Which Model Year of the Toyota Tacoma Is Best to Buy Used?
2020 Toyota Tacoma by Kevauto — CC BY-SA 4.0
Midsize pickups offer the best of two worlds: robust hauling capabilities in a non-overwhelming vehicle size. Throw in Toyota’s reputation for reliability, and it’s no wonder that the Toyota Tacoma has been America’s best-selling midsize truck for 15 years. The Tacoma outsells its closest competitor, the Chevrolet Colorado, almost three-to-one.
The Tacoma’s popularity is helped by an unmatched resale value in its segment and being one of the least depreciating vehicles of any type. According to Kelly Blue Book, a 2021 Tacoma will retain about 56% of its original value after five years. The average vehicle is worth about 39% of its original price over the same period.
This combination of functionality, quality, and retained value can make for a difficult decision when considering a new versus used Toyota Tacoma. Let’s look at the details of a new 2021 and used models from 2016-2020 and discover the best year for a Toyota Tacoma.
The current generation Tacoma was introduced in 2016 and has basically remained unchanged since. We’ll review pricing, problem areas, and the feature changes for each year.
2016 Toyota Tacoma: Used vs. New
Average Used Listing Price: $24,076
Average Used Mileage: 54,778
Savings vs. buying new: $8,002
On average, a 2016 Tacoma will sell for about $24,000 and have about 55,000 miles. Thanks to the Tacoma’s high resale value, there’s only an $8,000 spread between a used 2016 model and a new 2021 Tacoma.
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New Features for the 2016 Toyota Tacoma
- Completely new design with a robust 3.5L V-6 engine
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Improved crash safety over the previous year
- Quiet cabin
Reliability
Despite Toyota’s legendary reliability, it’s not unusual for the first year of an all-new model design to have “teething problems.“ And the 2016 Tacoma is no different.
Numerous 2016 Tacoma owners have reported common issues with the truck’s transmission, drivetrain, and body/paint. Toyota also issued a recall for a leaking rear differential. 2016 is not the best year for the Toyota Tacoma.
Is Buying A Used 2016 Toyota Tacoma A Good Idea?
Given the modest difference between used versus new pricing and first-year reliability issues, we’d suggest skipping this year of Toyota’s midsize truck.
2017 Toyota Tacoma: Used vs. New
Average Used Listing Price: $25,886
Average Used Mileage: 43,469
Savings vs. buying new: $6,192
An average 2017 Tacoma has about 43,000 miles and sells for roughly $25,900. Again, the Toyota’s lower depreciation helps keep a tight $6,100 spread between new and used.
New Features for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma
- New TRD Pro trim with heavy-duty suspension and exterior upgrades
Reliability
For 2017, Tacoma owners still reported transmission and drivetrain issues but at lower levels than the previous year. The rear differential recall also affected 2017 Tacomas, and a recall was issued for a defective fuel pump.
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Is Buying A Used 2017 Toyota Tacoma A Good Idea?
Thanks to improving quality, buying a used 2017 Tacoma makes more sense than looking at one from the previous year. But, the close used vs. new price spread still is a reason to continue looking.
2018 Toyota Tacoma: Used vs. New
Average Used Listing Price: $26,582
Average Used Mileage: 37,322
Savings vs. buying new: $5,496
On average, a 2018 Tacoma will sell for about $26,600 and have about 37,000 miles. Continuing with a common theme in this review, we see that the Tacoma’s high resale value creates only an approximate $5,500 difference between a new Tacoma and a used 2018 model.
New Features for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma
- All Tacoma models receive the Toyota Safety Sense suite as standard equipment. This package includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and automatic high-beam headlights.
Reliability
While owners still report some transmission and drivetrain problems, reliability for the 2018 Tacoma is improved over earlier years. The fuel pump recall carries over for 2018 models, and Toyota announced a recall for a defective brake master cylinder seal.
Is Buying A Used 2018 Toyota Tacoma A Good Idea?
Despite a modest price difference between a new and used 2018 Tacoma, the addition of advanced safety equipment and improved reliability makes a good case for buying a used Tacoma in the form of a 2018 model.
2019 Toyota Tacoma: Used vs. New
Average Used Listing Price: $28,140
Average Used Mileage: 22,050
Savings vs. buying new: $3,938
On average, a 2019 Tacoma will sell for about $28,000 with about 22,000 miles on the odometer. The Tacoma’s high resale value means there’s only a $4,000 difference between a used 2019 Tacoma and a new 2021 model.
New Features for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma
- Overall refinement for the truck that sees a noticeable reduction in noise and vibration.
- Improved cabin insulation and thicker glass make for a quieter cabin experience.
- Retuned engine for improved driving performance.
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Reliability
Despite a relative handful of transmission issues, owner reports of problems have quieted down. The same fuel pump and brake recalls affecting the 2018 Tacoma as apply to this model year.
Is Buying A Used 2019 Toyota Tacoma A Good Idea?
A more refined 2019 Tacoma can be an appealing option for a prospective buyer, but it’s hard to justify this purchase when you can buy a brand new Tacoma for only about $4,000 more.
2020 Toyota Tacoma: Used vs. New
Average Used Listing Price: $30,035
Average Used Mileage: 5,546
Savings vs. buying new: $2,043
An average 2020 Tacoma has about 5,500 miles and sells for roughly $30,000. The Tacoma’s low depreciation and that a 2020 model is almost new means only a $2,000 difference between a year-old model and a brand-new version.
New Features for the 2020 Toyota Tacoma
- Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa smartphone integration are now available.
- Surround-view and undercarriage cameras are an available option to improve off-road visibility.
- The power driver’s seat now adjusts seat height and thigh positions.
- A reprogrammed transmission improves gear changing.
Reliability
Given the newness of the 2020 Tacoma, there is insufficient data to report the truck’s reliability or recall history.
Is Buying A Used 2020 Toyota Tacoma A Good Idea?
In the case of the 2020 model, the answer to the “What is the best year for the Toyota Tacoma?” question is simple. Just buy a new 2021 edition. The small $2,000 difference between new and used makes a hard case for buying a second-hand truck.
Which Model Year of the Tacoma Is Best to Buy Used?
In this article, we’ve covered the Toyota Tacoma’s strong resale value. This trait is great for selling or trading in your Tacoma but makes it more of a challenge when the time comes to buy a used one.
The best year for a Toyota Tacoma is the 2018 model year. The early gremlins have worked their way out, the Tacoma now has extra safety gear as standard equipment, and there is a reasonable amount of depreciation to save money over a brand-new model.
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