There are many advantages to buying a used car, including overall cost, less depreciation, lower insurance rates, and more. However, the automotive industry is still recovering from plant closures and chip shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left the used car market facing shorter supplies and higher-than-normal prices.

A recent study examined the prices of more than 2.6 million used and new cars sold between August 2020 and March 2021 to determine the difference in price between brand-new vehicles and the same model after one year of use. The study revealed the average lightly-used one-year-old vehicle costs 17% less than the same new version. However, 15 cars had a much smaller price difference, making it a better option to buy the newer version.

Here are four Toyota vehicles that made the list of the best cars to buy new.

1. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the best trucks to buy new

According to iSeeCars, “While lightly used cars typically provide cost savings over their new versions, sometimes buying a new version of the car is a smarter financial decision, especially for consumers taking advantage of the lower finance rates that typically come with new cars.” 

Landing at No. 2 on the list is the Toyota Tacoma, which has a slight price difference of only 4.2%, which equates to a mere $1,557 savings when buying used. The MSRP on a new base model of the 2023 Tacoma is $27,750, while Kelley Blue Book lists the 2022 used version at $26,500, making the newer model a better deal.

2. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is worth a look

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has approximately a $2,808 price difference between a new and used version, which is much lower than the average, at 7.8%.

A side-by-side comparison of the two models reveals similar specs, but the newer 2023 model excels with upgraded tech features, including wireless Android Auto and CarPlay compatibility and a standard 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster screen that increases in size to 12.3-inches for the higher-end trim levels. 

The 2023 model year of the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid has a price range of $30,225 to $38,530, making it a better bargain than the older 2022 model with an average selling price of $29,575.

3. The Toyota Tundra is one of the larger best cars to buy new

The Toyota Tundra also makes the iSeeCars list, with a price difference of 8.3%, equal to $3,939 between models.

The third-generation 2023 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck received a complete redesign last year and now includes an all-new SX Package that offers 18-inch dark gray metallic wheels, a blacked out 4×4 tailgate badge, black interior trim accents, black door handles, and a black rear inboard bumper.

Depending on the trim package, the MSRP for the new Tundra ranges between $39,660 and $77,940. Two engine variants include the standard 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, which generates 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and the hybrid powertrain that combines a twin-turbo V6 with a motor generator for a whopping 437 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque.

With less than $4,000 between the new and lightly-used models, buying the newer version makes more sense.

4. Toyota 4Runner is a new car for off-road drivers

The Toyota 4 Runner has a 10.8% or $4,909 price difference between the newer and older versions. The 2023 model marks the 40th anniversary of the popular SUV, carrying an MSRP range of $40,390 to $55,355.

The Anniversary Special Edition package includes 17-inch bronze wheels, interior birthday badging, and tri-colored exterior graphics. Also, a rear cross-traffic alert system and blind-spot monitoring are now standard on all 2023 4Runner models.

According to iSeeCars, “Crossovers have overtaken traditional truck-based SUVs in popularity in recent years, but the popularity of the body-on-frame 4Runner has endured, perhaps due to its reliability and because it’s one of the last midsize truck-based SUVs still available.”