Don't buy a 2016 or 2017 Tacoma. Wait until 2018.

Hi, a long test drive is a good idea. If you like the truck, make sure the transmission TSB is performed, and make sure the ATF is manually checked (and topped off) before you drive off. Cheers

 

I've been waiting for that Bronco forever !!!

 

I'll just keep my 2015.

 

Trucks are like women - they all have issues.

 

I've had this truck for 10 months. It's taken me 11500 miles. It had hood and tail gate glue start coming apart before I signed the papers. It shifted poorly on hills until the TSB was flashed. The diff started howling at 3500 miles. The diff is being replaced. The glue is being replaced.

In those 10 months, we've gone on 11 major off road trips and have racked countless off road miles. The truck has never given me a problem and nothing has failed while driving. Everything they have done and are doing to the truck is preventative maintenance.

The cheapest DCLB OR 4X4 available in my area during those 10 months was the same 500 under msrp that we paid back on December 2015.

 

I totally agree, wish I had waited I have a 2016 access cab V6 automatic with problems have field tech comin in two weeks to two months to look at it I hope Toyota figure something out

 

I feel your pain. I have a field tech coming within a couple of weeks for my transmission as well.

 

who are you agreeing with? You posted right after me and I said I'm glad I didn't wait

 

These are excellent resale vehicles. In this 2-4 year time frame to "wait" for bugs and such to be worked out and revamped I'm sitting here under full warranty enjoying it for what it is, and only maybe losing 28-32% of its value over that 3 year period. Seems a little silly to wait when life is as short as it is. With most Toyota trucks you are never really trapped in them financially.

 

the word "never" in your post has an ominous ring to it, based on some of the problems with the 3rd gen- I have had no problems and am happy. I purchased the Tacoma based on my perceived idea of "Toyota quality" and don't expect that things have changed dramatically. I believe there are still many good engineers, designers and product managers who really care about the brand there, but:
"past performance does not necessarily predict future results"

 

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I started not to but a first model year Tacoma ... as I have with other (1st model year) Toyota trucks i.e. 2000 Tundra (front end shook like crazy) & 2007 Tundra (transmission out @ 500 miles) and a few smaller trucks.

This Gen. 3 Taco has actually been better than most of the other Toyota trucks ... all had some issues (small & large) ... overall, this Gen. 3 has been a very good truck.


The only truck that had no issues at all ... was the feared Honda Ridgeline ...... not a single issue, especially for 4WD.
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Quick question for anybody who can help. Is it possible to order a DCSB 6MT made in the Texas Plant?

 

translation:

I know this guy. He's a mechanic. I think he's cool. He makes $20 an hour. Clearly he knows everything that a multi billion dollar, multi national corporation is doing. Him and the CEO are like besties. So like this one time, he said something important. Clearly you should all trust this guys judgement too.

 

sarcasm at its finest and he didn't even catch it made that even better

 

ummm... Let me help. He, and his service manager, have been servicing Toyotas for over 14 years. As a result, they know the cars very well. They have seen many generations of many models. They know how a first year after a redesign will play out. They know that the quality cycle takes about 1-2 years to regulate, depending on the complexity of the changes. And, I am sure, they know the cars better than the CEO. Therefore, I have significant enough confidence they are trustworthy as sources. No, they don't know multi-national business, international finance, or global/EMEA/ROW market development, but they certainly are more than qualified as credible witnesses advising a friend whether they should wait a year or two before pulling the trigger on a vehicle that had a major redesign.

 

as i am a new member of this forum and to the taco world, i just have to say that the amount of sarcasm and small jabs at people, i find myself laughing hysterically here. You guys are awesome. That is all. Proceed with the punishments

 

i stand by my comment that billy bob and tweedle tom are anecdotal evidence. clearly they are the lifeblood of toyota spirit and have a firm grasp on the pulse of the product line.

i personally know a couple service managers for toyota, and they are batshit crazy. Clearly by their theories of 911 conspiracies, and my anecdotal comments and observation we should wear tin foil hats and have a weekly bath in mayonnaise.

 

The complexity of the second to third gen changes were minimal. The major change was the engine and transmission and neither of those are having issues.

So, people only needed to wait until 2017 to buy...

 

I will respectfully disagree. The engine/transmission combo, with atkinson mode coming in and out, a torque converter constantly going into and out of lockup, and a reduced component transmission adds a bit of complexity; especially the marriage between the engine management and transmission control unit. CAFE standards really put Toyota to task trying to get acceptable MPG on a 4400 pound truck with lossy tire side walls. Some of the transmissions are having significant valve body related issues. The rear axle is new as well, and some people are having failures with less than 5000 miles on the truck. Some have witnessed body panel bonding failures and failures of major electronics as well. My July 2016 build is pretty good, aside from my failed automatic transmission at 315 miles (with TSB and fluid level corrected. I am hoping no other failures will occur. I think 2017 has a lot of fixes employed, though I think to 2018 will have everything pretty much licked.

 

I respect your opinion, as I am a "prove it" kind of guy as well, but that said, I find the experiences of the masses are agreeing with my master tech buddy's opinions and the information I have collected agrees as well.