I’m driving a 2012 VW Jetta right now, but I’m thinking about moving out west for work in the environmental field. I need something reliable with 4WD since I’ll be driving it daily, camping out for days in remote areas, and possibly taking cross-country trips. I’ve heard Tacomas are known for their reliability, but like any used car, each generation has its quirks. I’m not picky about cosmetic issues, and I can handle basic repairs if needed. Since I’m a graduating student, I don’t have an unlimited budget, but I want something dependable. What are the most reliable years for a Tacoma, and what should I look out for when buying used? Thanks for any advice 
You’re driving a Jetta right now, so honestly, any Tacoma generation will be way more reliable than that. Don’t overthink it, just go for it! 
Haha, fair point. My Jetta’s got 160k on it with the original motor and clutch and no major issues so far. I’m pretty good about keeping up with maintenance. 
I have an '11 Jetta TDI and a '15 Tacoma. My Tacoma can take me anywhere, and honestly, I’ve had no problems with either of them.
The TDI is a different beast compared to other Jettas, though. 
True! It’s great for commuting, and the 38-42 MPG is awesome, especially compared to my Tacoma’s mileage.
My first car was a 25-year-old VW Diesel Rabbit with 279k miles. That thing was a beast, and it got 45 MPG. Once you own something like that, it really makes you expect all cars to hit 200k miles and get great gas mileage. It’s hard to believe hybrids need all that tech to hit 40 MPG. 
Haha, yeah! My friend had a GLI and had a similar story. The 2.5 engine in mine has been reliable, though it does leak a bit of oil, but that’s just part of owning a VW, right?
I had to replace the engine in my Jetta, thankfully under warranty. The new one isn’t much better. Plus, I’ve had headlight issues. I swear every Jetta from this generation has a daytime running light out. Once you notice it, you see it everywhere. I’m over VW, honestly. 