2017 -- worth the upgrade? (is it an upgrade.....)?

Hey there folks -- I've got a 2013 taco -- double cab, trd, 5' bed. I love it, but I'm on the road quite a bit and the miles have started to pile up this year. got about 65k on it and I'll easily put another 35k on in the coming year.

Is there noticeably less power/acceleration in the new model with the smaller 6 cyl engine? I suppose that's my main concern as I'm on the highway and driving hills quite a bit.

Any other reasons to consider staying with the 2013 for a bit?

 

I have a 2016 and drive a 2012 for work. Gen3 is much better imo. That being said, it looks like you're basically looking to get a 2017 because you put a lot of miles on? Why not put way more miles on your 2013 and then upgrade. If you upgrade now you only "save" 2 years worth of miles (if you're averaging around 35k a year)...if that makes sense.

 

Great and very reasonable question. I suppose I'm looking to sell when estimated resale value is at its zenith -- and I've got new truck fever (I suppose that's the real reason).....

Do you notice any difference between the 3.5 and 4.0 l engine?

 

While you might like the new truck better, it's not financially the smart move.

Do you have to have a truck for all those road miles (work requirement?)

Are you paid mileage or taking tax breaks for mileage?

Are you required to drive a certain age/condition vehicle by your employer?

 

I'd say test drive one. I have a 2017 and WAY prefer the interior to the 2nd gen. I love the new engine. I regularly average 22mpg and have more than enough power. I drive over the santa monica and malibu mountains quite a bit... also up to mammoth and tuolumne. The engine is great - and at higher rpms will smoke the other trucks on the road (well, other v6s). You really just notice the decrease in liters right off the line... at first acceleration. And you wouldn't even notice it if you had a heavy foot. Just don't be afraid to give it gas and it will go. 2nd gens are bombproof and hold their value.... you couldn't lose by holding onto it. It remains to be seen what comes of the third gen - it's always a gamble to buy a new generation in the first couple of years (if you read here you surely know that).

Quite a few folks (and a neighbor of mine) have lamented trading in their 2nd gen for a 3rd.... And one guy on here spent a lot of $$ to get his 2nd gen back. Just make sure that when you do pull the trigger you've made the decision and are sure about what you want. Or you'll be stuck with a truck you don't like for a year or two until it makes sense to trade it in and pay taxes on another new vehicle. And hopefully these things hold their value. History would say they would. This forum might suggest otherwise....

 

I wouldn't trade it, put the miles to it. Bank the money saved till it can't take any more miles.

 

thanks for all the replies. Leaving new truck fever aside, I do own my own business and having a relatively nice car is important for appearances. Going the new truck route is cheaper than a beamer, and my preference anyway.

I've kept my 2013 maintained well, but it's starting to show a little age....I do have 3 kids that put some age on it.

While I know it does not make the most financial sense, buying a new car seldom does. I'm just wondering about quality of the new gen.

 

So, if I have some one coming to do work for me, give me a quote and what not, do I feel that I am spending my money wiser if this person is driving a nice new vehicle or something a little older? For me, I think that I am being over charge when I am paying some one in a nice new vehicle.

 

I'd say the biggest difference is that it feels smoother. It also has a bit more getup and go. I can't comment on towing as I don't do that with either. I would suggest test driving one to see for yourself.

 

I agree with others that say it doesn't make financial sense but I do love my 3rd gen over the 2nd gen. The power is more than the 2nd gen, you just have to have the rpm's higher to experience it. The quality of the interior and all the tech stuff is far superior as well.

I take the reliability complaints with a grain of salt. Some of the rhetoric comes from folks who don't even own a 3rd gen and are speaking out of their ass imo....

 

65k miles? You've just got it broken in. Drive it another couple years even at 35k/yr.

 

Well yep, that's a valid perspective as well. I suppose that means I won't be overcharging you, just some other folks

 

Right on -- I'll be checking it out today. thanks for the real world feedback.

 

Thats one of the reasons I bought the 4Runner Trail Premium. I would have no problem picking up the CEO or any client in it.

 

To add to this, forums like this will see way more complaints as that is just the nature of how these sites work. You may see 50% of people on here have issues, but that in no way means that 50% of all tacomas have issues for example.

 

yes, look at how many posts and how long some of the folks with issues have been around TW. Lots and Lots with one or two posts, There is no way I would consider what I read here as a statistical representation of the Tacos issues.

 

Smaller engine but much more HP (278 vs 236) so there's no lack of acceleration. Ride is smooth even for a 4x4 and the new styling is nice as it differentiates from the design used since 2005!

 

Keep the 2013, unless you like to deal with the problems and repair times of the 3rd gens.

 

My point of folks who don't own 3rd gen's making assumptions about the truck.

 

Bingo. Just adding to the noise level. I get that it's a free board and folks can say what they want, but the repeating what a friend heard from his sister's psychic just doesn't help folks.