New Here With Some Concerns

First of all, hello everyone! I am new here, and have some concerns. Yesterday I went to the dealer and started the purchase of a new DCOR Tacoma. I am supposed to complete the deal tomorrow, but I have been reading on here about all kinds of issues with the GEN3, and it has me thinking now. First, I've been reading about the differential leak issues, and oil leak issues. Secondly, I hear people discussing how the quality of these trucks is not good, and that there is no way they are making it to 300k mile club.

My reason for getting the Toyota is the history of reliability. However, it might seem as if Toyota is more concerned about profits than quality control, and building vehicles like they used to.

Anyhow, I wanted to get some insight before I sign papers tomorrow, as if this is the true consensus with the Taco, I will just cancel the deal.

Thanks so much for your time!

Cheers

 

In the short time I have spent in the 3rd gen forum I would say more people are happy with their purchase than regret it.

 

well...to be fair there haven't really been any issues with the transmission (aside from progamming and it shifting to much) and no engine issues yet. So it could last a while.

The diff is being recalled...so that should be fixed.
Aside from the shifting issues and the rear diff issues I'm not really aware of any others.
Diff is possibly being addressed, no one is sure if this over tightened bolt thing is what was causing the howling so this could be a fix or maybe not. Transmission is some have it, some don't.

For what its worth, I hung around here for a year when the 16s first came out before buying my 17 back in november, took delivery in january, and I haven't regretted my choice at all.
So far love my truck. Sure there are things I'd change like the weak transmission that doesn't stay in the proper powerband long enough but otherwise I've been happy.

 

It's like when you look at the reviews on Amazon...nothing ever gets five stars if more than 10 people reviewed it.

 

Thanks for the quick replies, everyone. I was really excited, as I do tons of mountain biking and camping. Tacoma is the perfect ride for that. I got a great deal on a fully loaded one, and good money on my trade in. I just want to have this a long time. Also, this gen still retains a somewhat rugged look. I'm not sure that will be the case for the future. Especially, with the look Honda and Toyota have been going with their vehicles.

 

The 3rd gen is an expensive Tacoma. Choose wisely. It's like gambling with your money, you might get a good one, or something else.

 

If you need a midsized truck, and reliability is your main concern, the Tacoma is a good bet.
The other midsized trucks are also ok.
I have a 2016 V6 AT 4x4 and am happy with the truck- no regrets, fwiw
Good luck, questioning the purchase now is better than second guessing yourself after the fact.

 

My 09 never got the updated transmission flash and shifted funny (I refused to get it done because they would only do it by cutting the pedal at the same time). But I got used to it and learning to drive with it became second nature. So this generation has a funny shifting transmission too, so what? I'm already used to it. And as far as the leaking rear diffs, they are not really leaking, just weeping. Every other truck I see on the road has a weeping rear diff. I would be concerned if it was actually dripping fluid but for all of the muck I have read through, I have yet to see one person say that they have found it dripping fluid. That being the case I choose to start worrying less...

I'll update my truck data sooner or later, 2017 DCSB Off Road.

Also, I REALLY liked the 4.0 in my 09. I could lay into it rolling at 25 mph and the rear end would break loose. I was really accustomed to how that engine performed. That being said, the 3.5 in the 2017 has been fine. The transmission shift points seem geared to better mileage but the ECT programming makes a noticeable change. No issues at all.

 

Third Gen has a lot of issues. If you don't mind dealing with them then get one. Personally I would look elsewhere as there a lot of good mid-size trucks other than a 3rd Gen Tacoma.

 

Had my '17 DCSB 4x4 Sport for 9 months, not a single problem. Drives great still despite this board ha. If it does what you need and you like how it drives, buy it.

You'll read about every single issue that has ever happened to a 3rd Gen Tacoma in this forum. That's both good and bad.

For what it's worth, I'd still buy mine again. Just don't buy it expecting it to be a Fullsize in power or capacity (Tundra, F150 etc) and you'll be fine. Both size trucks have their good/bad (I'm coming from an F350 Crewcab LB and a 4Runner). After the F350, I'm just tickled pink to be able to park in a normal parking lot again. 4Runner was great (also had a sluggish drivetrain though) but crushed by a tree during a storm and honestly I missed having a truck bed when replacing.

Good luck in your purchase and whatever you end up with!

 

Reporting with 40,000 miles on the clock.... 16TRDORATSB, lifted on Icon Coils, TC UCA's, BFG 275-70-17 tires on FN FX PRO wheels. Had the needle bearing issue (like all 2nd & 3rd gens, no big deal). I get real good MPG, engine has the 'tick' people talk about but nothing to complain about. No major problems, no burning oil, interior is tight, no rattles, it's a Toyota!. The stock ride and towing abilities are great, don't ruin both with aftermarket mods..... so.. stay off this forum and enjoy the truck!!

 

Hey OP first off welcome to TW. Just gotta say this about coming here specifically for advice.



'Coming to TW and wondering why so many complaints is like going to the hospital and wondering why there's so many sick people"

I came here to get ideas on modding my truck... there's a lot of great info here for that. Worked for me.

Probably anyone that has a 3rd gen Taco that has an issue and has internet also comes here.

I've had my truck since they first came out ... bought it back in 09/2015 ... trouble free sans for a rattle in the A-pillar... that I found the fix for here on TW but got my dealer to fix under warranty.

I would buy another 3rd gen Toyota Tacoma tomorrow without hesitation. By far the most fun I've had in a vehicle in many many years and have gotten a lot of work done with it as well. So read stuff here with grain of salt, go with gut and test drive your truck before you take ownership.

 

Thank you for the welcome! It's nice to see some positive feedback, ha. I was super excited, but just have become hesitant. You look to these forums for real world experiences to help make informed decisions.

 

coming from someone who doesn't have one...

 

"You look to these forums for real world experiences to help make informed decisions."

You got me on that one... don't know what to say to ya. You're here and still reading so battle half won!

There's lot of folks here like me that haven't had trouble with their trucks... they just don't make as much noise about it.

 

And wise, I may add.

 

I have been very happy with my 16 SR5, 17K. Until this recall. Yeah, my transmission can jump a little at low speeds but it doesn't bother me.

Another way to put it, there's NO other vehicle I'd rather have.

 

the amount of 2nd gen owners that hate on the 3rd gen as if their truck didn't have issues when it didn't come out is ridiculous.
I seem to remember 2nd gens being recalled for frame rot, but I mean they're problem free right?

Fwiw I looked at the other midsizes before buying my 3rd gen and hated all of them.

 

The 3rd gen is the Redgrin Grumble of Tacomas.

 

Also the OP could use the recall to their advantage in price negotiation.