What year Tacoma?

[Darksoul]

So as this is my first official post, let me start by saying what a great forum this is, I've learned a lot just lurking about. That being said, I have been prepping myself to start building up a Tacoma, I prefer it to be a more recent model, 2012, 13, or 14, I am NOT going to buy a current model, just can't deal with the massive loss of value on new trucks, when you can just get last years for so much less with next to no mileage.

Anyways, my intention is to throw a rack and RTT on it, tires, ICON suspension, bumpers etc, the standard build. My plan is to see as much of the USA as I can over the next few years, and I just need a solid base. So to anyone's knowledge, is there any particular recent model year Taco that is better than the others?

My dream vehicle was always an FJ60/62, which I did buy, found a great one out of Oregon in very good shape for a 25 year old truck, but seeing as how parts are getting harder and harder to find, and in Cali, it's such a PITA to do engine swaps, and I just want simplicity in repairs, I have just decided to let her go, and get a newer rig.

This is after a bit of work on suspension, bumpers and such, she has sliders and a few scratches on her now, but the interior is still in amazing shape, and all but one small rust spot on a side wagon window, and a scrape down to the primer on the right side body (achieved before the sliders were installed).

I am currently caring for my terminally ill mother who I have here at home with me, so I have some time to do research and planning, and will get to buying and building a little later. So if any of you have pros and cons on the model year, and any other pitfalls to be aware of, any advice would be welcome.

 

[Martinjmpr]

, I am NOT going to buy a current model, just can't deal with the massive loss of value on new trucks, when you can just get last years for so much less with next to no mileage.

.
Good luck with that. :sombrero: Have you shopped for a used Tacoma lately?

 

[Darksoul]

I have, a lot actually, and I'll take $5-$7k off for a year or 2 older. To me, that's a good chunk of change.

 

[Adventurous]

I have, a lot actually, and I'll take $5-$7k off for a year or 2 older. To me, that's a good chunk of change.

You must be in a good market then. Around here something a year or two older with 50K on the clock was $2K less than new.

As far as any years that are better, not really. With the exception of cosmetics the 2005+ are all mostly the same.

 

[Yulli]

Before I bought, a 2013/14 with "low miles" was 29k for a TRD Off Road DC. I said fooq it and spent the 31k for a new one instead.

 

[SIZZLE]

Welcome!

I thought i'd never buy another new car or truck again...until i searched for a 2nd Gen! Used prices were rediculous, it made more sense to buy new with the warranty and free services. YMMV.

But anyway, no real advantage in the years you are talking about. Earlier, they went from a 4 spd auto to a 5 spd, which is better. And i think that ATRAC was not available at first either. But since the facelift in 2012, they've all been the same.

Good luck!

 

[Danimal]

I bought a 2011 Double Cab TRD O/R and decided it wasn't for me. It sold for more than I paid new, and it had 11,000 miles on it. I've never heard of something like that happening...

Dan