What model year should I be looking for?

I've been researching nonstop since December and that seems to be the case. Not to mention I live in CO so the prices here are at least 2-3k higher than surrounding states.
Luckily I got pre-approved for a higher loan amount from my bank so I might just go for it and try for new tacoma...I figure a little bit longer of a loan might be better than having to deal with inheriting a truck that the last person didnt even take care of.

 

Agree with this. The big draw of the tacoma (and honestly toyota in general) is the fact that I still see 1st gens driving around with no problem. I've taken great care of my '03 forester and its lasted me through learning how to drive, high school, college, and my move out to Colorado. I want a truck I can depend on and look to still have 15 years down the line.

 

Patience is a virtue, while Taco's are quite pricey, you'll enevitably find one worth buying for that price if you're patient and well informed.

TBH you're better off forgetting about the year of what to look for and instead concentrate on other aspects like quality, mileage, past maintenance and value per dollar if you're flexible like that.

A lot of the older gens are expensive because they were part of the whole frame swap thing. Keep that in mind while looking as some of them may have been neglected and have a rotted chassis. What I've found to be effective is if you post a "looking for" ad on sites like Kijij, facebook marketplace, autotrader...ect. If you write a really good add with specifics on what you're looking for and willing to pay it shows's that you're a very serious and also logical buyer and you'll find some people who want to sell fast without dealing with tire kickers and who are often more honest or at least willing to drop down in price for the sake of a quick sale.

Good luck with it!

 

I just traded in my 17OR long bed with a 104,000 miles on it and they gave me 24,600 for it You may stumble across a gen2 for 15,000 but it will have at least 175000 miles on it. Good luck