Any other old Toyota models you’d recommend?

Any other Toyotas you’d recommend?

My partner and I are looking for a 2nd car. I unfortunately had to sell my 03’ Tacoma this past summer, and now am considering getting another vehicle.

Although, the absurd prices for Tacomas are certainly a barrier to re-entry. While I’ve pondered getting my ‘dream spec’, which would be a manual, access cab, in great condition, spending half my savings on a grocery getter doesn’t seem smart right now. I also have a Tundra that scratches that itch. We’d even love a 2WD 2.7l, but people seem to think they’re worth their weight in gold as well.

So my question is, what other Toyota Vehicles, or just any car in general, offers the reliability of a Tacoma? I personally love old Corollas, and have heard Siennas and Camry’s are good as well. I’m personally just looking at older cars, where we’d be happy getting the most reliable vehicle for the least amount of money. Cool and fun are not high on the priority list. I’d always rather spend the money upfront on a well maintained vehicle than spending $$$ at the mechanic.

 

My other truck is a 2nd gen frontier with the v6 and 6 speed manual, its been very very little trouble. I think I've had the engine cover off once to change spark plugs and the engine bay only smells like dust.


If you're wanting only toyota - then get a Matrix or a Pontiac Vibe.

 

Go to Nevada or Arizona. People here are high on drugs and think that their 20-year-old Tacoma is worth $30,000.

 

Another vote here for a first gen Matrix or Vibe. Failing that, a 9th gen Corolla. My wife's parents have a 2004 that's so far only needed a new clutch. I can't necessarily recommend the 10th gen Corolla as after 78k miles, ours has needed a new water pump and a new alternator.

 

3rd gen 4runner

 

I’m casually hunting for an AWD Sienna. Having comfortable seating for 7 is a really nice complement to my fleet of 2RC pickups + 1 DC which is getting cramped.

Value is there for a used minivan, particularly loaded trims like Limited, as once kids grow up, many affluent parents are happy to ditch the minivan and get something sexy.

 

I don't think you can go wrong with any well-maintained Corolla, Camry, or Rav4. They've all been high sellers, too, so there should be plenty of used models to choose from.

Pre-2012 you could even get a Rav4 with the V6, which is pretty cool in itself.

 

Basically any Toyota between 1985 and 2010 is going to be bulletproof. Add in the 5th gen 4runner and 2nd Gen Tacoma.

 

2007-2018 Toyota Yaris (not the Yaris IA, which is a Mazda)

1.5L with automatic will run indefinitely with proper maintenance.

 

We've had the 8th,9th, 10th gen Corollas and they've all been reliable work horses. For some reason I still liked our '08 the best. Dull but solid as a brick. The 16 had all the toys but didn't seem quite as tightly put together. All dead reliable. Our Matrix was noisy and tinny but fun to drive and could hold a lot of gear. Rear disc brakes tend to be a weak link. It was a '10 and my son traded it in for a Tacoma last year when it needed an alternator, exhaust and rear brakes (again).
Cheers.

 

Anything with a 22R engine

 

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...^^^... Any new Toyota Sienna and/or lightly used one is very rare here in the SE. An AWD unit is rarer than hens teeth here. Good luck.

 

My ex girlfriends car died and she had no money
Bought her an old Carolla- super reliable and easy to work on

 

Funny story...

We are stationed at Hickam AFB, Hawaii in 2002...

At the Honda Dealership...we drive the Honda Odyssey & Pilot...I pick the Odyssey and wife/daughters pick the Pilot.

We buy the Pilot and it lasts us through the kids growing up (200K miles+) and then the accident.

Luckily, it led me to the 2021 Tacoma Sport I have now...been happy ever since.

The First Gen Tacomas are vintage and look great...that's what I would recommend.

 

Family member in HS just bought a one owner, well maintained 2000 Camry. 200k, $2000. Everything works.

We've done rear struts & 2 tires that were new

4 interior door handles, 1 front speaker, and one power window motor from pick and pull for around $100

Hard to beat the TCO on that.

 

I'm partial to the 3rd gen T4R's, but a good condition one is as proportionally expensive as a clean FZJ80.

 

Older Camry's and ES350's.

 

We have a 2023 Rav4 that works well for us. Before it was a 2016 Rav4 that worked well.

 

My wife and I bought a couple new cars last year when we gave our daughter my wifes 2011 Rav4. We got the wife a 24 Corolla Cross Hybrid and I got a 24 Rav4 Prime. Both great vehicles, I absolutely love my Prime, it is my daily and is fun as hell. The Tacoma is my once a week trash drop off, drive in the snow and boat and trailer towing toy now.

 

I daily drive a 2012 RAV4. Just hit 100,000 miles. Love that rig. Bought the wife a 2024 CX-5 so the Tacoma sits in the garage.