2nd Gen or 3rd Gen??

First, I apologize if this has been answered 10 times over. I have a '13 DCSB PreRunner with a 2.7. Life was different when I bought the truck and now I am interested to buy a TRDOR 4X4. I found a 2nd Gen '15 with 18K miles for $32K, while a new '17 is $37K. While I prefer the 2nd gen styling, I am more concerned about the 4.0 vs 3.5 debate. I'm worried that the 3.5 will not have enough power to tow a camper, but also worried that the 4.0 will deliver poor mpg. Just looking for some insight into the drivetrain from those of you who had a 2nd gen and bought a 3rd gen.

 

Like you I was in the same predicament (sort of). I used to have a 2010 TRD Off road 4x4 DC. Looooooved that truck. But due to financial issues at that time I had to get something I could actually afford. Then later on I had a 2014 prerunner dc 2.7L... reliable engine but slow. Then the 3rd gens came out and I fell in love with their looks. Long story short eveything lined up and I now am a proud and very happy owner of a 2017 TRD 4x4 6 speed MANUAL. I chose the manual because I was hearing about too many problems people were having with their autos. But then again my co-worker had a 16 trd auto and hasn't had any issues and he loves it. Now that I've wrote an novel... go buy a new tacoma! They're fun, you'll love it!

 

This may help you a little bit......from a different thread I'm in...

1. Jan 19, 2017 at 8:07 AM
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   erzippererActive Member
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   I too just went from a 3rd gen back to a 2nd gen. Brought this beauty home last night! I couldn't handle the constant gear hunting and lack of torque from the new engine/transmission setup. Maybe it's because of my nostalgia for the 2010 Tacoma I had, but I seriously like driving this 2nd gen so much better. The sound and low end torque of the 4.0 coupled with a transmission that just shifts like it's supposed to trumps all of the new tech and creature comforts of the third gen IMO. My wife thinks I'm crazy but hey, at least I traded for a cheaper truck, right?
   
   
   
   erzipperer, Jan 19, 2017Report
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I'm on my second 2nd gen and I love it. I won't be getting another tacoma after this one unless I can find another 2nd gen or toyota changes engines. Just my opinion

 

To each their own, but my Gen3 Limited blows the doors off my old '13 Limited. Of course, my opinion also. You just need to understand how the engine/tranny works, and then compensate. But the tech and comfort doesn't even come close.

 

I own the 2nd gen. It feels stronger and faster than the 3rd gen, to me it feels more raw and not overly computerised. My dad owns a 5th gen 4Runner. It's definitely a smother and more comfortable ride, it's not bad or anything, it's just not me. 4.0 wins for me, if you still can't decide maybe look into e 4.0 supercharger. With the 5k saved from buying a 2nd gen that's what you could potentially use it for

 

Just get both

 

I've owned 2 2nd gens and a third gen. You have to decide which is more important to you. The towing on a 2nd gen is much more comfortable but the comforts, tech, and mpg are better on a 3rd gen. I only say this because I don't tow every week or every month for that matter. The third gen still tows fine just lacks the low end torque on the 4.0.

 

I think for the money you should buy new. You would get the warranty, less 18k mileage and a better interest rate (If you plan on financing, so payment would be comparable*). Could get a standard transmission in the new truck, if you don't mind driving a stick.

 

Thanks guys for the input. Very valuable info.

Still undecided. Need to get the wife on board. Unless I can get a better deal on the 2nd gen, it might be 3rd gen.

 

That was the toughest part of buying my truck. Getting the green light from the wife.

 

Test drive both and see what you prefer. If you have the trailer already see if maybe the dealer will let you bring it home to try it out...some might not let you.

The 2nd gen has the proven drivetrain while the 3rd gen is going to have the updated interior/technology...only you can decide what is more important to you.

 

I was in the same boat. The deal was sealed when I saw a 2014 TRDOR for $31,000 OTD with 28,000 miles (marked at used lot for 33,000) and the new dealer was pricing $ 34,500 OTD (MSRP $37,000) for 2016 TRDOR, all weather rubber mats, and trailer package.. Only $3500 more for 2 years newer and 2 miles. I put on 3 more There's been plenty of power for me and the transmission issues (resolved for now with TSB) and a little hum in the rear were just annoyances that I like to complain about.

Plus, it was SO much quieter on the test drive. that was a big plus because we usually travel a minimum of 3 hours to get to trails, lots of times 7-10 hours of highway before we get to play. Wife was on board because I told her it would be to haul drywall, plywood, and plumbing for her new kitchen. She finally figured out after a few road trips that none of that would fit in the short bed, but she's had fun with it and doesn't care as much about the little fib I told her. We've been too busy playing in it that we haven't worked on the new kitchen and she doesn't seem to care. YET.

 

Gen 2 above 3 all day long. Tried and true. Nothing but problems with my 2017.

Read through this forum and ask yourself if the consistent posts of problems, squabbling with dealers of fixes/buybacks, and "accepting that the transmission sucks" are things you want to pay 35k+ to step into.....should be a no brainer.

Maybe wait for 2018 if your really dead set on new truck....I did that with my 2017 and got roasted. Been driving a rental for weeks while my dealer figures out what to do with my truck.

 

Are you having issues outside of the Transmission?

 

2nd gen for reliability. Even though 3rd gens get lots of hatred on here, they're great trucks. Considering you're coming from the 2.7, the 3.5 will most likely be an improvement for you. Your best bet is to go test drive in order to see for yourself. I enjoy the feel of a new truck, but the price is something that can be hard to justify. If it's within the budget, I say go for it. You may want to consider holding out till the 2018 year model. I know that waiting a few years after an alteration to a vehicle can be a life saver. I find that the majority of the problems are worked out within the first year or two. Hence, why I have an 07.

 

Neither they both suck ass buy an F150 3.5 ecoboost and call it a day. These tacomas are not what the fan boys say they are. Soon as I drive mine enough to get the depreciation out of it this will be my first and last Toyota product.

 

Get a first gen...it's cheap by comparison....and cool

 

exactly how i feel. i had a 99' an 08' and a 15' and the comfort and ride in my 17 blows them all away.

 

Transmission, driveline, diff howl, and brakes...All fluids low from factory and documented. Passenger side disc warped....list goes on. Lastly a possible problem in one of the cylinders

dealer is fed up with Toyota Corporate and actually going to bat for me. There are 7-8 of us at this dealership that are having same issues and want a remedy ASAP.

However, I'm sure I'll get the short end and end up losing money. Just ready for this to end and step into anything else at this point.

OP make sure you test drive the truck OP. A long test drive.