Best model of Tacoma

I am looking at Toyotas. Not real sure if I want a Tacoma or a Tundra. I leaning more toward a Tacoma 2nd gen do to the 4.0 V6 engine I hear they are very reliable compared to the 3.5 V6 in newer models. Which would you all choose? I would also like 4x4 as well since I get some snow and hunt once in a good while when I have time. How many miles is too many on a Toyota that is bought used of course. Id also like the TRD package but thats just a want not a need.

 

Regardless of the model, frame rust is the first thing to check when shopping around.

 

2013, last year of clock on dash.

 

All generations of the Tacoma trucks are good, they all have their flaws. Personally, I wish that I never had sold my 1st gen, current 2nd gen is unstoppable, most likely will buy a 3rd gen next. Here's my current truck. Good luck with your search and welcome to TW.

 

2015, last year of the 2nd gens. Most issues with previous years worked out.

 

Thank you, and nice truck

 

Dash or center console?

 

Unless you swap a head unit from a 2015 to your 2012 like I did.

 

I was looking for a 2015 and couldn't find exactly what I wanted so a 2012 had to do.

 

Below the radio lol…how do you like your C4 bumper? Is the gap bad with your body lift?

 

My front bumper is Brute Force Fab. The gap is only 1" so I don't even notice it anymore.

 

Thought it was a C4 for some reason, been looking at your channel eyeing your truck…lol.

 

The Ultimate Showdown

What is better 1st gen or 2nd gen?

 

I can’t believe I sold my 1st gen 2002 5 speed 2.7. Had around 65k miles in 2008 when I traded it. Had the annoying occasional dash rattle but was otherwise mint.

 

What are your selection criteria?
What - and how much - do you need to haul?
Price point?
Does MPG matter?
Does it need to fit in a garage? City parking spaces?
Do you have to fit car seats? How many?
Transmission: manual vs automatic?

They're all good trucks, but some are better at some things than others.

 

I would get a well maintained 2nd gen. Even if it has 100k miles it doesn’t really matter as long as frame looks good and it shifts into 4hi and low. If I got a 3rd gen it would be new to get full warranty.

 

How about one of each........My dailey driver (commuter, grocery getter) - Tacoma, When I need "more" truck (towing, passengers) - Tundra

 

I would say a 12-15 with 2015 being the "best".

Add HPTuners and ditch the Secondary Air Injection System (SAIS) as that can become a reliability issue if and when the air injection pump goes out. If you're in a non emissions area, even still it will probably be fine since it doesn't show on the scan tool that anything is missing and I don't believe a sniffer would notice the lack of SAIS. It will fail, some sooner than later depending on the environment. If a component in the system fails, it is expensive and puts your truck in limp mode. The best way to bypass this is the 2 links below. Another benefit to HPTuners is the slight addition of power, more linear throttle respones, massive improvement in transmission logic (makes it behave like it should have from the factory) and allows you to optimize your tune for future engine modifications via remote tune.

Link for HPTuners
https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/25894797/

SAIS Delete - FOR OFFROAD USE ONLY - I TAKE NO LIABILTY FOR LAW! haha
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/secondary-air-injection-system-removal-diy-sais.655470/

 

13-15 model years are the best.