With many carmakers still dealing with chip and inventory shortages, more people are looking to the used car market to find their next vehicle. Used car prices are down slightly overall, but prices for many models remain well above average. If you are looking in the truck segment, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) compiled a list of the best used midsize truck models for less than $15,000. Here’s which Toyota model they ranked best and why:

KBB named the 2014 Toyota Tacoma the best used midsize truck

Kelley Blue Book reviewers put the 2014 Toyota Tacoma at the top of its list of 10 best used midsize trucks under $15,000. Quality interior materials, choice of rear- or four-wheel drive, and dependability are the main reasons the Toyota truck was able to top the list of used pickups. 

The Tacoma truck beat out nine models from eight manufacturers, too. Those models include:

• 2015 Nissan Frontier
• 2011 Ford Ranger
• 2012 Honda Ridgeline
• 2012 GMC Canyon
• 2011 Chevrolet Colorado
• 2012 Suzuki Equator
• 2009 Mazda B-Series
• 2011 Ram Dakota
• 2010 Ford Explorer Sport Trac.

Is the 2014 MY a good year for the Tacoma?

The 2014 Toyota Tacoma benefitted from updated styling as part of the Tacoma’s second generation. Beyond styling, the most significant upgrades for the 2014 model year came inside the cabin: the Entune system and a backup camera are standard. The SR appearance package was also new and added more color trims, black 16-inch alloy wheels, mirror-mounted turn signals, and smoked headlights.

When it was first released, Consumer Reports gave the 2014 Tacoma a perfect reliability rating. U.S. News also named it the Best Compact Truck for the Money. 

However, U.S. News also says there are limited differences between the 2012, 2013, and 2014 Tacoma models. The Entune system is the most significant difference. Getting a slightly older model could mean a lower price for a solid used midsize truck.

On the other hand, the 2015 Tacoma is also among the best used Toyota Tacoma model years. Consumer Reports says it’s just as reliable as the 2014 model and could come with lower mileage as well. U.S. News also ranked it first in the compact pickup truck category. It may cost more but, like the 2014 Toyota Tacoma, the 2015 model is a great used midsize truck too.

How many miles will a 2014 Toyota Tacoma last?

According to KBB, a 2014 Toyota Tacoma will likely have more than 100,000 miles on it. However, high mileage will likely not be an issue if you’re looking for longevity with the Tacoma.

In fact, iSeeCars analyzed 14.9 million cars sold in 2021. The data was then used to determine the longest-lasting automotive brands, cars, trucks, and SUVs. Overall, Toyota was the top car brand for longevity. 

The average percentage of cars to pass 200,000 miles for all car brands is 1.2%, according to the iSeeCars study. Toyota’s percentage is nearly double that at 2.3%. Toyota was also named iSeeCars’ best car brand for reliability.

Within the data, the Toyota Tacoma shines. The study shows only 2.2% of all pickup trucks make it past 200,000 miles. At 2.8%, only two trucks ranked better than the Tacoma: the Honda Ridgeline (3.7%) and the Toyota Tundra (4.0%).

Is buying a used Tacoma worth it?

The 2014 Toyota Tacoma is a used midsize truck that drives well, offers a lot of standard technology in the cabin, and has a functional truck bed. It offers decent towing capacity for its size (3,500-6,500 pounds, depending on the trim) and solid fuel economy – 16-21 city mpg, 19-25 highway mpg. 

The other options on Kelley Blue Book’s list may come at a lower cost, but the longevity and reliability of the 2014 Toyota Tacoma make it stand out among its peers. As far as used midsize trucks go, the Tacoma of most model years is a reliable choice.