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Finding a used mid-size truck for under $15,000 sounds like a good deal right? Well, it depends on the truck and its reputation. The Toyota Tacoma is known for being a reliable option, but older models could be rusted beyond repair. 

What’s the best used mid-size truck for under $15,000? 

Older Toyota Tacoma model ranks as the best used mid-size truck for under $15,000, which is pretty broad. It typically carries a high resale value despite having a tight interior and lackluster comfort. 

According to iSeeCars, it’s also the most popular mid-size truck that people buy used. It represented 1.4% of the used vehicle market for the past five years. The Ford F-150 is the most popular used vehicle overall at 3.3%. 

This makes sense as the Tacoma is known for offering trouble-free service and for being incredibly reliable. 

However, there is one red flag to watch out for. Older Tacoma models are subject to rusting beyond repair. Toyota Tacoma rust is more prevalent in models from 1995 to 2000. 

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma climbing over rocks
2023 Toyota Tacoma | Toyota

Tacoma models from these years are part of the first generation. The severe rust issues can impact structural integrity, especially in regions with a high use of road salt. Some models even face frame deterioration and disintegration. 

In response to this rusty problem, Toyota provided a 15-year corrosion warranty in 2008. It included providing frame raptors or buybacks at 1.5 times the truck’s retail value. 

At first, the 2001 – 2004 models didn’t qualify, but they eventually got replacements. Also, roughly 150,000 Tacoma models in cold-weather states were recalled to fix rusting spare tire brackets. 

2005 – 2010 models from the second Toyota generation were less prone to rusting. But the issue was still so prevalent that Toyota decided to inspect and replace frames as needed. It also reimbursed customers who already had their frames replaced. 

The third Tacoma generation from 2016 – 2023 has the lowest risk of rust. The current generation currently doesn’t have any known rusting issues. 

Before you check out this best mid-size truck for under $15,000, crawl under the frame and give it a thorough look. 

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.