You may want to think twice before getting a Toyota Tacoma because they can be pretty pricey. However, if you’re looking for a late-model SUV with some serious off-road capability and reliability, this might be the one for you. But, why are Toyota Tacomas so expensive? Let’s look at some incredible features of this model.
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Why are Toyota Tacomas so Expensive?
Toyota cars are well-known for their long-lasting and Toyota Tacomas is one of their picks. This pickup truck lasts and requires very low maintenance throughout its life. Therefore, Toyota Tacomas hold their value.
The Toyota Tacoma is quite a utility vehicle; when it’s up for sale, you can easily sell your mechanical parts to another buyer.
Toyota cars are built of steel and aluminum. This makes them both strong and light. Toyota Tacomas are also very durable in comparison to other cars. They have a car-replacement price tag which can be as high as $25,000 (which is pretty high), depending on the model and trim level that you go for.
Toyota Tacomas was introduced in 1995 and it immediately got a very high rating from users over the years. In 2021, this car received an overall rating of 7.2/10, ranking 3rd place compared to its peers. This pickup truck is built for off-road lovers with an advanced safety system so its price was pushed to a higher level.
One of the exceptional features of this off-road truck is its towing capacity of more than 6 tons, attached to a V6 engine.
When you take a good look at the Toyota Tacomas, you’ll be surprised that it is not much different from the 1990s. Its cabin design is simple and minimal, with a few metallic accents here and there. The exterior design, of course, keeps up with current trends.
Tacoma’s Milestones
- The First Generation: 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
- Second Generation: 2005-Present Toyota Tacoma
With each successive release after its redesign in 2016, the car has seen a significant alteration. The model’s ability to maintain its price range may also be due to these new features.
Here are a few characteristics that have transformed the car into the beast it is today:
2017: The Toyota Tacoma family received the TRD Pro trim.
2018: With new developments in automotive technology in 2018, Toyota implemented a number of technologies and software to assist drivers for the Tacoma and made them standard across all Tacoma variants.
2020: The Toyota Tacoma series received a sizable gift bag with various enhancements in 2020. The model now comes with amenities including Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and an improved infotainment system with a 7-inch touch screen. A new 10-way electrically adjustable seat was added to the driver’s seat. Because it has a multi-terrain monitor, the vehicle gives the driver more confidence on any terrain.
Is a Tacoma a Good Investment?
Here are the reasons that make a Tacoma a good investment:
Toyota Tacomas hold their value
According to research, this model doesn’t lose its value as quickly as its peers. Its resale price is pretty high. A Tacomas can keep about 70% of its value after 5 years, which is more than a Jeep Wrangler
High in demand
As its stability in value, many truck enthusiasts are still looking for Toyota Tacomas for sale. By 2021, the auto industry is in short of many auto parts, which pushed the price of Toyota Tacomas further. As this model is built to last for a long time, many buyers are willing to pay much higher prices for it.
High quality
Toyota Tacomas also has high-quality parts that help it last for a long time. The air conditioning system and the powertrain system are durable. This model has an overall reliability rating of more than 70%. This is because many parts of the truck can easily be replaced. If you need something done, you can easily go to a mechanic and ask him or her to perform the work.
More fuel efficiency than its peers
If you love to spend money on gas, then this Toyota Tacoma may be right for you. This model has a fuel efficiency of 19/21/20 mpg for city/highway/combined driving. When we compare it with other cars, this truck is still very good. Its fuel consumption is very low when compared to other trucks of the same type, size, and price tag. Therefore, drivers can save lots of money on gas.
Low maintenance cost
Even though the cost upfront is quite high, Toyota Tacomas owners don’t have to spend much on regular maintenance. Therefore, it depreciates less than other trucks.
Why Are Used Toyota Tacoma Models so Expensive?
A used Toyota Tacoma is a good buy for consumers. This vehicle is quite expensive when compared to its peers. The price of a ’97 Toyota Tacoma can be as high as $45,000. This model has a lot in common with the current Tacoma models.
Toyota Tacomas were released in 1995. Its high-quality design and advanced technology made it one of the most trusted pickup trucks in the U.S at that time.
Prices of used Toyota Tacomas have been increasing in the past five years or so. Therefore, if you’re in search of a used pickup truck, you won’t be finding the model that you want for a cheaper price.
Furthermore, Toyota decided to redesign the Tacomas model in 2016. Since then its reliability dropped as newer model owners reported some issues with current models. This is why some used models are even more expensive than new ones.
What Should You Look for When Purchasing a Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a trustworthy truck, but it’s not flawless. Some problems are unique to a particular generation, while others have affected several.
For instance, severe corrosion affects some older models, particularly those from the late 1990s. Therefore, if you’re looking for one of these, give it a thorough check because any rust is a serious red flag.
Then there are other generic problems. For instance, the transmission may shift erratically or not at all in high-mileage vehicles.
When buying an older Tacoma, make sure the transmission shifts smoothly and use 4WD to listen for any noises.
Throttle position sensor issues are common in Tacomas. These might lead to sluggish driving and uncontrolled acceleration. To learn if they have been replaced, you can consult service records.
Thankfully, as we’ve seen, most of the repairs are doable. In fact, a few of them are typical of older cars. Additionally, because Toyotas are simple and honorable, many mechanics enjoy working on them. Don’t be afraid of repairs, but at the same time, don’t buy one thinking it will last forever without getting the necessary inspection first.
FAQs
What year Tacoma not to buy?
The year of a Tacoma: you will see a big difference in price. The first-generation trucks are still in high demand, whereas, 2006-2016 models are not in favor of many drivers as they were reported with many issues related to riding quality or cabin insulation.
Are Tacoma parts expensive?
If you want to repair a part of your Toyota Tacoma, you will find that it is affordable. This is also the reason why it’s known for its low maintenance costs.
According to many owners, the transmission is one of the most expensive parts of a Toyota Tacoma. The price and quality of this component vary from model to model.
Which is better Tacoma or Tundra?
If you want a strong and reliable truck, then either model will suit your needs. Both models are excellent in terms of design and maintenance. However, the Tundra is a bit more popular than the Tacoma.
The Tundra outperformance Tacoma in terms of power and payload while the design of Tacoma is more comfortable than the Tundra.
Final Words
The Tacoma was built to take you on thrilling off-road adventures. Its quick and easy driving system is complemented by contemporary, effective entertainment and safety amenities, adding to its value and making it a somewhat pricey truck. This makes the voyage even better.
If you’re still wondering why Toyota Tacomas cost so much, you should go for a test drive.
Further Reading:
Hi there! I’m Naomi O’Colman. I’ve got years of experience working at an auto repair shop here in Texas under my belt. On top of that, ever since I was a kid I’ve been passionate about the auto industry. Since I’ve joined the team at automotivegearz.com I’ve been enthusiastically sharing my passion and insights with my readers. I’m dedicated to delivering high quality content and helping you stay up to date with the latest automotive trends and products out there!
