Dealer visit checklist

2023 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 2023 Toyota Tacoma problems to check

  • 2.7L 4-cylinder engine feels underpowered when towing near its 3,500-lb limit and can run rough at highway speeds
  • Transmission hesitation and rough shifting reported in the 6-speed automatic, particularly at low speeds and during acceleration from stops
  • Fuel economy underperforms vs. class competitors — the 3.5L V6 returns only about 20 MPG combined in real-world driving
  • Infotainment system (Entune 3.0) is widely criticized for being outdated, slow, and lacking wireless Apple CarPlay
  • Rear leaf-spring suspension delivers a noticeably stiff, bouncy ride when the truck bed is unloaded

Ask: have these recalls been fixed?

  • CHILD SEAT:VEHICLE LATCH ANCHOR: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles.
  • STEERING:COLUMN: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, 2023 Lexus RX350, RX350 Hybrid, RX500 Hybrid, 2023-2024 Lexus NX250, NX350, and NX350 Hybrid vehicles.
  • POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturer (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Tacoma vehicles.
  • STEERING:COLUMN: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Cross, Corolla Cross Hybrid, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, Tacoma, Lexus RX350, 2023-2024 NX250, and NX350 vehicles that may have been incorrectly repaired under previous NHTSA recall number 23V-480.

Negotiate the price

  • Know the typical price: about $30,000 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