Looking to buy my first Tacoma

So little background, I just got back from a deployment in a combat zone, was responsibly and saved a vast majority of the money I made and now I want to treat myself. I had a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, lifted, nice tires, and all that, but the car kept breaking down on me. Quite often I go off-roading at a beach that has back roads and such. Figured I'm in a great place financially to get a vehicle I am going to love and keep for a long time and can start building credit. Wanted to hear tips and advice on what to look for. Currently, looking to not spend over 30,000, has less than 100,000 miles, model 2014 or older, and 4x4.

Also, it seems very popular that Tacoma's in my area have AWD instead of 4x4. I know the AWD varies from vehicle to vehicle, so I would really appreciate information about how AWD performs off-roading.

I have done some research and have been told that the 16 and 17 models have issues, but they are the most listed vehicle I see around, would love insight on these models too.

Lastly, being a college student and not driving too often, how long should a Tacoma with 100,000 miles last me? Not the most informed on these trucks, and want to learn more.

 

At least another 100-150k

 

Thanks for your Service!
Tacomas are known to be pretty reliable. Find one from a warm climate snow free state if possible when looking at older used. Tacoma's are not AWD, they are true 4WD meaning that you do not want to operate in 4WD on solid high traction surfaces where you are making turns etc (binding). AWD vehicles allow some slip so the front and rear wheels are not forced to turn at the same rate of speed. Tacomas do hold their value really well, and the used market is currently overpriced due to COIVD. Start looking for a deal, but it might be awhile before you find a good deal on a used one. Another option would be to buy a new lower trim package SR model, get good financing and maybe hope to come in around 28-30K for a new one. It won't have all the gadgets of a higher trim but will be very capable and dependable. You could upgrade things down the road to make it more off road capable. I thought about buying used last fall, but used prices for late models were within a few grand of new, so I bought new.

 

no tacoma is AWD. They are either 2WD or part time 4WD. Huge difference.
These trucks easily last 250K with a little love.

 

Buy a 1st or 2nd gen Tacoma if u can . Being that your a college student u don’t want car payments on top of your student loans .

 

The 2016s and 2017s don’t have “issues”. Some 2016s came from the factory with low trans fluid and there were minor items related to quality but nothing that wouldn’t have been corrected under warranty. At lot of that was perpetuated by the hype that many did not like how the transmission was programmed.

 

I've never heard of an AWD Tacoma. I don't believe they make them. I have a 2017 TRD Off Road and quite frankly, I think it is the best of the 3rd gens. As was stated, most of the complaints came from people not liking the transmission programming, but there was an update for that that you can get from the dealership.

I like that the 2017 models don't have TSS and still feature the large storage cubby on the driver's side of the bed. Not to mention the tail lights are red and not this weird chrome that just plain looks out of place. All TRD models come standard with the tow package, but in mid 2020, they discontinued the auxillary transmission cooler. I've put 14,000 miles on my truck in 6 months of ownership and have not run into any mechanical or electronic issues. Mine also has 0 recalls (pending or otherwise).

My advice is just don't get Super White and you'll be ok. Definitely test drive a couple though before you do buy. It's easy to get caught up in the criticisms of the internet. Best thing is to just go see for yourself. One thing the internet fails to portray is personal preference and nit-pickiness. One person will be perfectly happy with the transmission (for example) while another will want to take the same truck to the dealer and trade it in. I tend to find that those most critical of the trucks tend to have either had their previous vehicle for a very long time, or constantly get new vehicles every couple of years or sooner.