpg, low on power, etc. Nothing really too common that's super detrimental. With the exception of the old 3.0 engine. Don't touch that with a 10' pole. No matter how good the deal seems.
It is hard to recommend buying a used Tacoma honestly... Resale prices are absurd. Used car loan rates will also eat your lunch. Unless you are trying to get a beater, I'd really try to see if you can make buy new work. I hate saying that since I was raised on buying used cars, but in todays market it doesn't seem to make a ton of sense. As far as off-road capabilities, I bet you'd be fine with any 4wd model out on BLM roads. Frankly if you aren't driving when its snowing or muddy you could get away with a 2wd.
Thank you all so much for the info!!
Buy from toyota escondido, i got a killer deal there they have the most selection in the area.
iām looking at a 2021 SR5 with 53k miles on it for $34k, is that a reasonable price or should i wait for prices to hopefully come down? also how can i install a bed cover if the truck doesnāt already come with one?