The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best-selling midsize trucks on the market. Not only does it retain its resale value, but the popular pickup is dependable and affordable to maintain. However, with a starting price of just under $30,000 for the base model of the new 2024 Tacoma, many drivers are looking for a more affordable version. A used Toyota Tacoma can offer great value, costing about half the price of a new model if you know what to look for.

Here are two reliable used Toyota Tacoma years that won’t break the bank, costing less than $15,000 for a dependable ride.

Note: Regardless of a used car’s reliability score, always obtain a vehicle history report and have a trusted mechanic perform an inspection to uncover potential problems before purchasing. Also, prices may vary depending on trim level, mileage, overall condition, and location.

You can drive a reliable used 2013 Toyota Tacoma for under $15K

In 2013, J.D. Power rated the No. 1 midsize pickup truck the Toyota Tacoma, with a reliability rating of 86/100. Owners reported their favorite features as the vehicle’s audio system, rear visibility, and quietness of the vehicle interior.

The base model of the reliable used truck has an average price range of $11,933 to $13,600 for the 2WD variant and $14,334 to $16,336 for the 4WD. The base access cab 2WD comes in just under $15,000, with an average starting price of $14,457. Upper-end trim levels can go as high as $20,878, depending on the configuration.

According to Car Complaints, the most common problems of the 2013 Toyota Tacoma include drivetrain, suspension, and transmission issues. However, the popular pickup still receives the “Seal of Pretty Good” from the auto reviewer.

Owners of the 2014 Toyota Tacoma have few complaints

The 2014 Toyota Tacoma receives the “Seal of Awesome” from Car Complaints, with fewer complaints than other model years. The biggest reported problem is with faulty interior accessories.

J.D. Power gave the 2014 model year an overall score of 81/100 with an average reliability rating of 80/100. The Tacoma ranked as the No. 2 midsize pickup for 2014, with a slightly lower score than the Honda Ridgeline. Owners reported top features such as voice recognition and Bluetooth features, styling of gauges and instruments, and rear visibility.

The average retail price for a 2014 Toyota Tacoma ranges between $13,308 and $22,685. The 2WD base model configured with an inline four-cylinder engine falls within a $15K budget, going for about $13,308 to $15,167. Fully loaded top-of-the-line trim levels can go as high as $22,685.

The worst used Toyota Tacoma model years to avoid

While the 2013 and 2014 Toyota Tacoma are reliable, there are three model years to avoid.

According to several major auto industry analysts, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma is one of the worst model years on the market. Despite a mid-cycle refresh, the transmission is sluggish and the source of some significant issues for owners. There are also recurring Tacoma problems with the fuel system.

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma is another used car model year to avoid with a transmission that vibrates, slips gears, emits loud howling noises, and has delayed acceleration. Combined with commonly reported electrical problems, it is not worth taking the risk and ending up with a clunker, resulting in costly repair bills.

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is one of the worst model years to steer clear of, with an engine problem that causes the truck to go into limp mode without notice. Brake issues, sudden acceleration, and wheels locking up are commonly reported problems among previous owners.