The Toyota Tacoma has gained a reputation over the years for an incredible ability to retain its value. Buyers of used Tacomas are prepared to pay top dollar to get behind the wheel of these pre-owned trucks, and there are several good reasons why. Our team of truck experts here at Panama City Toyota have put together some of the key reasons that make the Tacoma such an in-demand used truck.
Durably Built
Image via Flickr by RL GNZLZ licensed by CC BY-SA 2.0
The Tacoma has been around for well over two decades and has proven itself during that time to be a durable truck. The cargo bed is constructed with a composite carbon that is resilient to damage and resistant to rust. It can cope with whatever cargo load you throw at it, and it’s even equipped with plenty of storage cubbies to make loading up your cargo bed a whole lot easier.
Other parts of this compact pickup have demonstrated that they can be just as durable as the cargo bed. For instance, MotorTrend found that the Tacoma was the best performer among all trucks in a study that compared how long vehicles could stay operational. This involved testing the percentage of trucks and SUVs that were still running after 200,000 miles of driving. The Tacomas were one of the leading trucks in the study after still being operational after 200,000 miles of driving, making this truck a durable option that you know you can trust.
Engaging Power Trains
The Tacoma’s power train options are among the most engaging in the pickup class. One reason for this is that Toyota’s compact truck is the only one in the segment to offer a manual transmission. Many drivers prefer the experience that comes with driving with a manual transmission because it gives them more control over their gear changes.
The Tacoma also has two engine options that cover most of the bases for compact pickup customers. The base four-cylinder engine does an excellent job of shifting the Tacoma around town or taking you to work on the daily commute. If you’re someone who prefers a little more power under the hood, whether to tow heavier loads or tackle rough terrain, you can opt for the 3.5-liter V-6, which churns out 278 horsepower.
Great Off-Roading Features
For the 2015 model year, Toyota introduced the TRD Pro trim to the Tacoma, and the truck has never looked back. TRD Pro includes a number of features designed for trails and other off-roading obstacles, including a skid plate, locking rear differential, and a tuned-up suspension. There are now two off-roading trims to choose from: TRD Off-Roading and TRD Pro.
The Tacoma’s design also helps it outperform its rivals when the pavement ends. This compact pickup has 12 inches of ground clearance, considerably more than the approximately 8 or 9 inches common in the compact pickup segment. This extra height makes it easier to cope with obstacles and uneven terrain.
More Practical Than A Full-Sized Truck
Some people need all the capabilities offered by a full-sized pickup, especially if they need to haul heavy loads for work. But the reality is that a lot of drivers can do without a truck with a towing capacity of over 10,000 pounds. Even a more modest-sized pickup that can tow 5,000 or 6,000 pounds is more than able to cope with a medium-sized camper or trailer at the rear. The Tacoma is one of these pickups, and it offers a lot more.
Its compact dimensions mean that the Tacoma is a much easier vehicle to maneuver around town and park than a full-sized pickup, like the Toyota Tundra. Even though the Tacoma is a compact truck, it still boasts impressive interior dimensions. You can seat up to five passengers in its larger cab, making it a perfect truck for traveling with friends or family members.
A Simple Design
Another attractive feature of the Tacoma that used truck buyers love is its simple design. This has several advantages. Firstly, the basic interior design in the Tacoma reduces the risk of expensive appliances or devices breaking down, and keeps repair costs lower if something does go wrong.
By contrast, many full-sized pickups have added expensive pieces of tech to their cabs over recent years, including sophisticated infotainment systems and intricate safety features. These features are great if you need them, but they can end up being costly for used truck buyers to maintain if they start developing problems after a few years.
Secondly, many buyers don’t need or can’t afford the high-end technology available in larger pickups. The straightforward design of the Tacoma appeals to people who want to keep things simple and drive a truck with a traditional, no-nonsense interior.
A Long Record Of Reliable Trucks
Ultimately, used truck buyers are prepared to pay more to get behind the wheel of a pre-owned Tacoma because previous generations of this vehicle have proven their worth. The 2005–15 generation impressed drivers and observers alike for almost a decade.
Even today, the 2014 and 2015 model years of this generation remain popular among buyers, especially for those who like off-roading. That’s because several important off-roading features were added in the two years prior to the full redesign Toyota gave the Tacoma for the 2016 model year. In addition, the 2013, 2014, and 2015 Tacoma model years scored five out of five stars for reliability, according to Consumer Reports.
Learn More About The Tacoma Pickup At Panama City Toyota
Whether you’re planning on buying a used Tacoma or are considering a brand new model, we’re here to help. At our Panama City Toyota dealership, we have an extensive inventory of new and used trucks for you to browse and choose from. We’ve also got great financing options to help you close the deal on your dream truck.
If you have questions about the Tacoma, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. One of our professional auto experts will be standing by to take your call and provide you with advice or assistance. You can also drop by our Florida dealership and chat with a member of our team face-to-face anytime.
