2nd Gen vs 3rd gen, which do you prefer?

Everyone is basing it off technology...but let's be realistic you don't use it much in your day to day driving, that being said I'm waiting on the posts of people lying about how you use the new features everyday...a lot of car technology is utterly useless as far as interiors to me.

 

If you are happy with your 2nd gen that's great enjoy the proven reliability and durability that is so good Toyota didn't have to change it for a decade. I love all gens, peace brothers

 

Uh.. I use my smart key every time I get into the car. I just touch the handle and the car unlocks. As soon as I start the truck, my Pandora station auto plays. No matter how cold or hot it is outside, my auto climate control is set to 72. I just set it and forget it. I also open my sunroof for fresh air.

 

yea i feel the same way. I LOVE the smart key never have to fiddle in my pocket to get my keys out. Especially useful on cold days with gloves when you cant get your hand in there easy. I use my backup camera everytime I drive. I am into tech stuff so personally I enjoy seeing the LCD center display all kind of info. Also the 7" Navigation is a nice addition. So yea I also use the new tech daily. Someone is just sad they dont have it and have to complain about it. My 2005 Xrunner interior was just blahh looked like they took the interior out of an old Minivan and stuck it in the truck

 

I owned an '07 in the exact same configuration as my '16 so I can offer an apples to apples comparison. The new truck is better in every way except for the increased height of the front end (hood), the missing drivers side grab handle and the torque below 2000 rpm. Given how well Tacoma's hold their value, it makes no sense whatsoever to buy a 1-3 year old, low mileage truck when you can buy a brand new truck, with a full warranty and a better financing rate, in your preferred specs and color, for only a little more money.

And yes, I do use the technology and upgrades every time I'm in the truck. Heated seats, auto climate control, backup camera, locking tailgate, Bluetooth stereo, wireless charging, power sunroof... all in constant use.

 

Sorry but FIRST GEN FTW!!

 

I love all Tacomas but ultimately the 2nd Gen was exactly what I wanted. I wanted one since they came out in '05 and I was 13. Before that I wanted a 1st Gen. The 3rd Gen I don't hate but I never would buy a vehicle in its first model year as thats how I was brought up and my family did once and it was nothing but problems. So I would rather wait a year or so to let any problems work out.

It seems that technology is a big point in lots of posts for the 3rd Gen, I'm very happy with what my truck has. Granted this is my first truck with Power Windows, Locks, etc. So its a big jump up for me in a sense.

The thing about the 3rd Gen I just don't like is the tailgate. I think the stamped TACOMA is neat for others but it just doesn't fit my liking. When I got my '15 I knew its what I wanted. By the time I replace it we'll probably be on the 4th or maybe 4.5 generation. However if my fiance wanted a third gen go for it, it beats the Chevy Traverse she wants to get in a few years..

On a side note, with the Colorado/Canyon out it seems from being a member at Colorado World when I was looking at them it seems that if a loyal Tacoma owner doesn't like the third gen they are hopping over to the Canyon... Yet the Colorado doesn't seem to have a lot of Taco owner liking. However it seems that alot who make the jump over to the Canyon are hoping that Toyota fixes whatever the problem they have with the 3rd gen and that they can come back as soon as possible. To me, I look at it as keep the truck you have because you bought a Tacoma so you more than likely can get a lot more life out of it and buy what you actually want when its available.

In the end though get whatever makes YOU happy.

 

I'm with you. Kept my 04 until the 16 came out because I was not interested in the 2nd gen. I would comment on my 3rd gen performance but it's been in the service bay at the dealer so long I have kind of forgot what it looks like.

 

Have a 2016 DCSB 4x4 sport with premium tech. I love it. I had a 2014 DCSB off road. I loved it. I would say if finances are in the mix you could probably get a better deal on a 2015 right now because the dealers want them off there lot. And there isn't really a lot of 2016 out so dealers know they are tough to get and charging for it. If it was me I would get the best deal I could on a 2015 and take good care of it in 3 years trade it in. By then the verdict will be out about the 3rd generation.

 

Ya I agree. Hell the new viper at $134000 doesn't have power seats.

 

No offense but how a truck does in a quarter mile is hardly a good way to compare vehicles driven day to day for work, commute, off roading, pleasure trips, etc.....

 

I prefer the looks of the stock 2nd Gen trucks, especially with the hood scoop and 12-15 facelift. If I were to buy a truck again TODAY, though, I'd probably get a 16 with a manual tranny and mod it for looks. Some of the new creature comforts are hard to turn down. The only thing that worries me about the new trucks is the tranny, and that's avoidable with a stick.

 

Damn Tacomas with their fancy electronics, I miss my 89 excab pickup, so much power! The 5 speed manual didn't hunt for gears. It was way better.

 

Seems to me, we spend alot of time inside a vehicle, that's a major factor for me, practical truck on the outside, comfort on the inside

 

Thats how I feel. I always look at it as a car is the second most expensive purchase you're going to make after a house so get what you WANT and what you LIKE! Don't get something if you are lukewarm about the purchase. Thats how I felt about the Colorado.. I wanted it to be like my S-10 which has been extremely reliable, powerful (has the 4.3) and like a modern version of that and it wasn't. The Silverado I test drove had that feel but it was like driving a rancher house around when it came to parking it which I did several times. The Colorado did not give that feel that I wanted like the S10, Silverado, and Tacoma have that I like. I'm not comparing any of them together but they all have a similar truck handle to them which is what I wanted but the Colorado was not for me and thankfully I didn't get one!

 

After 3 Gen 2s. I prefer the Gen 3 on all levels.

 

Own a 2015 and demo'd a 2016 for a month. Love both trucks and like others say I think they both have their own perks. Things the 2016 has I wish my 15 had are, climate control (I don't have a problem with the standard adjustments in mine but imo it just looks newer and better.) black interior because it's much cleaner and looks better. The position of the e brake because well, it's badass. And the tailgate dampener. I did notice the fuel economy improvement in the new motor but I'll let Toyota figure out all the quirks before I make the switch myself.
You obviously can't go wrong with either of the trucks, I think it's all based on what your budget is.

 

Did they move the E Brake? I love my pull T handle E brake this might be a deal breaker for me

 

I LMAO when people post that video. There is one person in particular that loves to troll the 3rd Gen section and has posted that vid several times.

There is no way that is 1/4 mile, it looks more like it was 1/8 mile.

Look at the video again from 4:47 to 4:57, I don`t know of any stock Tacoma that will run a 10 second quarter mile.

You will also see that the 3rd Gen was just about to walk away right at the finish line.

 

That was not a 1/4 mile race otherwise 3rd would have smoke the dinosaurs...