Used Toyota Tacoma or a New One: Which One Should You Buy in Palos Verdes?
Buying a used Toyota Tacoma or a new one is a key decision when purchasing a reliable truck in Palos Verdes. A new Tacoma may include a better warranty and the latest technology, but it’s typically more expensive than a used Tacoma and will depreciate faster.
 
What’s the Difference Between Buying a Used Toyota Tacoma or a New One?
| New Toyota Tacoma | Used Toyota Tacoma | 
|---|
| Usually has a good warranty | May not have a warranty (unless certified pre-owned) | 
| May qualify for better financing | May cost less to insure | 
| Latest tech and features | Already depreciated significantly before you buy | 
Warranty: Used Toyota Tacoma vs. New Toyota Tacoma
The advantage of buying a new Toyota Tacoma is that it generally comes with a manufacturer warranty covering major issues in the first few years. New Tacomas usually need only routine maintenance early on. Read more about Tacoma maintenance services.
By comparison, a used Tacoma may require more repairs, which likely aren’t covered—unless you choose a certified pre-owned Tacoma that includes warranty protection.
Thanks to improved reliability, many Toyota trucks go 100,000+ miles before major repairs. You could buy a three-year-old Tacoma, drive it five years, and sell it near what you paid. With a used purchase, consider setting aside a monthly repair fund.
Price: Used Toyota Tacoma vs. New Toyota Tacoma
New Tacomas cost more, though dealers may offer lower rates—even zero-interest loans—which can reduce lifetime interest. Used Tacomas rarely have 0% offers but you can still find solid financing via local banks or credit unions.
Insurance: Used Toyota Tacoma vs. New Toyota Tacoma
Insurance can be lower for used models because replacement costs are lower. Click here to read more about Tacoma insurance.
Technology: Used Toyota Tacoma vs. New Toyota Tacoma
Newer trucks offer updated infotainment, driver aids, and sometimes better fuel economy and emissions.
Depreciation: Used Toyota Tacoma vs. New Toyota Tacoma
New vehicles take the biggest depreciation hit in the first 2–3 years. Buying used lets the previous owner absorb that drop; you benefit from a lower price and slower subsequent depreciation.
Used Toyota Tacoma or a New One: Which Is Right for You?
Buying New Toyota Tacoma — Key Benefits
- No prior history: No unknowns from previous owners or missed maintenance. 
- Faster process: Fewer inspections/history checks (e.g., Carfax or AutoCheck). 
- Often cheaper to finance: Lower interest rates are common—though watch your loan-to-value ratio. 
- Safety tech: Modern driver assists are more widely available. 
- Fuel efficiency gains: Newer powertrains and transmissions improve MPG across the lineup. Read more about Tacoma fuel economy. 
- Full warranty coverage: Bumper-to-bumper (commonly 3yr/36k mi) plus longer powertrain coverage. 
You can also explore Tacoma financing options or use the loan calculator.
Disadvantages of Buying New Toyota Tacoma
- Highest upfront cost (plus financing, taxes, insurance). 
- Must purchase through a franchised Toyota dealer (fewer seller types vs. used). 
- Sales tax based on the full higher price. 
- Generally higher insurance costs and required coverages when financing. 
Advantages of Buying Used Toyota Tacoma
- Lower purchase price, taxes, and often insurance. 
- Avoids the steepest depreciation; better value retention. 
- Potential to afford a higher trim for the same budget. 
- Easy to research vehicle history (Carfax/AutoCheck) before purchase. 
See different used Toyota Tacoma prices.
Disadvantages of Buying Used Toyota Tacoma
- Some unknowns remain—history reports aren’t perfect. 
- Often sold “as-is” unless CPO; repairs are your responsibility. 
- Financing rates typically higher; fewer special offers. 
- Fewer manufacturer incentives; deals mostly on CPO programs. 
The Bottom Line
Do your research, read reviews, and verify reliability. If you’re not familiar with Tacomas, have a trusted mechanic inspect any used truck. Shop for the best loan, and negotiate your price. Car Plus Finance is a leading used Toyota Tacoma dealership in Palos Verdes—ready to buy, sell, or take trade-ins and complete transactions safely in-store.
Sources
- Kenrick, S. (2021, Aug 10). Should I buy a new car or used car? iwillteachyoutoberich — link 
- Caldwell, M. (2021, Aug 23). Buying a New Car vs. Buying a Used Car. The Balance — link 
- Vincent, J. (2019, Jan 21). New Cars vs. Used Cars. U.S. News — link