The Toyota Tacoma is a class-leading midsized pickup that’s served truck owners for almost 30 years. Toyota’s robust reputation for reliability and the Tacoma’s thoughtful engineering make the Tacoma a highly sought-after pickup.
But, these positive characteristics come at a high price. Strong resale values are helpful if you already own a Tacoma, but this factor makes purchasing a second-hand Tacoma expensive. That’s why many truck shoppers look to buy a Toyota Tacoma at a salvage auction.
With that in mind, let’s look at salvage auctions and the Toyota Tacoma.
What Is a Salvage Vehicle?
Understanding what a salvage vehicle is the first step in the process. These cars have been damaged to the point where repair costs exceed the car’s value. In these situations, insurance companies declare these vehicles to be a “total loss”.
The damage may have come from an accident, a flood, a fire, or even a tree falling on the car (it happens). Unfortunately, a recovered stolen car is also sometimes considered totaled because so many parts have been stripped from it.
Insurance companies will sell totaled cars through salvage auctions to recover something from these losses. In most cases, a salvage car will sell for far less than its non-damaged equivalent.
A salvage title marking indicates to prospective buyers that the vehicle is not road-worthy and will require restorative work before it can hit the streets again. Sometimes, a salvage car is best used for parts.
Why Buying a Salvage Vehicle Is an Excellent Idea
The principal reason for purchasing a salvage car is to save money. As mentioned, a salvage vehicle will cost significantly less than an undamaged version. This difference is what makes salvage cars so appealing.
Someone with patience and the right skills can restore a salvage vehicle to drivable status, all for less than what it would cost to buy an undamaged used car. Some individuals and companies make a business out of these efforts.
However, some salvage cars are best used for parts. For instance, someone who’s already restoring a vehicle may find that they can get an expensive component (like an engine or transmission) for less by purchasing a salvage vehicle rather than buying the part separately. Some businesses buy salvage vehicles for the sole purpose of tearing down the car and reselling individual parts.
The Advantages of Buying a Salvage Toyota Tacoma
Purchasing a salvage Toyota Tacoma opens the door to many opportunities:
- Saving money: Because of the title status, buying a salvage Toyota Tacoma will cost far less than a vehicle in normal condition.
- Overseeing rebuilding: Unlike purchasing a salvage Tacoma that’s already been rebuilt, buying one at auction enables you to be involved in the process from the ground up. No matter whether you’re doing the work yourself or hiring a mechanic, you will know exactly what’s required to make the truck drivable again. There are no mysteries.
- Getting parts for less: Even if you’re only in need of Toyota Tacoma parts, a carefully made salvage vehicle purchase can cost far less than buying these components through a junkyard, dealer, or parts store.
What Else to Know About the Toyota Tacoma
Before bidding on a Toyota Tacoma at auction, here are some basics about this workhorse:
The Tacoma debuted for the 1995 model year as a replacement for the Toyota Pickup (called the Hilux in some markets). Although classified as a compact, the Tacoma was still larger than its predecessors.
Toyota offered the first-generation Tacoma in two cab configurations: the regular cab and the Xtracab (later known as the Access Cab). It was also available in two and four-wheel drive versions and with either a four-cylinder or a six-cylinder engine. First-generation Tacomas were produced through the 2004 model year.
The second-generation Tacoma marked the appearance of a vehicle classified as a midsized pickup. In addition to the regular (two-door) and Access cab configurations, Toyota offered a double-cab Tacoma with an extended-length cargo bed.
While both a four and six-cylinder engine were available, the inline-six grew to a 4.0-liter displacement. Options included the TRD (Toyota Racing Development) package, which added off-road features like an upgraded suspension. The second-generation Tacoma was produced from 2005 to 2015.
The 2016 Tacoma marked the launch of the third-generation model, which is still in production today. There are two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6.
The smaller engine can be paired with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, while the six-cylinder comes only with an automatic gearbox. Newer editions can come with advanced technology, such as a touchscreen infotainment system and blind-spot monitoring.
The Appeal of the Toyota Tacoma
While reliability and excellent resale values are strong selling points for the Toyota Tacoma, this truck offers much more.
- Off-road capabilities: Thanks to its rugged construction, the Tacoma is built to handle work assignments, daily driving duties, and off-road adventures. Some models have advanced off-road features, such as a locking rear differential, skid plates, and a suspension tuned for off-road use.
- Versatility: Different cab sizes, bed lengths, engine options, and drivetrains ensure there’s a Tacoma for every buyer’s needs. And because of the popularity of the Tacoma, finding a preferred configuration among auction vehicles isn’t difficult.
Final Words: Why Is Buying a Salvage Toyota Tacoma a Good Idea?
A salvage Toyota Tacoma brings together the best of both worlds: a rock-solid reputation for reliability and the chance to buy a repairable truck at below-normal prices. And others may appreciate the opportunity to purchase a Tacoma just for parts. Regardless of the reason, there are numerous salvage Toyota Tacomas to bid on.
