My GarageWhich Toyota Tacoma generation is best?
The generation covering 2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh) is the safest buy; the generation table above shows how each one differs on engines, transmissions and known faults.
Best Years · Toyota Tacoma
Best Toyota Tacoma Years to Buy
3 min read
Also worth reading: Toyota Tacoma Years to Avoid, Toyota Tacoma Buying Guide and Toyota Reliability Guide.
The Tacoma holds value like no other truck, but 'best years' matters more here than for a Camry — frame rust on early second-gens and the well-known 3rd-gen transmission behavior have created a real split between good and great years.
Quick Verdict
- ⭐ Overall verdict
- 4.6/5 · Excellent
- ✅ Best years to buy
- 2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh), 2020–2023 (3rd gen, post-TSB)
- Reliability
- 4.7/5 · Excellent
- Maintenance
- 4.6/5 · Excellent
- Parts availability
- 5.0/5 · Excellent
- Ownership cost
- 4.4/5 · Very good
Bottom line: A clean 2012–2015 Tacoma or a 2020+ Tacoma is money in the bank.
Shopping a specific Tacoma?
Don't stop at researching the model — get a verdict on the exact car you're looking at.
Side by side
Toyota Tacoma model years at a glance
| Years | Reliability | Buy? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh) | Strong | ✅ Buy | The 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 and 5-speed automatic combination is the truck's peak reliability window. These trucks fall under To… |
| 2020–2023 (3rd gen, post-TSB) | Strong | ✅ Buy | Toyota's software updates addressed most complaints about the 6-speed automatic's low-speed behavior. Powertrain is ver… |
| 2016–2019 (early 3rd gen) | Mixed | ⚠ Inspect first | The 6-speed's hunting and jerky low-speed shifts became a widely-known issue. Not a mechanical failure, but a real day-… |
| 2005–2010 (2nd gen, early) — frame inspection required | Mixed | ⚠ Inspect first | Mechanically the same strong 4.0L V6 trucks, but frame corrosion is common on salt-state examples. Toyota's Warranty En… |
At a glance
Quick Recommendations
✅ Best Years
- 2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh)
- 2020–2023 (3rd gen, post-TSB)
⚠ Worth Researching
- 2016–2019 (early 3rd gen)
- 2005–2010 (2nd gen, early) — frame inspection required
❌ Years to Avoid
- None with clear mechanical fault.
Full detail on the weakest years — the specific failures, typical repair costs, and what to shop instead — is in the Toyota Tacoma years to avoid guide.
Top Picks
Best Years — In Depth
What makes these generations stand out.
2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh)
The 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 and 5-speed automatic combination is the truck's peak reliability window. These trucks fall under Toyota's separate frame-corrosion Customer Support Program ZKA (2011–2017 Tacoma, cold-climate states), so still check the frame on Rust Belt trucks.
2020–2023 (3rd gen, post-TSB)
Toyota's software updates addressed most complaints about the 6-speed automatic's low-speed behavior. Powertrain is very robust.
The Why
Why These Years Are Better
The 1GR-FE V6 in the 2nd gen is arguably the most durable modern V6 Toyota has ever produced — timing chains, port injection, and simple accessory drives.
The 3rd-gen 2GR-FKS V6 with D-4S dual injection eliminated intake-valve carbon issues that plague single-DI competitors.
By 2020, transmission calibration TSBs had been applied. A 2020+ Tacoma drives noticeably smoother than a 2016.
Know the risks
Common Problems by Generation
Bring this to any pre-purchase inspection.
2nd gen (2005–2015)
- • Frame rust (early years)
- • Lower ball joints on lifted trucks
- • Leaf-spring wear on work trucks
3rd gen (2016–2023)
- • 6AT low-speed hesitation (pre-TSB)
- • Rear-axle leak on some early builds
- • Interior rattles
Buying advice
What to Look For
Acceptable mileage
Tacomas at 200,000 miles with records routinely sell for what other trucks cost at 100k. Frame condition and service history matter more than the odometer.
Maintenance records
Look for regular fluid service (engine, transmission, transfer case, front and rear diffs), timing-chain-driven engines don't need belts. Ball joints and leaf springs are the common consumables.
Pre-buy inspection
- • Get under the truck with a flashlight — frame, crossmembers, rear leaf-spring hangers.
- • Check ball-joint play by rocking each front wheel.
- • Test 4WD engagement (H, L, and 4L) on a loose surface.
- • On 3rd gen: drive in stop-and-go traffic to feel transmission behavior.
The Verdict
Should You Buy a Used Toyota Tacoma?
A clean 2012–2015 Tacoma or a 2020+ Tacoma is money in the bank. The truck's resale reputation is deserved.
Best for: Contractors, outdoors buyers, anyone who wants a truck that will outlive their next three cars.
People Also Ask
What mileage is acceptable on a used Tacoma?
There is no single cut-off. A higher-mileage Tacoma from 2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh) with complete service history beats a low-mileage car with none — judge paperwork and condition first, odometer second.
What problems affect the 2nd gen (2005–2015)?
On the 2nd gen (2005–2015), watch for frame rust (early years), lower ball joints on lifted trucks and Leaf-spring wear on work trucks. All of these are detectable on a proper pre-purchase inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tacoma years are best?
2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh), 2020–2023 (3rd gen, post-TSB) are the strongest years to buy.
Why is the 2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh) Tacoma recommended?
It pairs the mature version of the platform with the lowest rate of recurring complaints in the Tacoma range — the reason it heads the list above.
What mileage is acceptable on a used Tacoma?
There is no fixed ceiling. A higher-mileage Tacoma with complete records usually outlasts a low-mileage one without them, so weigh service history and condition ahead of the odometer.
Are the newer or older Tacoma years more reliable?
Neither by default — it goes by generation. 2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh), 2020–2023 (3rd gen, post-TSB) are the strong windows, and the generation breakdown explains what changed each time.
Which Tacoma years should I avoid?
No specific Tacoma years are outright avoids in our research.
Who is a used Toyota Tacoma best for?
Buyers who want a known quantity: a mainstream Tacoma from a proven year, bought on records rather than on mileage, and kept for the long haul.
What should I check before buying a used Tacoma?
Get under the truck with a flashlight — frame, crossmembers, rear leaf-spring hangers.; Check ball-joint play by rocking each front wheel.; Test 4WD engagement (H, L, and 4L) on a loose surface.; On 3rd gen: drive in stop-and-go traffic to feel transmission behavior.
Should I buy a used Toyota Tacoma?
Yes — stick to 2012–2015 (2nd gen, post-refresh), 2020–2023 (3rd gen, post-TSB), and have the car inspected before money changes hands.
You may also want to research
- Toyota Tacoma Years to AvoidModel years that reward extra scrutiny.
- Toyota Tacoma Buying GuideFull mid-size pickup buying guide.
- Toyota Reliability GuideHow Toyota holds up long-term.
- Best Used Toyota ModelsThe Toyota models worth buying.
- Toyota 4Runner Buying GuideFull body-on-frame midsize suv buying guide.
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