Advice on good years for used Taco

I want a reliable small pickup and Tacomas seem the best. New models look too big and bulky and not getting such good reviews. Best years? Also, don't need extended cab but need room for our dog. Which models have the space behind the seats for a dog/bags, etc ?

 

Welcome to TW! The Tacomas come in the access cab ( 2 front doors + 2 smaller suicide doors) and double cab (4 full sized doors). A 1st gen (1995-2004) Tacoma might be up your alley as they are smaller than the newer Tacomas. Main thing to watch out for is frame rust.

 

Opinions on here will vary, but you're in the right place to ask! First and second gens both have pluses and minuses. One plus to the second gens is the "access cabs" rear doors open which would be easier access for the pooch. Plus side to the first gen would be acquisition cost vs a second or third gen. A double cab is always an option for either generation as well. All boils down to your needs and what you consider to be acceptable features.

Best bet is to search around here and determine what best suits your needs. You're sure to find the answer you seek. Best of luck and welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW...2012-2015 IMO!

 

Welcome!

 

Avoid 2006 with 4.0 V6.

 

2012-2018, if its between 2012-2015 beware of frame rust, if you miss it you will absolutely be fucked

 

Confused on “no extended cab but room for the dog...?” So how big is this dog? Looking for a 4 door then?

Went from a 2 door Wrangler LJ to a 4 door long bed and haven’t looked back. Love all the room especially with 2 dogs and gear. Something to think about.

 

Thanks for feedback, everyone. Obviously, I don't know much about trucks! Only one I've owned was a 1972 F150. Bought it from an ex-neighbor and it kept breaking down. That's why reliability is so important. We basically want a truck for gardening/ small projects to haul compost, dump runs, throw kayaks or bikes in the back. I'm getting tired of borrowing neighbors truck or paying for stuff delivered.
Also, maybe to get a camper shell for occasional camping/road trips ( but not off roading).
Probably won't be hauling a trailer unless it's a light weight teardrop ( $3,000 lb) so can get by with a 4 cylinder?
My dog is just a 50 lb Springer Spaniel who loves to ride with head out the window. Do any have a side or back window that opens? I know to look out for rust, any other pitfalls?

 

Personally I would stay with the V6. Better to have the HP and not need it than need it and not have it. Also test drive even if you’re not going with a new model, it may help decide between ext. cab or something else.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Double cab will be your best bet for him being able to get some air with the windows down.
They do offer a double cab in a 4cylinder but they dont offer it in a 4 wheel drive with the 4banger.

 

????

Frame rust was theoretically “fixed” in 2010.

There is no frame recall on 2012-2015 trucks, and I haven’t heard of anybody here with rust issues on those model years either.

Tone down the dire warnings unless your info is rock solid.

 

I wouldn't count on this as Toyota doesn't exactly have the best track record in the frame department .

 

Hence theoretically.

That said, saying 2012-2015s are fucked is absurd.

 

Is this because of the head gasket or another reason? I just picked up a 2006 a few months ago.

 

Yes.

 

He didn't say 2012-2105's were "fucked"....he said if you miss it YOU would be! I own a 2014 and think checking for a rusted frame on ANY year Tacoma is the best advice you could give anyone thinking of buying one.