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If you have Toyota Tacoma money to spend in 2025 and you’re out in search of that legendary 4×4 magic, you might be wondering whether to get yourself into the all-new-for-2024 Tacoma, or a lightly used copy of the previous-generation machine for similar money. Choosing the last-generation V6-powered Tacoma means last-generation fuel economy, performance, and safety tech– but also means stepping into one of the most proven, reliable, and long-running pickup drivelines in the market today.

Feeling a little apprehensive about the latest Tacoma’s reports of dramatic transmission troubles and a corresponding lawsuit? That’s perfectly normal. Don’t fret though, there is a solution. Read on for a closer look at the last V6-powered Toyota Tacoma, and what you’ll pay for one today– no freight or PDI charges required.

The Last Generation Tacoma And Why You Want One

What a difference a model year can make. Introduced in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has evolved through several model generations, with the fourth and latest arriving in 2024 to replace the last-generation truck after its run ended at the end of 2023. By this point, the Tacoma had earned a ‘Great’ score from J.D. Power and Associates for Quality and Reliability for its third year in a row.

Then, the latest Tacoma arrived and marked the most comprehensive generational change the Tacoma had ever seen– with a new platform, safety tech, and the model’s first standard turbocharged engine and an available hybrid turbo engine. Despite being smarter and more efficient, the latest Tacoma’s introduction prompted many previous-generation owners to question whether to upgrade or stick with the more proven previous-generation truck. It wasn’t long before the all-new Tacoma began to influence those shoppers’ decisions on its own.

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The new Tacoma has been experiencing transmission issues, leading to a lawsuit involving trucks that spontaneously slip into limp mode or experience low-mileage transmission failure. Are these early reliability concerns a sign of things to come for the latest Tacoma? Teething problems with a new model? Maybe– but if you’re a shopper enjoying the benefits of the long-proven previous-generation Tacoma, you can be forgiven for hesitating to jump into a new one if you’re feeling a bit apprehensive about these early troubles.

Instead, point your search towards the last-generation Tacoma, complete with one of the world’s most proven and mass-produced V6 engines bolted up to a highly respected 4×4 platform that’s widely held as one of the best on the scene. One of these could be picked up for under $20,000 if you’re not afraid of one with higher mileage, or double that and help yourself to the pick of the best.

After the third-generation Tacoma launched in 2016, the 2017 model year brought the latest next-generation TRD Pro model to market and revised the optional packages on SR5 models for more value. In 2018, the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) system became standard on all Tacoma model grades, and the grille and colors were updated. If you’re after a V6 Tacoma with as much driver-assist tech as possible, shop 2018 or newer. If you’d prefer to skip this sort of tech in your pickup, go with a 2016 or 2017 instead.

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Shoppers after Apple CarPlay or Android Auto will need to look for a 2020 model year or newer unit. From 2021 to the end of its run in 2023, the third-generation Tacoma changes mostly focused on added off-road capability for the TRD PRO model via a taller suspension lift (2021) and the launch of various new special-edition models, including the popular Trail edition. This model brought added off-road capability to the Tacoma without the full TRD treatment, adding a suspension lift, a unique and rugged wheel and tire package, and exclusive visuals.

Specs and Performance of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma

A miserly four-cylinder version was available, though the 3.5-liter V6 was a popular pick for anyone towing, hauling, or planning to frequently work their truck hard. The third-generation Tacoma ran from 2016 to 2023 inclusive, with two or four-wheel drive, four or six-cylinder engine options, and a six-speed transmission in the driver’s choice of manual or automatic.

The 3.5-liter V6 used in the Tacoma is one of Toyota’s most proven and popular engines. Used in various configurations in vehicles from the Camry to the Highlander, this stalwart Japanese V6 is a well-known engine that utilizes both port and direct fuel injection to optimize fuel efficiency across a wider range of conditions while keeping the engine running clean for the long term.

Note the annual fuel costs. With automatic transmission and four-wheel drive, both the four and six-cylinder engine options available use an identical $2,350 worth of regular unleaded, according to EPA data. Put another way, the V6 engine delivers 119 more horsepower and 85 more lb-ft of torque using the same amount of gas as the four-cylinder engine, which basically makes you a genius for choosing the more powerful V6. Models with the four-cylinder engine will have lower asking prices, but you’ve got an opportunity to do much better for your gas money with the V6 engine.

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Here’s What You’ll Pay

For reference, the 2025 Tacoma with standard gas-fired turbo-four will cost you between $32,000 and $53,000, with the popular TRD Sport coming in at around $40,000. Hybrid-powered models bring the 2025 Tacoma deep into the $60,000 range, never mind the extra $1,595 in delivery and processing charges if you choose to buy brand new.

If you’ve got $40,000 to $50,000 to spend on a second-hand Tacoma, data from Autotempest.com suggests that you’ll have no trouble finding a unit that’s just 3 or 4 years old and still on its factory oil fill with plenty of remaining warranty coverage. In this price range, units with under 7,000 miles on their odometer are very common.

If you’ve got $35,000 to spend, you can find nearly-new four-cylinder and two-wheel drive models, as well as some Tacoma TRD Sport models with 10,000 miles of use or less. From $20,000 to $30,000, expect up to 30,000 miles of use on the odometer, though many examples come in much lower.

If you’re keen to do some of your own maintenance, care, and wrenching, you can save thousands by choosing a high-mileage unit from the third generation. With a budget in the high teens, you’re looking at some of the highest-mileage Tacomas on the used market, typically boasting over 200,000 miles of service.

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Before buying any used vehicle, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified technician on a hoist as part of a pre-purchase health check. Usually, shoppers can schedule this inspection at the service center of their choosing as a final step before buying. A pre-purchase inspection is the single best way a shopper can protect themselves against concealed issues that could cost them money.

Sources: EPA, J.D. Power, Autotempest, Toyota