Is a Toyota Tacoma worth it?
It depends on what you pay and what you earn. Here is what a 3-year-old Tacoma costs to own at US averages, and the most you can pay before it stops being a smart buy.
The short answer
- It keeps about 74% of its price after five years, better than the typical pickup truck (59%).
- At 21 MPG, fuel runs about $1,800 a year at 12,000 miles and US average gas prices.
- Insurance, fuel, maintenance and fees come to about 39 cents per mile, before the car payment.
How much can you pay?
The highest price that still scores Worth it (70 or more) or Borderline (50 or more), for a 3-year-old Tacoma with 20% down, a 60-month loan at 10% APR, 12,000 miles a year and US average costs.
| Yearly income | Worth it up to | Borderline up to |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $1,000 | $9,500 |
| $60,000 | $13,000 | $25,000 |
| $80,000 | $24,000 | $40,500 |
| $100,000 | $35,500 | $56,000 |
| $150,000 | $64,500 | $92,000 |
Paying cash, a bigger down payment or a cheaper insurance quote all raise these limits. Your state matters too: run your own numbers.
Cost to own, year one
Running costs for a 3-year-old Toyota Tacoma at 12,000 miles a year, at US averages. The car payment comes on top.
| Insurance | $2,200 |
| Fuel | $1,800 |
| Maintenance and repairs | $580 |
| Registration and fees | $150 |
| Total per year | $4,730 |
Key facts
- Type: Pickup truck, gas
- Efficiency: 21 MPG
- Value kept after 5 years: about 74%
- Insurance class: 10% above the state average
Compare with
Toyota Tundra · Ford F-150 · Ford Maverick · Ford Ranger · Chevrolet Silverado 1500 · Chevrolet Colorado · GMC Sierra 1500 · Ram 1500 · Tesla Cybertruck
Figures are estimates from public averages (data as of 2026-10, method v1.0), not quotes or financial advice. See how we score.