Are new models as well made as older models? Reasonable to expect 150K - 200K miles with little to no issues assuming proper maintenance? Lots of discussion on this topic on the net but I know a fair number of campfire dudes run around in them and I can always expect a fair and balanced discussion on the fire. Expected use would be mostly highway commute, occasional light towing, maybe driving too fast through a pasture on the weekends.

Bought a 2015 Tacoma Doublecab 4x4 2 years ago after driving the same in a 2002 for 13 years and all I can say is they're both fine trucks. Aside from normal maintenance, the only money I put into the 2002 was a cracked radiator at around 200,000 miles. As long as Toyota makes them, I'll never buy anything else.
My 2015

I have a 2012 Tacoma and it has been a great truck for me. However, for what it's worth, Consumer Reports just named it one of the 10 worst vehicles of 2017.

http://www.consumerreports.org/new-cars/10-of-the-lowest-rated-cars-for-2017/

The new Tacomas do not get good gas mileage. They are plenty strong for light towing. They are made well, but a very different animal than they were in 1988. I've worn out a couple and owned a couple more. The popularity of Toyota trucks (4x4)comes mostly from the fact that they are tough as hell and nothing else can tough them for off-road use.

I just read this on the short description under the Tacoma in the consumer report, "Despite the recent redesign, the ride remains stiff, handling is ponderous". Stiff? Apparently the person that wrote that hasn't ridden in many 3/4 ton trucks. LOL....a Tacoma rides a bit stiff because it's made to go off road, unlike most of the other mid-sized cracker boxes on the road that are made to go down the highway and not LEAVE the pavement.

I have an older Tundra, and it is pretty stellar except for the 16mpg on a good day. I really want to get a Tacoma, but they have a lot of negative press. I have the cash set aside fr a new truck, but I am afraid I will be paying for trips to the dealer. If you look on the Tacoma forums, the same problems with hood vibration, poor seats, shifting, lack of low end torque, stalling on inclines due to low oil, water leaks, and howling differentials seem to be very common. Love my Tundra, but afraid to get a Tacoma, and I really wanted something new. I am pissed about what I read.

I'm pleased with mine. 92,000 miles on it now; 2011 4x4 4 door 6' box.

Other than oil changes, cabin air filter, 2nd set of tires after the originals and one set of brakes although I don't recall front or rear??

I should probably put a new battery in........

I should add; ICGAF about mpg. Reliability and resale trump ALL.

I have a 2004 Tundra that's approaching 300k and is my wife's truck now (we traded off her newer Ford Van for the 2014 Tundra). No major problems other than normal, wear and tear maintenance.

My new Tundra, 2014, 5.7 engine, actually gets better mileage than the 2004. Both neighbors own Tacomas and just love them. I looked long and hard at the Tacoma but they are too rough riding and way too small for me.

I have a 2016 4 dr with the long bed TRD off-road package and I would not have another vehicle. I had a 2013 I traded on this one and I get better mileage with a bigger truck. Only issue I had is a passenger windshield fluid nozzle was the wrong angle.

Current Truck



2013 Truck

My son has one, not sure of the year, but 130,000 miles. Very reliable. Too small for me, Ill stay with my Silverado.

Consumer report has different criteria then most for them to come up with that.
My son has a 2006 and it is problematic
I had a 2009(rear wheel bearing failure)trim fell off the roof. cheap materials in the interior

I had a 2014 that had no issues other then had to be constantly realigned. I have not driven the new generation one yet

My 2008 4x4 Tacoma has been stellar, just tires and routine maintenance at the dealer...I don't check my mileage, if I want to save gas then I drive my Subaru Turbo

The TRD's are worth it if you're gonna be off road a lot. The lockers saved my ass on more than one occasion and the suspension is great.

I'm skeptical but if the above is true I'm sure Glad I've decided to drive my 02 Taco until I die.
In 15 years and 140,000 miles I've put a battery and three sets of wiper blades on it.

The OP mentioned a commute, therefore mileage is probably a consideration. That so-so mileage get really bad when you tow. I mean REALLY bad.

I love Tacomas, but they are not perfect. Nothing is.

Have a '17 TRD OR. I like the ride, is smooth, feels good, fairly quiet. My overall mileage is 21mpg, but my daily commute has a lot of 35-55mph in it. The best highway mileage I've had was 23.3 but that was also going down in elevation half of that tank and with a tailwind half that tank. Overall average tanks on a road trip have been 21.5ish around 70mph.

This truck is certainly not without fault. The lower control arms whistle or humm at highway speeds due to all the holes in them. They now have plugs to go in those holes for that reason, or you can just tape them up. The front windows, at certain angles, also make a whistling type noise and Toyota has replaced a lot of window seals. The transmission is already on its second TSB update to get rid of shifting problems (like not being able to decide what damn gear it wants to be in - 3rd to 4th back to 3rd, 4th, 3rd, etc). Some people have also experienced a flare when shifting, of up to 400rpm. And many are finding low transmission fluid. I've read of a few issues where you step on the gas, and it just doesn't go - but only a few.

My truck has the occasional whistling from the window seals, it had the whistling from the LCAs before I taped them up, it was nearly a quart low on transmission fluid (which got me a free 6 year 100,000 bumper to bumper warranty from Toyota). Once I was accelerating from a light and it acted like the gas was cut off, losing all momentum, then started going again. Not a traction issue, wasn't spinning the wheels, just kind of fell on its face. But that was only once.

My biggest complaint about the 3.5 is the lack of bottom end power. My old 4.0 was much better down low in RPMs and going without having to rev it up. This 3.5 sucks unless you rev it up, but it does have more top end power.

Overall I do like the truck. Comfy, smooth, relatively quiet, just wish it had more bottom end power. And there is supposed to be another TSB for the transmission coming out in the next couple months.

Third generation Dodge/Cummings come close.

A half ton pickup just makes you wish you had a real pickup.😀

Spend some time over at www.tacomaworld.com I have an 07 that has been the best truck I've ever owned. The 3rd gen Tacoma's are getting very mixed reviews. But like anything else you only hear from the guys with problems.

I have almost 180,000 miles on my 07 and needed a bigger truck. About a year ago I bought a used 2014 F-150 Supercrew, but the Tacoma was worth more to me to keep than trade so we kept it too.

If I didn't need a bigger truck at this time I think I'd still take a chance on one of the 3rd gen Tacoma's.

If you're looking to buy used I'd highly recommend one of the 2005-2015 2nd generation trucks. There are several guys posting over there with 400,000-500,000 miles on them with very few issues.

I have a Powerstroke. I'm good.

But Tacomas are still the shizzle for an outdoorsman.

252K on my '02. You'll be driving that thing for a loooong time. I'm still on
the original clutch too.

my daily beater........after 11+ years buying used with 113K...

'98 Taco V6 4x4.....now has 228K....runs great...needs cleaned..

did I say it runs great.....? 22 mpg...very dependable in my

Podunk country....

I had one just like that but that funky blue/grey color. It was my favorite of all, but even Tacomas won't survive being under salt water for a few days.

I'm in my second Tacoma as a company vehicle. I put 180,000 on the first, in three years, and am on 111,000 on the second, at the two year mark. Both have been very reliable. They do have a fair amount of road noise and the seats leave a lot to be desired. If you have lower back issues, forget this truck. Two of my coworkers retired early because of back issues, due to going to Tacomas, from F-150s. Overall, these are pretty darn good trucks, but I still prefer the three F150s that I had previous to the Toyotas.

They do kinda wallow out.

I am a whisker away from 150K on my 09 Tacoma. Not problem one.

Ignore Consumer Reports opinion of the Tacoma. They have been ragging on the Tacoma for the ride quality at least since I started reading them in '96. City people. They also think the Honda Ridgeline is a great truck......... Enough said.

I absolutely detest the automatic transmission. Hunting for gears, shifts up WAY to early. There are days I want to shoot it. Loved my manual '97, and it went 360,000 on the original clutch...

i have a 10 quad cab 4x4 with 150k on it. blower motor and a u joint is all ive done to it. 20 mpg all day everyday.

best damn truck i ever had except for that whistling noise in the windshield

My everyday rig has been Toyota since I bought my first Toyota 4X4 pickup 30 years ago, fall of 1987.
Had a full size Chevy 4X4, granny 4, limited slip, Dodge Cummins 4X4, manual trans, and now a older F250, granny 5 speed, 460 when a full size rig to pull things is needed, but a Toyota is always there.
Of all those rigs and more, the mid or smaller Toyota 4X4;s do better off road than any rig I have owned besides a Land Cruiser FJ40.
Not up on the newer Tacoma's, but one's from a few years ago, the TRD option was money well spent.

Can't say abut the new ones as my wife is still driving our 2nd one.This is 2004.

Struts, plugs and there is a water pump kit with hoses and timing belt that should be replaced at 100K. We had this one done at 130K. About $400. I have a hard time crawling around under them any more,so I let a shop do ore and more.Sold the 98 with 275K on it.This one has 140K on it

Love that TRailer F.G...

nice size for the Tacoma...

As a note on Fuel Mileage... I have friends who have Tacomas in the 2011 to 2014 range...

my 88 4 cylinder really gets no better mileage than the newer 3.4 and 4.0 V 6 folks are getting... and has a LOT less HP...

09 with 122k. Last two tanks have been over 23mpg. V6. Great truck.

toyota and leupold are two brands I've been fairly loyal to, as they've both treated me well.


currently have my '99 taco with the 4 cyl. 118K on it.

and momma has her 2015 that she replaced for her 07


I still like em, but the 80-90's were the best ime.

I imagine I'd still be driving my 87 if it hadn't gotten t'boned.

have put a few clutches in mine, and a starter but then I've run a snow plow a fair bit on it and asked it to do things it wasn't designed to do.

I have a 2017 TRD Sport,5 months old ,7000miles and no issues . I get 24mpg ave., 20.5mpg when I pull my 8' trailer.(All flat hwy.) Only wish the seats had more adjustments.

Ditto.....

I'm on my third Toyota since 1988 and of the six scoped rifles I own five wear Leupolds.

I have an 05' 230,000 miles. I've put 40,000 of those miles on it over the three years that I've owned it. Runs great, still looks good, and I've yet to have to make a single repair.

Did ya notice they like the Honda better. That gives me a hint they are not rating a truck to be used for truck purposes.

I may be totally wrong but I think of the Honda as a truck to be used to pick up flowers and a bag of mulch at the "Depot".

I was concerned when I first read that they did not like it since I am planning to buy one this year.

They have not rated a Tacoma highly for years, no surprise

I keep spending my money on Tacomas, 4Runners, and Highlanders, but I've not spent much on repairs. Wish my 2011 Tacoma 4x4 V6 was a manual instead of auto, but it's a good truck. Rear discs would be nice too, but only when towing.

I'll be getting a new commuter in the next couple of years and really want a Tacoma but know I shouldn't considering the mpg. Currently drive a Corolla as a commuter and will probably go back to another one....but it's full of hay from putting it out every morning on the way to work, feed sacks, etc.

What I could really use is a front wheel drive Tacoma geared like the Corolla with the option to switch to 4x4 on the back tires...but that's an odd bird that ain't likely to be hatched.

I have a 2010 with 105K on it, no issues.

Someone mentioned bad back, yes the seats aren't great for that, my wife literally can't drive my truck any longer without it messing up her back (2 bulging disks), I can but have to play with lumbar support a bit (2 compressed disks).

Other than that, love the truck, but would like a better seat.

I see plenty of good used tacomas for sale. If a guy was patient enough he could probably find one with low miles.

My 07 dble cab TRD just rolled 185000. Only thing I've had to do to it other than the usual oil chge and filters is had to replace one rear axle seal and ujoints. Still has original brake pads. Never had to do an alignment. Depending on which tire I run, I get any where from 17. up to 21 avg. mile/gal. Been pretty damn reliable.

Earlier pic of the wife's '05 Tacoma......4.0 w/auto....

now with new wheels & new BFG AT KO'2...has 142K or so...

bought it in '06 w/7K on it...I would not have the auto tranny..

other than one wheel bearing...normal maintainance...

2009, now with 75K I bought w/42K a couple years ago. I detest automatic transmissions and this one is no different. However, I am confident that this one will break my automatic transmission record of 76,000 miles before it needs a rebuild, fwiw.

The hood scoop looks cool but the sun glares off it into your eyes so I had some flat black truck wrap installed covering it and added some stripes on the hood.

I get a hesitation at stop lights then the truck lunges forward. Hate that.

Don't like it when the 13 pound dog jumps on the passenger seat and the seat belt warning beeper starts going off. You either have to listen to it for 30 seconds going thru it's psychotic little routine or you stop and buckle the seat belt.

It's got electronics that limit wheel spin, which on a 4x4 is just about stupid.


Unfortunately, I'm an old truck guy and this new sheit isn't for me.

I set the seatbelt alarm to off in all my vechicles Google how to disable seatbelt alarm Tacoma and you'll see several links showing the steps. It takes a few seconds and is similar to the steps for turning off your maitance required light after an oil change.

Holy smokes I gotta try that! Thank you! Now If I could disable all the traction crap...

I have a '14 TRD off road crew cab with a 6-speed manual. Mostly I like it. There are only a couple issues.

According to my right foot, it doesn't have the guts my 2008 Nissan Frontier had. I feel it especially when I'm towing. The Nissan handled, comfortably, trailers that push the Toyota around a bit. It also doesn't have the top end speed the Nissan had .. comfortably.

I don't think the A/C is quite adequate. It doesn't cool as well on a truly hot day as I'd like.

Gas mileage ... about 16 mpg compared to 18.5 for the Nissan. That's running 265x75-16 Toyo Open Country MTs on both trucks on the same roughly 1000 mile freeway trip at 5 over the speed limit on cruise control .. a pretty apples-to-apples comparison.

I'm not that fond of the 5 foot bed. It's not big enough to sleep on. It's 80 inches with the tailgate down which is marginally usable but not ideal.

The big thing, though, is one that scares the hell out of me now and then. I like to drive ... assertively ... at times. The roll / "G" / sway sensor will trip and lock up the brakes.

It's done it at 85 on the freeway cornering. I managed to save it, didn't eat concrete divider or hit the truck that was alongside me .. but for a sec I was looking right in his side window and that mo-fo's eyes were HUGE!! Another couple times it's locked on twisty backroads and thrown me into the ditch ... fortunately, nothing there (that time) to hit and I recovered. The dealership says it can't be fixed, they've got 2 company execs there who have the same problem only their trucks are lifted, mine is stock.

I'm slowly / tentatively shopping for a replacement. I do want a stick shift, I can't drive an automatic, which makes shopping more and more limited every year. If I wind up stuck buying an automatic, it'll probably be a Ford, but maybe a Dodge .. that "rambox" looks incredibly utilitarian, maybe enough to return to a standard cab with a shorter wheelbase and better visibility without losing functionality.

I've got an '04 Tacoma TRD V6 5 speed that I bought used in '06 with 18,000 on it.

It now has 157,000
I replace the radiator at 120,000 and the factory clutch at 150,000

Still running the factory brakes.

I added a 3" lift kit, for tire clearance, and am getting a traction bar put on the rear end to eliminate wheel hop on my steep driveway. (I gain 300 feet elevation in 1/2 mile)

I figure this will be my last truck, but IF I wear it out, I'll get another Tacoma.


Virgil B.

My boss has had 3 Toyota's he has run 500,000. He makes a 225 mile round trip to work. He has one that's 3 years old. 200,000 on it.

proving that Consumer Reports is about as reliable a source as Snopes. The criteria they judge by don't cover the real world.

Apparently the guy that wrote that is some kind of puzzy azz urban cowboy. Seriously, it's a frickin' truck. If you want the ride of a sedan then buy a frickin' sedan.

I drive a 2008 Tacoma 4x4 SR5. It has a manual transmission, crank windows and a bench seat. I have General AT2 Grabber tires on it, which are E wall tires. Hit a bump and you feel it.

I bought a 4 cylinder, don't need any more. I live on flat ground here in northern Ohio and I don't go muddin'. The only time it gets any kind of challenge is when I go to southern Ohio and run a few county roads. But I bought a standard because I want to manage the power, so I drop a gear or two on the hills and go slower, who cares.


I had two water pumps replaced inside the first 60,000 miles. I now have 110,000 miles on it with no issues. The mechanic told me that the coolant spec'd by Toyota ate the seals. I had the old coolant put in, regular coolant, no problems since.

On my next go-around, I could see doing a V6 4x4 Double Cab with manual transmission and stepping up to 4.56 or 4.88 gearing. Once had an ARB Bumper with winch on a Tacoma and liked it, so I'm thinking the ARB and 33x10.50 tires with a mild lift and the gear swap would make for a rugged little daily driver and hunting buggy.

Checked out Tacoma World, seeing some of the same complaints there that I'm seeing on this thread. Need to take one out for a spin I suppose.

I recently bought a used 2013 when my 2012 Ford 150 self-destructed.

I have owned a lot of trucks - Tundra, 3 Ford F-150s, and more. So far I like the Tacoma. I decided that I am done dealing with Ford and I was interested in another Tundra but it was a gas pig. I settled on the Tacoma since I don't tow anything over about 2,000 lbs and I wanted the better fuel economy. So far, so good.

I have run a 95 Tacoma with 2.7liter ,5spd, 4x4 for the last 13 years. It now has 243K and the clutch is slipping. Not bad for the original. 21-23 mpg hard to argue with ,it never left me anywhere. Will have the clutch replaced this spring.MB