I can answer only to the 2002 model. Mine is still a dependable truck at 21 years of age and 180,000 miles. The only major repair was a new u-joint yoke. Everything else I took care of myself. However, I will be buying a 2024 and keeping the 02 for going to the lumber yard.

 

From personal experience I can say that the models prior to 2005 rock and that my 2005 was a great truck with virtually no issues, ever.

If you don't want to pay the price to own a 2024 Taco there are lots of good choices out there at a lot of different price points.

I don't really think that there is a bad pick in the Tacoma litter.

 

From personal experience I can say that the models prior to 2005 rock and that my 2005 was a great truck with virtually no issues, ever.

If you don't want to pay the price to own a 2024 Taco there are lots of good choices out there at a lot of different price points.

I don't really think that there is a bad pick in the Tacoma litter.

It also helps that those older models are likely to be near the bottom of their depreciation curve.

 

2002 is at the top of the list here.
Toyota Tacoma Model Years To Avoid

 

I had a 1978 Hilux that I put 300,000 miles on. That was a good truck. Now I have a 2002 Tacoma with only 178,000 miles. It will still be going strong when I’m dead and gone. It is an I-4 with manual transmission, so not much to go wrong on it.

 

Glad to hear from an actual owner. I don't put much weight on those publications. What have maintenance costs been like for you? Just the usual stuff or have you had some higher priced repairs along the way?

 

I'll always have a soft spot for the first gen Tacomas. Just a simple clean design.

 

Had a 1991 Toyota truck with 3.0 v6 5 speed. That thing was a brick. Had almost 300k miles on it, never smoked, still started like brand new.

 

Hey @beacatron, that's amazing to hear! It's impressive how durable those older Toyotas can be. With such high mileage and no major issues, it sounds like you really took good care of it. What kind of mods or maintenance did you do to keep it running strong all those years?

 

My second gen Tacoma Sport 4x4 never had a single repair in over 6+ years of ownership. I loved that truck and I didn't even mind the seating position.

If I am still waiting on my new Taco in December, I will have been driving my Tundra for 14 years with just one repair!

That is why I am not super concerned with a few teething problems in the 4th gen.

Toyota trucks totally rock!

 

For me it’s older ones of any vehicle that had less electronic gizmos. I’d say Gen 1 are best years. Next I’d say Gen 4.

 

Yeah, well good luck with finding anything today without crazy electronics @Lando.

My wife and I have not bought new cars in years. Her new SUV still baffles us with the stuff it does or doesn't do. Luckily hers in a Lexus so it it's a preview for me of what my 4th gen will be like. I am always asking her, what is your car mad about now?