Tacoma Owner Says, “Why the Poor 4th-Gen Taco Resale Values?" Another Says, "I’d Say the Market Realizes It’s a Throwaway Truck, Not a Longterm Keeper Expected to Go 400K Without Major Issues”

"What's up with the poor resale values on these new 4th-gen tacos?

That's what Richard Geunes, a 2024 Toyota Tacoma owner, says on the Taco Nation Facebook page. 

Another Toyota Tacoma owner says, "Brett Fehlman says, 'I'd say the market is realizing the 4th gen is a throwaway truck and not a long-term keeper expected to go 400k to 500k without major issues."

Richard shows two 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road models, both of which are selling for $38,400. One has 13,297 miles, the other 13,959 miles. 

The 4th Gen Tacoma's Depreciation and Durability Questions

Are Richard and Brett's concerns just market chatter, or do they strike at the core of what it means to own a Toyota Tacoma: the expectation of near-zero depreciation and unshakeable, 400,000-mile durability?

When Richard cites two 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road models with 13,000 miles, both listed at $38,400, it gives us a stark real-world data point. 

Let's assume these trucks were originally purchased for around $48,000 after destination and dealer markups—a common reality for hot first-year models. That implied $9,600 drop represents a massive 20% depreciation in less than a year. 

For a Tacoma, that figure is surprising, but it requires us to start analyzing the depreciation rate of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma through the lens of recent market dynamics, not just Toyota's reputation.

Market Correction and Markup Hangover

The immediate, steep depreciation you're seeing is less about the truck's intrinsic value and more about a rapid market correction. For years, Tacomas were selling at or above MSRP because of scarcity. Now, inventory is returning, and the market is hitting the reset button. 

The question, Why are 2024 Toyota Tacoma truck values dropping, is often answered by checking the original transaction price. If the dealer marked it up $5,000 on day one, that money is effectively the first depreciation hit the moment it drives off the lot.

This early correction is painful for first-year buyers but healthy for the market overall. Long-term, independent data still overwhelmingly support Tacoma's segment-leading resale value. This is a short-term volatility issue.

The Durability Question:

Brett's claim that the 4th Gen is a "throwaway truck" destined for failure long before the 400k-mile mark hits deeper. This isn't depreciation fear; it's a black mark against Toyota's rugged identity. This anxiety could be rooted in Toyota's massive technological leap: the move from the proven, simple 3.5L V6 to the new i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

There are long-term reliability concerns for the 4th-gen Toyota Tacoma.

While the V6 was a tractor engine—low-revving, low-stress, and requiring minimal attention—the new i-FORCE is a high-tech machine necessary to deliver the power, efficiency, and torque (up to 317 lb-ft) that modern buyers demand. Understanding the shift to the i-FORCE turbocharged engine in the Toyota Tacoma means acknowledging that forced induction introduces greater thermal stress and complexity.

The good news is that the 2.4L turbo (T24A-FTS) is not a brand-new and unproven engine. Its lineage is found in other Lexus and Toyota platforms, where it has shown capability. However, it demands a disciplined ownership approach.

How Can Tacoma Owners Keep Its Value Retention?

The legendary lifespan of the 2nd and 3rd Gens was often achieved despite owner neglect. The 4th Gen requires precision. Here is how owners can maximize the lifespan of the 4th-gen Toyota Tacoma and secure its long-term market value:

If You Plan To Keep Your Tacoma For the Long-Term

• Prioritize Oil and Cooling: The number one killer of turbocharged engines is poor lubrication and overheating. Use premium synthetic oil and change it at or slightly before the manufacturer's interval. Be diligent about fluid checks.
• Monitor Early Warnings: Like any first-year model, the 4th Gen has had some initial teething issues (software updates for the 8-speed transmission, the recent brake line recall). Don't delay addressing these items—Use Toyota's TSBs as preventative maintenance roadmaps.
• Document Everything: To succeed at maintaining high resale value on a new generation Tacoma, you must prove your diligence. Keep a file of every service receipt, especially the oil changes. A future buyer will be willing to pay a premium for a high-mileage 4th Gen if they can verify that the truck has been flawlessly maintained.

Conclusion:

When comparing the 2024 Toyota Tacoma's resale value with that of older generations, remember that the 4th Gen will likely follow a similar trajectory once the initial market volatility subsides. Its combination of modern features and the TNGA-F platform base—which is inherently robust—will sustain high demand for decades to come. Don't mistake market noise for mechanical weakness.

Questions For Tacoma Owners

Given the concerns about poor resale value and long-term reliability compared to previous generations, what has your experience been with the 4th-generation Tacoma's reliability and performance over the first 10,000+ miles, and do you believe these early resale prices accurately reflect the truck's quality and long-term potential? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

Check out my 2024 Toyota Tacoma story: I Didn't Think My 2024 Toyota Tacoma Off Road Would Lose So Much Value After Just One Year, the Dealer Only Offered Me $38,000 Trade-In

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, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram

Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Toyota Dealer