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Everyone on youtube has 60k+ suped up mall crawlers or monster trucks, I appreciate a channel that really brings it back down to earth. Vehicles of this nature were never ment to become this materialistic status symbol that they are today.

My 2005 Tacoma was the only vehicle I didn't trade-in.13 years after making the last payment it's still running perfectly fine. It is the best thing I've ever bought besides my new home.

For me the best Taco is a 2015 Toyota Tacoma Double cab Long bed 4x4, that thing is amazing.

I'm here loving my 2014 have her at 98k miles, got her at 60k miles and can't complain, very simple , dependable and easy to work on❤

I plan on have my 09 taco for the rest of my life it’s my favourite truck ever and the aftermarket support keeps me broke but building it up is my biggest joy in life 😂

Ok, I had a 1998 Tacoma base 4cyl. single cab with a manual trans, crank windows, and bench seat (brown tweed) and it was my daily driver for many years. Never a real problem except the starter burning out. When I sold it, it has 157K (US miles). I presently own a 2012 Taco white base with a manual trans, crank windows, and bench seat (gray fabric) as my daily driver. Presently it has 156K miles and so far, never a problem. Since my home life is simple, my single cab fits the bill perfectly and able to keep my 6ft bed. Gas run roughly 25mpg in the city 27 mpg highway. Since live in FL, there is still NO rust and no need to 4wd. Keeping the white taco as long as I can. Great to know both truck used a REAL key; less is more.

I love My 2006 Tacoma 230k mile . Still runs great. I also have a complete spare motor 20 k mile sit in my garage. Plan to keep 4ever.

New tacos are the biggest truck status symbol. Rare to see one on a job site given it’s the same price as a f150. Big fan of the older versions though.

Had a red 2012 Toyota Tacoma, 2 door 4 banger, with the bench seat and roll up windows. Loved that truck so much. No frills, just my good ole boy that never let me down. Traded it in for a 3rd gen. Love the 3rd gen but I definitely still think back on my first Tacoma. It had some serious charm.

I have a 2014 Tacoma double-cab with the V6 and only 88,000 miles and garaged , at this rate it will probably be my last truck. I also have a 2016 Camery XSE with a V6 and it only has 47,000 miles. Both of these Toyotas have been great vehicles.

Yep! Couldn't agree more. Simplicity, Reliability and DIY friendly is what I like!

My favorite generation of Tacoma is the 2nd gen. They’re honest - they aren’t extremely powerful and can’t tow a huge amount, but they were never marketed that way. They do everything that can be reasonably asked of them. With proper maintenance, people have no huge issues with them either. I love my red 2015 SR5, it’s my first vehicle. There’s a few things I wish it had, but I wouldn’t ever give it up!

Shhhh! Don't tell everyone how great they are, it'll drive the prices up on these used trucks. Let's keep it a secret how great older Toyotas are. 😂😂 Great video, always enjoy your stuff. 👍

I owned a 1st generation Tacoma, it was fantastic. I pulled two jet skis. I had the 3.4 V6, which had great power. I like the 2nd generation but have never driven one.

Having owned a 1st gen Pre-Runner, 2nd gen 4.0L Double Cab, and now a built out 3rd gen TRD Off-road long bed. I would say the 2 gen was better in reliability and drivability… I prefer the 4.0L. If the 2nd gen broke I was asking for it and at fault. The 3rd gen just has problems that arise from no where. My first truck was a pre-Tacoma 2wd and that thing took the biggest beating out of all of them and gave me near zero problems. Toyota….don’t make ‘em like they used to.

Bought a 2012 2nd gen (facelift) a little over a month ago as my first truck it's a SR5 PreRunner RWD automatic access cab V6 as well that's silver and I absolutely love it! I bought it with 107K miles and have put 1000 on since then and its been a very nice little truck. I am putting some switchback LED headlights in this weekend.

2012 Taco with 340,000 miles! solid in every respect even towing. I do wish it had the 8 speed tranny though. It has always tended to hunt ...

I bought a 2015 4 door 2nd gen Tacoma and I've been very pleased with my purchase.

1st gen Tundra is the best Tacoma

I bought an '05 last year and the ease I have had working on this truck has been delightful. The 4.0L V6 is so reliable. Even though it does have its issues, like worn syncros, a possible head gasket leak or worn water pump, and an alternator that seems to be going out. But I have new headlights, I put a '13 head unit into it to sacrifice radio for Bluetooth, and a couple more mods. Best vehicle I've ever owned.

My old man and I have been taking good care of our 2011 crew cab TRD sport. Gets the job done time and time again, I prefer the dependability to all the new bells and whistles these days. Only just breaking in with 220,000 KM

My 2007 5 speed 4 Banger is still going strong

2010 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 V6 - Lifted on 33s 💪🏽

My 2012 DCLB 4.0 V6 has 225,000 miles and is still rolling strong

Nice video! I really love my 2015 I bought used 2 years ago! It is a 2.7 2WD double cab. Only option it has is that it is a double cab. I added a bunch of options including a roof rack, bed extender, homelink mirror and even heated seats. It still has that base model look with the options that came on a limited.

I agree with your assessment of a manual transmission in the 3rd generation. I have a 2018 and zero issues!

Agreed! I have a 2007 Tacoma Sport crew cab 257,000 miles. No issues and running great. Don't need all the bells and whistles on the newer generation Tacomas. Plus they are 3x the cost!

When I was buying a truck, I test drove a 2010 Tacoma and a 2003 Tacoma. They were the same price exactly. I just didn’t like the 2010 as much as the 03. It felt too big. I ended up going with the 03. The gearbox felt better too. It shifted smoother and the clutch felt better. And I really wanted the manual transfer case.

I have a 2010 2.7L regular cab 4x4 with the manual trans. Not sure how many were made, but that does seem like a hard combo to find. Slow and reliable but still fun to drive.

I bought a 2022 TRD Off Road almost two years ago. I've been in a lot of rental cars with modern features and whatnot, but I never really cared about them. You're 1000% right. Old **is** gold. I was actually looking to order a '22 Bronco 2dr but didn't want to wait 2 years for Ford to build it and the 6cyl ecoboosts were blowing up for some owners. The engine and the long wait time pushed me away so I decided to go for a 4Runner. The dealership that my family buys from all the time only had 4 allocations and the only TRD OR was sold already and they had no idea when the next TRD OR would come in so I got my Tacoma. From putting down a deposit to build and delivery, it was 28 days which was a lot quicker than most people on Tacomaworld who were waiting for theirs. The 3.5L is seriously lacking in low end power but I'm gonna get the OTT tune soonish to hopefully improve the stupid tuning Toyota did for this engine/trans combo. I had 4 people come up to me asking to sell my truck to them in the first year I owned it, lol. I don't really do "truck stuff", I just wanted an off roader hence the Bronco and 4Runner. I love this thing despite being slow as molasses, it just looks so damn nice with a 2" lift and 33" tires.

Great video. I love my 2011 gen 2. 160k miles. Runs great.

I have a '23 TRD Off Road Access Cab 6M. The key, and ignition look the same as my '92 Pickup. I firmly believe that My truck is the best you can do. I'm going off road with it today, and will drive it to work on Monday. Great vid, keep up the good work!

I've got a 2012 4x4 TRD Sport Access Cab, and it has been the best vehicle (of 11) I've had. Just hit 2 years with it, and despite it being thirsty, and the overwhelming aftermarket support for it, I love it. I'm broke, but yeah I love it lol

I have a 2015 tacoma TRD Sport and I love love my truck and your right about simplicity it is a very simple truck and not all those fancy gadgets that cost an arm and a leg now, got my tacoma back in 2018 and only had 23,000 miles on it and currently has only 53,000 miles on it so I only use it on the weekends when I'm out camping in very remote places so it takes a very tight turning radius and very nimble truck to get where I like going and full size trucks can never get in where I go so that's why I love my simple little truck. Great video.

2nd gen for life vato, 2007 single cab 5 lug 2.7 over 200,000 miles and running like a champ

i bought my 2015 tacoma trd off road with a 104k miles at 22500 yeah i paid alot but in the 2 years ive had it, i have loved it so damn much, its done everything ive asked of it and more. its reliable, comfortable, and all the "upgrades" and maintenance ive done myself and its frankly been really easy. i love my Taco, the only thing i really wish i had was a powered read slider for my back window

ive owned a toyota pu since 1986, 1st gen only replaced the water pump and clutches 270,000 mi, then bought a 2002 tundra only kept it for 3 yrs no problems, then bought a 2007 tacoma , its sitting in the garage with no problems, only repair was the alternator, i will always drive a toyota pu

4.0 V6 is soooo good. I love my 2011.

I'm the original owner of an '06 TRD DBL cab mt6 4x4. It does what a truck is supposed to do: it tows, it hauls, and it's reasonably comfortable. I'll keep it until I can't drive anymore.

From a 2023 manual trd off-road tacoma owner, I agree with all of your statements.

We own a 2008 4Runner and 2006 Tacoma TRD off road both trucks are 4x4 with the V6 and we love both. Hard to beat those gens how reliable they are.

I have found a simple joy in the simplicity of the layout of these trucks. Could just be that I'm used to it by now, but everything just works. Love having a small screen in it, and physical knobs and switches. Also, the cheap plastic interior is absolutely perfect for my usage. Allows me to not have to worry too much about dinging up the interior. Nothing quite like the freedom of folding the seats down, and just tossing some gear in the back

I appreciate you making a video on a truck that is actually “affordable” I have a pre runner 07 access cab and while it’s thirsty for gas it’s so practical with the 6 foot bed. It starts every time with 268k miles! Also love the fact that it’s very unassuming yet good looking and not flashy

2015 4x4 double cab short bed. Bought new by accident. Truly a great truck.

Love my 2013 4cly 5 speed manual locks and windows. Love simplicity easy to maintain or work on

I bought a four door, 6ft bed, SR5, 4x4, 2011 Tacoma with 180k miles from my father in law... absolutely LOVE the truck!! The mileage isn't even a concern for me! Runs like new and gets 18mpg in town 21mpg on the highway! Definitely pick one up if you get the chance!

OG owner on a 2014 TRD Supercharged TX Baja and still love it today! Granted if I had the cash lying around I wouldn’t mind adding a Xtra Cab 2024 Tacoma to my line up lol

I love my 2007 V8 4Runner Limited 4x4. I tow my car to the track with it, go off-roading with it, drive it to work most days, has a carplay head unit, and it just looks great imo. It’s really got everything I need. All for about $10k with 207k miles when I bought it last year

You're exactly right. I have an '05 Access Cab 4x4 SR5. Bought it new. Love it. 116,000 miles, never a thing gone wrong with it. I like the CD player which I don't think the new ones have.

My Gen 2 2013 model Tacoma Prerunner is rock solid. Loved the upgrade in the front face of the truck and minor interior. Under 160K miles and this bad boy still takes me on off road adventures and camp trips... Especially how these new tacos are selling for $60K+!!! Lol I'll stay with mine

I will never trust a turbo on a daily driver. My uncle owns a cab company he has ran pretty much every type of vehicle to it's death. Anything with a super charger or a turbo was the first thing to cause major issues and they're not cheap to replace. 2nd gen for life.

Just hauled a loaded 3500lbs U-Haul trailer from Van island to Alberta with my 2010 4L V6 access cab and was beyond impressed. Got it last summer and it now has 335k kms and runs like a dream

Have a 2015 TRD Sport Access cab. Bought it new and I'm never going to sell it. It has 105K mile on it now. I took the rear seats out as they were worse than useless as they did take up space. Stripped the decals, blacked out the emblems and added TRD black wheels. Looks better than new.

Got me a 2nd gen 4x4, sr5, silver double cab Tacoma. She’s perfect. Rugged, clean, no fluff, banged up a little with character, and I get homesick when I’m away from it.

Im glad youre a regular dude that understands that you dont need all the stupid shut just cause you have too much money and it exists. I hate new trucks. This was one of the best generations

100% agree, I love my 07 DCSB SR5 TRD Sport, Definitely my endgame truck 👌🏻😏

Purchased a used 07 Tacoma 2wd double cab long bed several years ago and love it! I had two recalls which were the leaf springs and one for a bad air bag sensor (I believe they replaced the clock spring). I live down south so I don't have to worry about salt on the roads but the sunlight faded the paint on my roof really bad. If you buy a 2ns gen please make sure you keep it waxed!

I’ve owned my 2.7 Tacoma prerunner for a couple years now. I always complained how underpowered it is but it made up for it in reliability. Never let me down and I spent about 4k in parts to give it a new makeover and I’m happy with the way it looks. For now it’s still going to be my daily until I get myself a project truck later this year.

Ya 👍🏾 I love my truck too I got the 4 cycle extra cab 2nd gen 👌🏾

I bought a 2nd gen a year ago and love it, what little I've had to fix has been done in the driveway lol.

FYI the 3rd gen Tacoma was available with a key, not a fob. My 2023 SR with 4x4 and V6 came with a key. The push button start was a feature on the higher trim levels. I very much agree with you about the desirability of simplicity. I went from my 2002 Tacoma (still running strong BTW) to a 2023 SR because I wanted as few "features" (aka things waiting to break) as possible. I also wanted a V6 before they got rid of them. My base model still has a bunch of stuff on it I don't want. I do regret that Toyota only made the manual transmission available on the higher trim levels.

ive had my 3rd gen tacoma for a year now and love it, Trd offroad double cab with the 6ft bed its near perfect, just wish they sold that same configuration with a manual trans

Great insight as usual!!

I have a 2014 Tacoma. Love it!

That's why I'll keep my black 2012 TRD sport 4x4 double cab in manual until I can't anymore , I love the look of em🖤, and especially now that I have 265/75/r16 toyo open country rt trails on mat black colored black rhino 16" wheels with a -10 offset just looks menacingly badass 😎🤘🏾🤘🏾4L life!!

07 TRD SE FJ Cruiser proud owner here 😁 and Yes! Totally agree with you, 👌🏽

I got a 2008 manual Tacoma with 55k miles a couple of months ago I love it

I have a 93' Toyota Pickup with 103k original miles. Reg cab, short bed, 2wd, 5spd. Everything is manual, everything works. I drive it in the snow with some sand bags and winter tires. Never let me down. My friend bought a 2023 tundra 4x4 that has 9k miles on it. Has had so many electrical problems with all the new tech in it... Granted we think his was a bit of a dud, and Toyota has honored their warranty with him and been very easy to work with... He still gawks over my 93 pickup everytime he sees it.

Great video. Can't agree more, more simpler = more betterer. Make's a fantastic platform to build off of if that is what your into. When I put 1 ton axles under my 2010 the dash was a Christmas tree with all the lights from the truck looking for systems that don't exist anymore, but with some simple wiring the truck no longer cares. Can't imagine the electrical systems you'd have to deal with fooling on the later models. 2nd gens are the last "simple" Toyota truck.

This video is spot on. I searched for a 2nd Gen V6 for over two years. I was about to give up hope of finding one in good condition that wasn't way over-priced. Finally found 2015 SR5 access cab in great condition with 33K miles at a fair price from private owner. This was back in 2017 and I'm still loving it today. I plan on keeping my truck indefinitely (I cannot justify the cost of a new truck). Plus, as you mentioned, I love the simplicity. You don't have to be a software engineer to work on the 2nd Gen. Hopefully, I won't have a frame rust issue, living here in Northeast US. I had the frame treated by the dealer at zero cost and so far, no noticeable rust.

Bought my 09 tacoma v6 trd off road with 75k miles now it has over 250k and still runs smooth can't tell the difference from when I first Bought it , i do all my maintenance so i know its done right, that's really all it needs, and love the wide variety of aftermarket parts and upgrade you can get for it ,i plan to keep it forever 😀 it red so my wife named it Scarlett 😅

Got an 06 TRD sport crew cab. Only issues are in the drive train from upgrading to a 2.5" icon stage 3 lift and 33" tiers. 300k and going strong!

I absolutely love my 09 tacoma pre-runner 4cyl 5spd manual that I got brand new in High-school. Only 2 regrets, not getting it 4x4 and getting the access cab. Now that I have a baby it is not practical at all as you mentioned.

most underated tacoma generation ever, my 2010 is amazing, im making it into a widebody baja because it is the only truck that has BOLT ON BEDSIDES, my truck has 255k miles and it still runs great

I have a 2000 Trd manual tranny that I bought new. No squeaks or rattles. Wonderful truck that has taken me all over the sierras with no complaint. You couldn’t pry me to let it go no matter what.

hey, just curious. Im looking to put a new head unit in my 2nd gen. What did you choose and do you like it?

I feel exactly the same. 2nd generation for the win. Now to make mine last the rest of my life!

I currently own an 07 4Runner V8 and love it, but I also want a Tacoma as well. Still not sure if I want a 1st gen double cab (only comes with auto), a 1st gen Xtra cab manual, or a manual double cab 2.5 gen tacoma TRD Sport. I’m debating between the old school 1st gens and the modern 2.5 gens. This video came up at the right time

I see Canadian Geadhead post. I quickly click on video & like button 🤙🏽

I’m 6ft tall with kids and love my 1st gen. 2003 trd off road 4 door, but we also take our sequoia for the rd trips. I like the size of the first gen but hate the shallow floors…. 296k miles and counting 🤙 if it ever wears out then I’ll be getting the second gen to try out

Which head unit would you recommend? I want to upgrade to a screen in my 2010.

My Uncle and Aunt hit a fallen tree at night (it was burnt up, being in Oregon after the fires that have been sweeping through) while driving down a highway, they were in his 2nd gen extended cab, and the seats snapped back (the tree hit the windshield and cab) which in turn saved their lives. I'm not sure if it was a safety feature, a design mistake, or most probable that it was Divine Intervention too, but it kept them alive! I currently drive a 2006 Lincoln Mark LT and plan to get a Tacoma after I get to work! 2nd gen is by far the best looking too!

I Totally agree. The 2nd gen tacoma Is a perfect balance between cost, comfort and reliability. I own an 06 v6 6spd and an 08 v6 auto and I really couldn't ask for better small/mid sized trucks for under 10k. Ive got a feeling that there gonna hold there value extremely well if not go up in value in the near future.

Totally agree but I went with a 3rd gen just because people want too much for a 2nd gen. I specifically ordered a Trail Edition for its simplicity. Key to start, no 360 Cam and Parking sensors. Comes with Diff lock and bigger and stronger rear end. 2 Tacomas and 1 Tundra all with push button starts got stolen in my street within a week.

I have two toyota trucks. In 1987 i purchased a brand new '87 toyota SR5 extra cab, 4X4, with sunroof. 22re. The truck is still looking badass. I also have 2008 toyota tocoma single cab 4x4 2.7 5 speed. I love it. It's my daily drive. The single cab is just perfect. .

Im currently doing a brake and rotors on my grandma 06 taco just like yours she bought it new and has 92k miles on it as of now.

I do get a lot of compliments on my mostly stock 4th gen. It's wild how the tacomas don't get any love.

2nd gen. My toy 08 trd rugged trail acces cab.. it has since been modified slightly over years tho.. around 140000 miles on her now Great vid.

I just finished paying off my 2008 tacoma and just hit 100k miles hope it last me 10 years

I've been looking for a midsize truck or suv for under 10k I've somewhat struggled finding Tacoma cheap they definitely hold their value well

I have a 2014 Tacoma trd sport with 265/70/17 and a small lift. Super easy to work on. 165k miles and I’m not getting rid of it until it rots off it’s wheels

My holy grail of tacomas is probably a little different than others. I have an 06 base model, 2.7, 5 speed manual. I love that thing so much. I got it for a commuter car. I don't haul much, the occasional car part or camping supplies. I don't go offloading other than gravel roads. I've got pretty much the most basic, solid vehicle on the road. I bought it last year with only 85000 miles on it. Can't beat it.

Hey Canadian Gearhead! Maybe you can give me a bit of advice? I have a 2006 Tacoma. I want to switch out the stock head unit for a touch screen. I don't want to spend a ton. I bought two different Amazon budget units for $180. (Just like several other KZfaqrs did). On both of theme, the white plastic plugs on the radio do not fit my truck. Further, Most I see on KZfaq have 4 plugs (including the one for the clock/hazards). However, my truck has a total of three. I do have steering wheel controls. Any thoughts on why mine is different? Any thoughts on how I can get a radio that the plugs fit? Any help will be appreciated! THANKS!

Have a 3rd Gen Tacoma, 4x4 limited, with Goodyear off road tires. Consistently get 21 mph on the highway at 70 mph. In town, maybe 17 to 18 mph. Above 70 mpg falls off. Had a 2nd gen Tacoma and recall fuel economy was about the same.

I have an ‘18 Tacoma SR5 double cab 4WD with 2” lift and 33” AT tires. It’s been a solid truck the past year have 90k miles. I love the aesthetics of the 3rd gens. Mine has a normal set of keys, which it’s mostly the TRDs that get the key fobs. The only complaint I have is the gear hunting. However that can be fixed with a tune. Wouldn’t mind buying a second gen though for fun. Those 4 liters are bullet proof

On the look out for a second gen! Got one coming next week. Going to fix some frame rot for us!😁

I have a 2013 under 90k. Love it

I'm a 4runner guy but I'm inclined to agree with you for the tacoma. Same way I prefer that 4th gen 4runner (same years ). I have a 5th and it's fantastic but there's something special about those mid 2000s yotas 😊

Never giving up my 2015 DCOR.