Is the Cheapest 2020 Stock Tacoma Worth it? 

Funny how everyone “needs” TRD 4X4... to go to Costco and Walmart

Price new: $26,660. Price on craigslist a year later: $26,500.

I had a 2005 4cyl Tacoma for 14 years. 320,000 miles and never had a problem that I didn't fix in the driveway. Loved it!! Finally decided to get a new one in 2019. I love it too. I do a TON of driving for work and I don't need a 4x4 or want to spend all the extra gas money. I'd be willing to bet that 99% of the people who drive a TRD 4x4 v6 never even drive on grass much less dirt or mud. "Keeping up with the Jones" and the "look at me" attitude in this country is ridiculous.

It might not do a quarter mile in 12 seconds, be twin turbo charged, have heated steering wheel, lane departure sonar, tampon dispenser, vagina wiper, etc, but it's a solid truck, built for a working purpose.

“I had to use a key”. What a world !!

Understand the point of the video and it is well done. However, what passes for a stripped truck in 2020 is rather extremely luxurious compared to what a stripped work truck was 30 years ago. Rubber floors, manual trans, roll up windows, no ac....things are so much better today.

Am I the only one that thinks this should be about $14500? The price for one of these is out of touch with reality.

If you’re on the fence about getting a Tacoma, regardless of trim, just go for it! Worst case you can sell it for exactly what it’s worth! Love Toyota

Everyone hates on the 4 cylinder but it’s going to live twice as long as a V6

I wish Toyota still have the manual transmission option for their 4 cylinders.

I have a leased '17 Colorado v-6, and I have to say that I think the 4 cylinder Tacomas are pretty solid. The 2.7-liter engine is an extremely reliable engine. I bet these Tacomas last a long ass time. Lack of power but reliable.

Not everyone needs to tow, some people just need a truck they can beat up and throw tools and not have to care about scratching their 50000 PICK UP WORK TRUCK

Toyota trucks have never been known as speedsters. I had a 4WD 5sp toyota truck back in the 90's. To go 0 to 60 you need a calendar. But it served me well for 10 years before I switched to a car. Not everyone wants or needs a huge truck. I miss the days of those little Datsun and Toyota trucks.

I've had two Toyotas with a 4 cylinder: a 1992 4x2 pickup and a 2002 Camry. That engine will take you to the moon and back if you want.

Thanks for doing, base models. Everyone always does the $40,000 models. Do this with other trucks.

Unpopular opinion: I prefer the 4cylinder over the V6

Yes I agree need to bring back the manual transmission this would make the truck bullet prof. The 4 cylinder will last longer than the V6

As a service business owner I will say that there is definitely a market for the stock Tacomas. Businesses want reliable trucks period. We don't care if our employees have a heated steering wheel or not. Getting people from point A to point B safely and reliably is what we are looking for. Dealers don't like selling them because there isn't much profit in these trucks, but there will always be a market for them.

My dad had a 96 brand new. It outlasted a GMC Safari, Ford Focus, Chevy Camaro, Pontiac Coupe, and a Chevy Corsica. The last three cars were cars my sister and I drove. We were kids when my Dad got the Tacoma.

I like the 4 cylinder engine. I don’t do a lot of towing and the base model is fine.😀

I have a 2007 4cyl. 5 Spd stick and that is what makes the difference for acceleration. My truck has 230,000 and still runs like a Swiss Watch. I Truly think people are crazy to buy all the "bells and whistles" from Toyota. If an Exhaust tip goes for $90...."Houston we have a problem". Its like a Harley, buy the base and customize it your way for 1/2 the price. Logic

After viewing this video, I felt you were a little negative on the Tacoma 2.7 liter truck. I bought a brand new 2019 Toyota Tacoma 4X4 SR 2.7 liter with 6 foot bed in January 2019. I researched the truck before driving, and drove before buying and I must admit, I'm completely satisfied with the truck. Sure, I don't pull anything with my truck, nor do I need all the "bells and whistles", nor do I need increased power or speed. For me, my little base Tacoma fits me great. I'm just saying, everyone does not need all the power or options. Some of us just need a good truck with 4X4, and the SR edition meets this need. First, determine your needs, and then go look for that edition of Tacoma. They have 6 separate editions.

The famous Scotty Kilmer recommends the tacoma four over the v six on his videos!! pete.

The I4 actually has more payload capacity. Power will increase after the engine and drivetrain breaks in. The I4 will last longer and is easy to work on. It is designed as an industrial engine.

This is a nice truck, but I'm not into the automatic transmission. Give me a 5 speed manual and you've got a great truck.

Lots complaining about the high price here. Back in 1985 I purchased a bone stock 4 cylinder Regular cab Toyota Pickup Truck. It cost me $7000 new. It also didn't have power steering, A/C, cruise control, air bags, intermittent wipers, or automatic transmission. Rear camera with bluetooth receiver? It had a crappy AM radio that I upgraded to a tape player! It didn't even have a passenger side mirror standard! I had to purchase that later and install it myself. This was 35 years ago. It was all I could afford. The point is that not only are you looking at 35 years of inflation since 1985, but they also include WAY more features stock than they used to. I don't think young people today realize just how many features are standard today compared to years ago and they don't take that into account when they think these should be cheaper.

The 2.7 Liter is such a good engine, with an awesome low end torque. It's not a race engine, nor meant for towing. For all you 3.5 Liter fans, start using 0W-40 full synthetic multi viscosity motor oil and you'll notice the added power. 2.7 engines are like the 3.4, 500K miles engines.

$26k for this? It needs to be $15k.

I have a 2014 SR5 4cylinder Tacoma and it has been nothing short of DEPENDABLE! The 4cylinder isn't for everyone as there is not much power but if you need it for around town, work and playing in the snow..... it's well worth it.

A very uncommon opinion. The 2.7l 4 cyl is ancient. It Is one of the last cast iron blocks Toyota makes and it is a stout unit. The only modernized portion of this engine is the hydraulically actuated valve lash and roller rockers. Otherwise it is almost identical to the original from 2003. If you don’t need the V6 this engine will keep chugging as long as It is maintained.

People who were happy in the 90's with small trucks/ 4 cylinder engines will be very happy with the third gen 4 cylinder Tacoma.

I love my 2.7 Tacoma for my pest control business. 185k miles. It's had 2 alternators and a water bipass pipe replaced to fix a coolant leak. That pipe is PLASTIC from the factory. Get it replaced with a stainless steel pipe. It's a common issue. Other than that it's been extremely reliable over the past ten years. I would absolutely buy another one.

I’m gonna buy one of these things... ...In 10-15 years.

This guy needs a high maintenance girlfriend!

He really down talks the truck., I bought a 2021 SR two wheel drive 4 cylinder and am very pleased with it.

Brand new Tacoma: $36,000 Certified Pre-owned with 40,000 miles: $37,800.

I think the 4 banger is the most reliable engine

Folks complain about it being so slow with the 4cyl but all the trucks in the 90s and 2000s were slower than dog shit. Even with v6’s. At least as slow as the current base model Tacoma. We have become accustomed to a lot more power and speed in modern times.

I am original owner of 2006 Tacoma SR5 i4 4X4 Access Cab. I drive it in the Ozark Mountains/Hills. 2 Things: 1- The truck is very capable in day to day driving when run at higher RPM. 2: One must absolutely smoke the clutch when towing a 17' aluminum bass boat, uphill, from a stand still, with the A.C. on. I don't even think of going to lakes more than 15min away because it's 3rd gear AT BEST on every hill. 3: (Bonus!) Its all worth it because all I do is change oil and light bulbs for 15 YEARS!!! I haven't had a car payment in over 10yrs, or a repair bill in 15yrs, that was the original idea when purchasing. Also it was cheap in 2006, $19,000. Lastly, I posted a RU-vid video on the topic of tire swap, if interested it's titled "General Grabber AT2 on Toyota Tacoma Gen.2" Long title, I know..

I have an 18 4x4 Access Cab with the 4 Banger. I put Bilstie 5100s, 33s on 17 inch rims. I don’t haul anything and will never need the rated payload. It’s my “Knockabout” Truck and I love it.

For me, it's hard to justify the 2WD 4 banger without the 5 speed manual. I've own a 1989 Tacoma stick and a 2002 Tacoma stick. Great trucks. When other cars and trucks are spinning tires on icy roads and snow-covered steep inclines (like Sierra Nevada) in winter, this truck allows me to lug it up the hill as long as I maintain momentum. Hard to do that when the automatic keeps screwing around and you lose traction with wheel spin. Bring back the 5 speed manual and I'll buy another one.

I have this exact truck. 4x4 holds value better, but I rarely have ever used 4 wheel on my trucks that had it. And I'm a country boy. That I4 will outlast any V6 ever made. A buddy of mine is a Toyota tech. 23 years of working on Toyota trucks, he's never gotten into one more than the water pump

"Bare bones stripped down..." with an Apple Play infotainment system!!!! This is why a base truck is $26,000!!! Today's Do-Dahs have NO idea what 'base' is.

4 cyl 4x4 5speed tacoma was my dream vehicle, in 2016 I bought one and I will keep it forever

150 herspers means 130 ponies at the pavement. Weak. Too weak.

The 2.7 WILL last forever. So there's that. But it needs the manual option.

I own a 2020 i4 base model and I put about 35000 trouble free miles on it. It’s not sluggish but not a race car by any means. I enjoy it very much

I've had a crew cab 4 cylinder Sr since 2016. Just got back from the Smokies I've had it Over the Rockies and many long road trips. I've also used it for my commuting vehicle everyday. No reliability issues, 20 years in service that 2.7 liter motor will Outlast the V6 with its extra gizmos. Average 23 miles per gallon in the city, yet only 23 to 25 on the highway depending on speed. I think this review is unfair I think the comments are much better. 2.7 L low on power but long on life. Toyota needs to put a manual 5-speed in it, cuz that's the only thing that sucks about this truck is that transmission. It works great as long as you don't need to punch it and get it in gear quickly. 2.7 l with a manual transmission and I will start shopping again are you listening Toyota?

I drive one of these exact models everyday for work. Let me tell you. These tacomas can take a beating. I’m convinced they don’t die. Very reliable

I have the last of the Tacoma standard Cab 2014 4X4 with the four-cylinder automatic base model crank windows does have AC and power steering, going skiing Breckenridge from Colorado Springs I get a solid 24 miles per gallon, it managers just fine to keep up with traffic, I am a four-cylinder guy so besides it looks great too in standard cab style.

This is what one can expect when buying a 4 cylinder Toyota Tacoma: a truck that is both durable and reliable. Hell, the use of an actual key is a blessing. These push-start key fobs need to have a working battery in order to turn on the damn car. Everyone misses the FJ Cruiser but I feel we would lose out more if we stopped receiving the 4-cylinder Tacoma in the States.

Nothing wrong with that truck. As fast as anyone needs. Too many greedy people always wanting more. You don’t need it.

Price is rediculous!

I wish Toyota would have kept the 4.0 in the Tacoma. The 3.5 V6 is underpowered. It would also be cool to see the 4.6 V8 in the Tacoma.

The base engine is detuned like crazy! Iron block, forged internals, dohc, 16v, direct injected, and variable valve timing on intake and exhaust and it only makes 159hp from a 2.7 litre? The Rav4 with the same technology easily makes 200hp+ from a 2.5L. Toyota built the 2.7 to be a tank, an indestructible monster in an entry level plain truck. It's similar to their hybrid offerings, all of their gas engines are detuned and run for hundreds of thousands of miles. I've beat the hell out of 3 2015+ Tacoma 4 cylinders and they've never blinked. The 6 speed auto is the same as the 6 cylinder's transmission minus some clutches, you can't kill it with the power the 2.7 makes. It's hilarious that people think these are slow or you can't tow with them. They literally have the same suspension and brakes as the V6 trucks, its cheaper to build them all the same (that's why payload keeps rising as you lose cylinders and 4wd). And you don't know what slow is till you've tried to merge uphill onto a highway weighing 80,000lbs.

I live in the middle of Los Angeles, and own a dirtbike.. All I need is a pickup truck to load + haul a 280pound dirtbike, and drive 45min away.. No serious off-road driving needed, just simple errands A to B, that’s it. This could work.

I had a 2.7 in a 2010 Xcab 4WD, with the standard tranny of course. great little truck, would climb trees if asked and never let me down thru many Vermont winters and off road miles. Mods: LEDs, infinity kappa speakers and sound deadening in doors, bedrug, gate lock, pooch platform in back seat, fishing rod and bike carriers, truxedo tonneau, Bluetooth and line amp for aux port, bilstein 5100’s and BFG AT KO (great tires). bought lightly used for 21k, sold 8 years later for 15k. Heading to Colorado next year, gonna get another one.

20k w/ manual transmission is what these things should really go for.

Picked up one 12/5, Sr access cab with Utility package (removes rear speakers, rear seats/headrest and seatbelts, rear cup holders, vanity mirrors both driver and passenger , added black door handles, black mirror caps , black rear bumper , fixed rear window) that knocked down $1200 , bare bones .. exactly what I wanted.

Be honest with yourself about how much you really need to tow and if the answer is not that much then the 2.7 is a great engine at an affordable price that will go 350,000 miles with regular maintenance. Most people don't really need a truck a truck for towing, they just need the convenience of a truck bed.

No manual though. Little trizzy’s need a manual gearbox

I got an 18 Access Cab with a V6, 4x4, and some extras for $30K, It is a noisy truck for it being body on frame, but I regularly get 26 mpg on the highway during my road trips, I have to be gentle on the pedal because it is a lot of dead weight. I am glad it does not have keyless ignition and all that complicated electrical stuff, but my insurance went up because of the nanny drive, the radar up front for the dynamic cruise control and lane change warning, etc. I wonder if the front seats have been improved, they are very uncomfortable with the headrest bearing down on your head, I have to sit on a cushion to avoid that. I am planning on adding sound insulation to the doors and to the panel where the back window is, if I can figure out how to take that plastic part off. I did the same to my Rav4 and it really made a difference such that I can actually listen to the radio or music without blasting my eardrums.

No key fob is a plus to me. One less technology to go wrong. I am a little disappointed the stripped down SR does not come with intermittent wipers. Otherwise, the truck is good.

Having sold Toyotas for nearly 10 years, what you are looking at is the fleet sales truck. These are the ones that will be driven 500,000 miles. Most of these are sold before being distributed to any dealership. Our condo maintenance company uses these. Orkin pest control in our area use these. They have been seen as DTE Energy service trucks. I suppose to a large corporation or a business entity, they are worth a lot. They are usually special ordered for private use customers.....did he just say leather? in a fleet truck? I forgot where I was going now.

I had a hard time getting past the NINETY DOLLAR EXHAUST TIP! WOW! That’s double the price of the tie down loops, which are actually a useful option! And $250 floor mats?! That could probably buy you a set of WeatherTech liners! Insanity.

i like my 4 banger. i don't tow or haul. I do jump speed bumps and do trails. its fine.

I drove the 2012 4 cylinder Tacoma in 5 speed for 10 years. With the 5-speed the four cylinders are very good with good power and acceleration.

I needed a get to work vehicle that I could also make the run to Lowes for plywood, bags of mulch etc. I bought a 2018 Tacoma in May of 2018. Got a good sale price, payed a local car shop $160.00 dollars for keyless entry and I'm good to go. I didn't need a race truck so the 4 cylinder was fine. I like the radar controlled cruise control. I get decent gas mileage and it gets me where I need to go. When I want a flashy sports car, I'll go buy one.

I'll get that SR 2.7l 4x2.. Slow? Yes! So that I can enjoy the view.

Thanks for the video. As others have said, it’s about time someone reviewed a bone stock model!

I have decided, to buy the 4cyl. 4x4 SR with the SX package. I do not tow, I do not haul heavy gear on a regular basis. I like the fact that the 4cyl. costs on the average 3,000.00 less than the V6. Over 80% of my driving is a city and HW mix. If the 4cyl. gets me through the snow, well... I am very happy. Now for the fun part, where can I buy one? The dealers are empty of any Tacomas, and I am being told it may take 6 weeks or more to have it made. Everyone keeps telling me I need the 6cyl. It maybe just right for them, but if towing and hauling, and just having a truck to get to work and home, does not make sense to spend more to make others happy. If I want to break speed records and gather traffic tickets, I'll get a rigged out Mustang LOL!!

I have this exact truck. It's by far the best truck in its class. Mechanics always tell me how much they love the engine. So reliable. Holds its value.

As the cheapest model, it still looks pretty fine

Dont even watch the video, the 2trfe is the best and most reliable tacoma engine period, im so happy i went with the 4 banger, my only gripe is its a dog going uphill

I love the 4 cylinder engine!

I had a 2015 2wd 4cyl and it was honestly a wicked little truck

Shouldn't the question be: Is there anything better? And the answer would be:. NO.

paid 23,500 otd in FL for a 2020. You can probably get it less if your state has a lower sales tax.

I just traded in my 2017 SR for my first ever 4x4 Tacoma TRD O/R V6. Before the 2017 I had a 2015, a 2010 and a 2006. All had been the very basic version 4x2's with 4 cylinders.. They were all trouble free. Stupid trouble free. I don't think I ever replaced a head light bulb.The 4 banger gets a lot of flack for being under powered. I think the auto is more of the problem than the engine itself. Toyota should not have dropped the standard shift in the 4 cylinder. Most 4's do very well with a manual and feel a whole lot better than most of the economy minded shift patterns of today's auto transmissions. That said I lived very happily with my 2017 4 cylinder. I towed, hauled and pushed the 2.7 very hard at times. It's a very tough little engine for sure. With the traction control and VSC systems and a good set of AT tires, the 4x2 and a few sand bags made it through many snow storms. If you need a truck and your not towing heavy loads all the time, I think it's still a viable option for a lot of people.

A Tacoma is always worth the money.

I bought mine with a 4 cylinder 5 speed manual 4x4

I got my 2013 SR5 4x4 Acces cab 4CYL. for $24,000 +/- brandnew before taxes and fees.

My 2001 4x4 with the 2.7 has 271,000 miles .. Still original clutch...water pump...exhaust. 19 years and no problems.

Leather is not always practical or necessary. I prefer to have a key over a push button that is more likely to fail. I also appreciate not having all the nannies. That combined with a manual transmission makes for a more engaged driver actually paying attention to what they are doing. I appreciated all the videos, sir. Good work.

I just bought one yea it lacks in power a bit but like someone mentioned I'm going to Walmart and back occasionally I'll go off road medium rough terrain and it does its job well.

I used to own a 2012 Tacoma with 2.7L engine, 5 speed manual, 4x4, and access cab. While it got the job done, I feel that the 4 cylinder was underpowered. A truck with a curb weight of 4000 LBS needs at least a v6.

If you're into driving the latest models and have the need to look updated about trucks, then this is not for you. Once you buy a tacoma, it will last you so many years that it may well be the last vehicle you own.

I had a 1991 Toyota 4 x 4 extended cab pickup truck with the 22r--four-cylinder engine, it was a 5-speed I think as long as you change the oil and put gas in that engine it would run forever. I traded for a 2004 Toyota tundra which I still have to this day with almost 200,000 miles. These trucks weren't designed to be Aston Martins they were designed to run forever.

I drive like a grandma to get 12.5 l/100km in city and V6 is underpowered.

I'm glad you did a review on a vehicle that's the lowest price not always 14 $50,000 thank you for doing such a good job on the regular 25 $27,000 truck instead of 40 or 50 which lot of people can't afford

This is THE Perfect vey-light duty pickup (in this trim). If used as such forever, it will last near-forever. The Legendary Reliability of this truck cannot, should not, must not be ignored.....unless you like shiny objects that turn out to be disposable diapers before 100K miles with multiple, prior dealer visits where a tranny or a whole engine had to be replaced and where you will be SOOL when the warranty had expired.

Honestly this truck is enough for someone who needs it for a daily driver, haul oversize crap every now and then and for moments they off-road on an occasion. I never understood why people get these decked out trucks with tremendous power if they never haul trailers/boats or use it for work. All for show I guess. Love the Tacoma’s and Rangers IMO

I have this truck in a 2016 model and it's better than any Ford,Chevy, Dodge I've ever had!!

I'm on my 3rd 4cyl, 5speed Tacoma, flat out the best overall vehical for a gainful existence on the planet. I'm at 280,000 miles on my present one. My first extra cab tacoma got 30miles to the gal. Toyota, keep it real, we don't need all the bells, whistles and overkill accoutrements. Stock is carte blanche!!!

I have a 07 base 4 cylinder Tacoma, it rides great even though it has over 250,000 miles on it, I can reach all 4 of my cupholders easily, it comfortable, But no cruise control, I'm grateful to Christ for its reliability even though the last two owners were extremely rough on the outside of the truck, I can't find the passing gear easy either, But its reliable and comfortable

I can’t believe people are actually willing to pay over $26k for a 2 door, rear wheel drive, 4 cylinder truck, with little towing capacity. This truck really shows how ridiculous prices for trucks have become. This is pretty much a truck for people who just want a truck but don’t actually use it for anything that a truck would be used for.

4 cyl mated to the 6 spd mt is still plenty of power for me, as I'm just a statistic of 95% of americans and I don't really do much of towing. I do cabinet making and woodturning as a hobby. My heart though, will always be on the T100s. I don't want v8, seat heater, woody dash, sunroof, leather. . .ect, I just want a barebone reliable ute/pickup

Nice review, I like that it still has a door key and keyslot! Toyota needs to bring back the 5-speed manual transmission model to make it a really great car. I'd love to see a CD player, too (I've got a lot of CDs!). Just wondering if the 2021's are still as noisy inside as the early 2000 models (lots of drivetrain noise in the cab). My 2006 Access cab with a 5-spd manual has 160,000 miles on it and still keeps going. I looked at trading it in for a 2021 "crew cab" model but the inventory of trucks right now are low so dealers are keeping prices at MSRP. And I'm not paying $250 for floor mats, $90 for a chrome exhaust tip cover, and those other insane dealer option prices !

Thank you. Not the best review, but it does stimulate comments (which I enjoy as much as videos themselves). This truck ought to suit most young trade folks just fine. Too much power and they'll wrap it around a pole or tree. It will carry a lot of bulky stuff and I recommend a tonneau to keep things dry. However, 3rd generation Tacomas have become noisier than prior generations. I have a lowly 2013 regular cab 4WD - and the cabin noise level is much better than the '18's, 19's, and 20's that I have test driven. To me, the drivetrain is the culprit. But it may be less insulation underneath. I can't be sure. But the hallmark of a Tacoma IMO is this. Whether frigid cold or tropical hot -you can expect that vehicle to start in the morning! No missing work due to your vehicle conking out. That is why a Tacoma is the truck to buy - all other things being equal.

Word to the wise get a pedal modifier and header plus exhaust. Does wonders for the performance plus the ETC gun button goes well at certain points .