Toyota Tacoma Review | 2005-2015 | 2nd Gen

[@janetairlines1351]

I have a 2010 offroad v6 auto with 98k miles. Here is my long list of repairs. 1) my e-brake cable corroded and wouldn't release the brake when i used it parking on a hill one night. Had to aaa my truck to my fathers and replace the cable. 2) cabin blower motor plug burnt up and blower stopped working. Had to replace the plug. That is all i've had to do to the truck. Toyota has done a few things free of charge such as leaf springs, new seatbelt retractor etc. It has been extremely reliable

[@timothyconnecticut1910]

Good job with the mention of the thinner swaybar on the TRD off road version. Not many know that the swaybar is thinner for greater articulation of the front suspension vs the thicker swaybar on the TRD sport for a stiffer more stable anti roll on the street. You sound very knowledgeable about these trucks. Very well spoken and explained. Thank you.

[@NESADDICT]

I just got a 2013 with an amazing 22k miles! I love it!

[@DrivenCompanion]

Wow, nice find!

[@gucci4871]

Nes ,great find, what that set u back?

[@NESADDICT]

Gucci Lee 18,750 it was a salvaged title but someone with either too much time, money or both rebuilt it with original manufacturers parts and other than the title you would never know!

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

I have a TRD off road near me for sale 20K ! miles..but at dealership..they want 28,000 asking

[@NESADDICT]

Chris .Appel it’s crazy! I found another Salvage titles near me has like less than 20 k and they want 22k I think. If you live near SC I could send you the information

[@Yoglawm]

I have my '13 AC 4x4 TRD Sport for 7 years now. Owned eight other vehicles in my lifetime, this is the most satisfying one to have.

[@uno3863]

I just bought a black 2012 taco TRD sport manual transmission one owner and 91,xxx miles and I want to live in it!!! I love it!!

[@jaymoar3561]

Lol congrats man, I’m looking for similar a 2nd gen with under 100k miles. That’s fine cause these things last forever. They are pretty expensive tho cause of the reliability.

[@christinamartinez8132]

How much did you pay?

[@uno3863]

@@jaymoar3561 wow I forgot I had posted this three years ago 🤣and thanks, did u ever find a 2nd Gen to your liking?

[@uno3863]

@@christinamartinez8132 mine was a lil over $21k

[@jaymoar3561]

@@uno3863 yes I got a 2014 Tacoma TRD Sport, had 84k miles when I bought it now it has 107k.

[@RB-je3yj]

2007 Tacoma prerunner 2.7L Single cab! I love it only 213k miles! Runs better than my new Camry!

[@judgeman6970]

Have owned my '14 TRD O/R access cab for 9 years, and have had exactly zero problems. 👍

[@user-wv8rd2om3f]

Nice! I just bought a 2014 TRD Off road V6 last week, 68k miles on it. Glad to hear you love yours, hoping to get many miles of fun with her! 🎉

[@242tdryan]

2nd gen is best gen. 3rd gen lost its tacoma roots from simple versatile trucks. 1st gens have timing belt and unfortunately mostly turned into iron oxide.

[@calebmelton5989]

3rd gen is great. It scoots well with a tune.

[@alejandrosanchez47]

I just got me a 2011 tx pro 4x4 model with 150xxx miles, all dealer service. And I love the dam thing.

[@brutusofnn]

Bought my 2014 Tacoma in 2014. It really is a very good truck at 117,000 mi. The only major complaint is the unexplained chipping of the paint where the doors meet the cabin. I will likely purchase another around 2024 or 2025, damm good truck.🙂

[@kevinmullins4919]

I got my 2011 in 2012 with 2,800 miles on it and love still to this day, she has over 130,000 miles.

[@warrenlucier5796]

I own a 2013 base cab and the only issue I've had is the clutch pedal making noise, sticking and not fully returning after 50,000 miles. The clutch master cylinder was the culprit and an aftermarket aluminum replacement is the cure for the problem, as the factory unit is composite.

[@PhilipBirx-wb8oq]

Thanks! This is a very helpful video. I'm thinking of buying one of these.

[@morefaiththanever]

I read 2015 was voted best year...and they’re under 20k even 15k with high miles. I put an offer on a 2014 Pre Runner without a test drive. I’ll pick it up and go straight to my mechanic, however, it’s a 2x4 asphalt princess chrome wheels/grill/mirrors so if I want to convert it to a desert 4x4 with a supercharger I can. So, that’s the long term goal with buying a prerunner and I also read the driving record is 500k miles w/original everything including transmission.

[@chudgo081793]

Where you live at? Here at Kansas no way a 2015 will be under 20k, not even with 200k miles. I am from Mexico, and Tacomas there are not expensive, you can get a 2020 with 25 thousand dollars, the problem is if I can bring it to the US, and how expensive would that be. I know that there some inspection that the truck has to have, I don't know if I can bring it or not. If I want to get a new tacoma Mexico is cheaper, yet used tacomas are not that cheap either.

[@bobelliott2748]

I have a 2013. Best vehicle I have owned and I have owned a few. 225000k. ujoints in August. That's all

[@dead_playzgames]

2nd gens are my favorite whenever I get a truck im going for a taco

[@cracky_wainwright]

Good review. I have this same truck (2013 TRD 4x4 in black & grey; 4.0L V6). In many ways this is a fine truck that will meet the needs of most folks who would look for a midsize pickup. I've owned mine for 4 years now and have 74,000 miles on the odometer. Most Toyota guys won't talk about any negatives for these trucks, so I will share a few: (1) Even by 2013, Toyota hadn't fixed the driveshaft shimmy that happens under heavy acceleration; (2) poor mileage for a V6; (3) very harsh, rough ride; (4) mine has required about $700 in three different A/C system repairs; (5) my V6 with the auto transmission is slow and sluggish and protests loudly if I try get it to rev and really move down the road; (6) the 4.0 V6 is NOISY and rough instead of being smooth and even! ~~~ I suppose what I want is a Toyota that rides as comfortably as a Chevy Silverado and has the smooth, rich sound of a 5.3L V8 engine! ~~~ This is the 3rd Toyota truck I've owned too.

[@chrisginoc]

Can't have it all brother. I have a 2015 trd off road 4x4 with barely 53k miles amd no complaints. Does it feel sluggish? A little heavy. Is the mileage terrible? No denying it, but I stuck with Toyota because my dad has a 1989 Toyota pickup with 500k miles original motor, transmission, etc. They might not make things like they used to, but their reputation of reliability follows. I wonder if the 3rd gen is more efficient.

[@janetairlines1351]

I have a 2010 offroad v6 auto with 98k miles. Here is my long list of repairs. 1) my e-brake cable corroded and wouldn't release the brake when i used it parking on a hill one night. Had to aaa my truck to my fathers and replace the cable. 2) cabin blower motor plug burnt up and blower stopped working. Had to replace the plug. That is all i've had to do to the truck. Toyota has done a few things free of charge such as leaf springs, new seatbelt retractor etc. It has been extremely reliable

[@jaymoar3561]

Sounds like you got a lemon. Also Toyota ac is the best. That GM garbage won’t last like the Tacoma.

[@hgh5762]

Great review. Love the look and durability of this truck. My only complaint is the cab is a little too crammed imo.

[@chrisg6492]

well it's not a full cab. If you want more space, buy the full cab. Doesn't make sense to complain about space if you bought an access cab lol. On top of that, you can even get a tundra with more space

[@Mjr1348]

Nice review. Nice clean Tacoma.

[@wrenchinwithgrandpa4586]

I have a 06, extended cab, love it

[@at6686]

Be careful of timing cover leak (especially on 3rd gen, but also 2nd) and the infamous frame rust.

[@drumwithrodds]

Awesome review!

[@balkee42]

Is the trd off road mostly for those who do lots of serious off roading? Found an sr5 4x4 near me and i only occasionally take truck off road. Hunting, camping,hauling kayak. Nothing crazy. Will sr5 be fine or should i look for trd OR ?

[@DrivenCompanion]

You'll be fine with an SR5. They are plenty capable offroad as well

[@badderthanyou]

Awesome video. What year would you suggest for best bang for your buck?

[@DrivenCompanion]

You may actually find the 3rd gen is a better value since the 2nd gen was sold in much lower volume and resale values are very high. If I were going to get a 2nd gen I'd probably go for a 2009-2011 model. I prefer the grille of the older 2nd gens but you get the upgraded tail lights with these years. Interior on the 2012+ are a bit nicer

[@morefaiththanever]

2015

[@BigBoyz33]

Cant decide between the 2nd gen or 3rd.. i found a 2015 sport with 77k miles and automatic for 22k but i really like this 2022 trd off road i found with a MANUAL and only 20k miles for 36k... in a tough spot right now

[@Offshore1977]

There was an upscale Limited model available in the later years which included leather.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Didn't know that. Thanks for the info!

[@markulteig9431]

I have a 2015 Toyota Tacoma radio and clock doesn't work, checked 2 fuses for radio under the hood, they looked good. Still nothing, can you help me?

[@whatfreedom7]

Watch out for defective paint if your looking to buy. I have a silver 06 and the paint on the wheels is bubbling which is common. The paint on the fender flare is eroding away. The paint on the hood is rupturing from the inside causing chip like spots of the paint to fall off. Terrible paint on these at least in silver.

[@kennytweed7658]

Do they have a fix for air leaking around doors

[@averagejack7910]

Hey Mike, I’m looking to get mud flaps for my Tacoma. Mainly for the salt in the winter time. What is you’re opinion since you also appear to live in a snowy climate? Are they something I can go without or do you think they would help? BTW, great video, I love a good 2nd gen Tacoma lol

[@Offshore1977]

Average Jack I added mudflaps to my TRD Off Road model. I bought them from amazon and they are OEM Toyota. Love them. Helps keep the side of my truck cleaner.

[@averagejack7910]

@@Offshore1977 thanks! I'll definitely be getting a set.

[@angelozicarelli541]

I really like the quality of the truck but I don't really like the front asthetics of it. Those front lamps look like bulging snake eyes. I wish the headlamps were flat and more capital D shaped but that's minor shit I guess. Otherwise great looking truck.

[@melissajennings8938]

I'm just surprised that on my 2014SR5 that there is no outside temps display and no heated mirrors. I guess they sold enough they didnt need to worry.

[@anthonygiordano3991]

Mike, I’m just about to purchase a 2012 Tacoma (sport) access cab in black. I’ve never owned a black color vehicle but I think it looks good on the Tacoma. I notice you buy black trucks but I hear the color is not easy to keep clean. Do you recommend any particular method for washing or keeping the paint/finish free from scratches or issues? I’ve seen some black vehicles where you can see buff swirls and/or marks.. I’m just trying to avoid that? Any tips?

[@DrivenCompanion]

I love my black Tacoma and it looks so good when its clean but its nearly impossible to keep clean and it shows every scratch. I will probably avoid buying black in the future.

[@anthonygiordano3991]

Mike C - Great feedback! You helped me make a decision. Thanks bud.

[@jaymoar3561]

I thought Atrac also work in 4hi and only the locking rear diff only works in 4low?

[@pedrohippocaus8488]

I got a good deal on an 09 access cab 4wd,nice truck engine runs great,has high miles though 248000,don't know the maintenance history,the transmission has a shudder 30-40 and slips at times,was thinking about dropping and draining the pan and changing the filter but am kind of hesitant not wanting it to get worse,any thoughts???

[@JDoutdoors2]

That will make it slip more I think. Draining all that fluid with the suspended clutch material would make it lose its grip

[@johnossendorf9979]

Next time get one with a manual transmission with 100k on it that was owned by an old man who took good care of it and had driven manual transmission all his life and never worie about slushbox shuddering again. Yes I'm a 50 year old manual transmission fanboy who has never owned a slushbox and never will. If I loos my left leg and right arm I might entertain the thought of considering the possibility of renting a slushbox until I get good enough with prosthetics to drive a manual again.

[@timmyadam3542]

@@johnossendorf9979 my man. My wife hates manual but I won't be without one.

[@C4soulja]

@@johnossendorf9979 problem is those are unicorns and if you have one write me into your will. She will be well taken care of

[@johnossendorf9979]

@@C4soulja I have a four door 6 speed manual TRD Offroad Tacoma that I bought new in 2010. The entire reason I bought a Tacoma was Toyota had already stopped building manual Tundras. It has 125k on it and got a new free frame and a bunch of other new parts that I paid for, but since most of truck was already apart, there was no or reduced labor charges. That was at 95k in 2018. I plan on driving it till the end of time ! I'll put you on the list incase I meet my maker though. I think your number 23.

[@BUSTER.BRATAMUS]

Looking for a 2012-14 debating between SR5 and Sport,, in your opinion,, what should the deciding factors be

[@DrivenCompanion]

Personally I'd go with the sport between those options. Its got a body colored grille, hood scoop and nicer wheels but you'll pay a slight premium as well. TRD Offroad has a locking rear diff if you'd ever have a need for that.

[@angelozicarelli541]

These trucks are sooo damn expensive. I'm looking for a nice mid sized truck and was looking at a chevy colorado, dodge dakota, or GMC canyon, but I know this one is better than all of those. But I don't want to be paying on it for years to come. I have been saving all my stimulus checks and my tax return and I have $6000 just from that. I plant on adding to that amount for at least 2 years and hopefully by then I'll have at least a good $15k but that's still not enough for one of these.

[@giliethedeliveryman3516]

They are expensive but they do hold their value and if you go with tacoma you will only have to buy it one time they are bulletproof

[@acihawaii]

I own 2004 TRD PRE RUNNER 4 door .......... also want a 2004 / 4x4 / manual trans....! to bad this guy did not own 1st generation

[@jimnzz4998]

I just bought a 2015 v6 with 43k miles. Is it normal for these trucks to sound so loud when turning on on cold start? Sounds like the fan blows so hard on cold start ups then quiets down after a few secs.

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yes, they are super loud on startup.

[@jimnzz4998]

Mike C ok, thanks i was a lil concerned but i saw different videos and figured it was normal

[@Carlos-tx9vt]

Is a 2010 Tacoma V6 pre runner access cab with 112,000 miles at $14,000 a good deal?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Personally I wouldn't buy one thats 2wd, but if you really won't ever need 4wd that sounds like a fair price - not amazing, but fair.

[@morefaiththanever]

I think you can convert to 4x4. The 2010 model may have been affected by the lawsuit where Toyota was liable to repair or treat frame rust. The warranty is about to expire

[@gega9979]

What are your thoughts on the Tacoma’s issues with rust

[@DrivenCompanion]

Fortunately where I live they don't salt our roads so rust isn't an issue. I do know that most Toyota trucks and SUVs including the Tacoma have serious rust issues where salt is used.

[@morefaiththanever]

Toyota sent out recalls on earlier 2005-11 Tacoma’s to repair rust in a claim settlement. Warranty is expiring soon.

[@MrWzeljunior]

​@@morefaiththaneverWdym warranty is expiring soon? They put a time limit on recall warranty?

[@markulteig9431]

I have a 2015 Toyota of Tacoma I check the few to fuses under the Hood for the radio and they look good but still I do not have no power to my radio or clock can you please help me

[@simba9725]

The 2.7 I4 has 159 HP

[@BurtBowers]

Second gen had a horrible design around the fender wells almost a vertical cut edge behind the wheels didnt look good at all the third gen corrected that much better look...

[@tnsteele95]

Toyotas are great....til they break...then it's a 2nd mortgage: 1. Cabin blower has burnt out twice. $500 2. Universals went out just as the warranty expired. $500 3. Simple little knock sensors placed under the intake. $2500 repair 4. Wouldn't shift into overdrive after 5 years. STUPID sealed transmission. $2000 repair. I love my Toyota until it breaks. EVERYTHING is designed stupid and very expensive to repair. I'll never buy another one

[@GunsMusicKnives]

Miles of these issues? Looking into getting out of a halfton (overpriced rusty trucks) and not into a 3/4 ton gas pig. Looking into something like this but looking long term

[@Lumpia_In_Texas]

Lol you call that pricey? Try owning an infiniti or a benz

[@brianmathew09]

nless you know what a wrench is for?