When my divorce is finalized I'm getting a Taco

Hey,

Looking for some general advice on 3rd gen tacomas. As said in the title, I'm in the middle of a divorce and when finalized - if I have a shirt left on my back - first thing, I'm going out truck shopping.

Based on some looking around, I should be able to find a low mileage (<80K) 2018-2022 truck for $20-30K around here (Athens, GA). Only real requirement/priority is 4D and reliability - frills and creature comfort are not very important. Also, 4wd is not necessary - will be primarily on road hauling bikes, lumber, fishing rods, etc. Currently no need to pull anything and when the time comes, will likely be a small bass boat.

So my question is - Is there anything I should be aware of or pay special attention to? Are there any tell-tale signs of looming transmission issues? Are any years preferred? Better to get something with 50K miles (vs new or super low)?

Also open to 2015 models but seems like the resale price is right in line with their desirability. Around here asking price for a 2015 is more or less the same as a Gen 3 - Are they really worth it?

As info - I'm somewhat mechanically inclined - change oil and brake pads, have swapped a starter, fuel pump, and some other stuff. But will be a little intimidated with newer engine configurations. With the exception of a transmission replacement, I did all the work on my last 3 vehicles ('07 grand marquis, '02 4runner, and '69 f-100).

Any info is appreciated, thx in advance,

Mike

 

Wait till the 4th gen comes out . More than likely the prices of 3rd gen will drop since more will be trading in for the 4th . Happy hunting .

 

There were generally more issues with the 2017 & 2016 model years, although likely if theyre around theyve been fixed up. You can check the back of the motor for coolant leaks as theres a plastic component that sometimes is an issue and is a pricey fix. If it's got 60k+ miles just be aware its time to swap all the fluids and spark plugs (and potentially shocks) unless it's been done already, other than that, it's a Tacoma, itll last you just fine if you take care of it.

 

Good luck with the big d. You might want to have a cooling off period after the papers are signed before making any major purchases. I know from experience I had buyers regret. With a couple of things not car or truck related though.

 

You might not want to limit yourself to 2WD. There's a lot more 4WD's out there and would probably make it much easier to find something.

 

Sounds like you can DIY the spark plugs, there is a great thread and a good video posted in that thread too. That's a good way to save.

I wouldn't hesitate on any year if you can get a decent deal, I have 3 Toyota trucks and love them all. Any limitation can be tackled, they are good platforms to modify.

 

No frills? No problem. It's a Toyota, that's their thing. They didn't ditch cassette decks until 2007.

 

My compliments on doing your research before you make a purchase. Also, I found that when I was going through the same thing that you are finding something to put my energy towards (other than working out) helped take my focus off of things in the past that I could not change.

I have a '21 TRD Sport 4x4 that was my full time nomad rig for a time before I found my new home in Wyoming. With your <80k miles requirement you may find the only vehicles that check this box are the later 3rd Gens. I have also heard that the 2016 and 2017 Tacos had a few engine issues that Toyota had to work out but those were all covered by warranty (TSBs) so as long as you find a vehicle that is current and has had all of the technical service bulletin maintenance items completed any 3rd Gen should be fine.

 

That's what the Tundra guys were saying. Then the opposite happened. Could go either way.

 

I'd first focus on keeping your shirt and walking away with something. Then make financial plans after that.

 

Yes they are worth it. Buy my supercharged 2015 TRD OffRoad
90k miles, big brake kit and other useful upgrades - not the normal heavy oversized tires/offset rims/LED light bar “upgrades” that most seem to deem necessary.

 

I would try and save the marriage and as an act of good faith buy a 90's Ranger. Or go nuts and treat yourself to a late 20-teens double cab 4x4 and move on. Probably the latter.

 

Best of luck. Trading one taco for another I see...

 

Hey, another Mike- Welcome!

I am surprised we don’t see “Hey, I finalized my tacoma by adding thousands of dollars worth of mods- now my wife is divorcing me”.

In all seriousness, good luck with all of that. Hope you are left with your shirt at least, and something to put down on your truck.

 

Best title to a post!

 

You can also find a girlfriend who drives a Tacoma. Talking about hitting 2 birds with 1 stone

 

Try to get a 4x4! I had a 2nd gen 2WD Prerunner once so I know what its like, I regretted it since day 1 of ownership.

 

If the GF truck already has a 3 in lift and 35s ... yee hah

 

Congrats on your impending emancipation

Transmissions (automatics) on 3rd gens are solid, stronger than the 2nd gens. Two things to watch for are timing cover leaks and coolant bypass pipe leaks, both are engine-out jobs and cost thousands to fix, since your prospective purchase will be outside powertrain warranty.

 

Thx fellas - Truck info and divorce support - what a great place! Who know there'd be so much knowledge overlap?

Appreciate the info about the 16 and 17s. Had been thinking of steering clear of them but may need to reconsider.

Regarding the split, if I ONLY have a shirt left on my back, I'll still be in a better place financially than I was with Ursula [sic].