2nd gen best and worst years?

2013 has the bedside pockets.

 

Going to a 2007 from a 2010 I can tell you I really enjoy not having a computer tell me how much power I can put to the wheels. (Traction control). I know you can disengage it but you can never "fully" disengage it.

So I would say a 2008 is the best year model. Last year of the LSD rear end.

 

I have a 2008 DCSB and love it. The ONLY thing I wish it had was more convenience features (aux. cable or USB plugs, bluetooth, etc...), but along those lines, I actually like how simple it is. I can also add those things if they ever become a need. The frame rust did not appear to be an issue on my truck. I bought it used about 3 years ago and the frame was/is still in fantastic shape.

Not sure how this compares to later model 2nd gens, but I have replaced a wheel bearing, u-joints, and carrier bearing on mine so far. Aside from that, its been an awesome vehicle.

I do like the front end looks of the 2012+ 2nd gens. I guess it depends on your needs, what you value in your truck, and your budget.

 

OP, do you want/need 4wd? Auto or manual? Regular/Access/4dr cab? Long or short bed? Off road a lot? If so what conditions? If mostly on road, does MPG matter? Towing needs? How much DIY are you for basic maintenance and repairs? And as someone has asked, budget?

While that goes way beyond your 'best year' question, if you pare it down a bit more, folks will be able to give even more useful responses.

For example. Likely 90+% of the folks on this forum would never be interested in my truck. But it does what I need it to do just fine and has a TCO way lower than most here.

 

2015, last of the gen. Hope they got any bugs out, plus thats what i bought.

 

Mine has the pockets too, temp gauge all that stuff. Sounds like option wise 12 and 13's are the way to go. I got lucky with mine. Didn't realize there would be a little variance even in the last years of the gen2.

 

In love with my 2013. I have had zero issues. The only thing that concerned me was the AC drip hose was right over the opening of the frame. I wish more people were paying attention to this issue. So I extended the tube, other than that I cant find a complaint.

 

id have to agree on 12 or 13, with the caveat of the 15 pro.

I have bits and pieces of 12,13 and 14 in mine tho.

(hits dislike button)

 

I love my '15. I wish I didn't have to sell it, but once we get a house I will be looking for another one just like it. Of course, this is my only experience with a Tacoma, so I am a little biased.

 

/\ This
I would say OP if you can, find low mileage 2008 model with production date before Dec 2007.

 

when did they switch to the composite beds? is there any draw back to them?

 

I think 2005... I could be wrong on this one. In fact, I probably am.

 

To be clear, he was talking about the open cavity pockets that are above the wheel well. Not the ones at the back of the box that have the doors on them. Is that what you guys are talking about?

No bedside pockets in my 2013.... just the ones at the very back that everyone has.

 

All 2nd gens have a composite bed. And no real draw backs

 

I was in a parking garage the other day and seen where a guy with a 2nd gen had removed his bed liner and had it line-x ed... I have no idea what year it was, to the untrained eye they all look the same but ya cant line-x a composite bed can ya?

 

2nd gens don't have a bedliner

 

I've had a little over 1ton on a pallet in mine. Strong but slippery as hell with a little frost. Bed mat a must have.

 

Had a 2006 DC SR5 PreRunner, 2005 DCSB TRD OR, now have a 2013 AC TRD OR, they all were/are great trucks. No issues with any of them. The only thing the 2005 had that I liked better was no TPMS (only 2nd gen without that). All were NM trucks all their life, so no rust issues whatsoever. That is a dealbreaker on a used Tacoma IMO.

 

Yeah agree that bed mat is needed