Looking for first truck

Hello all,

I'm new on here and looking for my first Tacoma. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Here's what I'm looking for: 2nd gen Automatic 4X4 Double Cab with the extended bed.

It will mainly be used for grabbing supplies for jobs around the house and getting around out in the country. The plan is to get a small ski boat in a few years so I will be doing some towing with it too.

What years are the best?
Which ones should I avoid?
Are there any issues I should be looking for when taking a test drive?
If I find the right deal is it worth spending more for a 3rd gen?

Also, I've been out for one test drive so far. The only thing I noticed while driving was that it made a strange noise while engaging 4WD. Once engaged it was fine and it was only the first time I tried it. Could this just be a case of it not being used in a while?

Thanks again for any help!

 

Welcome to TW!

Best years: 08'+

08' because it was last year they had mechanical lsd.

13' best for revised front end, no issues of the smog pump, has all of the outside temp, separate clock, compass, etc... that the 14' and 15' doesn't had all of.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Don't forget the 12' Nick!Have all of the above and no issues.
Welcome to TW @TacoSearch !

 

2014/2015, but you'll likely have to pay more than you think is fair.

 

Welcome to tacoma world

can't help you about your questions about second gens, as I'm a first gener, but I can tell you this:

Something very important to look for is frame rust. It's infamous as a first gen issue, but it's a second gen issue too! Tacomas are known to suffer from pretty bad frame rust, so bad that the truck can literally break in half. Be extra wary if the truck is from a cold weather area, as these are the most affected, because of the salt and chemicals they put on roads during winter. If the truck is from a southern area, it's less likely to suffer from frame rust, but still, it's not a bad idea to check the underside

 

Thanks for the input! It is greatly appreciated.

I can't decide if I want to spend less and buy an older one or just go ahead with a newer model.(I was originally hoping to get an 06 or 07 for around $12-13k Canadian)

I am in Canada so I'm pretty wary of the rust issue, which is making me consider spending the extra.

Thanks again everyone!

 

You cant go wrong with a 2nd gen. 2011 here, its been a great truck.

 

I'm on my second 2nd gen (07 and 13).They are rock solid. Can't go wrong