Why I switched to first gen to third gen, then back first gen, and back to third gen again

Context: I do 85% on road driving, usually in traffic. The rest is mix of dirt/gravel roads, driving around national parks, and some light off roading. I log a ton of miles (usually around 35k to 40k) and usually am not too crazy about "creature comforts" or unnecessary technology.

Vehicles:
2002 Toyota Tacoma 5 speed MT 2.7 4x4 bone stock with 90k miles

2017 tacoma SR 2.7 auto RWD brand new

2003 Tacoma 5 speed MT 2.7 4x4 with Old Man Emu nitrochargers, OME 880s and a wheelers add a leaf. 50k miles

2017 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 3.5 6 speed manual with quite a few bells and whistles.

I realize that when making comparisons it's very important to try and get as close to apples to apples as possible. I am a long time Tacoma fan and have read plenty of threads where people ask for advice on which engine to buy and which generation is best. I just wanted to outline my experience with my 4 Tacoma's in hopes that it might answer some regularly asked questions.

First and foremost, I do prefer the Third Gen. Yes, both of my trucks made the weird squealing noise intermittently when accelerating. I did not find the transmission in the auto to be too shift happy (maybe I'm just easy going, but doubt it) and the 6 speed transmission in my new TRD is absolutely awesome. I can't quite compare the power of the 2.7 and the 3.5 accurately yet because the 3.5 is not yet broken in and I haven't really accelerated too hard in it. Currently the truck has less than 1,000 miles. I will say, though certainly debatable, that the 3.5 doesn't necessarily feel THAT much more powerful than the 2.7. Let's be real, guys. Niether is all that impressive in terms of power. General concensus: if you do a lot of towing, get the 3.5. If not, the 2.7 is probably perfectly sufficient. That's my honest opinion.

When comparing my first gens to my third gens, I might be the odd one in thinking that my first gens were oddly unreliable. I have no doubt the powertrain would have gone on forever, but between rust and a/c compressors and electrical issues, they just weren't worth the hassle. I know many people with different experiences they suggest the first gens are bomb proof, but mine weren't. I suppose it's possible that my trucks were just rode hard and put away wet. But with such low mileage and at a premium price, I was quite disappointed. I decided to give the first gen another try and sold my 2017 SR for two reasons; first I wanted another 4x4 and second I love the idea of a small truck. The third gens are significantly bigger. But I learned to love the creature comforts of the new trucks. My new TRD is incredible. I have literally zero complaints so far. It's potentially my favorite vehicle I have ever owned and I've had in excess of 45. If you have any questions or are considering either of these as an option, feel free to ask away!

 

Congrats on the 17, hope you don't feel the need to switch out again.

 

He'll go 2018 Pro.....

 

Seriously. I've certainly never seen that around here from a 3rd genner before, and definitely not about Honda Ridgelines...

 

All I know is until I see someone who actually has a third gen complaining about it, I'll just blame it on jealousy.

 

I really like my gen3 but I still love my 04 double cab TRD it's just fun to drive

 

You made the right choice---most people with MT on here tend to like their riggs more than others. We usually only hear the complaints from the automatic folks on here--or maybe there's more of them...

 

Good to hear you're happy!

 

Curious in all your shifting around why you didn't try a 2nd gen.?

Bigger than 1st gen, more motor than 1st or 3rd, but still smaller than 3rd gen.

I'm not commenting on the quality of any gen., or nodding to one over another as a favorite.

Just wondering why you didn't give one a go.

 

I hope you didn't take too much of a financial beating making all those swaps OP! Maybe you should keep a 1st gen around as a backup.

 

I do the same when I see ridgeline hate.

 

Honestly, if you do a lot of towing, get a 2nd gen with the 4 liter or even better, a Tundra. The 3.5 is not good for towing at all.

 

At all ? Really ? I ran 5000 pound load this weekend 60mph with no appreciable trans temp increase (scangage). Tows just as good as my 2nd. Tests show 3rd is actually a tad quicker too. Isn't it rated higher than 2nd also ?
Why do people keep stating this ?

 

Lol because he wanted to look at "only the best ".

 

It's OK for towing lighter loads here in AZ with some of the steep elevation changes. No way I'd be towing over 3500lbs regularly with this truck. The lack of low end torque and the engine screaming at 5000RPMs in 3rd gear to maintain speed at 50-55mph does not make for a comfortable or confident towing experience on some of these grades. Not to mention the fuel economy is worse than a 3/4 ton diesel towing twice the weight.

 

Over exaggeration.
Just like howling holes.

 

Not at all. Do you live and tow in AZ? Literally the engine runs at 4500 rpms even towing my little 1500lb aluminum boat and trailer on some of these grades. When I towed a 2500lb A-liner it was worse.

 

I'm flat terrain. What grade ? 15% ?

 

The gauntlet test on a huge grade beat 2nd gen by a mile.
Fact.