What year to buy?

I am 'sort of' thinking about buying a new(er) Tacoma, but I don't know where to start. What years are good and what to avoid. Help, please. In the past I owned a '94 pickup with an R22 4 cyl and later, I had a 2000 Tacoma TRD extra cab with a 6 cyl. Both were good, but given the choice, I would take the 4 cyl over the V6. Whatever I end up getting, it will be 4WD.
TIA to all who chime in with advice.

 

maybe a couple of useful threads regarding 4 vs 6:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4-vs-6-cylinder-tacoma.744393/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/4cyl-over-6cyl-any-regrets.289240/

 

the 2024 is a 4 cyl

 

What generation(s) are you considering?

1st gen (95-04)
2nd gen (05-15)
3rd gen (16-23)
4th gen (24+)

There's pros and cons to each as well as a few year/model combinations to shy away from.

 

This can’t be for real, not after some of the other shenanigans today.. anything but the 23 this guy has apparently. Sorry

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/piece-of-junk.831110/#post-29786681

 

that guy just has buyers remorse. Prob paid a shit ton in markup and it doesn't give him a handy every time he drives so he's pissed

 

I’ve been extremely happy with my 2021. It has the 3.5L V6.

56K trouble free miles so far.

 

Well, I was originally thinking about a "newer" Tacoma; maybe a '22 or newer. Whatever I get will have to be 4WD. The fact that the '24's are only 4 cyl doesn't bother me. I live way out in the country on 13,500 acres and 4WD is the only way to go for me, having a short wheelbase is very important. I have not ruled out buying a regular cab, short bed truck, but no one seems to build those these days. Perhaps I will need to look at Canyons or Colorado??? I am NOt a Ferd guy.

 

As work vehicles I've managed 2013,2014,2015,2017,2020,2021, and 2023. My personal is a 2016. I prefer the 2016. No window sensors to have to get recalibrated on windshield replacement. But all the other wants are there. With the work trucks stay away from the 4 cyl. Life is maybe 150k miles. The 6 cyl. easily top 200K. Haven't had a six die on me yet. Near Denver. The 4's do not like the hills, especially with a shell and 300-400 pounds in the bed. Personally I had a 2001,4 cyl., non-work truck that lasted me 16 years. With about 150k miles at trade-in.

 

Wait, in your other thread you said you had a 2009. Since it's obvious you're a shit stirrer, did you get kicked out of all the casinos in Reno and now you have nothing to do on a Friday night?

Wait, get ready for it:

 

I never ever said I had a 2009.????? WTF are you talking about?

 

The last year of the single cab was 2014.
Anything new than that is on the AC or DC frame.

If you want the 4 cylinder, id go with an Access Cab. It will a bit lighter in weight.
The 4 cylinder in the 2nd and 3rd gen trucks lack power in the Access cab and DC trucks.

I'd personally go with as new of a 3rd gen as I can find if you want the 4 cyl.
But to be honest, I think you'd like a 6 better.
My pick would be a 2013-2015 4.0. Or a 2022+ 3.5

 

To show my ignorance in this area; what is meant by AC and DC frame? AC= access cab and DC = double cab? My 94 pickup had zero frame rust, but the 2000 had some---not serious, but far more than the 94.
Thanks for your info. I might be tempted to go with a '24, but I have no idea about whether it has serious known issues.

 

Be a beta tester and report back to us!

 

You say you don't know where to start? How about starting with how much money you have to have to spend.

 

Yes.

AC - Access Cab.
DC - Double Cab.

As for the 2024. It's unknown,
I believe the engine is very similar to some in the Lexus that have been out for a couple years now. .
So it should have a good "start" on reliability.

Suspension and driveline? That's unknown.

 

I "could" spend $60K, but I'm more likely to keep it in the mid-40's. It's not like I don't have other trucks.

 

Well, in that price range you can go in pretty much any direction. It's a good problem to have. I will say both of your previous trucks were great. The 22re and 3.4 are two of my favorite Toyota engines ever made.

 

IF....a big if, you can get a dealer to sell you an SR5 at MSRP. You could be in the Mid-40's on a 2024.
I'd look into the SR5 upgrade option if you have the extra cash. It gives you the tow controller should you want to tow.

 

Thank you!!!!!