At what year and mileage is the best time to buy a Tacoma without losing my ass?

So my ideal Tacoma is a 2012+ TRD Sport 4x4 or a 2017 TRD Sport 4x4.

It's pretty clear that if I am going to buy a double cab that I should expect to pay another $3-5k for the same configuration that can be had in an access.

It seems like prices are all over the place. I am looking at the following:

2013 TRD Sport 4x4 Access Cab - Mileage: 28k - Price: $23k

2012 TRD Sport 4x4 Double Cab - Mileage: 38k - Price: $25,900

2011 TX Baja 4x4 Double Cab - Mileage: 102k - Price: $18,500

2008 4x4 SR5 Double Cab - Mileage: 160k - Price: $12,500

To me, it seems crazy to spend $20-26k on a truck that isn't brand new, and also seems crazy to spend $12,500 on a truck getting close to 200k miles. I have been looking at Tacoma's since I was a freshman in College and am in desperate need of a vehicle right now (plan was to purchase a new Tacoma once I graduate in May) But I am unsure if I should just "go big or go home" and try to find a leftover 2017 TRD Sport, and try to talk the dealer down to around $32k, or go for one of the trucks listed above.

Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Your dilemma was mine, so I stepped up and bought new. Resale prices are steep.

 

I'd stay away from the 3rd Gen personally. I did just buy a new 4runner though and love it.

 

Tacoma’s are the exception to the resale value rule when it comes to midsize trucks. You’ll never regret the extra space in a double cab. And 2nd gens are awesome but I’m biased. Who’s taco is that in your avatar?

 

I just got my 14 A/C with 60k for $26k. After watching prices, that was a great deal for the PNW. Those all seem like great prices compared to what I found listed up here

 

Yeah that's why I kinda always wanted one of these trucks, resale on a tacoma is great so if I am ever in a bind I should be good to sell for a decent percentage of what I paid. I like the second gen look better but the tech inside the third gen is pretty awesome too.

The truck in my avatar is my dads 15 OR

 

These trucks hold there value. As Subaru wrx and sti do.
Read
www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2008-tacoma-4x4-still-going-strong.397837/
These are million mile trucks.

 

2012's, IIRC, has some issues.

 

Funny as my mom has a '14 hatch WRX with 11k miles.. and that would be the only other car I would buy if I didn't buy a taco. But the money I save on that car > buying a taco would eat me alive in insurance costs.

 

I was in your predicament. My Ranger was falling apart into dust/crap and I needed to bail out. I was shocked at the prices of these not-so-mini-trucks, new and used. It's a healthy market that reflects real world demand.

I bought new and I wanted the 2.7L. This not-so-little 4 banger has a little more power than my 6 cylinder Ranger.

I was looking for a replacement for the Ranger for under $30k. That's what I got and so much more.

IMO the pricing on the new trucks makes sense because you know exactly what you are getting. The used market is a crap shoot. For example used SR's selling at the new SR5 price, etc... You really have to become an instant experts expert buying used. Seems that there are too many risks and pitfalls when buying used.

Get what you want especially if it's for the long haul game. Don't let a couple of thousand dollars get in the way between you and happiness. Just take out a 3-5 year loan. You won't notice a significant difference in car payment.

 

I had to search for over a year before I found my taco. Just like you said. Age isn't bad, but then high mileage, or just in poor shape. I looked at a few of those. I finally found an 09 4 door trd sport with 62,000 miles. A couple small details to take care of, but overall, all there in good shape. Plus I was able to get it for just under 15. Keep the faith. They are out there.

 

My insurance was lower with my wrx hatch then with my Tacoma. 2013 wrx and 2012 tacoma. Hatch was new and Tacoma was bought used. Depending on the insurance company they may list it as an Impreza and you don’t get killed on it.

Edit: I’m also 32, married and own a house, so you may be killed if you’re young and living at home.

 

After looking for several months, something particular, bought a 2015 SR5 MGM double cab-long bed 4x4. Paid 28,600, truck had 34500. Stock w/$1100 dollar tonneau cover. Could not be happier! This was from a non-Toyota dealer. I struggled with the price of used v new but knew after reading reviews that I didn't not want Gen 3. I came across several trucks that would meet my criteria before the one I purchased. They were all certified 2014/2015 w/38-40K. Dealers were not very negotiable and the trucks were still for sale after my purchase. I made an offer on a truck, the dealer declined, and ended up dropping the price below my offer...crazy! My dealings were in the PNW.

 

bought my 2008 acc cab trd with 40k miles for 17k from toyota

 

That looks like a great buy, depending on condition?

 

2012s has one unique issue with the smog valves. It’s a $190, 2 hr fix.

 

I ended up buying new because the price of used out the door was higher than new.

After waiting nearly two years before pulling the trigger on buying a truck. I noticed (atleast here) used trucks were cheap around August. And new trucks were cheapest around Presidents' Day.

Take this as a grain of salt