Advice on my first Tacoma

Hey all,

I'm pretty set on getting a Tacoma here in the next month. Fell in love with Toyota's after I've seen a family members old 4Runner still going super strong at over 160K miles with no issues so far. I've currently got a Chevy Silverado and spent over 2 grand on fixes in just the last few months. (I hate it)

I'm also set on a 2017-2019 Off-Road 4x4. I am finding a select few down here in Texas around $30-33K ranging from 35k-45k miles. I am curious if you guys think its worth it spending that money for that mileage amount? I want this to be my truck for the next 10+ years. I know Toyota is known for lasting, just want your guys honest opinion.

Appreciate any advice or help!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome Collin
Test drive until your 100% sure that’s the truck you want.

 

Welcome to TW & get a 2017 if you can. Arguably the best year of 3rd gen (unless you feel strongly about getting TSS). I have a 2017 w/ tech package, only 28k miles & KBB had me basically right at $30K

 

I researched a ton and drove several before I purchased my 2019 DCLB OR. I searched using several search engines within 500 miles of home figuring if I found a good deal on used I would go that route. Most of the trucks I was finding used were 32k to 38k depending on mileage and amenities. I ended up buying mine with 7 mileage on it and was $34700 out the door. I am now able to do what I want to it and not undo something someone else has done. Welcome to TW and watch that rabbit hole

 

I have to agree with above. 2017 is probably the best in my opinion and maybe a 2018. I love my 2017 TRD Off Road so far, but only have 18000 miles on it. In 2019 they discontinued the cubby found on the driver's side of the bed and no one can really explain why. Personally, I also like the looks a bit better than the 2020 models.

 

i would go new. not enough of a discount at the dealer (if any at all) to make it worth your while vs a new truck.

 

I went certified used. It was only marginally more than plain used, but over $6k off new with warranties in tact.

 

i saw a lightly used tacoma when i was looking and they wanted about 2k less than the brand new one with 2 years of driving on it. Not alot of end of lease trucks when i was looking.

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

6MT

 

Collin, for that price, just buy brand new. I just got my 2020 OR brand new for 33,500 + taxes and fees. No way I would have paid that for a truck with nearly 40k on it. Unfortunately, Tacoma’s are one of those vehicles where buying pre-owned isn’t going to save you much coin.

 

Destination fee is 1100 dollars, taxes on 33500 vs 27000.

There is a enormous savings in buying used.
The more you get on your trade the less tax as well.

 

Resale is definitely high on these. This was 3 years old and certified used and was $6k less than new. However there were many used ones with fewer options that were about the same price as you described. Slightly newer and more miles than mine even, but still.

 

I recommend buying new as the little you save (if it even ends up being a real savings) buying used isn't worth the risk of getting a lemon someone has dumped or one that has been neglected.

 

Always ask for the Carfax and maybe bring an OBD scan tool. Although I kind of agree here.

My personal experience, I shopped for about a month before finding the perfect one. I was seriously considering new or a dealership demo. But I think the next best thing is something fresh off of a lease and you can't really go wrong going certified either. Mine ended up checking both of those boxes. Plus, being 3 years old it was a very good balance of value for money and age. Plus it was only $1-2k more than some of the used ones I'd seen with more miles and fewer options.

 

CarFax is a joke and wouldn't really trust it, my 1st Gen was in a serious accident that mangled the frame and body and the CarFax always showed it as never being in any accidents.

 

It all depends if it was reported or not. Often it tells more of a story than you would otherwise know but isn't an end-all-be-all.

 

In the long term I think you either need to just buy new, or buy an older Tacoma. A 2017-2019 is going to cost almost as much as a new one. Interest rates on used trucks are going to be about double what you'll get on a new truck. Plus you start out with new everything and the full warranty. These trucks are pretty trouble free, but at 35,000+ miles you are due for some minor parts replacement that has to be budgeted for too. Brakes, shocks, belts, plugs, hoses, and fluids don't last forever on even the best trucks.

It isn't unusual to get 400,000 miles out of these trucks so I'd be less worried about a used one with 100,000+ miles on it if priced accordingly. My 2007 DC4X4 TRD would sell for under $10K with 205,000 miles and some minor dings and peeling paint. But I'd bet money it is still running in another 10 years. It is worth a lot more than $10K to me, so I'll keep it.

I believe that if you get serious about pricing new trucks you'll be surprised at how close they will be in price, don't let sticker price scare you. That means next to nothing.

One thing you have working against you is living in TX. Guys who live in the rustbelt of the NE will pay a premium for used vehicles that were originally bought in the SW. People make a good living buying up used vehicles from TX, NM, AZ and shipping them north. That drives up prices in your area.

 

Amen to that. I'm much more willing to keep putting money into something that still looks clean. Around here if you don't have rust on your vehicle by 10 years old, you're doing very well. I wouldn't think this premium would apply to vehicles under 5 years old though, but definitely as they get older than that.