Debating between a used 2017 Tacoma or a new 2025 Tacoma

So I have decided enough is enough with my 2006 ford f250 6.0 powerjunk and am looking at getting either a used 2017 Tacoma TRD sport with 67,000 miles on it or a new 2025 Tacoma SR5 or a 2025 Tacoma TRD off road with the camper thingie. Kinda think the one with the camper thingie is cool…. But the question is I see there is no more V6 for them, just the 4 cylinder and Toyota claims thw 4 cylinder can still tow 6500 pounds…. Just wonder how true that really is since my boat weighs about 6000 pounds. Also wonder how reliable thst 4 cylinder is, and how many issues a 2025 would have or is having. Basically what would be a better way to go? The trade value would be the exact same amount.

 

First I'd pop up into the 4th gen thread and ask about towing up there.

I have an 18 DCSB manual transmission. I've only pulled a few times and the heaviest load was about half that. The truck did it without complaint. But I found my missing the 5.2 from the F150 I'd had. Don't expect the same of either of your choices.

My 4 cylinders thoughts, which probably don't mean a lot...

Toyota has been running 4 bangers for a while and should have it figured out for the Taco. Ford has been running a 4 banger everywhere in the Ranger and it seems (from a distance) to be capable.

My thoughts on new vs old is manufacturer warranty vs unknown and how much work you can do on your own should old start throwing problems at you. My 18 has been all routine maintenance until the last inspection where they said I have a $5000 oil leak that won't be fixed until it really needs. Quarts are much cheaper!

 

That’s true. Looks like it had regular maintenance since the Toyota dealer pulled me the maintenance history from Toyotas database and a car fax, and it is a silver certified…. A new one has a full warranty which is nice.

 

v6 vs i4 doesn't matter. I live in Colorado. I'd take the 4 cylinder over my v6 because the turbo can somewhat compensate for the altitude. The T24A-FTS also comes with an 8 speed which would help with towing. The T24A-FTS isn't a completely new engine, it first appeared on the 2022 Highlander.

With all that said, I would be hesitant to buy any vehicle that was in the first year of it's generation. (1995 for the 1st, 2005 for the second, and 2016 for the 3rd).

 

So I guess the question is then is the 2025 the first year for this generation of tacomas?

 

2024.

If I’m choosing between a 3rd gen or a 4th gen, definitely going with the 4th gen.

 

Im not sure I’d buy either unless you are just splashing your boat at the start of the season and then pulling it at the end
6k lbs is a lot to tow with a Tacoma

Take a look at the tundra, I think they have worked their issues out

 

The boat only gets towed like 5 miles early spring and then late fall. Otherwise it sits at my dock on the fox river

 

Have you test driven one? I've heard good things about the acceleration & comfort of the 4th gen.

 

Love my 23 but the only reason I got it was becasue I was in a situation and couldn't wait a few months for the 24's to come out. Initially they had some quality issues (all new Gen's do at every manufacturer) but I think that's worked out now. If I was buying today, and the prices were close, I'd take the 24/25/26 4th Gen. But make no mistake, that third gen is a good one too. No bad decisions here.

 

Drive the 3rd gen first, then the 4th, then decide if your willing to spend the extra money on the 4th gen..................

I had a 4th gen as a loaner for a week put around 300 miles on it.

The acceleration, ride, and seat comfort are quite improved.

 

I drove both last night. They both are very nice. Kinda leaning towards the 2025 now though since I was reading the copy they made me of the equipment on the 2017, I automatically assumed like an idiot that the TRD was 4x4 but it is not, and the car fax that shows it had a minor accident in 2019. Really like the orange color on the 2017 plus since my f250 is a diesel it would only be a $10,000 difference in price instead of a $40,000 difference… but being in Chicago not sure I want a RWD pickup.

 

The prices they're asking (getting?) for used Taco's would make me lean 'twards the new '25. Unless it's an absolute screamin' deal on the '17....
2wd vs 4wd, Chicago? Bite the bullet, doubt you'll regret it.

 

the 2017 with 67,000 miles and rwd is $ 26,000. The new 2025 TRD OR with the camper part is $56,000 and 6 miles

 

If I get the 2025 this is the one I would get. Only have this one and a black one, and don’t really want another black truck, it is always filthy from dust and crap.

 

In areas with snow? 4x4 or bust. Hell, it may even be helpful on a slippery boat ramp.

While it's rated to tow 6500 lbs (i.e. the powertrain delivers acceptable acceleration to safely merge onto highways while towing that weight), beware the Tacoma will not feel "comfortable" towing that weight, because the truck would be significantly lighter than the trailer, creating a "tail wagging the dog" feel. A full-size truck is recommended for this.

 

Could a midsize RWD truck even pull 6000lbs up a boat ramp??

 

Apples to apples, you're essentially comparing a truck to a truck and a camper. So what's the up charge for the camper part?

 

Looks like the bed camper option is around $2900. That would be kinda cool to have, not sure how much use it would get but is cool

 

Being from MI and knowing what your winters are like, I'd lean toward the 4x4.