"This right here is why I will never own a new Toyota Tacoma again, ever."
That's what Kyle Carter (@bigkrcarter) says in his TikTok video. He says, I have had this 2000 Toyota Tacoma for 3 years, never had a single issue (knock on wood). It's the second-best vehicle I've ever owned. (He doesn't say which was the first).
First, Imagine driving your 2000 Toyota pickup and seeing lights flashing in your rearview mirror. You know you weren't speeding, so you aren't sure why you are getting pulled over by the police.
He walks up to your window and asks for your license and registration. He says do you know why I pulled you over? You say no, I don't. He says, "You have a taillight out."
You breathe out a sigh of relief as he pulls away. Now fast forward to Saturday morning. You say to your six-year-old daughter, hey, jump in the truck with me; we are going to the parts store. She isn't all that excited, but you know your wife needs some alone time.
So, you jump in the truck for quality time with your daughter.
Kyle's interesting story begins here.
"So, my taillight is out. I was pulled over last night by a policeman, and he said, 'Your taillight is out.'
"Are you ready for this?" he says as he taps his taillight with a screwdriver. He counts one-two-three-four as he shows the four screws on the taillight lens.
He takes out the four screws, takes the lens off, and can see the burned-out bulb. "Four screws, and I can see the whole thing, and it pops right off."
Push, turn, and he takes out the badly burned bulb. "How about that? Look at how easy it was." He pulls out a package of new bulbs he purchased at O'Reilly Auto Parts. He puts the new bulb in and puts the lens on.
Kyle's daughter makes a cameo appearance; she is in the back seat and not impressed. However, her attitude improves when her dad lets her help him tighten the last screw.
It takes Kyle and his daughter about 3 minutes to replace the burned-out taillight bulb.
He turns on the Tacoma lights and shows that the new bulb works. "See, the bulb is working even though it's bright outside."
"Look, there are some things on the new Tacomas that might be easy to fix, but this 2000 Tacoma I bought this thing because 90% of the stuff on this thing that it takes to maintain this truck I can do myself and save myself a lot of money."
How much did Kyle pay for his 2000 Tacoma?
He says, "I paid $7,000 in early 2022 when it had 180,000 on the odometer. It was one owner with every maintenance record in the glove box for me to sift through. I knew exactly what I had found."
How much did the taillight bulb cost Kyle at O'Reilly Auto Parts?
The Sylvania 1157 Long Life Incandescent 2 bulb pack costs $6.49. It took him 20 minutes to run to the parts store, 3 minutes to install it, and he's done. He even installed it in the O'Reilly Auto Parts parking lot.
How much does a taillight bulb cost for a 2024 Toyota Tacoma?
The new Tacoma taillight bulbs start at $25.99, so it's around $20.00 more. Replacing the bulb yourself is not difficult and may take a few more minutes. So, overall, the new Tacoma is not that different.
How about routine maintenance on a 2024 Toyota Tacoma?
A 2024 Toyota Tacoma pickup is relatively easy to maintain, with most basic maintenance tasks like oil changes and filter replacements being straightforward and accessible for DIY enthusiasts like Kyle.
Toyota recommends a 5,000, 10,000, and 30,000-mile scheduled service.
Owners can easily do the 5,000-mile check, including checking all fluid levels and wiper blades. Toyota recommends tire rotation, which some customers can do themselves.
The 10,000-mile service is relatively easy.
An oil change is a highlight of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma's 10,000-mile service. Toyota recommends an oil change and oil filter every 10,000 miles. If you drive on dirt or dusty roads, it's every 5,000 miles.
Many owners can change the oil and filter. Toyota also recommends changing the cabin air filter, an often overlooked service item.
Toyota also recommends a detailed inspection of the truck's brake rotors and pads. Another easy inspection the owner can do.
The 30,000-mile service is more involved.
A 30,000-mile service on the Tacoma pickup requires the propeller shaft bolt to be retorqued. Toyota says to change the engine air filter and inspect the rear differential oil, exhaust pipes and mountings, steering gear, engine coolant, fuel tank cap gasket, brake lines and hoses, and automatic transmission fluid.
Consumer Reports gives the 2000 Toyota a 38/100 reliability rating, so Kyle could face expensive repair bills.
However, there is a significant reason Kyle does not want to buy a new 2024 Toyota Tacoma. The 2024 Toyota Tacoma's reliability is worse.
Consumer Reports says the 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma will be less reliable than the average new car, with a reliability score of only 27/100. CR says this prediction is based on data from the 2024 model.
What are the most common trouble spots with the new Tacoma?
The 2024-2025 Tacoma gets a 1/5 score for its fit, finish, or build quality. This includes noises, rattles, and leaks. I know that the sunroof is a major issue reported by many owners. It has a severe leaking problem. Read my report here for more information.
Another trouble spot is the 8-speed automatic transmission. Consumer Reports gives the new Tacoma a 3/5 score because it could have major transmission issues.
I reported on the Tacoma transmission problems and Toyota reliability in my report here titled, Toyota is Desperately Trying to Stop Their Brand Image From Taking a Straight Dumpster Dive, Now The Tacoma Transmissions Are Failing.
Conclusion.
Should you buy a 2024-2025 Toyota Tacoma or keep your older Tacoma pickup?
Kyle says he loves his 2000 Tacoma and wouldn't ever trade it in for a new truck. Owning a new Tacoma is even more expensive when you consider that insurance, license plates, taxes, and financing are significant expenses when purchasing a new truck.
Kyle finishes by saying, "It's truly maddening. Every time I see a Tesla Cybertruck, I'm like - nah, I'm good; I need to go back and get a computer engineering degree to work on that thing."
Check out this Tesla Cybertruck story. Rebecca just bought a 2024 Cybertruck and says the cost to insure the electric truck is half her mortgage payment. Check my report titled, I Bought a Tesla Cybertruck, But I Didn't Check the Cost of Insurance, Now My New Truck Costs More Than Half of My Mortgage.
How about you?
Do you own a Toyota Tacoma pickup? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and tell us about your experience.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Kyle Carter
Comments
I have a 2009 Tacoma 4x4, my…
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I have a 2009 Tacoma 4x4, my daughter has a 2000 Tacoma 4x4 and my son has a 1998 4runner 4x4. The three of us do the vast majority of the maintenance work ourselves. With YouTube channels like "Toyota Maintenance" and "Timmy the Toolman Toyota," we feel comfortable tackling most repair jobs. We save a ton of money and it has been fun and rewarding fixing things ourselves. We love our Toyota's.
I mean but you have to drive…
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I mean but you have to drive THAT! I'll choose to replace my $500 lights as necessary and drive a nice truck with ample power.
And I’m sure the payments…
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In reply to I mean but you have to drive… by Joeboo (not verified)
And I’m sure the payments and high cost of insurance are so much fun too. When your 4 banger turbo craps out at 100K miles and tranny explodes that’ll be a blast. My 2009 V6 TRD Sport will still be going strong.
And I’m sure the payments…
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In reply to I mean but you have to drive… by Joeboo (not verified)
And I’m sure the payments and high cost of insurance are so much fun too. When your 4 banger turbo craps out at 100K miles and tranny explodes that’ll be a blast. My 2009 V6 TRD Sport will still be going strong.
Yea well everybody's not…
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In reply to I mean but you have to drive… by Joeboo (not verified)
Yea well everybody's not made of money like you are dingleberry.
I own 2002 tacoma 4 Dr 4x4…
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I own 2002 tacoma 4 Dr 4x4 TRD have 192000 miles.only major thing to break .plastic raidator cracked. Fixed it my self.new ome raidator
Replaced fan belts .brakes rotors.tires ect.cheap to own starts up get me from point a to point b.made at nue united motors Fremont cal.motor and tranmission made in japan.rest made in usa.
My 2002 Tacoma will be still…
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My 2002 Tacoma will be still doing its thing running all over the mountains for
another 15 years. A new 2025 Tacoma will only be on the road in 15 years is if you park it in a garage now and touch even look at it.
I bought my 2001 Taco new…
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I bought my 2001 Taco new with 7 miles on it. Today, I have 444,000 miles on it.
Still have the original belts and hoses. Best rubber parts were made around 2000. Toyota put a new frame on it at 190,000 miles. The original rusted out from the inside. Toyota recall, no charge. Replaced two sets of alternator brushes. One new exhaust system. The fan support bearings started making noise a long time ago, I used a needle greaser between the shaft and seal and pumped it full of grease. Original fan support going strong. Replaced timing belt and water pump once. Change full synthetic oil every 20,000 miles. Did analysis every 5000 to find the oil change sweet spot. Replaced the radio recently. I'm going to buy the 12th set of tires in spring. Also the power brake booster. Went through two dogs, looks like one more in the future.
That's about all it's needed. I'm almost half way to my goal of 1M miles. This is the last vehicle I plan to buy. I love my Toyota!!!!
Jay & Gator
Ha, I had my model 3 for…
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In reply to I bought my 2001 Taco new… by Jay & Gator (not verified)
Ha, I had my model 3 for five years only had to change the tires and the windshield wiper fluids. Literally nothing else (not even brakes because you hardly ever use them, single pedal driving). Most of those things you serviced don't even exist on teslas. No alternator, exhaust, belts, fans, oil, coolant, radiator, etc. Less parts is less things that will eventually break. I used to be a gearhead too, and I still like to work on stuff, but man this is way better.
I own a 2018 Tacoma, bought…
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I own a 2018 Tacoma, bought it second hand in 2020 and am very happy except for the paint which has faded so badly it is almost white instead of brick red in places. Toyota says it is not a quality issue. I have been driving since the 1970s and have never owned a vehicle where this has happened and am very disappointed especially in Toyota's response.
The bulb was worth more than…
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The bulb was worth more than the car 😥
Ive had 3 Toyota Pickups, a…
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Ive had 3 Toyota Pickups, a 91, 93, and 95, all king cab all 4wd, all manual transmission 5 speed trucks. They were great and loved them, but I spent a lot of money on them, injector failure on 1, complete front diff rebuild on the other, and the 3rd was really rusty in the bed and tailgate even though it was a florida truck all it's life. I'd have another one too..I've had Dodge Rams, junk, F150s and an F350, decent trucks, but by far and away, the 1999 to 2002 Chevrolet Silverado has been the most dependable, least maintence vehicles I've ever had. My first was a 1999 ext cab Z71, 5.3, 475k miles when I sold it. Never opened the engine for anything, only oil leak was a bad oil pressure sensor. Bought a used 2002 ext cab silverado with the 4.8 V8, 2wd, had 318k miles when I got it on the cheap...Drove it all over the country, had to replace the starter once that's it, sold it with 480k miles for the same price I bought it for..my 2001 Z71 was exactly like the 1999, had 30k when I got it, sold it with 200k and never had to do crap but brake pads and normal maintenance. I currently have a 2019 GMC Sierra Denali, 6.2 V8, 10 speed, bought it new and it now has 171k miles on it, never had an issue, still looks and droves like a new truck. I change the oil every 5k miles, do all the maintence, and these things have never let me down. I'm a die hard Chevy man for life now.
Up here in central New York…
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In reply to Ive had 3 Toyota Pickups, a… by JusticeForAll (not verified)
Up here in central New York Chevy Silverados start rusting the minute you get home from the dealer lot .
I've owned all the brands in my lifetime and the Chevy is the worst by far.
Agree that 99-2002 chevy on…
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In reply to Ive had 3 Toyota Pickups, a… by JusticeForAll (not verified)
Agree that 99-2002 chevy on of best trucks ever built. Driving a 2002 now. Toyota are great, but I can tow what i need to and are small. Other factor is, I can get a 2002 Toyota for $2500 like the one I currently have.
Yeah, you think you are…
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Yeah, you think you are saving money but what does it cost to fill up the tank.
In fact, what are you going to spend in gas alone in 250,000.
My electric is free on my Tesla at work or about 9 cents a KW. Which is about a few dollars to go 300 plus miles.
In a few years EVs will go…
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In reply to Yeah, you think you are… by Alez (not verified)
In a few years EVs will go the way of 8 track tape players. Good luck with your resale.
Your electricity is free?…
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In reply to Yeah, you think you are… by Alez (not verified)
Your electricity is free? How do you feel about the fact your battery minerals are mined by child and skave labor?
When you factor in the…
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In reply to Yeah, you think you are… by Alez (not verified)
When you factor in the insurance on that Telsa and all the factory defects....I will stick to my old Toyota!
I bought a new red Tacoma in…
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I bought a new red Tacoma in 2001. Still have it. 245,000 miles on it. Love the dependability. Have never had a serious issue. I will keep this truck until my son inherits it.
Thing is that my '24 Tacoma…
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Thing is that my '24 Tacoma has LED tail lights, as did my '10 Tacoma and you should never have to change them. Time spent = 0 minutes.
I have a small pest control…
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I have a small pest control business and own several Tacomas.
I have a 1999 automatic that's been really great with almost no issues except bulbs, brake pads, and oil changes. 26mpg
I have a 2004 extended cab 2.4 that has been really great. 21mpg Only brakes and shocks but routine maintenance is everything. I change the oil religiously every 4k miles.
I recently bought the new 2024 Tacoma limited hybrid. 19.7mpg So far it's been great. I like the technology but it doesn't feel like it built to last. My favorite truck I own is the 1999. Best MPG hands down, hand crank Windows and parts are cheap of it every needs anything.
Just bought a 2003 extended…
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Just bought a 2003 extended cab Tacoma SR5 with 51,000 miles (carfax certified) and garage kept. I had to pay a premium but this should last the rest of my days.
I own a 2000 Tacoma…
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I own a 2000 Tacoma Prerunner. I bought this 2.7 liter beauty in 2007 from original owner. Truck has 159,000 miles, automatic. I live in Florida. No rust. Although I can afford to buy new Tacoma, I probably won't. I'm 73 and drive only 5000 miles a year.
I have a 2015 Tacoma 4x4…
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I have a 2015 Tacoma 4x4 with V6, 4 doors. !20000 miles. Always serviced with my local mecanic. That's it. Oil, rotate tires, plugs, replace the battery. Best truck for mountain living mud snow and comfortable long rides. Buying a new one. Nahhh. Enjoy.
I own a 2004 Toyota Tacoma…
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I own a 2004 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner brought it new i change the timing belt twice other than that I have no problems with this truck it has 312000 miles on it had it painted my daughter's wants to buy me a new truck I keep telling them no I don't want or need a new truck I will hold on to this truck until it won't drive no more.
I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma…
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I have a 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4dr TRD with the 2.7l engine. My Taco just turned 405,000 miles. The only thing she has ever been to the shop for is tires. I do all my own maintenance. Oil changed every 5k. She looks almost as good as when I took her home from the dealership 20 years ago. I actually get 23 miles on the hwy. I wouldn't give up my Tacoma for a new one.
Yes I own a 1997 Toyota…
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Yes I own a 1997 Toyota Tacoma to 4 cylinder four-wheel drive extended cab. I purchased the truck from my father-in-law for a whopping $2,000. At the time it had 232,000 miles. A year prior to me buying the truck I replaced the brakes rotors drums and shoes on it and it was the first time that they had been replaced since my father-in-law had bought it him being the second owner. As you can tell he barely drove it and he drove it like an elderly person does on Sunday. He took very good care of it and did the required maintenance regularly and didn't miss a beat. When I took ownership of it the clutch was going out and I replaced it with a stage 2 OEM pro clutch and flywheel with throw out bearing. Why did the clutch I also did the rear main seal at this time I had about $250 wrapped up in replacing the clutch and rear main seal I also did the lube and fluids on it with Shafer's oils and lubricants. So all in all after I had purchased a truck for $2,000 have $250 in a new clutch and flywheel oil change and lube I now have 239, 102 miles on it and I couldn't have asked for a better truck 30 bucks feels it and I couldn't be more happier. I will never buy a new truck. I am happy with my 97 Toyota Tacoma!
I bought my 2008 Tacoma…
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I bought my 2008 Tacoma prerunner in 2016 it had 143000 miles on it. I have only put 1 set of tires on it since I bought it and that was in 2019, as of today Jan 16 2025, it has 228300 miles, and still no major issues.
I own a 2007 Tacoma! Great…
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I own a 2007 Tacoma!
Great truck, bought it used with 16000 miles back in 07. Been driving mostly Hwy miles to and from work!
Change oil every 10,000 miles. ( Moble 1 full synthetic )
It’s only got about 327,362 miles on it I plan to drive it for a few more years!
I’ll probably see if anyone wants it then.
Top cabs faded and seats are a little dirty.
Ready for new tires, Got over 100,000 miles on it out of a set of Michelin Defenders!! Great tires.
Oh and great little Truck too! 👍👍
I found a 1996 T100 3.4 ext…
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I found a 1996 T100 3.4 ext cab with only 32k on it 2 years ago. 84 yo man bought new for wife and she had passed. He still had a new Tahoe and a 30k mile 2000 silverado. Truck had spent it's life outside under oak trees so inside still looked like new but there was that tree grime in every crevice outside. I went thru everything end to end underneath frame and underside still looked like a 1 year old truck. Got over a gallon of acorns below windshield under wipers but luckily the animals only chewed a tiny bit on one wire cover not getting into wire. Eng bay and truck very clean now turtle wax black brought paint back to life and under bed liner looks new. Get offers to buy it all the time. Very comfortable and easy to drive .Before this truck I was a Ford person but they had gotten so big that the Toyota is perfect. I just don't understand why Toyota etc don't build a Truck the same size as earlier Tacos up to 2004 t100 etc with simple pwr trains no turbo etc they would sell like hotcakes. Keep it simple and easy to park.
Pagination