Tacoma 4x4: What is the best year to purchase in the 4.0 liter series?

I Need some counsel from experienced Tacoma Owners.

If you were to purchase a USED Tacoma 4x4 with extra CAB, what is the best year to purchase in the 4.0 liter series?

This will be my first Tacoma purchase.

 

2013 FTW

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Typically one year prior to the last year in the production cycle. The last year will typically be the most bulletproof as it will have all the fixes from prior years but it will also demand the most money because it's the newest version available of the particular config.

So I'd be looking at 2014's but in no way would I pass over a 2012/2013 with lower mileage or a 2015 (ideal) someone is pricing below market. If a 2014 is out of budget, start working your way backward but any post-refresh 4.0L will likely be a solid choice.

 

1), A 2014 its what I got.

2), It’s late in the 2nd gen series; they got the bugs worked out.

 

Really though, 2013 was a good year for a few reasons
- better looking front end/grille
- last year before shark fin xm radio antenna (theres no hole in the roof)
- last year you have an actual reading for outside temperature in the rearview mirror
- last year the back up cam was in the rearview mirror (moved to head unit in '14)
- green was offered in '13
- updated/improved 6spd transmission if you want a manual

 

Velogeek,

This is sound advice. Just what I was looking for. What year TACO do you own?

 

2012+

 

++++++

What do you mean by "green was offered in '13? --Josh

 

Spruce mica of course!

 

2012 and up were solid years. I personally own a '12 and it has been one of the best vehicles I have ever owned even after all of the abuse I have put it through.

Some of the inherent issues throughout the series lineup remained the same, however despite model year progression. Saggy leaf springs, frames prone to rust, etc.

2012 model year in particular had different air pump operation logic with the introduction of the Secondary Air Injection system in the 4.0s which remained until 2015, the end of the 2nd gens. It would work during cold starts whereas 2013 and up logic worked after shut downs only. Be careful of models 2012-2015 with over 100K as that is around the mileages when the Secondary Air Injection system parts begin to fail, stuck air valves, broken pump impellers, limp home mode totally killed drivability past 2,000 RPM.

Just my advice if going with any model 2012 all the way to 2015.

 

Got it! It is indeed a nice color that I'm partial to also. Thanks

 

All of this^^^^

 

---No way Dr. Blender........"greenie is COOL !

 

Wow that Spruce Mica looks GREAT!

 

Welcome to TW...2012-2015 is what I would look for. Here’s another Spruce Mica, mines a 2014.

 

I have a third gen (2018) but previously owned a 2007 SR5 2.7L 4x4 as well.

 

This is good advice.