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Like many Tacoma owners, DK wanted to keep his 2015 Toyota Tacoma forever.
However, the unexpected happened, and it was totaled in an accident. DK wants to get a new next-gen Toyota Tacoma, but he’s priced out of the market. It’s a story many Tacoma buyers can relate to. More importantly, here’s valuable information for truck owners who find themselves looking for a new truck.
DK Freeman on the Toyota Taco Nation Facebook page says,
“Last Monday, I lost my favorite vehicle I’ve ever had, my 2015 Toyota Tacoma Off Road Sport 4×4. And now the prices on the new Tacomas have gotten too high for me to get another one.”
Tacoma trucks are more than just a means of transportation.
Every day, I run across stories from loyal owners about the frustrating world of automotive ownership. This week, DK Freeman’s story on the Taco Nation Facebook page stood out. It was a story of loss and frustration that resonates with many Tacoma buyers who consider their trucks more than just a mode of transportation.
DK’s message was a moving one. “Last Monday, I lost my favorite vehicle I’ve ever had, my 2015 Toyota Tacoma Off Road Sport 4×4. And now the prices on the new Tacomas have gotten too high for me to get another one.”
He continued, providing details that many of us can relate to after an accident. “It still ran just fine and held temp, but my insurance still totaled it. I was paying attention, or else it would have been worse, and I am adamant about not using my phone while driving.”
The cause? “I hit a Jeep Liberty that abruptly stopped in front of me.”
DK’s story is a snapshot of the current automotive landscape. It’s not just about a fender bender; it’s about the emotional connection to a trusted vehicle, the logic of insurance total loss assessments, and the reality of today’s new and used car market. For all the reasons DK is struggling, this report will serve as a definitive guide for anyone facing a similar situation, offering actionable insights and meaningful takeaways to help you navigate the road ahead.
First, let’s address the Tacoma truck issue.
When you spend years driving a vehicle you love, a sudden goodbye is tough. The 2015 Toyota Tacoma Off Road Sport 4×4 is a prime example of a vehicle that inspires this kind of loyalty. It’s rugged, reliable, and capable. In fact, a recent 2015 Toyota Tacoma Off Road Sport 4×4 review by KBB noted that the model year is celebrated for its stout 4.0-liter V6 engine and a reputation for near-indestructible durability. This reputation is a double-edged sword, however, as it contributes directly to the next point of frustration: the market.
It’s a question I’m asked all the time by readers: Why are new and used Toyota Tacomas so expensive?
The short answer is supply and demand, but there’s more to the story. The lingering effects of the pandemic’s supply chain disruptions created a massive deficit of new vehicles, which in turn drove up the demand for used ones. No model felt this pressure more than the Tacoma. Its legendary reliability means it’s seen as a safe long-term investment.
People are willing to pay a premium for a truck they know will last for 200,000 or even 300,000 miles. When you factor in the high demand for trucks and the skyrocketing price of new models, the cost of a well-maintained, pre-owned Tacoma has shot up, making it difficult for someone like DK to replace their cherished ride.
Next, let’s discuss the insurance aspect of the equation.
DK’s confusion is understandable. The vehicle “still ran just fine,” but the insurer totaled it. This is a common point of contention. The key lies in understanding how insurance companies calculate whether a vehicle is a total loss.
An insurer doesn’t just look at whether the car is drivable; they perform a cost-benefit analysis.
They calculate the cost of repairs, including parts and labor, and compare it to the vehicle’s actual cash value (ACV) before the accident. If the repair costs exceed a certain percentage of the ACV (often 70-80%, depending on the state and insurer), they declare it a total loss. Even a relatively minor collision can cause thousands of dollars in hidden damage to a vehicle’s frame, suspension, and electronics, quickly pushing repair costs over the threshold, especially with older cars where the ACV is lower.
The Game Plan
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Knowing what to do after a car accident is crucial for protecting your interests and ensuring a smooth process. The first step is always safety: move to a safe location, check for injuries, and call for emergency services if needed. Then, document everything: take photos of all vehicles from every angle, get the other driver’s insurance and contact information, and note down the names of any witnesses.
DK’s proactive stance of not using his phone is a great example of defensive driving, but even the best drivers can’t control the actions of others.
Proper documentation is your best friend in the event of an accident.
For many, the next logical step is to consider a new vehicle, but the current market presents a painful choice. Analyzing the price disparity between new and used Toyotas is a sobering exercise. A new Tacoma, while packed with modern features and technology, carries a hefty price tag that may be out of reach. The used market, as DK found, is similarly inflated. For some, the decision boils down to whether to spend a bit more for a brand-new vehicle with a warranty and no history of accidents, or to hunt for a pre-owned model with fewer miles and a more manageable price tag, despite the risk.
The specifics of the accident itself also offer a key takeaway.
When a driver, such as the Jeep Liberty in DK’s story, abruptly stops, it creates a tricky liability situation. Knowing how to handle a rear-end collision is essential. While the driver who hits from behind is almost always found to be at fault, there are rare exceptions. If you can prove the vehicle in front of you stopped for no reason, or if they were found to be driving recklessly, it could impact the liability assessment.
That’s why DK’s proactive stance, paying attention, and not being on his phone, is so important. Witnesses and dashcam footage are the most valuable pieces of evidence in these situations.
Here’s the Final Piece
Finally, while the idea of a total loss is disheartening, there’s a final, critical step that can help ease the financial burden. You need to focus on maximizing the value of your totaled car. Don’t accept the first offer from the insurance company without considering other options. They base their initial offer on an average of similar sales, but those averages can be low. You can and should do your own research.
Find listings for vehicles that are the same make, model, year, and trim as yours, with a similar mileage, and present this data to your adjuster. You can also negotiate for the salvage value, which is the value of the car’s parts. Sometimes, it can be more financially beneficial to buy back the salvage and sell the parts yourself.
Conclusion
From where I’m sitting, DK’s story isn’t just a news item; it’s a critical lesson for every single driver out there. You might think your vehicle is bulletproof, especially a beloved Tacoma, but this serves as a stark reminder that even the most reliable machines are at the mercy of the insurance adjuster’s formula.
The actionable insights here are clear. First, the used car market is a beast, but don’t let it win. Do your homework. Understand why you’re being quoted what you are, and don’t accept it blindly.
Second, when an accident happens, your job goes from being a driver to a meticulous data collector. Every photo, every detail, every piece of information you gather is a weapon in your arsenal against a lowball offer. And finally, when the total loss verdict comes in, remember that’s not the end of the negotiation.
You are entitled to a fair settlement, and you have the power to challenge the numbers. It’s about being informed and persistent. That’s the only way to ensure you’re not left stranded, financially or otherwise.
We Want To Hear From You
Have you lost a vehicle, such as a Tacoma pickup, that you had planned on keeping forever? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out this 2025 Toyota Tacoma owner who didn’t buy his new truck the way most people do. He doesn’t have a big monthly payment; he paid cash, which is a stark contrast to the way most people buy a new vehicle. Is it the best way? Check out Elliot’s story:
I Know I’ll Trigger Some People Here But I Just Paid $37K For My 2025 Toyota Tacoma, The Best Part Is, I Paid Cash, and Have No Monthly Payments
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via DK Freeman
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Source: torquenews.com
