2nd gen taco choice

[handwerk]

Looking at 2 different V6 4WD access cabs. Both have about the same features and conditions (frames are ok) and price.

Would you pick a:
2009 w/150,000 miles or
2015 w/200,000 miles.

 

[Jbehredt]

The better maintained one

 

[PathFinder]

Depending on service records, definitely the 2009. All the meaningful updates had been made by then, to the motor and manual transmission. I think post 2009 was when the silly modern stuff started to be added, traction control etc. IMO a 2009 manual is the ideal year for a 2nd Gen.

Sent from my Pixel 10 using Tapatalk

 

[Steve300xcw]

50k of high school level fire road bombing is a big difference than 50k of freeway boredom...

Id pick the one with a manual trans, a elocker, and the least amount of widgits

 

[Poser]

Ask if there are any service record history available. The one that has the oil, coolant, transmission fluids, gear oil, brake fluid and power steering fluid changed on schedule is the one that will most likely give you the least amount of issues. You can look at the Carfax data for each of them which may offer at least some amount of insight into the service frequency. If there is a extensive amount of carfax data, copy and paste it into AI for an analysis.
Owners who are serious about the maintenance schedule tend keep records and receipts, whether they DIY or have it done at a shop. If they have nothing in that department, I'd be hesitant. When you get deep into mileage, those consistent fluid changes matter more. I'd absolutely take 200k with oil changes every 5k/6 months like clockwork over 150k with a spotty oil change history. A bit of a unicorn, but if it had "break in" period oil changes performed at 500, 1000 and 1500 miles, you up your reliability for super high mileage noticeably.

 

[Blake C]

I own an 06 300,000mls USA MADE
2015 130,000mls Mexico Made.
The 06 still has more power. Better paint. Both maintained religiously. I really abused the 06. I been nicer to the 15. If I had to choose between the 2 brand new again. I'd take the 06. Maybe I just got lucky or where it was made...I dunno. But like others said try to really judge what it's been through and maintained well. Trans service every 90k is a must on automatic trans. I serviced both difs and transfer case on the 06 at about 260k. The oils looked brand new. I bought the 06 brand new and the 15 at 26k.

 

[Poser]

I own an 06 300,000mls USA MADE
2015 130,000mls Mexico Made.
The 06 still has more power. Better paint. Both maintained religiously. I really abused the 06. I been nicer to the 15. If I had to choose between the 2 brand new again. I'd take the 06. Maybe I just got lucky or where it was made...I dunno. But like others said try to really judge what it's been through and maintained well. Trans service every 90k is a must on automatic trans. I serviced both difs and transfer case on the 06 at about 260k. The oils looked brand new. I bought the 06 brand new and the 15 at 26k.

Transmission service on Toyotas should be every 60k/6years. 50k if you are on top of it and really intend to go deep mileage.

Gear oil in the diffs and transfer case can be deceptive in appearance. They aren't subjected to engine byproducts, coolant and gas like your engine oil. Those should be 30k on schedule, but many people advise 15k if you spend quite a bit of time in 4low. I recently changed the gear oil on a 4runner I bought a couple of weeks ago. The gear oil hadn't been changed in 60k and, same thing, it appeared almost brand new with very minimal metal on the magnets, but I wouldn't advise letting it sit in there for years. also, holy hell, does gear oil stink!

 

[Blake C]

Transmission service on Toyotas should be every 60k/6years. 50k if you are on top of it and really intend to go deep mileage.

Gear oil in the diffs and transfer case can be deceptive in appearance. They aren't subjected to engine byproducts, coolant and gas like your engine oil. Those should be 30k on schedule, but many people advise 15k if you spend quite a bit of time in 4low. I recently changed the gear oil on a 4runner I bought a couple of weeks ago. The gear oil hadn't been changed in 60k and, same thing, it appeared almost brand new with very minimal metal on the magnets, but I wouldn't advise letting it sit in there for years. also, holy hell, does gear oil stink!

60k thanks for that correction.
Also I'm not hear to argue what's right or wrong. Just sharing what I've experienced.
The 06 did need a water pump and thermostat at 280k. Regular suspension replacement of worn parts. I replaced the front left cv bearing with the ECG race. And a month ago I rebuilt the drive shift. Valve cover gaskets a round 220k. Its been a great truck.
I've only ever owned Toyota.
92 pickup
95 pickup
Currently have
02 4 cylinder automatic. (Worst motor/trans) in my experience wife won't let it go
06
15
21

 

[Thinkingman]

Transmission service on Toyotas should be every 60k/6years. 50k if you are on top of it and really intend to go deep mileage.

Gear oil in the diffs and transfer case can be deceptive in appearance. They aren't subjected to engine byproducts, coolant and gas like your engine oil. Those should be 30k on schedule, but many people advise 15k if you spend quite a bit of time in 4low. I recently changed the gear oil on a 4runner I bought a couple of weeks ago. The gear oil hadn't been changed in 60k and, same thing, it appeared almost brand new with very minimal metal on the magnets, but I wouldn't advise letting it sit in there for years. also, holy hell, does gear oil stink!

FYI-If either of the OP's choices is a TRD Sport, those LSDs don't like synthetic lube.
Dino oil and one container of Toyota friction modifier makes them much happier.

 

[Steve300xcw]

02 4 cylinder automatic. (Worst motor/trans)

That sounds horrible

I do like a 2.7 though

 

[Blake C]

That sounds horrible

I do like a 2.7 though

It is in a shortbed single cab. But a 22re is way better

 

[Steve300xcw]

But a 22re is way better

I want what you're smoking

I've had both and the 3rz is where its at for the 4 bangers. An auto would kill that lil motor though

 

[Ross]

Unless something is off go with the 09.

 

[Dos Perros]

Transmission service on Toyotas should be every 60k/6years. 50k if you are on top of it and really intend to go deep mileage.

My dealer has me do transmission fluid every 30k. It's a couple hundred bucks. 435k and counting.

 

[Poser]

My dealer has me do transmission fluid every 30k. It's a couple hundred bucks. 435k and counting.

Are you still doing flushes with that high of mileage? or, just drain and fills?

 

[Blake C]

I want what you're smoking

I've had both and the 3rz is where its at for the 4 bangers. An auto would kill that lil motor though

22re is way better than the 4 banger after it. The gen 1 tacoma 4cyl is trash.The 05 and up is best

 

[Blake C]

Are you still doing flushes with that high of mileage? or, just drain and fills?

Its sealed. So it's a suck and refill

 

[Dos Perros]

Are you still doing flushes with that high of mileage? or, just drain and fills?

Last round (420k) did a flush. The tech noted nothing concerning with the fluid coming out (recorded and showed me a video with voiceover).