Do Toyota Tacomas hold their value?
Yes. Toyota Tacomas tend to hold their value very well, often retaining more of their original price than many rivals due to reliability, durability, and high demand in both new and used markets. This article examines how resale value tends to behave across model years, trims, and market conditions, and offers tips for buyers and sellers.
Why Tacomas hold value
Several factors contribute to Toyota Tacoma resale strength. Here are the main drivers.
- Reliability and long lifespan: Toyota's reputation for durability means many Tacomas reach high mileages with minimal major issues.
- Strong used-truck demand: Pickups command robust resale in multiple regions for work, recreation, and fleets.
- Desirable trims and capabilities: Models like TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro fetch premium due to off-road capability and limited availability.
- Quality and build: Solid chassis, proven off-road systems, and reliable powertrains help retain value.
- Brand and dealer support: Toyota's brand equity and a broad service network support resale confidence.
- Supply dynamics and market demand: When new-model supply tightens or demand for trucks is high, used Tacomas can command higher prices in certain markets.
In short, those factors combine to make Tacomas historically among the best-retaining pickups on the used market.
Model-year and trim nuances that influence resale
Different model years and trims have different resale trajectories. The following points summarize how buyers typically price Tacomas in the market.
- Generational timing and refreshes: Tacomas within a generation with a recent refresh tend to offer more up-to-date features and reliability, which supports resale value compared with older, pre-refresh examples.
- Specialized trims carry a premium: TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro variants are often sought after for their off-road equipment and gear ratios, which can keep resale values higher than base trims.
- Transmission and drivetrain availability: Variants with popular drivetrains or options aligned with buyer preferences can influence demand and price.
- Condition and mileage: Well-maintained vehicles with complete maintenance history and reasonable mileage typically fetch stronger prices.
- Geographic factors: Trucks tend to be more valuable in regions with higher demand for off-road capability or where pickup adoption is high.
These dynamics mean buyers should weigh the trim, year, and condition when assessing resale potential.
Tips for maximizing resale value when buying used
When shopping for a used Tacoma with resale value in mind, keep these practical steps in mind. The forthcoming list highlights the easiest ways to protect and possibly enhance value.
- Prioritize well-documented maintenance: service records from a trusted shop or dealer help prove the vehicle’s care history.
- Check mileage relative to age: lower mileage for the model year generally supports a higher resale value, all else equal.
- Evaluate the trim and equipment: TRD Off-Road/Pro trims typically retain value better due to capability and scarcity.
- Inspect the frame and underbody for rust or collision damage: structural integrity matters for future resale.
- Keep originality or document changes: avoiding irreversible modifications can help resale, though reversible, quality upgrades can appeal to buyers if properly documented.
- Consider timing and market context: prices can fluctuate with demand for trucks, fuel costs, and broader economic conditions.
By focusing on documentation, condition, and the right trim, buyers and sellers can optimize resale outcomes.
Summary
In today’s market, Toyota Tacomas remain among the most resilient values in the used-pickup segment. Their combination of proven reliability, off-road capability, and sustained demand—especially for well-kept trucks in desirable trims—helps them retain value better than many peers. Prospective buyers should weigh trim, maintenance history, and regional demand, while sellers should emphasize documentation and condition to maximize resale price.
What years to avoid when buying a Toyota Tacoma?
Final Thoughts. The Toyota Tacoma is one of the most respected midsize trucks on the market, but not all model years are equally reliable. The worst years for Toyota Tacoma include 2000–2004, 2005–2010, 2009–2011, and 2016–2017. Always check for frame rust, especially on older models.
What year to stay away from Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma years to avoid include 2006, 2009, 2016, 2017, and 2019 due to issues like frame rust, transmission problems, and engine issues. Other problematic years include 2005, 2007, and 2012, which also have known issues.
This video explains the Toyota Tacoma models to avoid: 39sShifting LanesYouTube · Oct 6, 2021
Second Generation (2005–2015)
- 2005–2010: Prone to significant frame rust due to poor drainage, which can lead to costly repairs or replacement.
- 2006: Suffers from frame rust, and has transmission issues such as slipping and hard shifting.
- 2007: Experienced a spike in complaints related to body, engine, and drivetrain issues.
- 2009: Had numerous complaints about the radio, and also featured frame rust issues.
- 2012: Saw an increase in engine stalling and hesitation, and issues with the electronic stability control system.
- 2015: Had a spike in complaints about transmission failures and faulty drivetrain components.
Third Generation (2016–Present)
- 2016: The first model year of the third generation, it has the most complaints, including transmission problems (rough shifting, slipping), engine issues (stalling, oil consumption), and infotainment system glitches.
- 2017: Continues with transmission problems, rough and noisy steering, and issues with interior material quality.
- 2019: Reports of sluggish and clunky transmissions with jerking and vibrating, and safety recalls for fuel pump issues.
Do Toyota Tacomas have good resale value?
Yes, Toyota Tacomas hold their value exceptionally well due to their reputation for durability, reliability, and high demand. They consistently rank among the top trucks for resale value and depreciate less than average, with one source estimating a 22% depreciation after five years.
Factors contributing to the Tacoma's strong resale value:
- Durability and Reliability: Tacomas have a reputation for being incredibly durable and have few major recalls, with many lasting 200,000–300,000 miles. This reliability makes them desirable even when used.
- High Demand: The Tacoma is a popular truck, and high demand makes it easier to sell for a higher price.
- Off-Road Capability: Models like the TRD Pro are particularly popular for their off-road features, making them sought-after used vehicles.
- Lower Ownership Costs: Compared to the industry average for pickup trucks, the Tacoma has lower maintenance costs, which can be a factor in its long-term value retention.
- Brand Reputation: Toyota's strong brand name and the Tacoma's specific model reputation for quality build and materials contribute to its value.
Do tacomas depreciate fast?
A 2022 Toyota Tacoma has depreciated $8,212 or 27% in the last 3 years and has a current resale value of $21,412 and trade-in value of $18,122. The 2022 Toyota Tacoma is in the top 10-25% for depreciation among all 2022 Pickups.
