Which Tacoma do I get?

OP, are you sold on getting a second gen instead of a 3rd gen? You could likely get a 3rd gen SR5 within the value of your WRX

 

Who knew the community was so divided on the Tacoma powertrain I just want 265/70 r16 all terrains and maybe a topper but I also live in a high elevation mountainous area. Trust me I love the simplicity of a four banger with a 5 speed big time tho. And I’d get a nicer lower milage 6cyl but if I spend only like 15k then I’m out of auto debt which would be neat

 

Love my 2012 4cyl MT RC.
This model has a couple advantages (imo) over the 6cyl
1) the 5 speed MT is a peach (was it even offered with the 6cyl?)
2) the exhaust is already tucked up high and tight- no need for a re-route to get a ‘flat belly’
3) it’s not really much slower than a 6cyl, depending on how you drive, lol!
4) slightly more fuel efficient, but see #2 above.

For me, speed is about the lowest priority when it comes trucks- I got it for haulin’ and crawlin’!

Almost any other vehicle will be faster, or more easily made faster, than our trucks will ever be. Modding a Tacoma for speed seems like you’re doing it the hard way. Just get a sport bike if you want to go fast.

Anyway, it’s a truck with a (modest) lift- I can generally pick a gap, step on it, and bully my way in when I’m merging onto the freeway.

 

Not to steal, but I’m in the same place right now; three questions, please:

Is there any amount of low miles that would be TOO low for used? I’ve found some 13-15s with as low as ~40k miles up to ~80k. Would any of that be too low, and would something like 100k be better? More broken in perhaps?

Second question, is am I being too picky? I found a pretty good deal on a 14 DCSB TRD OR locally, but for $23k, when there’s some across the country with 40-80k miles for as low as $15k (not DCSB TRD ORs), that feels wrong to me.

Any advice for traveling cross country for a vehicle? What if you got there and the truck was bad? I’d be devastated.

Thank you.

 

4cycl can go up and down the mountain area as long as you aren't towing anything. I have drove 4cycl cars through the mountains many times for work and vacations, no issues.

If you want to tow something, but I warn you, if you have steep hill road, you will have to drive slow and let the truck do the work. Don't rush it. You need a V6 or higher. If you do the heavy towing lot, then full size truck is recommended.

 

Going to the V6 from a WRX ain't gonna impress either. Tacomas are slow, but at least they get shitty gas mileage.

 

Used trucks prices went up since covid pandemic. Even the truck value... If you like that specific truck a lot, then I suggest that you get it before it is gone. Good luck with dealing with the dealer or seller.

For traveling, check everything in the truck such as fluids, rust, etc before drive it home. So you can fix it right up when you are ready when you get home. Or you can put it on trailer so you can tow it home.

Ask the seller about any issues so you can be prepared for drive it home or get a trailer.

 

So? you want perfect mileage? Then get a 'turtle-speed' car.

 

How can it be this difficult to understand what YOU want. Why do you think others know what YOU want. Do you even know what YOU are looking for out of the truck. Not rocket science.

 

Keep shopping but your not going to find much better. My 07 is "minty" but I wouldn't sell it for 20k. It worth that to me.

 

It's not about number of miles (higher or lower). It's about the type of miles in addition to seeing regular use (i.e. not sitting for long periods of time, not daily 1/4mi trips to the corner store without warming up or longer periods of driving) and regular maintenance. Unfortunately, pretty much all of that, perhaps other than the regular maintenance, which is virtually impossible to vet.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about the miles, high or low. But, if the mileage makes you suspicious of something then try to get more info to make yourself confident there won't be issues. Run a carfax, interrogate the seller (nicely), get a pre purchase inspection, maybe even a compression check.

In my area, $23k for a 2014 DCSB OR in above average condition with roughly average miles is a bargain. Around here it's hard to find ANY 2012+ 6cyl 4x4 for under $20k.

 

Truth. The 4.0L V6 keeps the classic Toyota tradition of gutless & reliable very alive haha. I used to joke my 99 3G4R's gas pedal was actually just a noise pedal

Sounds like OP is just looking for an excuse to buy something shiny & new and doesn't actually know what they want or need out of a truck. Probably not a good idea to buy one until they have a better idea of what will work for their needs

 

Forget the truck. Buy a lightly used Outback or A4 Allroad and be happier.

 

To pile onto the 4cyl train; I look at new taco’s all the time as my financial situation has changed quite a bit with promotions etc at work, but I can’t do it. My 2010 4cyl MT SR5 AC lives at sea level now, takes me to the mountains almost every day off I have, allows me to camp in her very comfortably, shuttle trails, access remote places, 4x4 without worrying about scratching her or breaking anything as long as I’m not an idiot. It’s slow as hell driving north up the mountain passes but can do highway speed no problem, super fuel efficient and at 370k’s (230k miles) my mechanic can’t say enough good things about how solid it is. It’s perfect for me, but the hound does want a bigger back seat which may push a change as he’s getting older.

It’s perfect for ME. Biggest thing anyone can do with used market; figure out what’s important to you. Almost all the previous posts touch on which strengths each truck offers. Figure out what YOU want.

2 cents

 

Incorrect. My buddy's F150 with the 3.5L ecoboost hauls f**king ass and consistently get's 5-7 MPG more than my Tacoma.

Hell, my dad's F150 with the 5.0L gets better gas mileage than my Tacoma.

 

"5-7 MPG more than Tacoma. "

That's nothing. Are you complaining about your mileage on your truck? If no, then don't worry about it. At least you have a vehicle that get you from A to B.

I was talking about 30 or more MPG... If you want that, then get a car.

This seems like "Wooo! I got Tacoma" then drive around for months later then driver noticed awful mileage.. He/she gets pissed. "This window sticker is BS!"

I researched before I got mine.. I got mine for off road use. If I want 30 or more MPG, then I get that car.

 

You can add me to that poll lol. Traded in my WRX for a Tacoma at 27.

As stated OP, don't be impatient, there's always a better deal. Personally I'd prob go for the 2012 if you have the money, since it's much lower mileage. But the 2007 doesn't seem like a bad deal at all, and wouldn't feel too bad about going that route. I think you could find a better lower mileage 4.0 for somewhere in the middle though. But if you don't need the power of the 4.0, that 07 is a solid choice. should have plenty of life left in it.

 

What in the name of assumptive strawman red herring is this shit?

 

you figure it out yourself. You are the one brought up about your dads or buddy’s truck have bit more mileage than Tacoma.

I don’t care what your buddy or your dad have. You are happy with yours, that’s all matters. If not, change it or sell it. That’s damn simple.