I'm looking to buy a used truck. My budget is anything in the 2004-2012 era. I know how to fix my own vehicles, but I don't want something that's going to break down every week like my Jeep. What are your thoughts on the Toyota Tacoma? Which years were the best made? Or would you recommend a different truck? Thanks a ton!
I personally wouldn't buy anything after 2005 unless it's a 3/4 ton work truck without all the electronic junk. Check online problems by year and model for reviews, recalls, etc. There are lots of good ones of all brands out there but you have to do the research to find one. Best of luck.
Tacomas are the best midsize trucks on the market. I believe up to 2010 some of the Tacomas had frame rust issues, so make sure you thoroughly check out the undercarriage on the ones you check out. If the frame is solid, then those trucks are super durable.
Prices for Tacoma will be higher than other trucks, but they will last a long time. Nevertheless, what are you trying to get out of the truck? That will determine which truck is optimal for your situation. Do you need it for off-road, towing, payload, how many passengers comfortably fit, etc.? Are you looking at midsize, fully-size, half-ton? We will need more constraints to hone in for you.
Aside from that also check the videos below:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wWP3baxDt3w&list=PLh3LJqzACNaPK0nX3wIypD0FBUd8rILQE&index=4
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=u6Jx0dWLQSI&list=PLh3LJqzACNaPK0nX3wIypD0FBUd8rILQE&index=10
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7wDmoUm5VCI&list=PLh3LJqzACNaPK0nX3wIypD0FBUd8rILQE&index=1
If you need a full-size pickup aside from a Tundra from the later 2000s and early 2010s, I would also recommend a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8.
2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma had the frame rust issues. There was a class action lawsuit and Toyota had to replace the rusted frames. See below for reference:
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/avoid-these-used-toyota-tacoma-models-unless-you-love-rust/
I really like Toyota Tundras or Tacomas. They stand the test of time and won't leave you stranded like some others. They hold their value pretty well so they are more on the expensive side, at least where I come from, but yeah, go for Toyota.
The Toyota Tacoma is an excellent truck but make sure it isn't all rusted out. Also keep in mind they go for a lot since they are known to be the best of the class. For something a bit cheaper but still relatively reliable, I'd also consider the Nissan Frontier (the later years you stated), and the F-150 5.0 for a midsize.
