I've always liked the 2009 Tacoma double cabs 4x4's, especially in brown with tinted windows. I've never sat in, drove one, or know anything about that particular year, but they look pretty darn good to me. Rusty frame years? I don't know.
I realize I am in the vast minority on this, but I really do not get the hype of the new Colorado or Canyons. I mean they are probably much better than the old ones they replaced, but they aren't that small or that inexpensive. The interiors of those trucks look great, but the exterior of the Colorado looks more foreign than domestic to my eyes (maybe need eye exam soon?). The Canyon says I can't afford the Sierra, so this little Sierra will have to do, even though it might go for $40k. Maybe the Colorado LTZ models would get my attention better??? Don't know.
Here is my thinking: If the Tacoma still sells in boatloads and reviews rag on them about their crudeness vs the competition, do all the sales mean nobody minds the crudeness or are they just a decent, solid mid size truck and people recognize that?
I would test drive the Tacoma in the style you like and go from there.
I hope GM is successful with the new trucks as a lot of jobs are created from them. My dad retired from GM so I sure am not anti GM. Just saying...