Buy preowned advice

In my post here there are links to the 2001 to 2017 Tacoma eBrochures, they have very complete information as to each model year--per these documents "regular unleaded" has been the only recommended fuel since 2005, though in 2005 they did rate the 4.0 L V6 at 245 HP and make the "regular unleaded" recommendation with a footer note:

"*] Premium unleaded fuel recommended for V6 models for optimum fuel economy and performance."

The footnote was dropped in 2006 when the 4.0 L engine's claimed output was reduced to 236 HP.

--------------------------------------------
^^^ I had not been aware of this rated output change 'til it was mentioned in this thread--it may lend some credence to the reports of some that running 89 or 91 octane fuel improves performance in the later 4.0L engines--I may give it a shot.

My older G-Tech Pro accelerometer based tool is very good for comparative analysis; if there is a real difference the G-Tech will prove it, much better than even a well-calibrated butt-dyno.

 

Good point. Went to Toyota though and if you order with seats removed it deducts $1700 from cost. On the other hand it's only available on 4-cyl for some reason.

 

Got it now, thanks.

 

No idea on the 2nd gen. This is my 1st Toyota.

 

Yeah...maybe they didn't like how it hunted for gears...

 

So I've had both... 2011 SR5 4x4, 4.0 V6 AT. And now my 2017. They are essentially (and for all you pedantic tools reading this essentially means basic fundamental nature) the same pickup. Not much has changed except for some sheet metal, plastic, and buttons.

The new engine/tranny combination makes them drive like totally different vehicles. The 2017 feels gutless against the 2011 until you get on it. My 2017 pulls like a beast compared to the 2011.

As far as issues... look, my two Toyotas have both had their quirks. 2011 needed three radios, Bluetooth went to hell, U-joints at 60K, tread separation on stock tires (Dunlops), crooked bed, and a constant rattle from the Heat and AC fan on anything lower than full blast.

2017 has the rear end whine, squeaky clutch, weak-feeling AC, spotty nav and Bluetooth.

2017 gets WAY better mileage. 2011 was easier to change the oil in.

2011 rode smoother.

Getting rid of the 2011 and buying the 2017 was a tough decision, and at first I wondered if I'd made the right one. They're like women: I had a good one but something prettier came along, so I dumped the old one. Started to wonder if the new girl was crazier than the first. But ultimately I'm very pleased with my decision. I can't say I'd definitely pick one or the other... kinda wish I had both.

 

Don't buy a 3rd gen

 

Don't be a spoon.


Spoons just stir things up.

 

My Gen 3 has been awesome! The AC works great! Feels like it could make ice if I asked nice. I've not had any of the issues some people complain about here.

 

I think this sums thing up well, though I find the "pedantic fools" comment provocative and condescending.

When I bought my 2009 in October of last year I drove it first, then a new 2016 that the saleswoman insisted I had to drive--it was a dog under what I will call "normal" driving, as Masterofnone states above--unless you drove it like you just stole it. As I was looking for a truck and really didn't give a rat's back-end about mpg--and liked the fact that the 2009 was nearly 1/2 the price of the new one--and was not especially enamored of the new trendy styling and gadgetry, I do not regret that decision...

 

Proactive. This site is FULL of people who take things way too literal.

 

Yeah go fork yourself

 

How else would someone "take" something put forth literally?

 

If I had not pointed out that the trucks are essentially the same, "essentially" being the operative word, some fanboy would have jumped down my throat and I'd end up having an off topic discussion about semantics...

Which I seem to be having to do now.

There's just no winning here.

 

Never a dull moment.

 

Ain't that the truth?

 

Nothing wrong with the 3rd gens for the most part. Some of us had had our issues, mine have been cleared up for the mostly, only one or two minor things that I can fix myself. Doesn't make it right, but still, if you go looking for problems with a truck, 2nd gen or 3rd gen you will find them. Some folks on here, since its the internet, say whatever they want with no regard for anything, even if the person on the other side is a human being just like them. No repercussions = free reign to do what you want.

If budget isn't an issue, I would go with a preowned 3rd gen. Warranty is always nice to have and the new tech in the truck is a nice touch. I'm an IT guy so I like the head unit, the wireless charging, homelink, and everything else. That being said, if you want an engine that has power low, the 3rd gen isn't it, even though there is an OVTune working to remedy that. However, once you hit the top end, you can feel the surge in power and it does what it needs to do. After riding in both 3rd and 2nd gen when I was first considering Tacoma trucks, I found the 3rd to be a better ride. However, I don't remember nor know what suspension the 2nd gen had while I test drove the limited with the Hitachi shocks.

Sum it up, 3rd gen is a quiet ride, to me its soft, the seats are comfortable in the Limited trim, and it gets the job done. People wanting a sports car with Maserati comfort and guarantees will be disappointed it isn't a luxury sports car truck with a 7 liter engine supercharged. They usually want the levitation module that floats you into the vehicle, sits you down and asks you what kind of sandwich you want or simply put, they whine.

 

Warranty and 24 months free service will pay for itself. Can't see any reason to buy a used 3rd gen. Savings will be negligible at best.

 

That's my advice... 3rd gens currently blow