Toyota Tacoma, what to look for.

[ALLROAD VR]

I'm thinking about switching to a pick up, Toyota comes to mind cause reliability. Which year is the best for the Tacomas? Should I look for a 4 banger or V6, how's the gas mileage of the V6s? Auto or manual transmission? How durable is the body and chassis, rusts I have to watch out for?

[Sporin]

I'm thinking about switching to a pick up, Toyota comes to mind cause reliability. Which year is the best for the Tacomas? Should I look for a 4 banger or V6, how's the gas mileage of the V6s? Auto or manual transmission? How durable is the body and chassis, rusts I have to watch out for?

New or used?
Budget?

What generation? pics>> http://vehiclevoice.com/2010/10/chan..._of_attractiv/

[ALLROAD VR]

I'm looking for something used, in the 2005-2008 generation being they're still fairly low mileage examples. There is a budget in mind, I will pay for the right money for the right truck.

[Sporin]

The biggest thing to watch out for with that generation of trucks is frame rust. You'll find many that have a brand new frame (and everything attached to it) under them and if you are in a snowy/salty area, those would be the trucks I'd look for.

Other then that it really comes down to condition and maintenance. Both engines are relatively trouble free, so it comes down to what you want. Drive both the 4cyl and the V6 and you'll know right away if you prefer one over the other.

The V6 requires a timing belt change every 60-90k (depending on what you read) but my understanding is that it is a relatively simple procedure (compared to some).

[GolfVIDriver]

Resale value is REE-Tarded on these trucks. Shop very carefully and compare to other options in your price range. I don't believe you get a good value for money proposition with a used Tacoma. It actually would make more sense to buy a new one.

[CreeperSleeper]

I guess it all depends on what you want the truck to do and what your needs are...

[03GTI4Me]

The biggest thing to watch out for with that generation of trucks is frame rust. You'll find many that have a brand new frame (and everything attached to it) under them and if you are in a snowy/salty area, those would be the trucks I'd look for.

Other then that it really comes down to condition and maintenance. Both engines are relatively trouble free, so it comes down to what you want. Drive both the 4cyl and the V6 and you'll know right away if you prefer one over the other.

The V6 requires a timing belt change every 60-90k (depending on what you read) but my understanding is that it is a relatively simple procedure (compared to some).

The Toyota frame rust recall/buyback program was in place for '96 thru '04 Tacomas only.

I was under the impression the '05+ frames were designed differently and therefore are not as susceptible to rust.

[O2VW1.8T]

Resale value is REE-Tarded on these trucks. Shop very carefully and compare to other options in your price range. I don't believe you get a good value for money proposition with a used Tacoma. It actually would make more sense to buy a new one.

Truth right here. Back in 07 my dad bought a base v6 pre-runner 2WD for 20k out the door. He sold it 4 years later for 23k all he put on it was stepbars,hitch,bull bar and cover, oh and had ugly 20" chrome wheels. Its insane to me the value they hold.

If you are getting a 05+ i haven't seen any rust frame repairs yet, look for timing cover leaking, get a v6 they are crazy reliable, the auto trans hold up great.

[Sporin]

The Toyota frame rust recall/buyback program was in place for '96 thru '04 Tacomas only.

I was under the impression the '05+ frames were designed differently and therefore are not as susceptible to rust.

You are correct, I read he was looking used and assumed last-gen, ignoring his year range. My mistake.

[jaystone]

As noted previously, resale value is stupid high. Anything under 40,000 miles and you might as well buy new (price difference is pretty negligible).

4 cylinder trucks even with 4 wheel drive are pretty de-contented in the 2005-2008 model range. Stuff like intermittent wipers is not included. I was seriously considering an '05 4 cylinder 4x4 5 speed access cab and was lucky enough to drive it on a rare rainy day here in Denver. I was dumbfounded by the two speed wipers (LO/HI). I wasn't expecting a lot, but was very disappointed by the lack of power which was surely worsened by the altitude. Towing anything more than a small utility trailer would be a chore.

Do yourself a favor, get the V6 either auto or 6 speed manual. The fuel economy hit is nothing compared to the overall driving experience (power and added conveniences).

[AshyLarry]

As noted previously, resale value is stupid high. Anything under 40,000 miles and you might as well buy new (price difference is pretty negligible).

Total truth right there. I went through the same thing when shopping for a Frontier. Although not quite as bad as Tacoma's, it was the same deal, a 2 year old Frontier with 30k on it was selling for $2k under a brand new one, and I got 0% APR on my 2012.

Tacoma's and Tundra's are insane when it comes to buying used. That said, they are also pretty pricey new, but worth it, as a comparable Tacoma to my Frontier has a bunch of features I wish I had.

[Mabe]

I came close to buying a Taco in place of GMC 2 years ago. As others said about resale, if your not buying new you are better of buying a frontier or Colorado/Canyon.

I found the 4cyl 4x4 manual to have plenty of power to move the truck (I owned a 2.3l ranger at the time). If my memory serves me right the 4cyl still has a throttle cable while the 6 is an electronic throttle that had bad rev hang when shifting that I found very annoying.

[92VR6C]

i have a '12 dcsb Tacoma --- love it, however i am still getting to the size of it after owning compact cars. the refreshed front, to me, looks pretty good. my favorite is the first generation Tacomas, they were a good size. check out tacomaworld forums for more info