Help deciding on which year is best

I've read the 4+ threads on which year is the best, but it seems like the answer is so divided. A lot of people are going with whatever year they own. 2011 seemed to have more votes. At the same time, a lot of people were saying they do not like '09s and newer due to the electronics.

I am interested in a double cab short bed, V6, 2wd, don't need off road, haven't done enough research as to what exactly the TRD/Sport package includes (might be interested in that though as I had a TRD Sport Tundra for a few months before having to sell it due to financial reasons--miss it already-loved it!).

Means of connecting my iphone for music would be nice to have. What year did that start? I don't believe any Tacomas come with "SmartKey" do they?

I really won't be using the truck for towing/hauling much--just the occasional items at Home Depot, get something large at a garage sale, taking around gas cans/other dirty items, lawn mower, etc. It would just be nice to have a pickup in the family.

I'm in the DFW area and there are many to choose from. They all seem very expensive though. I'd like to get one with under 50K miles, and those all run $20K plus around here. Going brand new seems pretty close to that price, right?

Any advice/input is appreciated!

 

Obviously the best year is going to be the year the poster owns, on that note 08' is the best.

 

No such thing they are all good! but I do love the front end on the new ones tho

 

2013 of course

 

x2

 

2008

 

It's all preference...
Alot of people have the pre09s with non electronics and are glad
Alot have the newer ones 09+
The 09+ came with aux and back up cam
And in the 2012 they also came with a Usb port and 2013 touchscreen with USB

 

1985 - solid front axel and fuel injected

 

Yeah, simple. 2013. In a few months the answer will also be simple. 2014. See a pattern?

 

Aesthetically speaking, I really like what they did with the grille and headlights in 2012.

I own a 2011, so of course it's the best year.

You could get a base model, standard cab, 6' bed (you'll appreciate having the longer bed), manual 2.7L and get all of the tasks done you mentioned. Fuel economy will be good, and you can still do a home depot run. If you're feeling frisky you can upgrade the suspension (full OME kit) and be able to really freight the bed of the truck, as well as look cool. Once the stock tires wear out replace them with a slightly larger tire and look even cooler!

Or, it would/could be a wise choice to get an SR-5, which has a few more bells and whistles. Mine came 4x4, decent trim, fogs, tow package, backup camera, etc.

For me, the TRD packages were a waste of money because I am building up the truck and all of the TRD components would end up on craigslist. But, if you're going to spend a lot of time in the truck and need a little extra "fancy" it could be the way for you. IMO it still won't be good for towing/hauling, Tacoma springs are garbage.

All that said, be patient and keep your eyes peeled. If a deal is good, buy the truck regardless of the package, because in the end you really just need a truck that'll treat you right for a good price. If the truck doesn't have something you want (tow package for example), the aftermarket is ripe with affordable options. Hell, as soon as I get my rear plate bumper my receiver hitch will be up for sale for a good bargain price.

 

i have an 06 and i'd say get an 09 or newer just because of what you said you need, aux port etc, or you could get an 08 or older and just put an aftermarket radio in. and since you're looking for 2wd, i wouldn't listen to anything anyone says about ATRAC and all that jazz since you'll have a 2wd, good luck!

 

Thanks for all the helpful replies so far! Good to have all this info. Please keep the suggestions/input coming! I don't know much about Tacomas but am learning more every day as I get time to read these threads. Much appreciated!

 

So the '12s have USB port but no touchscreen, right? I'm not crazy about touchscreen in vehicles. Does the '12 have JBL audio? My wife's Highlander has a JBL system, and it sounds very good to me for a factory stereo. I'm no audiophile though.

Are certain years supposed to be anymore comfortable? Or a certain package (TRD, SR5) supposed to have more comfortable seats? Thanks

 

All years have jbl audio, but I the 2012 and 2013s both jbl audios have the entune touchscreen system.

 

I've stuck with 05's. One I bought new and the last two I got used. Just bought number 3 last week. Why? It has the least electronics of any of them. Doesn't even have TPMS. The less electronic systems the better if you plan on keeping it a long time. Heck I don't even like ABS brakes. I'll be putting my ABS fuse inline with a toggle switch soon so I'll be able to stop in the snow.

 

I had a 2003 Tundra for just a few months. It did not say JBL anywhere, but the audio sucked in that thing! Is JBL always going to be labeled inside the vehicle? If I knew I was going to keep it longer I would have had to upgrade the speakers or something in that Tundra.

 

Wel I'm my opinion, the reason why I didt get my 08 with jbl because it sounded like crap and I was going to upgrade my speakers and all anyways...but the newer models sound alot better I can assure you that

 

Red River auto group in Sherman,Tx has a nice white 2012 TxTRD w/lift and goodyear duratracs for $24,000. Proly come down some more. Not sure of milage though. Think it has a spacer in fron and AAL in rear. Easily reversable.

 

I'd probably keep it about 3-5 years or something. Then from there maybe get something a little newer. I'm the furthest thing from a mechanic so I always have to take it somewhere for repairs.

 

Thanks for the heads up! I can't decide on color - right now I'd say in this order:
1) black
2) MGM
3) white

I'd have to go to a dealership to see some of the other colors. I even like the red, but cars for the past 13 years have been red. I like the green even, but I could see myself getting tired of it. I like silver too, but that's also something I see myself getting tired of.