Not to start controversy! Looking to buy 2007

Yeah 2.5 gens are nice.

I think any 4.0 V6 from 2010-2015 is going to serve you very well. Mine is at 160k miles (just bought) and runs like a dream. We’re excited to one day hit 300k..

 

12-15 cause that's the best front end

 

Love my 15

 

My 96 had head gasket issues. But I can remember the day I bought it. Fully loaded with the 6 disk CD. Man I thought what a comfy, high tech truck. LOL.

 

My favorite too. I have a 98 for my play truck. Previous owner did some hood and fender damage. He decided to update with an 03 hood, fenders, bumper and grill. Honestly, I don’t care for that front end. Nose is too rounded for me. But it takes me where I want to go.

 

I considered updating my 05 to the 12-15 front end but then again ill probably just buy one when my h/g goes, if it goes lol.

 

Huh? No 2nd gens had a belt. Youre thinking of the 3.4 V6 in the 1st gens (1995.5-2004)

 

What island are you on? Once you decide upon a year, to get what you want, just gotta keep an eye out and be patient. It took me months of sifting through shitty deals stating "excellent" condition to find my 14'. I too had a 2017 and so I get where you're coming from.

I'm on the Big Island and it's tough finding a Tacoma here that was treated well (as much as there are). Most on the neighbor islands use Tacoma's for off-roading, more frequently than the Oahu folk. I bought my 14' 4x4 on Oahu, after sifting through all the Pre-Runners there. Just check things out well and drive it.

One of the Tacoma's I looked at on Oahu (flew up to take a look) ended up having front end repair not documented on Car Fax nor mentioned by the original owner. Shitty welds and misaligned bumper (with new part sticker) gave it away. Good thing I crawled underneath.
Good luck man.

 

Your right I forgot

 

Really any 2nd gen post 2006 will be fine, provided its rust free.

 

2015

 

I’m on the Big Island in Ocean View. I love it out here. It’s not for everybody but I choose this area. I’ve been sifting through the many Tacoma’s here and you are right about finding a decent one that isn’t rusted or beat to death.

I’ve also considered looking on Oahu for a more “city” type truck. LOL Do you know what it costs to ship a car from Oahu? We only paid $800 for each of our 4 vehicles when we moved from the main land. I’d assume inter island shipping would be less than that. And I’d probably end up with a better maintained truck.

Dealers here are crazy expensive. I could go back to California, buy a truck and pay the $800 to ship it here and spend less. I’m look at a 2nd gen just because I don’t care for the 3rd gens. But we all know up until 2015, a Toyota wouldn’t let you down. I’m not so sure of the 3rd gens. Thanks for the input.

 

Looking at Young Brothers shipping rates, it's about $468 one way from Honolulu to Hilo or Kawaihae. I do occasionally see a nicely maintained 2nd Gen for sale on Craigslist here on island, although people like to ask for a lot. I would monitor and be prompt on the contact and visit of the truck. Tacoma's go fast and you won't be the only one here looking for a good condition truck.

 

I had a 2005 DC OR 4x4 from 2014-2018. Bought it with 140k and it was totaled at 181k, guy ran a red light and T boned me. Only a few problems like the blower motor resistor going out once and the blower motor itself once. I had to fix the temp/compass. The previous owner had let the maintenance go so I had to have several items done. Overall though, a damn fine truck.

My current 2010, I just bought a month ago with almost 150k. Should be an excellent vehicle too.

 

I don't think there are any issues with any year 2nd gens. It comes down to how much you want to pay vs mileage. I'll not claim it is the "best" year. But my 07 DC 4X4 has just under 201,000 miles on it. Other than tires, a battery, and normal fluid changes I've not done much. The alternator went out at about 170,000 miles, but that is the only real repair other than normal stuff. I have some paint peeling on the hood but for whatever reason I see that with a lot of white vehicles with some age on them regardless of manufacturer. Not sure why.

It still gets 17ish around town and 19-20 mpg hwy. It's hard to complain with that.

 

05 have head gasket issues. 05 to 07 late have motor mount issues. Late 07 on are solid.

 

07 4.0 prerunner here with zero issues. The one you're looking at should be good to go. On a side note, I visited the Islands back in the late 70's early 80's. Did Oahu a few times, mainly the North Shore. Most of the time was spent on Maui, staying in Lahaina with a long time friend. Did a lot of surfing, exploring and tasting the local flavor. Also drove a Ford Pinto up to the top of Haleakala back when the majority of the road was dirt. Paradise indeed!

 

Unfortunately, buying a used Tacoma, regardless of year, is a crapshoot. It all depends on if regular routine maintenance was kept up by the owner and usage of the truck. This is where some sellers tend to be dishonest in providing this info. Personally, I would never buy an 05 due to stated HG issues.

 

I bought my '06 pre-runner from Big Island Toyota back in 2012 with 115,000 miles. Very clean. Moved to AZ a few years ago and brought it with me. It has been trouble free. Now at about 180,000. Even drove it to Atlanta and back. Still running the HI plate on the front....looks good in the snow.

 

I have a 2007. Bought it used 3 years ago. Frame recall was done before i got it confirmed by dealer with vin. Other then your normal wear and tear things, i love this truck and havent sunk an 1/10 of the amount of money i dumped into my Ford that i owned previously haha. I put a Leer bed cap on which i believe has worn out my leaf springs because ive noticed excessive sagging when towing my atv trailer now which didnt exist when i first bought. But overall i have ZERO complaints on my 2007 and 141,000 miles in it has had no major repairs