Thinking about getting back into a Tacoma. Trying to decide years, trims, options, etc to look for.

I'm thinking of selling a couple vehicles to get back into a tacoma. It's hard not to go off the deep end with options and features though. But I also don't want to wind up with a regular cab, 2wd, 4 cylinder and regrets.

First, engine choice. Are there any downsides to the v6 besides purchase price? Reliability, maintenance costs, mpg? It doesn't seem like they cost much more to get into.

Second, transmission. I usually love my manuals, but I could see going auto here. Are there any downsides to the manual (particularly the 6 speed) outside of driver preference? Do they go for a price premium, or are they just harder to find?

Third, body configuration. I don't want a regular cab. I also worry that a double cab long bed could be annoying to maneuver at times. I think this is all personal preference, but happy to hear others opinions. And again, is there a savings going with access cab? I don't mind them, so if it's an easy money saver, that could be the reasoning for me.

Fourth, years trims and options. Aside from the exterior cosmetic differences in 12+, and the head gasket issues in 05-06, are there any other milestone years? Any options that you couldn't live with out? Do the TRD trims go for a premium, and are they worth it?

Appreciate all the help guys! I'll be selling my trail Jeep and my old F150 for this one, so I want to really like it. But I don't want to pay 30k for a 10 year old truck with 100k miles either. I'd love one of the green 2012+ trucks with the TRD OR and tow package.

 

1. Go with the V6, unless you know for sure you won't need the extra power. It isn't that much more, and will help with resale.

2. Go with the manual, unless you plan to do a lot of rock crawling. They're geared better. It will be a bit more challenging to resell just because less people know how to drive manual, and will probably be harder to find since they're rarer.

3. as far as I know, only the DCLB fetches any extra. DCSB is the most popular config, don't believe you'll get any savings going access cab. I went DCSB so i could comfortably fit my dog, as well as pack the truck for trips.

4. someone else can answer this better, I believe 2012 was a year for a common issue but can't remember off the top of my head. as far as options you NEED, that depends on your goals. If offroading, you'll probably want to have 4x4. Depending how deep into the build you might get into, it could be a better idea to buy the cheapest, base 4x4 you can find and build it up to your liking, vs buying a higher trim one that will cost more up front.

 

For what it's worth, I don't find the double cab long bed to be too unwieldy. If I was constantly parking in a city, maybe. The DCLB gives you the most versatility in storage options, and I would buy it again given the option.

There are some known issues with the manual transmissions, so if you go that route I'd look into those and see if they've been repaired yet before you settle on a price. Nothing too drastic though.

If you know you'll never need a longer bed, then the double cab short bed is a good option. If you think you'll want a longer bed and want to be marginally more capable off road and won't carry more than one passenger over long distances, the access cab is a great option. And don't knock the regular cabs, they're pretty great in their own right.

Consider what you will use it for and the answer will come to you.

As far as years, it's much more relevant how well the maintenance has been performed than what year it was made. A really well maintained earlier model is probably pound for pound a much better value than a 2015.

 

Not much difference between the 2nd gens other than cab and bed configurations, and 4 or 6 cyl and transmission choice and RWD or 4WD. Besides what year it was built. Other that 2nd gens are all the same.

You are also limited to what is available on the used market.

 

2013 is the last year of the clock on the dash.

 

Does Lexus still put that analog clock on the dash?

 

My '15 Lexus has the analog clock.

 

1) Personally, I wouldn't even consider a 4cyl. For me the V6 is still under powered.

2) IMO this is just personal preference. I went with auto for simplicity sake and so there'd be a better chance my wife wouldn't mind driving it. Not sure if it makes actual sense but seemed that since I'm new to off-roading it may be wise to start with an auto.

3) You pay a premium for DCLB and they aren't very common. Oh, and no manual trans or "off road" trim options. Every region is a little different but around here DCSBs are a dime a dozen but AC's and DCLB's are harder to find. It didn't seem that the AC's had any price premium - at least not locally. This is again I think personal preference in what you plan to do with the truck. I wanted a full size bed for hauling and a double cab for storage on trips so DCLB was a no brainer. I almost went with an AC but after taking another AC pickup camping one time I decided against that choice. DCLB is big but not too bad getting around. It drives smaller than my old 99 F150 extra cab pickup despite actually being a tad bit longer.

4) Again, personal preference. For me the upgraded seat materials and other little options are nice to have. I knew I wanted the benefits of the OffRoad or Sport Pkg and I definitely wanted the JBL and tow package. I think the TRD pkgs do fetch more but not a ton. The benefit of having a locker or LSD just made sense. Trying to add either of those after a purchase would be a lot more $ than any price difference. My only regret is that I couldn't afford a 12+. IMO they are much nicer on both the exterior and interior. Unfortunately, they seem to fetch a large premium. 4wd also fetches a big premium.

 

I guess Lexus is targeting older customers with the clock. Seems like an odd thing in today's tech driven society to put the analog clock in a modern vehicle.

 

Not being stupid about this but if your looking to get back into a Tacoma make sure you are checking out the frames real good. Here in NE Ohio the trucks still look good but are rotted to pieces underneath. My biggest clue to something being wrong underneath was finding the spare tire in the bed and not under the truck. Id ask why and they would usually admit the frame was rusted there. Good luck. There will be one out there for you.

 

10-11 2nd gens are probably the best buy in terms of QDR.

I don't consider the different trims a factor when shopping used. I think a lesser trim used Tacoma is more valuble.

 

My input would be 2012-15, v6, I have a DCLB, my 2nd. A good size for overlanding or mild off roading. My major off road truck is 3rd gen access ca TRD off road

 

Access Cab crew here! Gets my vote!

 

Thanks everyone. In summary so far:

Get the v6.

DCLB has a price premium, are harder to find, and unavailable in TRD OR, and unavailable in manual. Might be worth checking out though.

Manuals harder to find, and might have some issues to be aware of.

2012+ carries a premium, but a nicer interior. Possibly more options?

Sounds like the TRD OR would be up my alley, and would just need to pick a bed/cab configuration. Could go either way on trans.

Next point of focus will be the options. I wasn't aware of the JBL package. Tow package would be nice though. This will not be a daily driver or commute vehicle, so I could probably live without a lot of the niceties, but things like the bed outlet sound awesome for my intended use.

 

I’m pretty sure every trd trim comes with the bed outlet standard.

 

I would recommend the newest and cleanest low mileage Gen II with a 4.0 that you can find that is within your budget.

 

+1. I parallel park my DCLB all the time without much hassle and like the extra room for hauling dogs and stuff. The length was only an issue for me when parking it in my garage after we moved.... Different garage had significantly less room behind the truck and I didn't think about that ahead of time.

If I had to replace mine, I'd get the exact same thing. V6 auto 4x4 TRD Sport DCLB.

 

This. The 4.0L is solid.

 

Was also the last year to have back up cam still on the rear view mirror

 

2014 has no outside temp indicator . (but does still have the clock on the dash )

Don't be afraid of the DCLB. Rides nicer because of the longer wheelbase. Just need to be aware of the extra length.

Drive a few in different configurations and pick the one that does it for you.

Cheers.