Newbie to Tacoma World

I really like the tacoma's, I rented a 2019 for a week and really enjoyed the truck.
My questions is, If I buy a used tacoma 4x4 automatic, What year vehicle are the best year to buy used?
I'm just looking for a truck for ever day driver and occasionally pull a small boat
Most of the Tacomas in my area of Florida have about 130k to over 200k on the mileage.
And last if I buy a used tacoma what preventative maintenance would you do to it to keep it going strong.. I'm retired now trying to save a few bucks.
Thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions

 

Welcome aboard.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome!

Tacomas tend to keep their value, so unless you go back a few years, you are not saving much. What do you want in a truck, other than 4x4 and auto?

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Small boat, as in 12 ft aluminum? How heavy is the camper? With my 3.5L v6 I pulled a trailer that was about 6000 lbs, across Canada and back. No crazy passing, acceleration wasn't great, poor mpgs, but the truck can handle it provided you have a good set up (weight-distributing hitch, trailer breaks and break controller).
2nd gen, 4.0L v6 will likely be better, but you are looking at an older vehicle. Check out the tacomaworld threads about frame rust, that's probably your biggest concern in a used taco, all gens seem to have issues with that. Search using Google, and add tacomaworld to whatever you are searching for. The search function within tacomaworld isn't that great.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thanks again to responding to my request.

I stop by the Toyota dealer this afternoon, But I was shocked to see the 2020 Tacoma prices? 4X4 Trd sports where like low 40K to mid 40K

So as a older unit either and 2nd generation or 3 generation truck.
as for pulling a small flats boat about 5k to 6K in total weight??

 

You would be fine even with a 4 cylinder truck to pull a little boat like that. A small camper would be a lot heavier, unless it is a pop up.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW! Quick checklist for maintenance items to tackle as soon as you get a used Tacoma would be:

• new engine and cabin air filter
• spark plugs
• clean MAF & throttle body
• fluid change for front/rear diff + transfer case
• coolant flush
• transmission fluid change
• oil change

 

I guess what im asking directly to all the tacoma folks, Is there a particular year or years the tacoma were better?
Is the newer transmissions better then the older units etc etc.

Thanks again

 

Welcome!

 

Not really. 3rd gen auto transmissions complain about gear hunting, but I think it's just something to get used to. Don't expect it to drive like a sports car, and you will be fine.