Dealer visit checklist
2024 Toyota Tacoma checklist
Print it or keep it on your phone. Tick each item as you go so nothing gets missed.
This is a year to avoid
- • 2.7x more owner complaints than nearby model years
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 2024 Toyota Tacoma problems to check
- The new 2.4L turbo engine (2TR-1GD) has early reports of turbo lag and some owners reporting excessive oil consumption — worth monitoring as the fleet ages
- Infotainment system responsiveness on the new 14-inch touchscreen has drawn complaints for sluggishness and occasional software glitches requiring resets
- Rear leaf-spring suspension delivers a noticeably stiff, bouncy ride when the bed is unloaded — a longstanding Tacoma complaint carried into the new generation
- Frame rust has historically plagued Tacomas in salt-belt states; inspect the frame closely if buying in the Northeast or Midwest and consider anti-rust undercoating
- Fuel economy on the standard 2.4T is a modest 20-23 mpg combined, underperforming some rivals like the Ford Ranger and disappointing buyers expecting more from a modern turbo engine
Ask: have these recalls been fixed?
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Tacoma 4-wheel drive vehicles.
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Toyota Venza, 2023-2025 RAV4 Prime, RAV4, Highlander, GR Corolla, Crown, 2024-2025 Lexus TX, LS, Toyota Tacoma, Grand Highlander, and 2025 Lexus RX, Toyota Crown Signia, Camry, RAV 4 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and 4 Runner vehicles.
- EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Toyota Tundra, Tacoma Hybrid, Tacoma, RAV4 Hybrid, Land Cruiser Hybrid, Lexus GX550, 2024-2026 Tundra Hybrid, 2025 Sequoia Hybrid, Crown Signia, Grand Highlander, Lexus TX500 Hybrid, Lexus NX350 Hybrid, 2025-2026 Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Lexus TX350 vehicles.
- SUSPENSION:REAR:SHOCK ABSORBER: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2024 Tacoma Hybrid and 2024-2025 Tacoma vehicles.
Negotiate the price
- Know the typical price: about $32,000 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