Which Tacoma to buy

I am in the market for my first Tacoma 4X4 double cab. I am looking at the TRD sport. I have been reading reviews and it looks like the 2016 have a softer ride then then the earlier models but since coming on this forum and reading about the tranny issues I am starting to have second thoughts.

Should I look at 2015 and earlier models or even avoid the tacoma all together. I have never had a truck before so go easy on me but I would really appreciate some advice.

 

Get a 2nd Gen 2015 you'll enjoy the 4.0 because it feels like a truck not like a Honda civic

 

Check out the Honda Ridgeline. It's winning all the truck mashups.

 

With a 6speed manual.

 

^^^what he said.

Also, if you tell us more about how you intend to use your truck, that would help. Minimal or lots of off-roading, towing, mountain driving, etc.

With regard to "softer ride," I'll advise you that most folks find the stock suspensions pretty crappy/sloppy, and have for years and over several design generations. But plenty of aftermarket improvements, from economical to...lavish, are available from that.

 

I will never get a gen 3... unless they fix the issues and that ugly front end.
Get a gen 2, 2015. you'll never regret it. and it will run for ever. you'll save a little bit of money, and be happier.
more money = more mods

 

Test drive both years. 2016 is having some growing pains but 2015s and older are relitively problem free.

 

Awesome guys thanks for the responses. initially i plan to use the truck to haul my dive gear around the mountains around lake mead in nevada. I dive a lot and you have to go off road to get to some of the dive sites. I recently rented a tacoma and me and a buddy of mine took it crawling all over the desert and had a blast so I would like to try that more. Also I would evenly like to tow maybe a boat or jet ski but thats down the road.

 

Gen 1 ftw

 

If you want to rock crawl get a Off Road for the locker.

 

^^ this..
i went with a sport last year... didn't think id get into off roading like i have. wish i would have gone with an off road. cause now ill probably dump $1,000+ to add lockers.

 

All that tells me get a 2nd gen. If you're in the middle of the Humboldt Range scuba diving, you want your truck to be super fucking reliable. Plus towing and mountains...

 

Welcome to TW btw

 

2016 alllll the way.... Tundra!

 

Have a 2016 TRD OR. Haven't had any transmission issues at all and couldn't be happier with my purchase. Didn't get a 2015 because I liked the Gen3 body style and they were about the same price new (maybe $3k difference).

Whatever you decide, you will be happy (Unless you get a ridgeline...)

 

I have a Gen 3 TRD 4x4 OR as well. No problems and love it still at 15,000 miles. The 2016 has awesome interior and 20th century updates.works and looks awesome.

 

Thought I was the only one with a Gen3 at 15k. Good to know there are others out there that drive theirs as much as I do!

 

ok ,

so what do you guys think of these two that I have found.

this is 2014 trd off road manual.
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...=false&filtersModified=true#listing=148752949

this is 2016 trade sport automatic
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...=false&filtersModified=true#listing=148472586

 

There are a lots of folks here that will point out every issue the new Tacomas have, but never say or discuss the issues the older ones had. I had an 99 Tacoma, frame rust issue, Toyota took good care of me, and has stood behind their trucks in the past, I have no doubt they will continue in the future. I have a 17 sport on order and only second guessed that choice when I first started reading posts on here, now I am over that and just plan to pay attention but enjoy my truck.


Tacoma will meet your needs and you will have a blast with it.