Most reliable 2nd gen year

Hey everyone! I’m new to this forum and the truck world. I am looking to buy a truck and I’ve always liked the Tacoma’s and a big thing for me is reliability. My current vehicle has had some recalls/defects that have significantly dropped its value and I don’t want to go down that road again.

So I wanted to ask you guys, what’s the most reliable year of Tacoma’s? Is there any recalls or issues I should look out for when test driving used Tacoma’s? Any advice is greatly appreciated thanks!

 

Welcome to the forum
All gens are prone to rust on the frames depending on location.
Good luck with your search

 

2005/2006 ones had head gasket issues, but my 2006 has been rock solid. I guess it depends on what day it was built It also depends on the feature set you want, 2nd Gen is a large range 2005-2015.. 2007 or 2008 brought some new features, 2009 or 2010 brought more, 2012 brought some more....

 

I've read some owners worry about the engine mounts on the 05-06 model years.

 

I’m pretty happy with my 2015 but 12-15 can have issues with the secondary air injection system. There are multiple ways to remedy it. I’ve had mine replaced under warranty twice. Other than that, I’ve got no problems to report.

05-11 does not have the SAIS system.

 

The only ones I would potentially avoid is 2005-2006 due to potential head gasket issue, and the 2012 due to the secondary air pump emissions thing. That was the first year it was implemented and I've heard some reports of it failing. Other than that, they're a fairly safe bet. If I were in the market I would look at 2013-2015.

 

ok thanks, I have been looking at 2013-2015. I noticed most have the basic dash but some had a larger screen with backup cam. Do you know if it’s certain models or trim levels that have that screen or just a general add on? I added a picture to show what I mean

 

I used to have a 2015 trd sport and it had the screen. I think it's in the 14-15 trd models for sure, and maybe some other ones. I'm not too well versed in that specific topic.

 

13-15 models. My 13 Prerunner had one. My 2011 did not, I replaced it with an Alpine unit.

 

202k on my 2006 off-road. Rock solid owned for ten years best vehicle I could imagine owning.

2 wheel bearings and a u joint is all that’s been done. Truck is far from babied as well.

just replaced original front brakes last weekend at 201k

It’s gonna be hard to replace this one

 

2011 is the best year IMO. Last year before air injection was added for emissions, Has backup camera display in rear view mirror, has the best looking (honeycomb) grill, has curved headers as opposed to the log style headers, updated LED tail lights.

 

I've got a 2015 TRD Sport and have had Zero issues with it. It's got the large display screen.
Great truck.

 

2011 ftw.

 

2011 or 2015

 

2015. The backup camera in the mirror is not neary as good at the one in the radio. Kind of laughable to be honest. Plus all the bugs are worked out at the end of the vehicles life cycle.

 

Appears 2015 is the best. 10 years of improvements and bug fixes since the intro of the 2nd gen.

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/this-is-the-best-model-year-for-a-used-toyota-tacoma/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-best-and-worst-years.418681/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/whats-the-best-year-for-the-second-gen.548978/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/best-year-for-2nd-gen.466850/

 

Idk man that disappearing camera screen in the mirror has impressed quite a few ladies. The radio one just doesn’t have the same panty dropping effect

 

While I agree I wish I had one on a screen.. The one in my rear view is certainly not laughable. Is extremely clear, and does exactly what I need it to do. I mostly just use it to see how close I am to something. Can back up to within an inch of whatever I need to without turning around/getting out. (Especially useful when hooking up a trailer).
Like I said, not knocking that the screen radio in newer models is better, but the rear view certainly isn’t laughable.

 

I'm biased but I think 2013 is the best year. I much prefer the backup camera being integrated into the rearview mirror versus the radio. Being able to keep your eyes on the mirror to backup AND use the camera is awesome. To each their own though!

 

Definitely a camera being integrated into the rearview mirror is better than no camera at all. Both camera types do their job. My opologies if my post was little harsh!