I know you are looking at the Tacoma, and it is a really good truck. However, back in 2003, I purchased my 03 Frontier XE, 4Cyl, 5 speed, King Cab. She now has 113,000 on her, and I still tow 4000lbs trailer every weekend. Her GVWR is 4295. Never had any issues. Gas mileage without the trailer is about 26, with the trailer 19mpg. I have never had any issues with this truck at all. Will keep working her until she can’t go anymore.
That’s good information for anyone looking for a new, small truck now. The original post was 3 years ago, and I imagine the OP found a truck by now.