The Toyota Tacoma is the Japanese automaker’s adventurous little truck model. The Tacoma, affectionately nicknamed the “Taco,” has become a huge hit among consumers in recent years. It’s a midsize truck favorite because of its off-roading capabilities. The Taco isn’t perfect, but it has a cult following that few other midsize trucks can rival.

How long do Toyota Tacomas last?

The Toyota Tacoma can last for close to 300,000 miles when it is well-maintained. Toyota produces several SUVs that have incredible longevity as well. Its Land Cruiser model is the longest-kept SUV, remaining with the same owner for an average of 11.4 years.

One of the many reasons that the Tacoma retains value well over time is because the midsize truck lasts longer than the average new vehicle. According to iseecars.com, the average new vehicle lasts for about 8.4 years. This equates to 113,400 miles for the average American driver before things start to go wrong or the vehicle loses most of its value. The Taco can last much longer and provide more value over time than the average new vehicle.

What problems does the Toyota Tacoma have?

The Toyota Tacoma can be lots of fun to drive, but the midsize pickup has its fair share of issues. One of the most prevalent issues in Toyota’s long history of producing Tacos is premature ball joint wearing. Tacomas produced from 1995 all the way to 2007 experienced this issue. Ball joints play a vital role in a vehicle’s suspension and contribute to overall ride quality.

Some Taco model years also experience transmission issues. The latest Tacoma model year has a 3/5 predicted reliability rating from Consumer Reports.

What Toyota Tacomas should you avoid?

Some of the most unreliable Tacoma model years include the 2009, 2016, and 2017 models. The Tacoma was never the most reliable vehicle in its class, but some of its model years had issues that were particularly troublesome. Those issues included slipping transmissions and jerky accelerations. Some models even had wiring problems that caused electrical equipment to malfunction.

What is a good price for a Toyota Tacoma?

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma starts at $26,700. The Taco retains its value well over time. At some points during the pandemic used Tacomas had higher prices than new models because of the overwhelming demand. According to Kelley Blue Book, the fair market value of a 2018 base model Tacoma without options is about $23,786. Tacos age like fine wine.

How much does a 2022 Toyota Tacoma cost?

The 2022 Tacoma’s price, as mentioned above, starts at $26,700 before fees and additional costs. The Tacoma is available in several different trim levels that offer more off-roading capabilities. Its manufacture suggested retail price ranges from $26,700-$46,135 across six different trim levels.

What’s the best Tacoma year?

Everyone’s got their favorite Taco, but a few model years stand out from the vehicle’s 27 different iterations. The 2015 model is one of the best Tacomas because it was more reliable than some previous models. Consumer Reports gave this Taco a 5/5 for reliability. Expect to pay between $16,000-$19,000 for a used 2015 Tacoma in good condition.

Why should you buy a Tacoma?

Buy a Tacoma if you’re ready to live life on the wild side. The Tacoma doesn’t provide great fuel efficiency or ride comfort. It’s born to be wild and meant to take drivers on adventures. The midsize truck is perfect for those who regularly explore trails and national parks.

Why shouldn’t you buy a Tacoma?

Don’t buy a Tacoma if you’re in the market for the most reliable, comfortable midsize pickup truck. The Honda Ridgeline is a better midsize pickup if you want a comfortable daily driver with better fuel economy. The Taco is meant to be out in the wild, and it may not please consumers who are confined to a busy city for most of their week.

Which is better Tacoma or Tundra?

The Toyota Tundra is the Japanese automaker’s full-size model. Though comparing the Tacoma to the Tundra is like comparing apples to oranges, one truck has been more consistent. The 2022 Toyota Tundra is the first redesign for the nameplate in 13 long years. The Tacoma may not be perfect, but consumers expressed their disappointment at Tundra models for years before Toyota made necessary updates to the full-size pickup.

Why is there a shortage of Toyota Tacomas?

Toyota is one of the many automotive brands that has struggled with the global semiconductor chip shortage that began in the middle of the global pandemic. Semiconductor chips play essential roles in most modern electronics, including cell phones, laptops, and televisions. The United States is responsible for a large percentage of chip sales, but the chips are often manufactured in other countries like Taiwan.

The chip shortage limited automakers’ ability to produce new vehicles and fill orders, and thus caused a price hike in used vehicles due to limited supply. There’s no telling when the strain on the supply of semiconductor chips will ease, but America is investing billions of dollars into the production of domestic semiconductor chips to avoid encountering this issue again in the future.

The Toyota Tacoma is only getting better with time

The Taco has risen in popularity as off-roading has become more popular in America. The Tacoma is an off-road favorite, and Toyota is clearly leaning into the niche market with trims like the TRD Off-Road. It has stayed true to itself over the years by focusing on capability rather than cabin materials or cabin space. If you want a comfy truck with a nice ride, the Taco won’t meet expectations. From a capability perspective, the Tacoma is only getter better with time.