New to the Toyota world

I am possibly looking at a Tacoma I would prefer a 4x4 with a large cab space like the access cab or possibly a Double cab. My question is what would you all recommend? I really like the 2nd and 3rd gen tacomas but the truck will probably be a "work vehicle" so what would be the best model and year? I would like to have the 4.0 V6 since I believe they are the more reliable motor. Also, how can I tell if the previous owner of the truck, especially on a car dealer lot had the frame replaced do to Toyotas frame recall? Is there anyway to tell besides paper work?

 

Welcome, man!

From what you’ve explained, it sounds like a 2nd Gen Double Cab Long Bed would be best suitable for you. I know the TRD Sport offered this cab/bed configuration, but I think it also was an option for the SR5.

In regards to checking if the frame has been replaced, I’m guessing a Toyota dealership could verify using the VIN? Not entirely sure on that.

 

If I could do it again I'd get a 2015. I have, and love, access cab with long bed. I drive a double cab long bed for work and it can be pain to park. Toyota can look up if the frame was replaced with vin number. Go to mytoyota.com. I also highly recommend a carfax report.

 

What he said... 2nd gen dclb

 

Here’s the way I look at it. If hauling people is a priority and hauling stuff not so much, DCSB. If hauling stuff is a priority and people not so much, ACLB. If hauling both people and stuff is a priority, DCLB, with the downside of less maneuverable, and more difficult to park.

 

If the 4.0 is what you want, only the 2nd Gens have them. That said, all of Toyota's motors are reliable, even the new 3.5 in the 3rd Gen. Just make sure to test drive the truck to your liking. Otherwise, yes, for space, Double Cab.

 

Just make a list of the 4 or 5 things that you really want in a Taco and are important to you and stick to your list. If you don’t then you may be disappointed in the future. For example for me the list includes - V6, 4x4, double cab, long bed, tow package. Without any one of those it’s no deal for me. When you find one that fits your list then check out mileage, mechanical condition and maintenance history, general condition.

 

Great! Thanks for the feed back everyone! have a great day!!

 

I am really looking at older model Toyota Tacoma's as of right now I do not have the fund to purchase a 3rd gen although they look awesome!! I love the front end on the 2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma's !!! The Tacoma is one of my favorite mid size trucks on the market!!

I found a 2009 with 131k miles it is a double cab short bed with tow package and TRD sport equipped. Pretty clean and the dealer asking price is $17.995

 

I prefer the access cab for looks but the double cab is what you want if you need space. The problem is the double cabs standard bed is the short bed while the only bed for access cab us the long bed. The double cab long bed is out there but it’s like driving a tour bus. Long asf.

 

Lol no kidding. I am not a huge fan on long beds on crew cab trucks tbh..

 

Thank you!

 

2009 18k way to much

 

Shorter than a full-size truck still!

 

You would think so, but for some reason these trucks seem to be going for a high price.
Evidently, I don’t know the secret. As I can’t see any reason they are bringing these prices.
Some used 3rd Gens are being nearly what some guys paid new.

 

"Bulletproof" is not a ploy. Tacoma has long commanded the best resale value in its segment.

On a different note, the cab and bed configuration is all relative. The DCLB is small compared to a full size crew cab rig with a 6.5'+ bed.

 

It’s been a well known fact for years. Tacoma’s do indeed have a high resell value.
And compared to a lot other truck, they are typically more dependable.

As for bulletproof, nope they are not.
They all break, just ask the guys that have NEEDED new frames.
Or they guys that had leafs break, or head gaskets, or timing cover leaks.

I drive a Tacoma, I like it.
I bought it be cause, you don’t usually have to do as much repair work to them, as often as other trucks.

What I will never do, is claim they are something they are not.
I don’t like the saying, “It’s a Toyota, you don’t need to worry about anything”

The same thing can be said for all brands.
Some are better than others.
Some are worse, much worse, than others.

 

Wow. To be clear, the bulletproof mantra has always been about their engines and reaching crazy high mileage marks on original OEM parts. The same cannot be said for all brands. And all trucks will succumb to frame issues...especially in harsh climates. That really doesn't need to be said to make my point but I will say it anyways.

 

No hard feeling man.
I guess I came off a bit “rude”
sorry about that, I guess I just get tired of hearing how great “One brand is”
When in reality, there’s much more than that one brand.

I suppose, if I weren’t driving a Toyota/Tacoma.
I’d go with a Ram in 6.7, since the 5.9 is no longer available.

 

No harm no foul bud. I hear where you're coming from. My company's fleet is made up of Ford, Chevy and Dodge, so I'm exposed to other brands on the regular. My buddy just got a Ram 6.7 and I enjoy riding shotgun in something with more power from time to time.