Looking for advice on buying a 2009 Tacoma 4WD 4-door

I've had a 1994 Toyota 4wd p/u 22-RE engine that went 230k. Upgraded in 2000 to a 1999 Tacoma 4wd SR5, extended cab that has been just as rock solid, and is at 190k. Thinking of upgrading again to a 2009 Tacoma 4wd 4-door TRD Sport, but have been reading that 2nd Gen Tacos just aren't the bombproof trucks the originals were. Any owners of this truck out there that could vouch for it?

 

get a 2004

 

I have an 05 taco. 170K. the only thing that i have change other than regular maint is the battery. Not one problem. one owner. does not smoke or and weird noises or anything like that. I wouldnt want any other truck. best truck ever.

 

I would investigage when in 2009 the truck was built. Workers in the NUMMI plant in California received lay off notices during the year and production switched to Texas. (exception - Mexican built trucks) Given that pissed off workers aren't going to put much effort into quality control and that it would take some time for production patterns to get up to speed at the new plant, there would probably be some assembly quality problems.

My 2009 was built before the layoffs - just after a new contract was signed as a matter of fact - and everyone was happy. So far, only problem has been rusty steely wheels which were replaced under warrantee.

 

2nd gen are still better trucks than other brands.it doesn't compare to a first gen. I've owned pre tacos 1st gens and 2 2nd gens. My 2002 was the best truck I ever owned. I kick myself everyday for selling it. I'd try and find a super clean low mile 2004 double cab.

 

How and where do you find out when and where a truck was assembled?

 

I don't have the decoding information handy, but it can be derived from the truck's VIN, on the door pillar. Check a few posts on this forum.

 

My 2010 DC was built in 2009, in the Baja California plant... It is the best Tacoma yet of the three I had ('01, '05, '10)! Of course, that is because it is an Off Road 4WD TRD!

 

Off Road 4WDs can help the Tacomas that are not Off Road 4WDs:


http://www.youtube.com/v/9m1u1pba4Ps?version=3


Better to have it and not need it... Than to need it and not have it!!! TRACTION!

 

Nothing is as bomb proof as it used to be. Remember when appliances would last 20 years. Now your fortunate if a dryer goes ten years. The only thing where the opposite is true is in safety.

 

Well...from what I can gather, truck was built in 2009 in Fremont, CA plant. Dont know how to find out if it was before or after layoffs or contracts though...