Test drove my first 3rd gen today. Might be buying soon.

Hey Guys. I've been considering buying a Tacoma for a while now and finally test drove one today. It was a new 2017 SR5 Four Door 4x4 long bed. I may pull the trigger on it this weekend, so I wanted to ask a few questions. I was really worried about the transmission because of everything I've read here. I can see where some of the complaints are coming from but overall I think it's something that I can live with.

I have a couple of questions. I will want to immediately upgrade to bigger tires. It has the 16" wheels pictured here. What is the largest size tire that I can run without making any modifications?

I also want to get some mud flaps. Can anyone recommend some for this setup?

I'm only interested in the long bed, so my options are somewhat limited. I think I will be happy with the SR5, but I'm interested in hearing reasons to upgrade to the TRD models. The only thing I can think of is the locking rear differential. I live in Montana and do a lot of driving on gravel and rock roads in the mountains.

 

'Twas me I'd think long and hard about this...

 

265/75/16

 

Make sure you do an extended test drive, try for an overnight one if possible.

 

Not 265/75/17 ?

 

The rims he posted are 16s.

 

I went with the off road based on the simple thought of I'd rather have the goodies and not need them than need them and not have them.

 

OP, I've had several (3) 2nd Gen tacomas, a few 5th gen 4runners and something like 10 other vehicles as well. Currently, I have a '17 Double cab Off Road trim. I didn't read much on this forum about the 3rd Gen Tacomas, but I saw them come out and liked how they looked. I test drive a few and also though the transmission was a bit intrusive/obnoxious, what have you. I have a bout 2500 miles on the truck and its as if it breaks in or somehow calms down, or I just don't notice it as much, and doesn't seem bad at all to me. I love the truck and plan to keep this one for a while. It's not like driving a sportscar or anything, but fully adequate as a daily driver, fun to take out on the trails and looks really cool. Your mileage may very depending upon your purposes for yours. Also, consider a manual transmission if you want ultimate control over the shifting responsibilities.

To your mudflap question, I got my sales man to throw in a set of 4, they fit well and were easily installed with hand tools, and work fine. Weathertech also makes a set, and maybe others as well.

I chose the Off Road trim because I wanted heated seats among some of the other gadgetry, and seemed like at the same price point as a Sport model, I was getting more functionality. Tires beat driveline for traction, so a nice set would likely take care of any traction issues you may have. The peace of mind having that and the rear locker is nice to have, though.

I recommend driving the 3rd Gen truck a few more times, see if your dealer will let you take it on an extended test drive, and really be honest with yourself if the transmission, or anything else about the truck, is going to be a nagging annoyance for you while you own it.

Happy Shopping!

 

Yea I couldn't bring myself to buy an SR5 myself.

OP, I'd recommend thinking hard and long about getting what you want and not "dealing with" what you got.

 

If you decide to get rid of the black satin wheels let me know, looking to buy.

 

It came down to price tags and most bang for the buck, honestly. I compared the price tags of the SR5 vs. TRD models and it was obvious to me that I should get a TRD OR or Sport. Spending $30k (SR5) for a vehicle is a lot of money, especially if you aren't getting exactly what you want. Why not spend a few thousand more and get significant upgrades (TRD models) across the board? More gadgetry, better all-terrain performance, looks, etc.

If you end up financing, you'll pay something like an extra $20-50 a month to go with the more expensive TRD model.

 

Oh, and two more points... first, the gear hunting isn't as bad as people make seem on here. It will never get any worse than what you feel on your test drive. It loosens up after it learns your driving habits. Second, if you are buying a 2017 so close to the 2018 release, you better negotiate the hell out of the dealership. Don't let them off the hook. Depending on your dealership's 2017 inventory levels, and with 2018s getting close to shipping out, make sure you are getting the deal you deserve.

 

Hey OP,

I have a 2017 SR5 double cab 4x4. For me, it's perfect. I'm in Tennessee, and I don't run any trails, but wanted 4wd for when I need it. I think you need to decide what you want the truck for, daily driver, trails, etc. Based on my experience, an SR5 is great. It's more "loaded" than any vehicle I've ever had. I have those same satin alloy rims, by the way. I've been wanting to move up in tire size, but I'll wait until they're needed. Good luck!

 

As said above, if you wait till the 2018s start hitting the Lots in December you can probably get a better deal on a leftover 17 at that point if you don't mind waiting.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm definitely going to do another test drive before buying.

 

hey, how come your SR5 has no flares??

 

Buy a 2nd gen.... avoid the 3rd right now.

 

It doesn't get more true than this.
It's the little things like not having to take the key fob out of your pocket to unlock your door, or not having to ever bother turning your headlights on an off that justify the extra money spent every day.

 

I still need to use my Key Fob which does not bother me at all, did not think I would really like the auto headlights, but it has been kinda nice to just leave the switch alone. When it is first getting dark outside is the only time the truck is confused as it will turn the lights on and off several times.

 

My wife's 4 Runner has the push button start and I hate it. I'd much rather use a key. I didn't know about the SR5s not having automatic headlights. I haven't had to turn my headlights on and off in over 10 years. That would take some getting used to.