New Pre-Owned 2023 Tacoma vs My 2015 Tacoma

My 2015 has served me well and upgraded with a towing brake controller and new Interstate battery. Its a V6 with tow package and 4wd, but my trailer is very close to the max for this truck and I am thinking of upgrading to a 2023 or so. They (2023) have 6,500 or 6300 (4wd) capacity for towing. Trailer I believe is 4700 Lbs and we do not carry water so its about that weight.

I find at the dealers used certified pre owned 3,000 miles and 25,000 miles?? One does not have 4wd but other than that they have trailer towing package and V6 automatic.

So why are people trading in those like new trucks? Is there something wrong with these newer ones??

 

Lots of people trade in new vehicles after a short period of ownership. I've considered it but currently there isn't anything out there that hits all the checkboxes of what I have.

 

The new ones are fine. People just trade them in and out b/c the resale values hold up about as good as a Porsche 911.

 

If I was towing 5K regularly, I would get a full-size.

And no, nothing wrong with new trucks. They are slowly proving to be as reliable as previous gens.

 

I have a 2014 DC 4x4 with the towing package/Class IV hitch. According to the specs in the sales brochure I'm looking at from that year, it is rated for 6,400 lbs/350 lbs tongue load. The PreRunner and access cab get another hundred lbs: 6,500 lbs./350 lbs.

That said, I feel a realistic figure is somewhat less... a lot less. I have had 2,500 behind me, and with full fuel and gear in the bed, that is all I'd ever want back there. It's handles the hitch ball load fine: little to no sag and tows very stable/well: but it's the brakes... it's always the brakes: Not confidence inspiring. Maybe if you're crossing Nevada on I-80, but not around here.... Nah. You have to put everything into the right foot when things go south, maybe even wake up the ABS to assist, and it still feels iffy.

 

I use my trailer brakes.... not an issue with my 2015 and 4,700 lbs or so.

 

Nothing wrong with the new ones . I honestly think some people think they want a truck and go buy one only to realize it’s not like a car, and they end up selling because it really wasn’t for them .

 

That I believe and agree with. IMO, it definitely needs the assistance of trailer brakes to even come close to the 6,500 rating. Anything back there over 3,000 without them turns it into a long stressful day. I'm in the Eastern part of the country: enough said...

 

Have you looked at new 2023s in your area? In Oregon you can find big discounts off of MSRP.

 

There are around for sure . Brand new is a good thing

 

You didn’t exactly ask but I’d keep the 2015 unless you are going to a bigger truck, tundra, 150, 250 etc

On paper they are about the same for towing, but I’ve never heard anyone say the 3.5 is better for towing and lots of people feel like the 4.0 is better. Gas mileage might be a bit better but honestly I doubt it.

 

I may get flamed for this but If I were in your shoes, I’d keep the 2015 . Better engine and performance overall . Btw how many miles on your 2015

 

^^^This^^^

I don't see what you're really going to gain by getting a 3rd gen 3.5L. Like previous poster noted: they have essentially the same tow rating/specs and still have the 1950's rear drum brakes: just not as big. It doesn't seem like you're having any problems with your current trucks' set-up. Pushing things to/above the 5,000+ lb level or above, I would be looking at a full size truck. (IMHO)

 

I actually just picked up my 23' TRDOR DCSB that just got CPO'd. Friend (who works as a sales manager) told me it was an older gentleman who wanted to love the Tacoma in Manual Transmission, but ended up hating it. Traded it in for a 23' TRDOR DCSB less spec'd out, but with an AT.

 

I'd never go back to a manual transmission and my wife has a RAV4 with all the safety features. I want her to be able to drive with the same features if something happens to me. We are both senior citizens and would like to gently pull the TT with our two dogs to nice places and just camp. Even to Florida from Iowa for part of the winter. I thought the 3d generation had a 1000 lbs more tow compared to the 2015 I have with 99,000 miles.

 

Bought my 2022 last April and it only had 2500 miles on it. Guy bought it in September 2022 and traded it in December 2022. Guy loved the truck, but really needed a full size. So, there is things that can happen and you see low mile "new" trucks on lots. Worked out perfect for me as it was the only 6MT truck optioned how I wanted within 2 hours.

 

I think there was also a lot of $$ over extension with some of these folks the past few years, and traded to recover. It's not just Tacos. The financial world for individuals has been 'interesting' lately.

Not sure where you're located, but if you're not getting massively rusted out keep what you got if it works for you IMO. Or is post 15 stating the current truck is a manual? Then if you need an auto that's a good reason for the change.

Edit : Sorry, missed the "Iowa" part in your post .... durrrr lol.

 

I went from a 15 to a 23. I would have kept my 15 if it wasn't an access cab. Such a better driving truck.

 

OP just get a Tundra and forget everything else! You’ll be so much happier with it, some (maybe even all) come with an integrated trailer brake controller. They are available with all the safety features you could ask for. Plus the longer wheel base and more power will make you so much more comfortable during the drives, you’ll find yourselves going even more places!

 

Fair enough. We're different people in a different part of our lives.

Wife and I are just about to hit our 30's and start a family. Wife drives the Tesla which will be the primary family car, with the Taco being my DD + long distance truck + camper, etc. I've taught the wife how to drive stick just well enough so she can row through the gears and be able to drive the car.