Which 3rd Gen Tacoma model to buy?

I own a '10 Highlander & '02 Avalon. I live near Louisville, KY and want to replace the Avalon with a late model Tacoma SR5, automatic, V6 Double Cab, 4WD to be used only as a passenger car on the streets. I want the VIN NOT to begin with a "3" (=Mexican assembly"}. Anything wrong with this approach? Late models are ridiculously high and thinking about building my own new 2015 truck on the Toyota website. Which model year (2010-2014) would be best QUALITY value for purchase. Ideally, I would like to get one off a 2- or 3-year lease. Your expertise is really appreciated her! Thanks in advance to all who respond.

 

Best bet would be to buy new. These things aren't leased that often and if there is a lease return the price will be close to a new one.... I'd stay away from a Mexican assembled one too, nothing wrong with wanting a car assembled in good ole USofA. Texas made trucks are less common but not really rare.

But yea, the 3rd gen is a 2016 truck which isn't released yet. This should be in the 2nd gen section.

 

Mine was built in Baja!
Same product, or would you rather have it built by Mexicans in the US

 

You don't know the demographics of the workers in the Mexico or Texas plant or are you one of the admins?

Anyway, it's your money and it doesn't make a difference to me. But having a vehicle that says "Made in Mexico" personally makes my skin crawl. They have been spitting out Tacomas from Mejico since 2005, I'm sure they're fine, but I wouldn't own one.

 

If all you're using it for is driving on the streets, why not save some money and get a 2WD Prerunner? Kentucky doesn't get much snow so I can't see you needing 4WD for anything if the truck will only be used on pavement. Just a suggestion, the Prerunner is a good bit cheaper than a 4WD, gets better mileage also.

 

My thoughts exactly.

 

Yes. It's stupid. The Mexican plant is highly awarded.


What is the issue with it being built in Mexico versus the USA? You're buying a Toyota, a Japanese automaker, so obviously your allegiance to a Japanese manufacturer isn't because you're holding Old Glory close to the chest. Ignorance?

If I had a dollar for every "I don't want a Mexican Tacoma" post from new members on here I'd have enough for wheels. Damn my luck.

 

Why get a 4x4 if it's for streets only? Get a 5lug double cab if it's just a DD.

 

In all honesty with the Mexican vs. US built trucks, something inside me says that the Baja built ones are probably built a bit better. Like it or not, Mexicans are hard working mofo's and have much higher working standards than we do I believe. The poverty level is extreme down there, and getting a job is really hard so when you get one, you don't want to fuck up and loose it so they really bust ass and get shit done to avoid being fired. I've been on a few different construction crews all across the upper and lower Western side of the US and it would be in the 90s or 100 degree digits and we'd all be out working in the sun and them hispanic boys were busting ass barely breaking a sweat and not complaining, meanwhile all the white boys were all drenched in sweat and constant bitching about the heat and not being very productive at all. Just my $0.02, and furthermore, the Japan built Toyotas are higher quality than the US ones as well. Think of vehicles like the Land Cruiser, no Tacoma can come close to the quality of a Land Cruiser, those have been around forever and have stood the test of time for a reason.

 

I have no problem with my Taco being made in Mexico!

And with all the races held down there, it's got the heritage for off road!

I probably shoulda used this with my 1st post!

 

Yep, idk where mine was even made nor do I care. People having pride issues as to where their Tacoma is made is so annoying. Although the Japan built Toyotas are probably the best in quality, the others made in the US and Mexico are still good vehicles and are built to Toyota standards so you can't go wrong with them either.