Dealer visit checklist
2022 Toyota Tacoma checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
Inspect the car
- Check every panel gap and look for mismatched paint (signs of past accident repair)
- Look at the tires: even wear, matching brands, at least 4/32" tread
- Check under the car and engine bay for oil, coolant or other leaks
- Start the engine cold; listen for knocks, ticks or squeals and watch for smoke
- Test every window, lock, seat, light, the A/C, heat and infotainment
- Test drive on city streets and highway: straight braking, smooth shifts, no pulling
- Ask for the service records and a vehicle history report
- Have an independent mechanic do a pre-purchase inspection (about $100–$200)
Known 2022 Toyota Tacoma problems to check
- Rough, bouncy ride quality especially in the TRD Off-Road and SR5 with the rear leaf-spring suspension — a consistent owner complaint
- Sluggish acceleration from the 2.7L 4-cylinder base engine, which struggles under load or on highway merges
- 6-speed automatic transmission can feel jerky and hesitant during low-speed maneuvers, a known Tacoma trait across generations
- Infotainment system (non-JBL) feels dated with slow response times compared to rivals like the Ford Ranger or Chevy Colorado
- Fuel economy of 19-21 MPG combined for the V6 is below segment average, adding up to real cost over five years
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $36,000 for this model year
- Negotiate the out-the-door price, not the monthly payment
- Get the full price with every fee listed in writing before you sign
- Bring your own loan pre-approval so the dealer has a rate to beat
- Say no to add-ons you didn't ask for (paint protection, VIN etching, nitrogen tires)
- Negotiate your trade-in separately, after the car's price is agreed
- Be ready to walk away; another listing is usually a click away