The Best Used Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab Pickup Years for Reliability
Used Tacomas Worth Tracking Down on the Lot
Toyota's midsize pickup has a habit of showing up at 250,000 miles still going strong. That's why used Tacomas hold their price so well. The catch is that some model years are way more bulletproof than others, and a handful of Double Cab years are the ones worth hunting down.
- The 2015 Tacoma marks the last of the second generation and earns high marks for long-term dependability.
- Model years 2018 through 2020 fixed early third-generation transmission gripes and added standard safety tech.
- Years worth avoiding include 2006 through 2009 for frame rust and 2016 through 2017 for shift quality issues.
Why the Double Cab Body Style Matters Most
The Double Cab gives you four full doors, room for adults in the back, and the same engine choices as smaller cab styles. Toyota added the Double Cab body to the U.S. lineup in 2001, and it quickly became the volume seller. If you want a used Toyota Tacoma crew cab pickup that holds resale and works for both daily driving and weekend hauling, the Double Cab is the body to chase.
The 2015 Tacoma's Last-Generation Sweet Spot
Toyota's 2015 model wraps up the second generation on a high note. By that point, the brand had worked through years of running changes on the 4.0-liter V6 paired with a five-speed automatic. Plenty of owners report rolling past 250,000 miles with nothing more than routine maintenance and the occasional water pump. J.D. Power gave the 2015 a reliability score of 85 out of 100, which is a strong mark for a truck of that era. Trim choices include SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. Right behind it, the 2014 model is almost as solid and usually costs a bit less on the used lot.
2018 Through 2020 Brought Safety Tech and Tighter Builds
Toyota's third generation launched in 2016, and it took two model years to sort out the new six-speed automatic's shift logic. By 2018, the bugs were ironed out. Toyota Safety Sense P also became standard across the lineup that year, adding automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. In 2019, Toyota added a couple of extra USB charging ports. A 2020 refresh introduced standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an available 360-degree parking camera. CarGurus and KBB both rate third-generation Tacoma reliability above average, with the 3.5-liter V6 earning particular praise for durability.
Reliability Snapshot by Year and Trim
| Model Year | Cab Style | Engine Options | Available Trims | Reliability Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Double Cab | 4.0L V6 or 2.7L I4 | PreRunner, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road | Solid second-gen pick |
| 2014 | Double Cab | 4.0L V6 or 2.7L I4 | SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited | Strong runner-up year |
| 2015 | Double Cab | 4.0L V6 or 2.7L I4 | SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited | Top-rated second-gen year |
| 2018 | Double Cab | 3.5L V6 or 2.7L I4 | SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro | First polished third-gen year |
| 2019 | Double Cab | 3.5L V6 or 2.7L I4 | SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro | Refined and dependable |
| 2020 | Double Cab | 3.5L V6 or 2.7L I4 | SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro | Best third-gen feature set |
Years Worth Skipping
Tacomas built between 2006 and 2009 earned a poor reputation for frame rust, especially in salt-belt states like Connecticut. Toyota issued recalls and frame buy-backs on some of these trucks, but plenty slipped through. Owners of 2011 and 2012 trucks reported scattered engine and accessory complaints. And the 2016 and 2017 models, while mechanically sound, drew criticism for jerky downshifts and hesitant throttle response. None of these is a total deal-breaker if the price is right and the inspection checks out, but cleaner years are available for a similar price.
What to Inspect Before You Sign
Get the truck on a lift if the seller allows it. Look for frame rust on the rear crossmembers and around the leaf-spring hangers. Check the rear differential for leaks, which was a known issue on some 2016 and 2017 trucks. Run the transmission through every gear during the test drive, and pay attention to how it handles low-speed cruising between 35 and 45 mph, since that's where the early third-gen shift logic showed its weakness. A Toyota dealer can pull warranty history and recall completion records on any VIN.
Where the Smart Money Lands
For most shoppers, a 2018, 2019, or 2020 Double Cab in SR5 or TRD Sport trim hits the right balance. You get modern safety tech, a strong V6, and enough remaining service life to cruise past 200,000 miles without breaking a sweat. If your budget runs tighter, a clean 2014 or 2015 with documented maintenance is hard to beat. Just keep an eye out for frame rust, which matters most on trucks that live through New England winters.
Why Buy a Used Tacoma at Toyota of Wallingford
At Toyota of Wallingford, we know Tacomas inside and out. Every pre-owned truck on our lot undergoes a careful inspection by our Toyota-trained technicians, and any Tacoma that earns the Certified Used Vehicle badge comes with a 12-month/12,000-mile limited warranty and a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. We also throw in complimentary oil changes up to 100,000 miles and lifetime car washes when you buy from us. If you live within 50 miles of our Wallingford location, we'll bring the truck to your driveway for a test drive at no charge. Stop by, and we'll help you find the right Tacoma for the way you actually drive.