The answer to this question depends largely on what you need the Toyota Tacoma to do. The Tacoma pickup offers top-notch reliability, excellent 4WD capability, and competitive ratings for towing and hauling. However, the midsize Toyota Tacoma also holds its value very well, so buying it as a cheap work truck is simply not an option, but it will last you a long time.
Let’s take a look at some applications where the Tacoma can excel as a work truck.
Light Work + Daily Driver
The Toyota Tacoma is fully capable of providing a comfortable ride and reliable transportation as a daily driver. One of the main reasons that people buy the Tacoma is its reliability. Most Tacoma owners report a hassle-free experience wherein they only follow basic maintenance to get a truck that almost never breaks down. If you’re a small business owner like a handyman or similar, the Tacoma is an excellent choice for hauling ladders and tools in all types of weather, while also functioning as your daily driver.
Outdoors Work in this Midsize Toyota
The maximum payload on the Toyota Tacoma is not as high as some of its competitors. The max payload is 1,685 pounds with a regular cab, RWD, and a four-cylinder engine. If you opt for one of the 4WD trim levels, the payload decreases to around 1,155 pounds. However, there’s no doubt that the Tacoma is one of the most capable midsize pickups when it comes to off-road ability. For light work that requires excellent 4WD ability, the Tacoma is able to excel in this regard. As long as you don’t need to tow or haul heavy loads, the Tacoma is more versatile than many of its competitors. You can take it over just about any trail, while still being able to drive easily in the city.
Practical and Dependable
The top two selling points for the Toyota Tacoma have very little to do with its ability to tow or haul. When surveyed, Tacoma buyers cited the truck’s excellent reliability and high resale value as reasons for buying it. It’s also cheaper to maintain and keep fueled than a full-size pickup. The Tacoma is at its best when doubling as a daily driver and a light work truck for someone whose main concerns are dependability and inexpensive maintenance.
Is the Midsize Toyota Tacoma right for you?
If you need a heavy hauler, then the Tacoma is generally not a good choice. However, if you’re looking for a truck that excels off-road, is comfortable and civilized on city streets, doesn’t break down, and is one of the least expensive trucks to maintain, then the Toyota Tacoma is one of the best choices available.
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