First Tacoma advice... and new or used?

college student here, looking to haul my bike back and forth to the track along with some occasional canoeing without having to borrow my dad's tundra.


I've been pretty set on a black or silver 4wd access cab, TRD sport Tacoma, but am having second thoughts now that I've read reviews on the new 2016+ models.



Any advice for a guy looking to jump into his first Taco?

Also, the Tacoma I have my eyes on is a 4wd 2012, black with 61k miles, for $19,500 OBo.

Is that a decent deal?

 

Darn, didn't mean to post this here

 

Your budget will dictate, I've had all gens, each is different and better/worse in their own ways. Your gonna have a hard time getting a used 3rd gen for $20k.

 

These type of things usually have a lot of variables so they're pretty subjective but imo this ones isn't at all. These trucks are holding their value so well it really doesn't make sense for a buyer to buy used. When I can buy a brand new taco for very close to what the used ones are going for, there's no choice to be made. The prices that a lot of these guys are listing their trucks for (12-15 for 29-35k lol) you can basically get a brand new one for that. I don't blame them though, if you or I were selling we'd be selling at market value too. Honestly though, with how much tacos are now I wouldn't even bother with a taco, I'd go with a Tundra.

 

why not look for an older model with low miles. You can find one for under $20k, access cab for sure. A well taken care of single owner pre-2012 truck under 100k miles can be a gem.

 

Offroad Long bed for sure, hauling bikes and gear, it will be easier and having the locking rear diff can come in handy depending on where your riding.
The difference in fuel economy is pretty minimal between 2nd and 3rd gen, I say get a lightly used one.

 

I would go with a used second gen with lower miles to save you some cash.