2001 Toyota TacomaSR5 4x4
“Twenty-three years, zero engine rebuilds.”
Documented Miles
612,000
on the odometer
Reliability Score
97/100
community rating
Est. Total Maintenance
$38,400
lifetime spend
Est. Savings vs. New
$13,600
vs. buying new
Engine
3.4L V6 (5VZ-FE)
5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain
4WD
2001 model year
Marcus bought this Tacoma new off the lot in 2001 for $22,000 and has never seriously considered selling it. Three timing belt replacements, two clutches, and one water pump later — the original V6 is still ticking. He drives it 25,000 miles a year through the Arizona desert and has no plans to stop.
Owner Stories
In their own words — how they got there, and what kept this vehicle running.
Marcus D.
“People ask me all the time why I don't buy something newer. I tell them: find me a new truck that'll do what this one does for $1,600 a year in maintenance. I'm waiting.”
Never skip the timing belt. Budget for it like a utility bill. The V6 is bulletproof if you respect that schedule.
Terri M.
“Hit 387k last spring. Replaced the clutch at 340k — that's the second one ever. The engine hasn't been touched beyond maintenance.”
Use Mobil 1 full synthetic from day one. Don't wait for something to go wrong.
Own a 2001 Toyota Tacoma with high miles?
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