Third gen... talk me into one.

My first gen 96 2.7 Tacoma finally has more problems than I am willing to fix.

My credit union finances at 2% for 2007 and newer but since I want a manual 4X4 taco I am not finding anything used newer than 2007 in my config...

Why should I think about buying a third gen? Anything better or worse with this gen?

 

They have their kinks here and there. Some with quality control issues, some with transmission issues, some with transfer case issues, but most without issues at all.

The biggest complaint is the auto tranny, but since you want a manual, you'll be fine. I think in a manual configuration, they're really nice trucks. You should go for it, if you're able to financially. There's nothing wrong with second gens and they're just as cool. It's really up to you.

Good luck with the decision

 

I honestly enjoy mine.

Everyone on here will agree to test drive the crap out of it to see if you like it for yourself. Don't rely on internet reviews, or tacomaworld's multiple nonsense when you see stuff like "I lost to an ecoboost f150", "recall .." etc.

It's a truck not a race car. Also, all vehicles...almost all, have some sort of issue. Main thing is that it gets addressed. All generations had problems. Although guy's like the 4.0's, I know for a fact that the manual 2nd gens have a throwout bearing "whir" noise issue. At least Toyota is taking pride and integrity with the TSB's and recalls. Shooooots, they could've tried to play it off like VW and then get caught in the long run! Anyways, I'm rambling. Just go test drive one. Like I said, I love mine (coming from a 97 and 99 4Runner, and 99 Tacoma 3.4's)

 

Thanks for the advice! What I really want is a brand new off the assembly line 1998 but they don't make those anymore. Can't get financing for earlier than 2007 and the 2000's on are over my cash reserve that I have to spare.

 

Do it.....??

 

I've gone 4 years without air conditioning in a tiny 96. It would be like a luxury hotel room at this point, sitting in the cab of a newer truck. Will test drive one if I can't find a second gen.

My first gen has : cracked block or bad headgasket, loose power steering rack, no AC, leaking brake proportioning valve... and on and on... I love it but have to find reliable transport for work. (It's also annoying to have to hang your dress shirt for work on the seat and wait till you get to the office to put it on to avoid sweat stains all over)

 

HAHAHA... can't resist that argument!

 

Have had 7 tacomas, all gens all configs. My 17 is by far the best one I've had. Go for it.

 

I've had 3 so far... they don't last forever and aren't indestructible like they say on Top Gear. I think we like the config of these trucks so much we overlook the mechanical problems they develop (as do all cars).

 

Love my truck. Just bought (shift sense) and am very happy. Had a 2004 DBLCSB TRD OR...loved it, but this really is night and day
Buy one !

 

Don't get a 3rd Gen, you'll turn into a moody S.O.B. everytime you get on TW

 

yep yep yep

 

Just be aware that you cannot get a V6 M/T in all trims. For example, when I bought mine this config was only available at the TRD level (Sport DCSB/Off Road AC in Canada, Sport AC/Off Road DCSB in the US). Toyota has since added the TRD PRO to the V6 M/T lineup, in DCSB only.

Despite it's quirks, I love driving mine. There are a couple of things you WILL notice with the V6 M/T however, including throttle lag and rev hang. Fortunately, an aftermarket tune is being developed now that has apparently fixed these issues and added some mid range torque/HP. Anyway, you'll see when you drive one.

As far as a 3rd gen 2.7 M/T Taco goes, I'll leave that to people who actually own one.

Cheers and happy hunting

Frank

 

If you really like your first gen and are mechanically inclined you could fix all the issues it has and it would be way cheaper than buying a new truck.

 

Yep , but buying a new Tacoma is a hell of a lot more fun!!

 

Test drive everything you are interested in and everything you know you don’t want. That way there is no question in your mind you bought the right truck. I would also say to read everything you can regarding 3rd gen complaints EXCEPT I find a lot of whining and crying on TW from those who were coddled too much in life. Some complaints are 110% valid and they are solid issues. Some of these are currently being addressed by Toyota and others time will tell. Some issues are so absolutely ridiculous and frivolous and the owners expect Toyota to address every last stupid one of them. My take on it is Toyota has been so good to its customers and has been willing to address so many insignificant things over the years some people think that is the way of the world. Other makes wouldn’t even acknowledge your existence of you brought such complaints to them. Good work Toyota for caring about the small details. Problem is if you read all of the crying from those who are out of touch with reality you will think the 3rd gen is much worse than it is. It is a good truck IN MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

I can count myself lucky. I have yet to experience any major issues compared to others who have new issues daily (real or imagined). My ONLY complaint is using cruise in a headwind or slight incline. The auto trani sometimes won’t shift back to 6th after downshifting and I have to tap the accelerator to get it to coast and upshift back to 6th. I don’t drive Hwy much anymore so I forget about it until I am travelling any distance.

I truly love this truck. Small details really are appreciated after years of big three trucks. Good luck and hopefully you will be happy with whatever decision you make.

 

I am getting rid of mine. I can't stand it anymore.

I wouldnt recommend buying one. Just go look in the diff recall thread for an idea of what third gen ownership is like.

The best part of owning a third gen is the free service waiting room donuts and getting to drive 4runner loaners.

 

What do you want to use the truck for?

 

I've had two 16s. An auto and manual. You said you were wanting a manual anyway so good choice. You get the better gearing too with a manual. Test drive, test drive, test drive. Can't say that enough. So many people come up here saying they didn't really test drive then they don't like XYZ for whatever reason. Honestly they were great trucks, but they do have some of the initial first new model bugs that are slowly being worked out. I love mine and wouldn't get rid of it even with it's crazy kinks and noisy rear end. Yes I'm one of the unfortunate ones that have the howling diff. Has it blown to pieces and left me stranded? Not yet and probably won't just noisy at certain speeds.

 

Highly recommend the 3rd Gen Tacoma and definitely with the MT.