2005, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10?

Hello,
I am looking to buy a used Tacoma, and from what I gather not much has changed (mechanically) since 2005. If this is a gross generalization I apologize.

I can almost assure the forum I will be buying A used Tacoma, but I'm not sure what year...first responder work doesn't pay like it should...

In your humble opinions, what would be the optimal year assuming milage and condition are relatively the same.

If anyone wants to throw in any further advice on buying a used Taco I'm all ears.

Thanks and respect up front.
-Jeff
P.S. I posted this in the new members section as well, but I messed up the years. Sorry for the redundancy.

 

Ay of them really, I've owned an 06 and an 11 now and completely satisfied with both.

 

Thanks for the response it's very encouraging. Did you make the switch because the '11 is much nicer than the 06 or was your decision to upgrade just based on milage and use requiring a newer vehicle?

 

If you want the electronic traction aids, go newer, if not, go older. I like my 2007

 

Well speaking of electronics: I am getting the impression that the back up camera doesn't get introduced until 2009. Is that correct?

 

I think you are right on the camera, seems like 2009 had some changes with the addition of Atrac as well. The newer the more $$$, you really can't go wrong any year, their dependable as hell. Take your time finding one that is a good value for your budget.

 

Thanks. Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I was originally going to get a 2011 to save some cash vs a new one, but the more I looked the more I noticed two things:
1) Not much has changed for the last 7 years
2) These trucks are beasts when it comes to dependability, thus the high resale.

Thanks, this is all great stuff!

 

Personally I'd stay away from 2005 and probably 2006 as well. By 2007 most of the kinks were worked out (weak motor mounts, weak tailgates, weak 6-speeds).

 

2006 Biased opinion

 

^^^ like he said.

Here's a reference that will show you some differences year to year.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Tacoma#Second_generation_.282005.E2.80.93present.29

Sometimes (re: often) the gadgetry is fine for the avg guy on the street, but not always off-road friendly. I've got an 07 but that was just the luck of it all as I just buy em used with a few scratches and discounts. Is my mechanical LSD better than the newer pseudo-LSD? I'm sure it can be argued either way.

 

Yes. End of story.

 

X2

and many many other issues

 

2009 is what your thinking of. thats when they righted the wrongs

 

OP, considering you are talking about a 6 year model span, this decision is going to have to be largely based on budget, there's no way around that. You're talking about a price difference of up to about $15,000. What is your budget?

 

with exploding ring gears

 

I know it's a broad question. I can do mid 20's, but that would take me up to 2010-2011 from what I gather.

My question is: would that be a waste of money since a previous years' models are just as good. Maybe I'd be better getting an 09 with a few more miles to save some $$$...maybe not.

Perhaps I should have said 2007, 8, 9, 10, or 11?? As the post heading.

 

09 Duh, because 09 is the coolest year to have.

 

Well that logic settles it. End of thread. LOL

This is all very helpful. Thanks again.

 

In my opinion, yes, that would be a waste of money. Of course my opinion is biased, because that is the route I have taken, and I couldn't be happier with it.

Why spend $25k when you can get virtually the same truck for $15k, that just happens to be a few years older with more mileage?

 

ANy of them are ok, but I would try and stay away from the 05 if you can. There have been a lot of issues with that particular year.