Third gen... talk me into one.

No. Toyota has gone ever so slightly above everyone else and uses its reliability as a crutch. Nothing revolutionary about this Gen. That doesn't mean I don't love my truck. I just think they could have done more, and would have if the ranger had been announced before they released 3rd Gens.

 

Do it, DD it. But get a trailer and turn your 96 into a purely trail rig. Gut the interior and monstaline it, stick a huge snorkel on it, just go all out and have a blast etc etc.

I don't. I did, but then I saw what it looks like and it's gonna be a slightly smaller version of the f-150. Why bother? Why not make it the size of the old ranger?
Maybe I'm just a loser with no friends but I rarely use the backseats... and a short bed is just never enough.
I do sometimes wish that our access cab/extra-cabs had the back door swing out like some of the Rangers do.

 

FTFY

 

Fair enough. Nothing is proven yet.

 

OP, just heavily test drive it. Many more miles than you actually think you need and definitely test drive the configuration you are looking to buy, even if you need to find one on autotrader/craigslist to go "show interest" in.

I sold mine after a year and a half. I had many of the common issues here. Many of them I was willing to look past or deal with fixing at a later time, but the absolutely poor engine management/performance and howling differential were too much.

It is going to be a huge difference in drivability from your '96, just make sure it's for you. I wouldn't be afraid of looking at other brands either if they fit your need, new or used. Reliability of domestics isn't nearly as bad as people here make it seem.

 

the pro is calling..... my name

 

Lmao....some one please tell my to hell wouldn't an auto manufacturer use their past reliability as a selling point?

Oh, and is Toyota using the past as a selling point for the new taco? Or are TWers just using it?

 

I'm not holding it against them. It's the best accolade a manufacturer can hold.

 

This!

 

Just think it's funny how some continue to use that, Toyota is just relying on their past.

That being said, I bought the 17 cause I was very happy with the two previous I owned.

 

+1 for getting the truck. I've had mine for 6 months now. Have the 6MT. It is a little gutless when driving normal, but when you need it, the power is there. You just have to get the RPMs up and grab some gears. It gets great mileage for a truck when driven right. I had a F150 Ecoboost, and traded for the Taco to get a smaller, more maneuverable vehicle and to get the manual trans. I miss the HP a little sometimes, but I knew the tradeoffs I was making. Great truck IMO. Good luck.

 

Nope

 

Honestly it was either this or the 5.0 f150. I'd never fit my local trails in the f150.

 

All your wildest dreams will come true if you buy one

 

I'd buy again.

 

My 2007 2nd gen Tacoma went to nearly 200k with minimal maintenance and all original parts. It's still running right now.

My 1991 MR2 went to 200K with minimal mantenance and all original parts.

I guess I am not supposed to use my history with a car brand as a predictor future reliability with the same car brand.

My 2017 3rd gen has gone to 5K so far with no issues.

Other people have issues, but Toyota has issued recalls and is taking care of everything at their cost.

If you think the GM trash bin twins will last 200k like that, then go ahead. Plus they look like trash.

 

The Chevy 350 runs forever

 

True in theory, but I just don't have the time to deal with a cracked block or gasket AND, not only does it not have working AC (I am in Florida), but the AC system is removed completely... it's past the point of having full transportation value now short of lots of repairs that would take me weeks... Still gonna keep it and fix it up possibly but need work, interview, travel transportation now, so I'm selling out. (also I have no buddies nearby with lifts or shops to bum free help from) :\

 

Long distance commuting, some professional stuff... in FLorida with lots of heat/humidity which makes a daytime job interview etc... a logistical nightmare with no AC, gotta bring a change of clothes for when I get to the office and hope they don't see me changing in the parking lot.

 

Will my childhood dog return to life and my favorite bike never have been stolen when I was 12? (I'm very gullible, tell me yes)