Purchasing my 1st tacoma... 2015 or 2016?

Hello, I am interested in purchasing a V6 4x4 SR5 tacoma. I am looking for some feedback on the following questions: Thank you all in advance!

1) Will the new engine design outweigh the cost savings gained by purchasing a used 2015 version of the the above truck?

2) Access cab vs. crew cab, which do you prefer and why? I'm a newly engaged guy (no kids for a few years at least) living in an urban area. I do use the truck for work and renovating my house on the weekends. Is the extra cab space worth the additional weight and lack of bed space that comes along with the crew cab?

 

If you can get a 2015, I'd get it. Till the bugs get worked out of the 2016s

 

1- yes. not sure what your cost savings is, but I would expect it to would diminish over the life of the truck. remember, the 2016 is the first year in the new design... the 2015 is the last year of a decade-old design.

2- I don't believe the bed space is affected by the cab. you either get a short bed or a long bed, and cab configuration is independent. If you actually need to haul humans in the back cab, the access cab is not reasonable. Crew cab is your answer.

 

I know I am opening up a new can of worms, but let us not overlook that the 2015s had their own issues. all vehicles, all years do.

 

Not like the 16s. Vibrations, weird shifts, cruise control being non-useable. On top of the normal Tacoma stuff like dry u-joints, loose u-bolts, low trans fluid.

 

ack I knew it would result to this type of response... please don't let the loud crying voice of a few on this forum skew your perception of reality. yes, the 2016 has known issues for some folks. what the internet forums miss (TW included) is the voice of the silent majority, who is presumably out just driving their badass truck (and not needing to bitch about it). have I had any issues? yes. were they fixed? yes. am I 100% happy with my truck, fuck yeah.

ok, I'm not going to respond anymore about the 2016s "quality" debate... that dead horse has been mangled to death here...

I'm happy to try to help OP make a sound decision.

 

2nd gens had cruise issues too. it's a Toyota thing.

 

Go to the dealer, drive them both and sit in the back, then decide.

If you think you will be carrying more than one passenger, crew cab. If the first question relates to savings at the gas pump, the answer is no, it's not a big difference in fuel consumption.

 

This +1

 

I'm sure 2nd gens had their issues as well. It's a man made product, shit happens. Either way, good luck on your purchase!

 

Which is of course to go the same route you went, right?

@OP just buy the truck with the accessories, paint job, and price, that is right for you. Period. Don't look at years. Look at the stuff offered and determine what is more important to you. You'll find one downside about this forum is "well I bought ___ (without trying alternatives) and it's best so get it." seems to be the default mindset.

 

2015 all the way (if you can find one).

Access cab is my preference because of the full 6' bed and it's just me and my GF. The DCLB is just too long IMO.

 

@digitaLbraVo

by your logic, I guess owning a truck and driving it 30,000+ disqualifies me from opining on it's worthiness? **rolls eyes**

rather, OP should just listen to a bunch of Gen2 owners and all their internet research for unbiased opinions.

i was just trying to be helpful. I have no gain for OP getting a 15 or 16, so chill out.

Ok, I'm officially out of this thread...

 

I didn't say that. I said you're recommending something over something else without giving any reasoning beyond "well I have it and it's great." Technically, not owning both and putting $30,000 into both DOES mean you are unqualified to provide that advice. But I guess that's just being a bit literal.

There's also an emoji for that.

 

Very unfair to compare the Taco to a solid axle Land Cruiser, but I use my truck off road and need components to be designed to get me to remote places and back home without issue...or be trail fixed with a hammer! Went to the dealership this morning. Took a hard look at the 2016...especially underneath the truck...sadly uninspired! I really really wanted to like the new Tacoma, but IDK what the vision for these trucks is anymore. I think it's a good truck for people that just use the truck for commuting/hauling/dirt roads. I've gone back and forth...back and forth on these Tacomas. Had a buyer for my 80 that was offering just shy of 20K...I love Toyotas (especially the older ones) I'll be keeping the 80.

 

Well said. My major complaint about the Tacoma these days is it's a bad grocery getter and a worse off-road truck without a pile of money to sway it one way or the other.

Toyota needs to just pick one and strive to be better at that. Not offering $15,000 "packages" like Baja/TX Pro and managing to do a mediocre job at best.

 

Dear Lord people, don't scare the OP away... Opinions are like assholes.. Everyone has one. I believe vutron was just saying he put 30k miles on his 2016 without incident.

 

i was in the same boat a few months back. i looked at both and was lucky to find a new 15 and i could not be happier. i'm sure the 16s are nice i just don't like their styling and don't need the new tech (the keyless door opener does sound nice) just pick whatever one you think looks best.

 

1) Both engines of pros and cons. I prefer the better mileage of the 3rd gen. Others prefer the peppier engine of the 2nd gen.

2. I prefer the access cab. One, I think it looks better. Two, unless you want your truck to be about as long as a damn bus, you have to get the short bed which is too short, IMO.

 

@op

welcome to the forum!

lots of good advice here but i'd get a crew over an access b/c you'll need a crew for kids eventually.

if a gen 2 is in the cards, buy the cheapest one in good shape that covers your needs-- or get the 2016.

getting a near new 2015 for basically 16 money is a facepalm meme recipe.

good luck