Husband turning 40... I need some gift guidance. 2014 or 2015?

This is my first time posting. I'm not particularly a car-gal but with my husband turning 40 in a few days, and cars being on sale, I want to get him out of our minivan and into a Toyota Tacoma. I know he's been dreaming about a 2nd Gen, likely something between 2012 and 2015. I've narrowed it down to two options that are very similar but one is a 2014 and the other a 2015. What I want to know is: Which would you buy? It won't be quite a 'surprise' but we are further along in the process than he knows so the reveal will be... I don't want to screw it up. Stats below.

2014 Toyota Tacoma Base Access SR5 w/ Auto Trans. Just 24,000 miles, averaging 4000 per year. Final vehicle of a little old man who actually returned it to the dealer ship because he aged out of driving it. There is very minor scratches, etc, where he perhaps bumped a trash can, etc, but nothing that wouldn't be duplicated in the first 6 months of driving it. The records are impeccable. Oil changes at the dealership ever 6 months like clockwork (since he was driving so rarely) and all services according to time rather than mileage. The original dealership that sold is is who has it now so they have literally everything. Price: 17,000

2015 Toyota Tacoma Base Access SR5 w/ Auto Trans. This one has 52,000 miles. It's a more standard trade in with no records in car fax but looks, drives well. If anything it looks ever so slightly better (no scratches) Price: 16,000

So the '14 has 25,000 less miles and is 1,000 more expensive. Normally I'd be thinking the 2014, particularly because it was a late 2014 and an early 2015 so actual use spread was only about 3 months, but I'm concerned since the 2014 reliability scores are a little lower (transmission studder?) that I'd be buying him a problem. He'll have final say of course, but I want to surprise him with the trip to the dealer.

Which would you buy? Help!

 

Would you marry me too? Lol. Jk

Thats awesome of you.both sound like great trucks. He wont mind which one you choose

 

Hands down the 2014. Same transmission is in both of the trucks.

 

MVP!!! You should also show him this post when he gets his taco!!

 

The only experience with this is that I own a 15 base model, bought in 17. I would go with the 2014 at 25k less miles. At 52k, there's a 60k service coming right up.

 

2014? That's a great clear answer. Yay! I hope everyone basically feels that way. I had been reading that there was a shudder issue on some of the Tacomas from 2012 - 2014 but if it's all the same... then that's as clear as can be. I'm really grateful to hear from those most invested in their vehicles. It took me a looooong time to get a good deal. These are popular!

 

Absolutely no issues with my 2014. I would say get the one that looks better and has the exterior/interior options (i.e. paint color/interior trim color or NAV vs non-NAV) you more align with.

 

You're buying your husband a truck for his birthday? My wife got me socks.

 

... Were they good socks? I mean... bamboo, maybe? Those are pricey.

 

2014 and 2015 have no reliability differences. They are basically the same truck mechanically. If the interiors are equal and options are equal, go for the 24000 mile one. Just tell hubby it’s still not broken in so go easy on her.

 

The real gift is the awesome wife.

I would go for the lower mileage and browbeat the salesperson to drop the price.

 

You make no mention of 5 lug or 6 lug, 2wd or 4wd, V6 or 4 cylinder. There’s a HUGE difference in dollar value between a 4 cylinder 5 lug and a V6 4wd.

 

Even though my wife approved my Tacoma Purchase but just damn! You can get a lot out of this just an FYI. Don't tell him I told you this! Great First Post BTW! And Welcome! 2014 From what you have described. Good Luck!

 

Wait, this is actually really important and I'm surprised we all overlooked that.

 

They are both 2 wheel drive, 4 cylinders. I think that is what the lug? question was? My understanding is that they are identical in that way.

And really guys, thanks so much for the nice thoughts. He's definitely worth every penny.

 

This is very true. We just couldn't believe the story But this it's thousands of dollars in price. Great Point.

 

No 4 Cylinder! Just my vote! For that year! It's a great truck but I wouldn't go that route just a personal opinion.

 

Both of those mileages are super low as far as I'm concerned. With that low of mileage there's little/no maintenance really required so I wouldn't worry about that so much either. Personally, for me, it'd come down to which is in better cosmetic condition. Or maybe they're different colors and that would sway the decision?

Sounds like you've already done your due diligence but if you haven't already you should confirm that the options are the same on both - you can run the VINs here: https://www.toyota.com/owners/my-vehicle/vehicle-specification

Assuming those two are identical other than year & mileage and as long as he's looking for a 2wd, 4cyl base model I don't think you could go wrong with either one.

 

I know, I know. I hear you on the 4 cyl thing. But we are in a fairly major city and the plan is for the 'next car' to be his driver.

Both of them are white. Which is okay. I think he'd prefer one of the dark grays but man, what a premium on price! At least in my area they seriously add to the cost of the car. I was thinking setting aside money to do a partial custom wrap. That way he can ... uh. You know. Make it cool. Is that silly? Do people still do those?

Thanks so much, everyone! I'm really nervous about this and want to get it just right.