Best and Not-the-best years to buy 2nd Gen

For the 4x2 trim, which were the best and not so good years?

I’m making a point of not saying “worst years” because I know these trucks are bulletproof.

Are there years known for particular problem(s)?

 

2009-2011 are fine.
2013-2015 are the best.

And that is obviously my opinion. Other will probably have a different opinion.

 

Thanks Deogee

 

Trade your 2014 rust bucket in for a 2016 and move south! FML.. wait, nevermind!

 

going to +1 this.

05-06 had potential head gasket issues on the v6's and frames caving in at the motor mounts.

07-08 are great trucks but lack creature comforts and safety standards.

09-11 v6 trucks saw creature comforts and safety features standard (backup cam, traction control, side curtain airbags).

2012 + got the facelift and saw the introduction of the SAIS emissions air injection system on the v6 but lacked the shutdown purge causing moisture issues.... stay away from 2012

2013-2015 v6's are great as toyota redid the coding to introduce the shutdown purge of SAIS making the system less prone to moisture buildup (do the uni filter however).

2014-2015 saw the REMOVAL of the autodimming compass and outside temp mirror



TLDR: 05,06,12 are the years to avoid.

 

I've read better seats came starting in the 2007 like I have. I can say that with only manual fore and aft and a lumbar adjustments, they are very comfortable IMO. More so than the Honda CR-V I traded in for it. As mentioned above, no creature comforts but good to hear overall the 07-08s have a good reputation.

 

I agree with everything you said. I own an 07 and I left the 07-08 out for the lack of “convenience features” but mostly because the Sport trucks had a mechanical LSD and and the Offeaod has no traction control what so ever. It spins one wheel.

I guess one could argue that the 2007-2008 are the best to mod. Since you don’t have to worry about VSC throwing a fit on you.

I kind of refer to the early 2nd gens as an upgraded 1st Gen. Better engine (power) and more gears (transmission)
It’s like old school 1st technology. Simple.

Except the damn 4WD. I still think manual transfer cases and Locking hubs are better.

 

Excellent short and to the point write up. I'm stealing it. Thank you.

The seats frames and padding stayed unchanged from 2005 to 2020 and only materials of the cover were changed. 2020 saw the introduction of electric power seats. I haven't looked at the 2021 and 2022's yet.

 

05-11 have pink tail lights, so they look stupid.

13-15 is the best looking and least problematic. Most have bluetooth and backup cameras.

12 has the famous v6 air injection problems.

 

2015 is best

 

Love the simplicity and ride of my 07 Prerunner.

 

I don't think there is a bad year. Some features are available on late model 2nd gens that may not be on older versions. But my 2007 has given me 226,000 trouble free miles. The AC still blows cold air, it doesn't use a drop of oil, and I've never had any issues with 4X4 not working. The rear diff didn't want to lock briefly, but just using it regularly has solved that issue. In almost 16 years I've put an alternator on it at 180,000 miles. Other than that just normal stuff.

 

2008 here SR5 convenience package #2 ( no tow package or upgraded wheels )
Almost 148000 miles and replaced recently AC compressor ,alternator , calipers and sway bar links . Also replaced the electronic solenoid on auto trans a while ago because the wires were crusty and it hesitated going into D from P . I have a shit ton of mods that have been done so some of those are probably why certain things have been replaced like the calipers and sway bar links . Lifted on 33s” . Added my own tow package . My truck is definitely beefier than a TRD PRO now . I will never get rid of it !
Also new frame because I’m living in the rust belt
Some people ask me about it and they can’t believe it’s 14 years old .

 

This is what I like to hear recently acquiring a 2007. My AC doesn't work, pulled the fuse for now because I believe the compressor is seized, last time I tried it the rpms went way down and I smelled (I assume) belt rubber. Hope to have it fixed soon.

I've got just under 150,000 miles on mine. What engine is yours?

Just looked at your photo, being a double cab TRD then a V6?

 

I disagree.

I vote 2014 is the best; it still has the clock and back up camera is in the head unit.

 

You have the 2.7. About the only thing you need to watch for is the coolant by-pass pipe.
The early models had a plastic pipe that was prone to leaks. They updated it later.

Other than that, you don’t have much to watch for. Or at least not for a long long time.
I’m betting with regular maintenance, you’ll get to 300k easily.

 

Good to know, and will look for that coolant bypass pipe.

 

Save this link for “if” you ever have to do it.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/leaky-gasket-on-coolant-bypass-housing.417873/

 

Thanks - and wow hoping I won't have to do it!

 

I'd normally lean towards saying the 2015, as it's the last year for the generation and IMO the best year for anything is almost always the last year of production. However I agree with this poster: I like the "old-school" clock that was in them through 2014. "Retro/nostalgia". I also like the backup camera display in the head unit on the dash. I thought the 2015 had the cam there too.