Is 2009 a good year for Tacomas?
The Toyota Tacoma has long been a favorite among truck enthusiasts for its reliability, durability, and off-road capabilities. If you're considering purchasing a 2009 Tacoma, it's important to understand its strengths and weaknesses to determine if it’s the right choice for you. As an experienced auto service provider, I’ll break down the key aspects of the 2009 Tacoma to help you make an informed decision.
Overview of the 2009 Toyota Tacoma
The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is part of the second generation of Tacomas, which were produced from 2005 to 2015. This generation is known for its rugged design, versatile configurations, and dependable performance. The 2009 model year offered a variety of trims, cab styles, and engine options, making it a versatile choice for different needs, whether for work, daily driving, or off-road adventures.
Strengths of the 2009 Tacoma
The 2009 Tacoma has several standout features that make it a solid choice for many buyers:
- Reliability: Toyota is renowned for building reliable vehicles, and the Tacoma is no exception. Many owners report that their Tacomas run well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance.
- Off-Road Capability: The TRD Off-Road package, available for the 2009 Tacoma, includes features like a locking rear differential and upgraded suspension, making it a great option for off-road enthusiasts.
- Variety of Configurations: The 2009 Tacoma comes in multiple cab styles (Regular, Access, and Double Cab) and bed lengths, allowing buyers to choose a setup that fits their needs.
- Engine Options: Buyers can choose between a fuel-efficient 2.7L 4-cylinder engine or a more powerful 4.0L V6 engine, depending on their performance requirements.
Potential Drawbacks of the 2009 Tacoma
While the 2009 Tacoma is a great truck overall, there are a few areas to watch out for:
- Frame Rust Issues: Some 2009 Tacomas have been reported to suffer from frame rust, particularly in regions with harsh winters and road salt. Toyota issued a recall and extended warranty for frame rust repairs, so it’s important to check if the vehicle you’re considering has been inspected or repaired under this program.
- Fuel Economy: While the 4-cylinder engine offers decent fuel efficiency, the V6 engine can be thirsty, especially in 4WD configurations.
- Interior Quality: The interior materials of the 2009 Tacoma are functional but not particularly luxurious. Some owners have noted that the cabin feels dated compared to newer trucks.
Is the 2009 Tacoma Right for You?
Ultimately, the 2009 Toyota Tacoma is a great choice for buyers seeking a reliable, versatile, and capable midsize truck. However, it’s crucial to inspect any used Tacoma thoroughly, paying special attention to potential frame rust and overall condition. If you’re looking for a truck that can handle off-road adventures, daily commutes, and everything in between, the 2009 Tacoma is worth considering.
At Kevin’s Autos, we’re here to help you with pre-purchase inspections, maintenance, and repairs to ensure your vehicle stays in top shape. Feel free to reach out to us for expert advice and services!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable truck of all time?
Arguably the most reliable truck of all time might be the Toyota Hilux, but finding a clean example in the United States is not going to be an easy task. After all, Toyota stopped selling the Hilux nameplate here in 1976.
What years did Toyota Tacoma have bad frames?
Despite its reputation for impeccable build quality, there was a period during the production of the first generation Tacoma where things went sideways for the Big T. As we've hinted at in previous articles, the frames of 1995-2004 model year Tacos were prone to big-time rust.
Is 2009 a good year for Tacoma?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and performance to be its strongest features and comfort to be its weakest. 1331 out of 1655 of owners (80% of them) rank the 2009 Tacoma Double Cab five out of five stars.
What year did Toyota Tacoma have transmission problems?
2024
Some 2024 Toyota Tacoma owners are reporting transmission failures to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The reported failures seem to affect both manual and automatic gearboxes, with some owners reporting failure within the first 1000 miles.
What is considered high mileage for a Tacoma?
The general consensus among industry experts is that a used Toyota Tacoma with less than 100,000 miles is considered a good buy. However, the exact mileage will depend on the condition of the vehicle and its history of maintenance and repairs.
What year of Tacoma to stay away from?
While most Tacomas enjoy a long history of reliability, there are a few years that are not good investments. Out of all of the years the Tacoma has been on the road, avoid the 2016-2017 years. Other years with issues include 2006-2009, 2011, and 2012.
What years of Toyota Tacoma is the most reliable?
When considering the best years of the second-generation Tacoma, models from 2009 to 2015 are generally regarded as the most reliable. By this time, Toyota had addressed many of the early issues found in the 2005-2008 models, which were prone to automatic transmission problems.
What is a 2009 Tacoma worth?
2009 Toyota Tacoma Pricing
| Original MSRP | KBB Fair Purchase Price (national avg.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Tacoma Regular Cab | $8,602 - $11,758 | $7,952 - $10,958 |
| Tacoma Access Cab | $10,265 - $13,902 | $9,390 - $12,952 |
| Tacoma Double Cab | $13,521 - $15,231 | $13,021 - $14,681 |
Which truck lasts the longest?
Longest Lasting Trucks
- The List of Most Dependable Trucks.
- Toyota Tundra.
- Toyota Tacoma.
- Ford F-150.
- Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
- GMC Sierra 1500 (Honorable Mention)
- Selecting the Most Reliable Truck for Your Needs.
How long should a 2009 Tacoma last?
The Toyota Tacoma is a mid-size, light-duty pickup truck.
While other midsize pickup truck models taper off at 200,000 miles, you can expect the Toyota Tacoma to last up to 300,000. By prioritizing routine maintenance and vehicle care, you can expect the Toyota Tacoma to last a very long time.
