Concerns and Questions with Tacoma

I've been looking at getting a truck, and would like a full size, but trying to find a full size, 4 door, 4x4 truck with less than 50,000 miles for around $19-$23K is tough... even though the tacoma is almost as expensive as a tundra and gets the same mpg's if not worse...

Anyways, Im in a debate but the tacoma is a high contender for me.. They obviously hold their value well, because what Im finding in my area are 07-09 models with anywhere from 20,000 miles to 50-60,000 miles and they are still 20-25K$$$

Should I be concerned with buying a 06-09 model for $23,000 with 40-50K miles on it? It just seems like a lot of miles considering the price of the truck.

I dont like thinking about spending that much and by the time it's paid off, I have a truck pushing 100,000 miles...

Are they like honda's, as far as mileage and reliability go? I have a 1995 civic that I drive now, 100% stock with 221k miles on it and the only parts I've replaced is the radiator and the front left wheel bearing.


Also, if I get one, I do want to lift it with enough clearance to not rub while running 33's... will a 3" lift do that or do I need to go bigger?

 

These trucks will go forever with the right maintenance. Only thing is keep in mind that by altering the suspension to clear those 33's you're putting stress on some parts. With that said though, there's still a ton of people on here way over 100k miles with lift kits. I'm on my 2nd Tacoma. My first one was bought back from the manufacturer because of the frame rust issue. I didn't hesitate to buy another. My first one had 125k on it and no issues other than a battery, starter, and an o2 sensor, none of which I consider major.

 

Another thing, can someone answer this for me...

A brand new, 2012 4WD, 4door, 5 speed auto, TRD Sport Extra Value package and V6 tow package, dealer has it for $34,431...

But a 2009 with similar specs and 4x,000 miles on it is $25,000?

It's almost like losing money buying these things used?

 

You're correct. They hold their value well. When I bought my 2010, they had some 2009's on the lot with the same specs for only around 1k less. It's a no-brainer.

 

Im wanting to stay under 25,000... but I may have to suck it up and spend more than I want or make a bigger payment on a 30,000 truck new.. unless they'll come down for military or something.

 

I saw a report that said the jeep wrangler was highest resale percentage after 3 years with the Tacoma 2 or 3% lower. This was rated with cars and trucks. It is amazing how they hold value.

I think more Taco's go down totalled than failure except for the frame replace ones.

 

A jeep rubicon is what I REALLY want! (other than a new mustang 5.0)

but I've come to realize a truck will be the most handy/practical vehicle for me to own.

 

Looked into 4Runners? They depreciate faster than Tacos.

 

I got my 2011 about six months ago that came with a $500 military discount. Used my wife's recent college graduation to nab an additional $1000 rebate...

 

If you are a USAA member you can sometimes get a good deal there. I bought mine through USAA and would do it again in a heartbeat

 

I bought my 2011 Tundra through USAA. GREAT experience!
It cost 10.5k to flip since I owned my 06 DC Tacoma outright.
This was end of model year w/ $2.5k incentives.
Fwiw I find the same mileage w/ my tundra as the tacoma.
I would drive them both especially if you are thinking you want fullsize.

 

Keep looking....I bought my '09 Dual cab, long bed, Sport, V6, Tow pkg, with
17,000 miles for 21k last year. Great truck. The sound system sucks but that
can be fixed.

 

I have 07 with almost 50 000 miles on it and it drives, rides like the day I pick it up from dealer.
Since I bought my truck in 2006, it had been to service maybe 4 times. (3 free oil changes one inspection)
Now looking at the years you can not go wrong with 2006-2008 one owner truck regardless of miles. In 2009 NUMMI people were told factory is moving so they had no incentive to put out quality. So if you buying 2009+ you need to expect some quirks to be there and needs to be fixed.

 

I am on the same boat . If I see used ones with good deals, it seems like they go in a second. I have missed a few ones already where sellers given their addresses, and called back to say they are sold.

I am going to buy new. Are the v6 engine for the year 2012 different from previous years? I did the search but not sure.

Also, what month does toyota release the tacoma for the new year model?

 

2012's are already out.

Im pretty sure they come out with new models in the fall. The 2012 has a different front end and I think (dont quote me) a slight increase of power.

 

I think power is the same.

 

Earlier Tundras are going dirt cheap out there. I'd be looking at one of those and save your hard earned cash.

 

2012 as the same engine as the 2011 and older?

 

Yea. It didn't get the newer 270hp version that the 4Runner and FJ have if that's what you're asking. Almost positive its still rated at 236hp as well.

 

My coworker has a 2007 FJ and told me its the same engine (identical to his FJ) when we were at the dealer checking out the Tacoma. I didn't believe him.