Inventory Listing

Locally owned Consignment! This is the Tacoma 4×4 you’ve been waiting for with an unbelievably low 93k original miles… it doesn’t get any better than that! The ultra-rare and highly desirable 2012 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab TRD Off-Road 4×4 with factory e-locker and upgraded Bilstein B8 5160 series shocks with rear remote reservoirs, upgraded 17″ TRD PRO black wheels wrapped in oversized tires. Front and rear differentials re-geared by Matt @ American Gear in San Luis Obispo to 5.13s (original front and rear diffs included along with factory OEM wheels). Locally maintained by its current owner by Morin Bro’s which can be seen on the Carfax below.

Powered by the BULLETPROOF 4.0L V6 (with a metal timing chain you never have to replace) paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Finished in Silver Streak Mica with graphite cloth interior. This is hands down one of the best-looking 2nd Gen Tacoma 4×4 Access Cabs on the market, and with only 93k original miles. You won’t find this exact spec with these mods anywhere within a 500-mile radius. This truck does not exist.  They aren’t out there for sale!  Please don’t mention KBB values being lower- if you know about Tacoma or 4Runner 4x4s or any other ultra- rare 4×4 Toyota, you know that there is no KBB for in-demand, impossible-to-find specs such as this one. You won’t find another remotely this clean with these upgrades anywhere. Once it’s gone, we can’t replace it, so don’t miss out. Stop by today before it sells. This will not last long- they never do!

PRICED AT OR BELOW COMPS- NONE OF WHICH HAVE THE UPGRADES THIS ONE HAS!

Essentials

• 2012 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab 4×4 with 6-foot bed
• Factory TRD Off-Road package with electronic locking rear differential (E-Locker)
• 4.0L V6 (1GR-FE) + 5-speed automatic
• Only 93,000 miles — unusually low for the year
• Three-owner Carfax with Clean California title
• One reported accident (2019)
• 24 documented service records
• Bilstein B8 6112/5160 lift (2–2.5″) with rear remote reservoirs
• 17″ TRD Pro black wheels + oversized all-terrain tires
• Differentials professionally regeared by American Gear (SLO) to match tire size

Generation History

The second-generation Toyota Tacoma (internal codes N220/N240/N250/N260/N270) was produced from the 2005 through 2015 model years. It represented a significant step forward from the first-generation truck, growing in size, capability, and refinement while retaining the core attributes that made the Tacoma popular. A mid-cycle refresh arrived for 2012 that included revised front-end styling (grille, headlights, bumper, and hood), interior updates, and improved audio systems. This particular truck is from that refreshed 2012–2015 period. Production of the second generation ended after the 2015 model year when Toyota introduced the completely redesigned third-generation Tacoma.

Performance, Fuel Economy & Powertrain Ratings

The 4.0-liter V6 (Toyota 1GR-FE) produces 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 266 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm. In 4×4 Access Cab configuration with the 5-speed automatic, EPA estimates are approximately 16 mpg city / 21 mpg highway / 18 mpg combined. Properly equipped, these trucks were rated to tow up to 6,500 pounds. The combination of strong low- and mid-range torque, a proven automatic transmission, and the available locking rear differential makes the truck well-suited for both daily driving and light-to-moderate off-road or towing use.

Reliability of the 4.0L V6

The 1GR-FE 4.0-liter V6 is widely regarded as one of Toyota’s most durable truck engines. It uses a metal timing chain rather than a timing belt, so there is no scheduled timing-belt replacement interval. With regular oil changes, these engines routinely exceed 200,000–300,000 miles. Many owners and technicians consider the second-generation 4.0L preferable to the third-generation 3.5L V6 for long-term reliability and simplicity in a truck application. The 4.0L delivers strong real-world towing performance, is free of the more complex direct-injection and early oil-consumption concerns that affected some later engines, and has earned a reputation as one of the best engines Toyota has ever put in a midsize pickup.

What the TRD Off-Road Package Provided

Compared with base and SR5 models, the TRD Off-Road package added meaningful capability and hardware:

• Electronically controlled locking rear differential (E-Locker)
• Off-road-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks
• Active Traction Control (A-TRAC)
• Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) on automatic 4×4 models
• Engine skid plate and front tow hook
• Specific alloy wheels and all-terrain tires
• TRD Off-Road graphics and unique interior/exterior trim details
• 115V/400W power outlet in the bed on many examples

These features transformed the Tacoma from a capable light-duty truck into a more serious off-road platform while retaining everyday drivability.

Expert Commentary

Contemporary reviews from major publications consistently praised the second-generation Tacoma for its durability, off-road competence, and overall quality.

• Motor Trend highlighted the truck’s manageable size, excellent seating position, and strong performance with the 4.0L V6, noting it as a capable and refined midsize pickup.
• Edmunds called the 2012 Tacoma a top choice in the segment, citing its balance of power and efficiency, wide range of configurations, strong safety scores, and impressive build quality.
• Kelley Blue Book consumer ratings for the 2012 Tacoma are strong, with high marks for reliability (commonly 4.8/5) and overall owner satisfaction.
• Car and Driver and other outlets of the era routinely noted the Tacoma’s reputation for longevity and its ability to hold value better than most competitors.

NHTSA Safety Ratings

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma earned an overall 4-star NHTSA rating. Individual categories were generally in the 4-star range for frontal and side crash protection, with rollover ratings typically listed at 4 stars for this generation of midsize pickup.

This is a rare, low-mileage example of a highly sought-after configuration: a second-generation Tacoma Access Cab 4×4 with the TRD Off-Road package, factory E-Locker, and the bulletproof 4.0L V6. The professional suspension and gearing upgrades have been thoughtfully executed to support the larger tires without compromising drivability. With only 93,000 miles, extensive service history, a clean California title, and near-mint presentation, this truck represents an excellent opportunity for a buyer seeking a capable, reliable, and increasingly collectible midsize 4×4.