Looking to purchase 3rd gen tacoma soon, have a few questions

Read all the problem threads in the 3rd gen section, and make a wise determination.

Keep your reliable 2nd gen a couple more years and then check the 2019, or dive right in and face potential problems like recalled diffs that lock up on the highway, sensors that kill the engine and leave you stranded, noise, leaks, or a myriad of other problems.

 

This engine and transmission have been proven by Lexus for many years with zero issues. The reliability issues that I could see would be electronic. The 3rd gen versus the second gen is night and day when it comes to technology. It is still not as bad as some cars/trucks available but I could see that failing before the drivetrain.

 

a big plus with a manual, you don't have to do as much weight lifting with your right arm since it get's Popeye'd from shifting.

 

Make sure you get an Overnight test drive of the automatic to be sure, it will save you from creating a future Thread asking what is wrong with the trans.

 

I'm getting really mixed reviews. So is the auto transmission that bad?

 

Go test drive one and see for yourself - it's very subjective.

 

I do not yet own one....but in the past 1 month I have taken extended test drives of both the Auto and the Manual. The Auto was a TRD Offroad, double cab, short bed. The Manual was a TRD Sport, double cab, short bed (sure wish they made the TRD Off Road, double cab, manual, JBL...but I digress.)
First off, the manual is awesome...one of the sweetest, smoothest manuals I have ever driven. I will be buying a manual most likely.
The Auto was just fine. Yes, it lacks a bit of initial get up and go (low end). It also does shift at points I personally wouldn't (which is why most people go with a manual so they get to control shift points.) If this auto is like most modern autos that I have driven and/or owned...then it does get better in time (a couple of thousand miles of time.) I also believe (and this is simply my opinion) that some of the folks on this forum are simply making waves and providing more guidance than most buyers are really looking for...trying to look intelligent and all you know. Reality is (imo) that this auto is no different than many/most others out there...trying to maximize fuel economy while doing the job. In my test driving, it had the power a 6 cylinder of this HP should have and if I pressed the gas...it went go as I wanted. I ain't an expert...just my 2 cents on long, long test drives with both trannys.

 

May be a dumb question - but does the '17 with premium tech come with Apple CarPlay?

 

nope, entune

 

Rent one for a week it's worth it, it's an investment worth trying out.
The tec package is pretty sweet, I've got it,and it's silver as well, plus I opted for the sun roof to

 

unfortunately, the tech package on the manual does not include JBL...if it did, I would def be getting the tech package. So odd how the trims work out. My dream Taco would be TRD Off Road, double cab, LONG bed, manual, tech package and cement. Unfortunately, I will likely be settling on TRD Off Road, double cab, short bed, manual, no tech package, Quicksand or Black. Reason I haven't purchased yet is holding out hope that 2018 will bring me a long bed manual double cab cement.

 

Premium and Tech is worth it even though you cannot get JBL.

 

Premium tech pkg comes w/ JBL iirc

 

I'm just stepping into a Gen3 after skipping a generation (never owned a Gen2), so take my word with a grain of salt...

I (so far) see nothing wrong with this trans with 300 miles on it. 50/50 highway and city miles so far. Only reason I'm really giving input on this is because of the overnight test drive recommendations. Certainly nothing there in this truck with now 300 miles that would have me concerned whatsoever during an overnight or otherwise extended test drive! And believe me...I was LOOKING for the issues we hear so much about here.

After being on here for a while, before I bought, I was concerned. Enough that I considered not buying at all and just driving my Gen1 into the ground. The first time I started the truck up after I bought it, it almost felt like I should take cover for the anticipated explosion. Flinched like the kid that get's slapped in the back of the head too much. But the hit (to date) has not come.

And I was also shocked when taking a long steady hill on the freeway yesterday that the truck seemed to downshift once after I started up, and held that gear until I got over the top. No hunting of gears at all.

Taking it on a longer highway trip this weekend. Hopefully I come back with same positive impressions I have so far.

I've also recently come from a 2007 BMW 328i with 6sp auto as my daily driver. That POS made me half nuts. Now THAT was a crap transmission (GM tranny, so it figures). If this truck ever drives like that BMW did, it will get sold, or fixed.

Now do I think just because it seems fine now that it will still be all cotton candy clouds and unicorns in months or years? No. Keeping a cautionary eye out for issues.

Is it perfect? Also can't say. Feels pretty good to me now, and I can certainly tell it is adapting to my driving style. Have not even engaged ECT yet beyond a mile or two of driving, and am purposely staying out of ECT and driving with a somewhat heavy foot for now.

I wonder (no offense to anyone intended...just a question) how many of the guys complaining about the auto tranny shift points are the same ones studiously watching their gas mileage and seeing how high they can get it or if it meets manufacturer numbers? If you're driving an adaptive transmission vehicle like it's a hybrid Prius, the truck is going to want to drive that way until you "teach" it differently.

No idea if I've got the TSB flash update or not. Figured I'd drive it for a while, and if it was an issue, I'd check when I took it in for first service.

Having said that, in a perfect world for me....screw these "adaptive transmissions". Just make the tranny shift where it is supposed to! After my experiences with my BMW, I'm very scared of this "adaptive" technology with these transmissions.

 

I've had my Super White '17 Off Road since November and I love it. Tech/tow package was included; driving with all the windows down and sunroof open reminds me of my old wrangler. A few complaints though: back seats are a little cramped with front seats all the way back (sucks for rear passengers) and the Super White doesn't show the body lines as well. Definitely have to get the right angle to see the front quarters and the more aggressive stance. Mine came with a chrome grille and bezel which doesn't look good in any manner of the word but simple replacement. This is my first Tacoma and i have to say I'm very impressed.

 

I'm in heavy traffic to and from work. ECT is my friend. Makes a huge difference in the low end range, but your gas mileage takes a hit. Once I'm on open road, I turn it off. I'm not particularly happy with the gear ratio as compared to the 2006 Honda Pilot I came out of. I miss that smooth, quick acceleration. But, I chalk it up to this being a truck, not a small SUV. Beyond that, I love the truck. Ride is comfortable, instrument panel is awesome, interior and exterior look great, and I have plenty of room for my 3 kids.

 

Nope, not on a Manual.

 

I thought they were JBL because mine sound pretty good. Although, i used to drive a doorless wrangler with 6" kickers in the dash/soundbar so maybe i'm just not used to actually hearing whilst driving.

 

Dealers around here actually let you drive these before buying. We call it a "test drive". That way you can see for yourself how it performs. Crazy, right? Good luck.

 

We just get Premium Entune