Traded in the 3rd gen Taco for a TE 4runner..

Congrats! I've thought about switching to a 4Runner many times. Loved my 1997.

 

I've got both. You'll enjoy the T4R but I love my Taco too.

 

I love my new 4runner. Congrats OP!

 

This is 3rd gen stuff is comical. I work at an auto auction part time twice a week, 16 and 17s roll through of all brands on a consistent basis for all types of reasons. Is it the perfect truck, no, neither was gen 2. Does it have some teething issues, yes, so did gen 2. Sales are still on the up and plenty of those buyers are content. People buy vehicles all the time and realize they needed bigger, smaller, couldn't afford, etc. etc. I understand its not for everyone and that's cool but its not some steaming pile of shit everyone here is making it out to be or worse than any tacoma before.

 

Went by the Honda dealership today and they had a new 3rd Gen Taco TRD for sale. I asked the salesman about it and he said it was a trade in on a new Ridgeline.

I'm seeing lots of 3rd Gens on dealer lots for sale. Did a search on autotrader and there were 389 used 3rd Gens for sale in a 200 mile radius and 8 2nd Gen Ridgelines. I know they make more Tacoma's but you get the idea.

 

Guys I just posted this thread to give thanks to those who've helped me in the past trying to solve issues I had on my Taco.. I know it's annoying to see these threads for some and I understand that. Not trying to offend anyone. If you love your truck, I'm sincerely happy for you. I wish I would of been happy with mine. I just went back to what I knew would not disappoint and that was another 4runner. Yes, I wish I could have a small truck, but the other options just aren't very enticing. I'll just wait a while and grab an ol' beater 2nd gen Taco later on down the road.. Main reasons I stick with Toyota are reliability and resale. Not much else. Comfort and looks come 3rd and 4th on my priority list when buying vehicles...

 

Hey OP, I had a chance to take a ride in a buddy's third gen this past weekend and I noticed that he would engage the "overdrive" ECT button (I think) to help with the constant gear shifting. I know by engaging this that you sacrifice possible gas mileage as the truck doesn't try to keep the lowest RPMs. He has 35s currently with stock gearing although he plans to regear soon, but was curious if you ever tried that in your taco before getting rid of it. I have to admit, with the button engaged, it seemed to drive similar in shifting to my 2nd gen. Once he turned it off though, it was all over the place shifting wise. I assume with your runner that the shifting is less consistent? Anyway congrats on the new ride!

Coot

 

Happens to all vehicles...what's the big deal? They've been out for a while.

 

Any by TONS you mean like 4 people max right?

 

I agree, I think part of the visibility of the 3rd gens popping up is because we are familiar with the issues and know to look out for them. I know I don't even notice certain vehicles a lot unless they are on my radar. Maybe its just me though.

Coot

 

Good trade in you 2nd Gen for one. You know you secretly want to. LOL

 

I already have a 17 on order, what would a want with a used one?

 

Sweet man you keeping the 15?

Coot

 

Cool. I think you may like it.

 

Nope , dont get the idea. What is the idea actually? That people buy, sell, trade , get rid of cars that are a few years old, a few months or and even a few weeks old ? There is no rhyme or reason to this, it's how the world works.

If there was every a saying that would apply to this thinking it would be Correlation does not imply causation !!! It applies to you, the OP who posted the dealership pic and anyone else that implies the 3rd gen is junk because they are seeing used inventory, or dudes trading in for different vehicles.

 

No, it is getting traded, l would honestly liked to have waited a few years to buy a 3rd Gen so they could get the bugs out. Long story short is my 15 got damaged (not my fault) and it is best for me to go with the new 17.

 

Nah it's not just you. Also we have to remember that we are a tiny tiny portion of the population that buys Tacomas. People trade in their vehicles early on for many reasons. Heck I feel like trading mine whenever I get into my bud's Tundra just because of the room inside. But I don't because I like the way the Taco handles.

 

Nope not just you. It's called Baader-Meinhof phenomenon. Interesting stuff.

 

a few have traded due to color, upgraded trim level, now need 4X4, changed transmission, changed bed length, lifestyle change or they realized they just bought the wrong truck for their current needs.

Plenty of reasons to see 3rd gens on the used lots that have nothing to do with perceived build quality or performance.

Congrats OP, nice to hear you found a truck you're happy with.

 

I still don't understand all the talk about the horrid transmission. I have an AT and I came from a TDi 6 speed MT. I love the AT in the truck, it is what it is...a truck. I know this has been said multiple times on this site but I just don't understand it. This truck has exceeded every one of my expectations.