Best Toyota Tacoma Years to Buy Used

Used Toyota Tacoma Quick Facts

• The best years for buying a used Toyota Tacoma are 2018 through the current model.
• The Tacoma has been in production since 1995.
• Over the years, the Tacoma has grown in size and power and has been a consistent bestseller.
• There are many variations of Tacoma, from simple work trucks to rugged off-roaders.

The Toyota Tacoma name is legendary among compact and midsize pickups, which is why buying a used one might seem like a no-brainer. The Tacoma has always had a rather youthful appeal, and its abilities as a light-duty compact truck equal its off-road chops. The Tacoma spans a number of years and variations, some with near-perfect records for reliability, resale, and overall owner satisfaction, but others with dubious issues that don’t always come up when the conversation turns to the Tacoma’s bulletproof reputation.

As with all things mechanical, the Tacoma is not perfect, and there are many areas where competition outperforms this venerable Toyota. That said, just be well-informed about your future purchase, and don’t automatically assume that all Tacoma trucks are created equal.

• What Are the Best Years to Buy a Used Toyota Tacoma?
• Toyota Tacoma By Generation: Which Should I Buy?
• Is the Toyota Tacoma Really as Good as Everyone Says?
• Why Does the Toyota Tacoma Cost More than Other Midsize Pickup Trucks?
• How Much Can a Tacoma Tow and Haul?
• What Is the Toyota Tacoma Safety Record?
• How Does the Toyota Tacoma Stack Up to the Competition?
• Is the Toyota Tacoma a Good Vehicle?

What Are the Best Years to Buy a Used Toyota Tacoma?

The best years for buying a used Toyota Tacoma are 2018 through the current model. These years are free from the frame rust issues that plagued some early models, including the 2016 and 2017 trucks. Models from 2000 through 2015 are well-regarded for their engine durability and high resale value, so if you’re looking at an older Tacoma, just be sure to have a trusted mechanic give the underside a thorough inspection.

See used Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you.

Toyota Tacoma By Generation: Which Should I Buy?

The Toyota Tacoma officially came to life and replaced the Toyota Truck in 1995. Though the two looked similar, the Tacoma was superior in ride comfort, power, technology, and safety.

There are technically only four generations of the Toyota Tacoma, with the most recent arrival in 2024. The first began in 1995, but the Tacoma has undergone numerous changes across the years. Before there was a Tacoma, there was the Toyota Truck, which by the 1970s had caught on big with the public. Over time, the Toyota Truck grew in size and popularity. It reached its pinnacle around the mid-1980s when it was the in-truck among young, import-loving buyers. Most of these trucks built between 1989 and 1994 are now little more than rust buckets or photo album memories. However, if you can find one in good shape, they have a reputation for going 200,000, 300,000, and even 400,000 miles. This generation is also very attractive and helped set Toyota’s pickup design language for the next few decades.

Fourth-Generation Debut for Toyota Tacoma in 2024

The Tacoma came out swinging with its redesign for 2024. A beefier, more square exterior screams “more capable.”  Sure, you can still find the basic SR trim and the nearly luxurious Limited grade on the other end of the trim-level spectrum. However, the soul of the Tacoma remains its competence in trekking off the pavement. Toyota swelled its trim-level hierarchy to include the all-new Trailhunter version. This brings the total of off-road trims to four. Moreover, Tacoma becomes the first in its class to provide a hybrid drivetrain as optional or standard for five trim levels. Our sister division, Kelley Blue Book, is so smitten with the redesigned Tacoma that it named Tacoma its Midsize Truck Best Buy for 2024.

The Toyota Tacoma Body Styles

Taking advantage of Tacoma’s redesign in 2024, Toyota renamed the Access Cab, bringing back the XtraCab moniker. The XtraCab has two doors and seating for two, while the Double Cab offers four doors and can seat up to five. The truck bed length choices remain five or six feet depending on the cab style and trim level.

The available Tacoma body combinations:

What Are the 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trims?

The Toyota Tacoma offers trims, including:

• Tacoma SR
• Tacoma SR5
• Tacoma TRD PreRunner
• Tacoma TRD Sport
• Tacoma TRD Off-Road
• Tacoma Limited
• Tacoma Trailhunter
• Tacoma TRD Pro

What Is the Tacoma 2024 Trailhunter?

Toyota describes the new Trailhunter as going from off-road to off-grid. Targeting the current overlanding craze, the Trailhunter is optimized for going where no camping enthusiast has gone before in a motorized vehicle. Think of overlanding as an almost survivalist exercise with off-roading as a key component. For this, Toyota provides standard equipment such as a high-clearance front bumper, an ARB steel rear bumper, steel underbody skid plates, and frame-mounted rock rails for extra protection. The 18-inch wheels are wrapped in 33-inch rugged-terrain tires. They are attached to the Tacoma’s ladder frame and chassis, featuring a suspension engineered by Old Man Emu with forged monotube shocks.

What Engine Is in the 2024 Toyota Tacoma?

You won’t find the naturally aspirated 4-cylinder and V6 engines in the fourth-gen Tacoma. Those are history. Beginning in 2024, Toyota employs two drivetrains providing thrust for the Tacoma.

• i-Force: The base SR arrives with a turbocharged 4-cylinder i-Force engine, generating 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. Although this engine appears standard in several other Tacoma trims, when it does, it makes 278 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. All these power numbers are with the 8-speed automatic transmission. The exceptions are the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims, which are standard with a 6-speed manual transmission (The automatic transmission is optional). Then, the turbo 4-cylinder delivers 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque.
• i-Force Max: The second drivetrain is the hybrid i-Force Max, which is standard in the Trailhunter and TRD Pro grades while optional in all other trims, beginning with the TRD PreRunner. It generates 326 hp and a whopping 465 lb-ft of torque.

What You Should Know About the Fourth-Generation Tacoma

Even if you can find a demo or some other lightly used 2024 Tacoma, it will cost nearly what a new one fetches probably. Here’s what else you need to know:

1. Improvements. Beyond the new drivetrains, Toyota made significant improvements inside and out to its midsize truck. For example, a new coil-spring multi-link rear suspension is standard, beginning with the TRD Sport grade. It’s also standard in the Double Cab versions of the SR5. To achieve a higher driving position, Toyota elevated the seats while maintaining the same headroom as the outgoing model.
2. Display. A 12.3-inch programable driver’s information display in the TRD PreRunner and higher trims monitors essential functions like vehicle speed, engine temperature, and fuel level, among other information. Beginning with the TRD Sport, a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen replaces the 8-inch one in the lower trims.
3. Audio. The larger display is accompanied by an upgraded JBL audio system with 10 speakers, one of which is a removable portable Bluetooth speaker. Two USB-C ports are installed in every Tacoma model.
4. Towing. Towing limits dropped a bit with the fourth generation, but not by much. The 6,500-pound maximum comes from specific XtraCab models with the i-Force 4-cylinder. Available Trailer Backup Guidance helps with overall maneuvering, while available Straight Path Assist provides hands-free assistance when backing a trailer in a straight line.
5. Truck bed: Enlarged by 7%, the bed box is a bit deeper to better accommodate taller cargo under the optional tonneau cover. The Sheet-Molded Compound (SMC) construction not only reduces the cargo box’s weight but also increases its strength and ding resistance.
6. Tailgate: Toyota borrowed the Tundra’s power aluminum tailgate as a Tacoma option. It automatically opens or closes with a push of a button located on the side of either taillight. Even better, it has a hands-free-close function activated by bumping the open tailgate with your knee.
7. Safety technology: Every Tacoma comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a bundle of active safety technology. Included are functions like automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, high-beam assist, and proactive driving assist (a semi-autonomous driver-assist technology). Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are optional in the SR but standard in all other trims. Front/rear parking assist, which warns of stationary objects when parking, is an option on every trim.

See 2024 to current Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you.

Third-Generation (2016-2023)

Styling became more familiar, with strong links to the larger Toyota Tundra and the Toyota 4Runner SUV. The 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine remained on the base trucks, but a new 3.5-liter V6 engine putting out 278 hp replaced the 4.0-liter engine. Manual and automatic transmissions remained in the lineup, as did optional 4WD. The frame and body were made stronger and lighter, and Toyota, having learned its lesson, treated from top to bottom in rust-resistant materials.

At Tacoma’s 2016 launch, Toyota offered it in five trim levels: SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road. Although the TRD Pro grade joined the Tacoma trim lineup in 2015, it didn’t return for the third generation until 2017, bringing the trim-level count to six. Half of its six trims were dedicated to heading off the pavement, reinforcing its reputation as a committed off-roader.

If you’re looking for a low-mileage used Tacoma with modern convenience features like a touchscreen infotainment system, more safety upgrades, and more room, this is the Tacoma to seek. However, it should be noted that the early models in this generation were plagued by many issues.

Most of these issues were resolved with software upgrades and don’t show up on the 2018 and newer models. If you are looking for the latest in driver assistance technology, look for a truck from 2018 or later. These models will include pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with sway warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

The Toyota Tacoma received a nice facelift for the 2020 model year. This update included a refreshed exterior and new standard and available tech features. Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa became standard on every trim. Larger touchscreens, a surround-view monitor, and a multi-terrain monitor were also available, and — finally — so was an optional power-adjustable driver’s seat. The 2020 update helped to keep the Tacoma competitive against more modern rivals.

Expect to pay top dollar for a newer Tacoma. For example,  a 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road with 40,000 miles can set you back $36,000. Late-model Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado pickups offer newer designs, features, and abilities for less money.

See 2016 to 2023 Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you.

Second Generation (2005-2015)

On the second go-round in 2005, Toyota made the Tacoma larger and built it better, officially upgrading it from a compact to a midsize pickup. Toyota paid particular attention to improving the Tacoma’s safety, which raised some of the worst side and front crash test ratings into the best side and front crash test ratings. Its configurations were renamed Regular Cab, Access Cab, and Crew Cab, the latter two getting roomier to accommodate rear-seat passengers better. The second-generation Tacoma offered 5-foot and 6-foot beds and even more options, including a new 4.0-liter V6 touting 236 hp. This engine, along with the truck’s new frame, gave the Tacoma a max payload rating of 1,650 pounds and a max tow rating of 6,500 pounds. In an attempt to appeal to urban-dwelling customers, Toyota created the Tacoma X-Runner.

This quasi-sport truck X-Runner featured the 4.0-liter engine and a 6-speed manual transmission, but it had 2-wheel drive (2WD) and a lowered suspension. The Tacoma gained more technology in these years, including features like downhill assist, hill-start assist, a locking rear differential, and more off-road packages with improved bracing and suspension parts. In 2009, the Tacoma got major safety upgrades, including Toyota’s Star Safety System, which added side-impact and head-curtain airbags. Later, Toyota replaced the limited-slip differential and the locking rear differential with an open electronic design that used the antilock braking system (ABS) to simulate the same response. In 2010, Toyota moved Tacoma production to San Antonio.

If you’re looking for an all-purpose pickup with a heavy emphasis on off-road adventuring, the best-used models run in the 2012-2015 range. The Tacoma of these years got a major makeover, with better styling and more upscale interior options. Consumers could fit the X-Runner with a TRD supercharger that bolted on and increased the V6’s horsepower to 304. After 2015, the Regular Cab model went away, and the TRD Pro Package was added. This setup was the ultimate in manufacturer off-road equipment and included Bilstein shocks, a 2-inch lift, a TRD exhaust, 16-inch TRD bead-lock style black alloy wheels, a hood scoop, and unique TRD paint and trim details.

As with the previous generation, pricing for a second-generation Tacoma will be on the top end of the used pickup market, even with high mileage. A few examples we found include a 2010 Toyota Tacoma 2WD Access Cab PreRunner with 188,000 miles listed for $13,000, a Tacoma 4WD Double Cab with 128,000 miles listed for $28,000, and a 2012 Tacoma Access Cab with 156,000 miles listed for $20,000.

See 2005 to 2015 Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you. 

First Generation (1995-2004)

The Tacoma’s interior was very upscale and light years ahead of the Ford Ranger and the Chevy S-10. The new truck instantly succeeded with the off-road crowd thanks to its impressive payload, rugged 4-wheel-drive design, and generous approach and departure angles. The lineup consisted of a standard cab, an extended Xtracab, and a shortened crew cab that Toyota called the Double Cab. Toyota also made a 2-wheel-drive model called the PreRunner, which had the lifted ride height and wheels from the 4×4 model but not the 4×4 system.

Throughout this generation, Toyota offered various trims with added features, but every trim used the same frame, suspension, and engines. The powertrain lineup consisted of a 142-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder, a 150-hp 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, and a 190-hp 3.4-liter V6. TRD, Toyota’s racing development team, produced an aftermarket supercharger for the V6 that boosted the horsepower to 254 and gave it 270 lb-ft of torque. For the most part, we think the V6 works best in the Tacoma, giving it the power it needs to pull, haul, and off-road. But the miserly fuel economy of the 4-cylinder trucks is hard to ignore — if you go that route, pick the 2.7-liter.

Now for the bad news. This generation held up fairly well from a mechanical point of view, but rust issues took a heavy toll on its reputation. It got so bad that Toyota had to extend the rust-and-corrosion warranty to 15 years and unlimited miles for 1995-2004 Tacoma models. The issue was excessive rust in the frame and in the leaf springs. In many cases, Toyota either replaced the truck’s frame or repurchased the vehicle. Several recalls were issued also during this time, mostly related to build quality. It’s important to note that for this generation of Tacoma, production was moved to the joint Toyota and GM facility in Fremont, California, and to Mexico.

Even with its many issues, a used Tacoma in this range will still be pricier than a comparable Ford, Nissan, or Chevy pickup. A few examples from the Autotrader classifieds show that a 2002 Tacoma Double Cab with between 170,000 and 200,000 miles sells for between $12,000 and $15,000, depending on the trim and its features. Adding a 4-wheel drive pushes the price up by a few thousand dollars.

See classic 1995-2000 and 2001-2004 Toyota Tacoma models for sale near you.

Is the Tacoma Really as Good as Everyone Says?

Mechanically, the Tacoma has always been as sound as its reputation proclaims. With the exception of a few early years when 4-cylinders saw head gasket issues and cracked exhaust manifolds, the Tacoma offers a very good track record for reliability and low repair costs. Of course, the truck fell down in the generations plagued by rust issues. However, Toyota took extraordinary steps to remedy the problem. Shoppers could find that most affected trucks received repairs or drove free of the issue.

Why Does the Toyota Tacoma Cost More Than Other Midsize Pickups?

The Tacoma offers an excellent reputation as a trouble-free pickup with strong reliability ratings and resale value. It’s also in high demand in the used truck market and can, therefore, fetch a higher premium. The Toyota Tacoma remains the champ within its class for retaining its value over the years.

How Much Can a Tacoma Tow and Haul?

• With the 4-cylinder engine, the first- and second-generation Tacoma models can tow about 3,500 pounds and carry payloads up to 1,600 pounds.
• With the V6 engine, the trailer rating increases to 5,000 pounds, and the payload rating increases between 1,600 and 2,000 pounds, depending on the model.
• The third-generation Tacoma V6 was tow-rated up to 6,800 pounds with a max payload of 1,540 pounds.
• With the fourth generation, the towing drops to a maximum of 6,500 pounds with the turbo 4-cylinder (XtraCab). However, the upper payload number grew to 1,705 pounds in the Double Cab.

What Is the Tacoma Safety Record?  

The first-generation Tacoma was not known for its great crash-test results. Even though some models had airbags, the front- and side-impact protection was only average. The same holds for other compact pickups of this era, so this issue isn’t specific to Toyota. Tacoma trucks from 2005 and later do much better, with 5-Star ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). They also earn Good ratings in the moderate-overlap front crash and side-impact tests from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The latest Tacoma, with Toyota’s added driver-assist and collision-prevention systems, scores very well on the same tests.

How Does the Toyota Tacoma Stack Up to the Competition?

Used Tacoma vs. Ford Ranger

Early-model Ford Ranger pickups, up to the 2012 model year, were not as reliable as the Tacoma, but they offered a few more engines and trim levels. When properly equipped, the Ranger is a good off-roader, but it can’t tow or haul as much as a Tacoma can. The newest Ranger, introduced in 2019, is a formidable challenger to the Tacoma, but it only comes with one engine option: a turbocharged 4-cylinder.

Used Tacoma vs. Used Chevrolet Colorado/S-10

In the early years, between 1995 and 2004, the S-10 was Chevrolet’s compact pickup. It was nowhere near as reliable or powerful as the Tacoma, and it didn’t hold its value as well. After 2006, the Chevy Colorado became the midsize truck to compete with the Tacoma. Its reliability and capability ratings weren’t as good as the Tacoma’s, and stylistically, it wasn’t as attractive. But it offered a V8 and a diesel engine option. Trucks from 2015 and later are much more competitive, offering some features and options not available on the Tacoma.

Used Tacoma vs. Used Nissan Frontier

Although it’s not as popular as the Tacoma, the Nissan Frontier proved its worth over the years, offering good ratings for reliability, power, and features. However, the Frontier hasn’t kept up with the times, making a newer-model Tacoma more desirable. In the off-road category, the Frontier Pro-4X does pretty well and can be easily modified with numerous aftermarket parts.

Is the Toyota Tacoma a Good Vehicle?

Issues with rust aside, the Tacoma has been a very good truck for most generations. The 4- and 6-cylinder engines are noted for easily hitting the 200,000-mile mark with minimal fuss, and the transmissions and 4×4 systems are equally robust. You’ll pay more for a Tacoma than a comparably equipped Ford, Chevy, or Nissan truck. But in the long run, a Tacoma will probably serve you better, cost less to maintain, and sell for more money when it comes time to let it go.

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated for accuracy since it was originally published.