Looking for used Tacoma suggestions

Newbie here, and I am in search of a great used Tacoma. With my initial research, I have read that the 2009 and later are safer than the 2008 or 2007's.

I have 3 kids(all under 10). Although this will NOT be the primary kid vehicle 80% of the time, I want to have the room to take them safely when I need to.

I currently own a 2001 Frontier king cab. Which I have liked, but now I am thinking Tacoma. Always have loved the look and reliability of the Toyotas. I have about a $22K budget and was wondering if I could get some great suggestions.

My preferences:
Under 50K miles
Double Cab
4WD
Seats 3 in the back(3 seatbelts)
Automatic
I like the Long bed and the SR5 Package.

I am basically trying to figure out if I would be ok with a 2006,07 or 08 VS a 2009. Just dont want to compromise safety. It has been very tough to find a 2009 Tacoma as I have described.

Any suggestions would be helpful and greatly appreciated.

 

Anyone? Thanks.

 

06, 07, 08 ,09 are all 99.9% the same truck. The 09 will have led taillights and thats about it. Some people say that the 07 is the best IIRC

My .02, theyre all the same, find the best deal and go for it

 

My experience around town here in VA was that it wasn't worth buying a used one. For $2k more I got a brand new one with 5 miles on it. I wanted a 2009+ but they are just holding their value to well. Good luck!

 

Great point! I searched for about 3-4 months and noticed the same in Texas. These things hold their value like nothing I've ever seen. They weren't quite within $2k of new vehicle down here, more like around 4-5k differential but still tough to find one used at a good price. Was able to snag one at a good price after previously walking away from 4 negotiations that the dealers wouldn't budge on.

 

Smperry, sent you a private message about finding one in that price range and my experience buying one recently.

 

Welcome!

 

I have to admit though that I'm a used car fan but I have a hook up locally and got it under invoice closing that cap a lot.