10 Used Toyota Cars I Would Buy Right Now

Toyota is one of very few carmakers that have a solid and consistent reputation for reliability. You might say it is the definitive trait of the brand's offerings. While every carmaker has its bad moments, Toyota is still ranking high in terms of reliability.

According to Consumer Reports, Toyota ranks second (after Lexus). Value retention is another category, in which the Japanese brand does well. If you don't feel like spending new-car money or don't want to bother with payments, going for a used Toyota is a safe bet, if you know what to look for. That said, certain models are  

2006-2022 Toyota FJ Cruiser 

Starting with something I believe to be a future classic, the FJ Cruiser catches the eye with its retro-futuristic design, reminiscent of the 40-series Land Cruiser. Those are becoming expensive and frankly, the FJ Cruiser is a much more refined experience. Toyota stopped selling the FJ Cruiser in North America after 2014, but in other regions of the world, the quirky SUV was sold until 2022. Toyota is planning a return of the retro-futuristic SUV, in the near future.

Saying that the FJ Cruiser is a parts-bin special isn't wrong as it shares some engines and transmissions, also found in the Tacoma, 4Runner, and Tundra. Many suspension components are also shared with the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra, so parts will be plentiful. If you get the 4WD variant, you are getting a proper, rugged off-roader with a recognizable design and generally stout mechanicals.  

2021- Toyota GR86 

In 2021, the successor to the Toyota AE86 finally got a much-needed bump in power. It still isn't blisteringly fast like some of the more serious sports cars, but it is one of the most fun you can have in a modern-day sports car. No active chassis control, no tricky electronic differentials, nor turbocharging (unless you want to modify). Just a lightweight, nimble, sports coupe that isn't tech-heavy and is made to put a smile on your face.  

Of course, the same goes for the Subaru BRZ, which is, pretty much, the same car. While generally considered reliable, some Toyota GR86 owners have experienced blown engines. Apparently, excessive RTV (sealant) falls into the engine, causing oil starvation. Toyota had to make changes to its warranty and replace some engines. 

2006-2012 Toyota Corolla XSE (E150) 

A common philosophy when buying a car is to never get the first of anything. While the E120-generation Corolla was the one that brought major changes to the model, the E150 brought further refinements. Better interior, good interior space, and reliable powertrains that stand the test of time (if maintained).

The tenth generation of the model is the last Corolla to not feature direct injection, turbocharged engines, and hybrid options. The car is as boring to look as it is to drive, but it is nothing short of a reliable companion for your daily commute that isn't hard on the wallet. With modern cars becoming more tech-heavy and complex, I would jump at the first opportunity to buy a decent example of the E150 Corolla. 

2017-2022 Toyota Sequoia/ Tundra 

Whether you need a full-size SUV or a truck, the second-generation Sequoia and Tundra are a solid pick. The two models share almost everything. Really, the only difference is the body style. The Tundra is available in a number of configurations, depending on the cab size and bed length. These models have been around for a while, dating back to 2006, but I have chosen to focus on the latest facelift, from 2017, which brings a few important updates and modern touches.

The biggest reason for the Sequoia and Tundra's popularity is the fact they come with V-8 engines, more specifically, the 3UR-FE. These vehicles are rock-solid, although replacing the starter is a pain in the... you know where, as it is located between the cylinder banks. Luckily, it isn't a common problem, but something to keep in mind.  

2020- Toyota GR Supra 

Frowned upon for its BMW tech, the fifth-generation Toyota Supra turned out to be a very capable sports car. The potent inline-six will be no more after 2025, following Toyota's decision to turn the next-gen GR Supra into a hybrid. The tuner-friendly B58 is called the “modern-day 2JZ” for a good reason.

It doesn't take much tweaking to turn the GR Supra into a supercar slayer. Despite the German underpinnings, Toyota made sure all components were up to standards. The engine proved to be a solid platform, although oil and coolant leaks from gaskets can be expected as mileage accumulates.  

2018-2022 Toyota Corolla SE Apex (E210) 

The twelfth-generation Toyota Corolla is where the model decided it didn't want to be boring anymore. The catchy new design was, eventually, matched with the power of the GR Corolla hot-hatch version. But there was another, more affordable Corolla that was more driver-focused.

Between 2019 and 2022, you could get the Corolla E210 with a 2.0-liter naturally-aspirated engine and the company's six-speed iMT transmission – essentially, a stick shift that offered auto rev-matching. Performance wasn't blistering, but this is the type of car that reminds you of hot hatchbacks before the horsepower wars. 

2007-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser J200 

Much of what I said about the Toyota Sequoia and Tundra is also true for the J200 Land Cruiser. It is no secret that this body-on-frame SUV is the transportation of choice for many wealthy individuals when they want to be under the radar. The J200 spells safety and reliability, although a few common issues plague certain model years.

According to AutoDriverHub, the most frequent Toyota J200 problems are transmission solenoid failures, oil leaks, bad rear main seal, fuel system issues, and cooling issues. The air suspension is also known to give trouble every now and then. Otherwise, the J200 is mostly solid. Just make sure you get a well-maintained example or things can get expensive, quickly. The J200 is the last Toyota Land Cruiser to be motivated by the 3UR-FE V-8. 

1999-2007 Toyota MR-2 

Toyota did not do justice to the third-generation MR-2. The affordable, mid-engine sports car lost its turbocharged power, becoming duller than its SW20 predecessor. Nevertheless, the lightweight car offered a nimble chassis with interesting driving characteristics. Just beware of lift-off oversteer. While still fun out of the box, if you want more power, the MR-2 is a perfect candidate for engine swaps.

Few brave souls have swapped Camry V-6 engines (and supercharged them), but I would go for something like a Honda K20 unit. These cars are dirt cheap so now is the time to buy one if you are up for a project or want a fun, mid-engine car for track days. 

2021- Toyota Corolla Cross 

To me, Toyota Corolla Cross is the automotive equivalent of a labrador. It is a faithful companion that does most things well. The crossover's biggest feat is its versatility and compact size, making it ideal for urban environments. Anything more than light off-road will be asking for trouble, but the hybrid models can get up to 53 MPG.

The most powerful model also packs a system output of 197 horsepower, making it decently quick. Despite the model being fairly new, perceived reliability is high, and despite the mediocre interior, the vast majority of owners share positive feedback from the Corolla Cross. 

2009-2023 Toyota 4Runner 

We can all agree that the fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner is the most antiquated Toyota model that was recently produced. The model was discontinued in 2023, after a 14-year run with no major changes. That's exactly why some people love it. The combination of simple, proven, and familiar tech is endearing to some owners, especially those looking for a rugged SUV for Overlanding or even more serious off-roading.  

That's what the fifth-generation 4Runner does well and there is a vast aftermarket support that will enhance the SUV's off-road capabilities. The 1GR-FE V-6 engine has largely remained unchanged aside from the addition of Dual VVT-i (variable valve timing), in 2009. If you consider the sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner too modern, there are plenty of fifth generations out there. If you hurry, you might even find brand-new ones. 

About the author

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.

Image sources: Toyota Corolla E150, Toyota GR86, Toyota GR Supra