2006 or 2012 Tacoma?

I would no touch an 06,possible head gasket issue $$$$,and motor mount issues.

 

I'd buy the '12.

 

Thanks everybody! Anyone want to weigh in on a good tire for my new 2012? I want an AT tire that will do well as an everyday driver, and be decent on snow & ice but hopefully not too loud or rough on dry highway. Don’t want to break the bank - $150 per tire. Any ideas?

 

I’m guessing you’re financing it, which makes this an easy decision. You’d have much better rates on the 12. Plus the 2012-2015 has a better looking front end...but I’m bias there.

 

I’d go BFG KO2, but that’s out of your price range. Check out the new Falken Wildpeak AT3, it’s a budget friendly tire that several members on here really like.

 

I vote 2012. Newer tech, lower miles.

 

Order Goodyear DuraTracs from TireRack.com in the next week or so, and you'll get $100 rebate on a set of 4. Get the Goodyear credit card and use it to pay for them, and they will give you an additional $100 rebate.

 

I really like my 06 and have had none of the above problems. I honestly like it for it's lack of electronic gizmos for off roading. However, in this case, the 2012 is a better buy, which it looks like you've realized already! And the newer body style definitely looks better.

I have been running duratracs for 5 years or so now in both a 265/75r16 and currently a 315/75r16. They are the best tires you can get for the snow and ice. They are good everywhere else too, but really shine in the snow.

 

I've always liked the 2012-2015 front end better. The 2012 also has some small interior changes, most notably the steering wheel.

 

2012 because curtain air bags.

 

Falken A/T

 

Just in my experience, my taco is the first vehicle ive owned with a back up camera. You cant convince me to buy another vehicle that doesn't have one. I will never go back to the dark ages!

 

I was in a similar situation, I could have spend a bit more coin to get a newer model with less miles, than the truck i choose with higher mileage. I knew i'd end up modding it anyways, so I decided on the older one. not to mention for my truck, they wouldn't let me take it off the lot until the frame was swapped, along with the plethora of new parts they put on in the process.

If i'd do it again, i'd go for the cheaper one. the extra coin could go towards mods, savings/investing, or other hobbies.

 

I run Firestone Destination A/Ts and love them. I’ve got around 60k on my current set and they still have substantial tread left.
They are quiet and do very well in snow.
They are the only truck tire I’ve had that impresses me.

A set of 5 cost me $900 with 7% tax and the road hazzard protection on all 5.

 

Never look at vehicles as an investment, because they’re not, they’re basically appliances. I payed the price difference (7000$) for my entire Tacoma which has 80k miles on it and it’s a 2010. So I mean in my opinion I’d take the 2006 as it’s the same the 2012 except the 2012 has some makeup on lol

 

oh that's a tough one the tires I would recc, that would do well in snow and ice are much more than 150 bucks a tire. I run the Duratracs also Cooper STT Maxx as a bonus both are ready to be studded if you want. The BFG KO2s are decent too.

 

I had literally the exact same dilemma 4 years ago. It was a 2005 vs 2012 - $15K vs. $26K. I went with the 2012 because of the traction safety features (which also help offroad in mild situations), and the better looking front end. I love that truck.

However, as a counterpoint, if you're going to go wild on mods (chopping stuff, 35s/37s, armor all around) then the older one might be better. The front end will be transformed anyway, and some of the safety features may not work as intended anyway.

Good luck!

 

I'd get the '12......in Colorado ? Next thing would be some better suited tires

for your snowy location.....pic my '14 with new Coop ST Maxx last month.....

welcome to TW !!

 

Awesome, congrats on the ‘12! I think you made the right decision.
As for tires, I go with Michelin MTX M/S year round on my steelies. Good balance of performance and longevity. I’m up in the White Mtns of NH and they are excellent in the winter!
Congrats again and welcome to TW!

 

Go with the 2012, less miles, better looking, better color, easier to finance (as my credit union, if it has over 110k, we only finance avg trade value). Good luck with tires, lots of options out there.
When you get it they way you want it, get some snow pics! I miss CO (lived in Evergreen). Not much snow in GA