Buying Used Tacoma

Hello all,

Recently posted about the towing capabilities of the manual Tacoma to make sure it will suit my needs for towing a 21ft center console, and after test driving a manual 2018 TRD sport, I'm looking to buy a truck by spring.

My question is about buying a used truck. I'm looking at 2016-2017 TRD sport manual trucks with around 25,000 - 40,000 miles, they are usually in the $26-$31k price range. Ideally, id get a certified pre-owned vehicle but am open to whatever is the best deal.

I'm looking for any advice on buying a used Tacoma. What were other peoples experiences with a used truck? What should I look for? Anything I should be concerned about?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

 

Since 31K is the high end of your price range, unless your budget is tight why not look at a new Tacoma for a few grand more?

 

I agree, buy a new with MT..............

 

You're so close on price, I'd go new.

 

31 is def on the high range, so I get buying a new one would be not that far off. The one I priced out at the dealer was $38k new for a 2019 TRD sport. I found a used one online, 2016 TRD Sport $28k with 30k miles with the trim I'm looking for (crew cab, manual). Seems like a fair deal.

I'm def torn on new vs used, but i think saving 10k is potentially worth it. Ideally if I could find a CPO with some type of warranty.

 

I have been quoted under $33 k for a brand new one from a dealer that doesn't charge any dealer fees.

 

If you do end up buying used, check it out thoroughly or have a mechanic look it over. Here is a thread by someone that bought a used 2016 a week ago and it is starting to smoke.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/white-smoke.583967/

 

Towing with a manual sucks. I don't know why anyone would recommend it. It's a Tacoma not a Peterbilt

 

In a low power unit like a Tacoma I prefer a manual for towing, since what gear you are in is much more important.

 

Until you go to a boat launch.

 

Hmmmm Not sure what you mean.... I been to many boat launches with my boat and the Tacoma towing it with no issues maybe because my boat does not weight so much however the only time I have to take care is backing up an incline to my RV pad - 60 foot up a drive way at oh I would say (without being positive) it is at 10 to 15 degree plus over 40 foot of it so I just place it in 4x4 low and stay straight no problem so far.

 

I enjoy driving manual, and I tow my boat occasionally (I usually keep it in a slip). I would hate to drive an auto because im towing 5% of my time.

 

What is the weight of the Boat? only time I have had any concerns has been backing Up an Incline, outside of that it has been very good tows well (my boat and trailer come in at 2600#)

 

When I tested the taco i did a lot of hill starts (to emulate the boat launch). I had it in 4lo and started in 2nd gear, had the e up and gave it 2500/3000 rps and released the clutch with ease and felt it catch, then dropped the e with no roll back.

Wondering why you don't like towing in manual? Not judging or anything, just curious before I make a decision to purchase a vehicle.

 

Weight is 4000 lbs w/ trailer fully fueled im guessing, maybe less, the weight of the hull is 2200lbs. Plus engine and gas prob 3000-4000.

 

Stretch

My advise.... stretch your budget just a few grand more and buy new. I was like you initially looking low mileage used and quickly realized I could get a new truck for not much more money. These things hold on to their value so well.

 

I love towing with the Manual Once you understand and know the "feel" for the gear to be in and when to change it becomes second nature - I don't think like "oh shift up to 3rd now" or "stop coming up better down shift" I just do it ..... the only Bad thing about it is when I get in an Automatic car or truck.... oh no that can be very bad when I try to down shift at the stop light because "that clutch pedal" is actually a Brake pedal........ there are those who refuse to ride with me if the thing is an automatic....

 

I bought a new 18 dcsb off road manual with the premium package in August for 35k (in this state that’s tax, tag and title fees) out the door and I probably could have worked them a little more. If memory serves it was 41k sticker price. Started shopping a month before I bought.
If your credit is good you can work a good deal. My advice would be to start shopping early and start working a few dealers in your area. The key to this is walking away from the dealership and be patient, make them come to you. Have bought all my new cars this way, it has always worked.
Should get a better interest rate buying new also.

Personally I wouldn’t buy a 16, no disrespect to any 16 owners. Toyota continues to make improvements every model year. I would go for a 19.
Good luck whatever direction you go.

 

you will be in the range of the Tacoma with the V-6 it has the ability to tow up to 6,800 pounds with a maximum payload of 1,540 pounds but I personally would not go to the max because in my area I have to deal with Mountain roads a lot but you will be ok otherwise.

 

I just bought my first tacoma earlier this year and boy did I learn alot about how much they hold their value. I initially was looking for 2nd gen about 10 years old or so 4x4 with decent miles. I couldn't believe how much they were going for so I changed my search to look at something around 5 years old and again, I was in for the shock of my life when it came to pricing. So I ended up looking at a 3rd gen 16 or 17. I ended up just giving up and got a pretty good deal on an 18 trd sport. So if you can afford 31k on a used one then you may as well get a new one and I'm sure you can get a hell of a deal on 2018 model of your choice.