Need quick input. Considering 2016-2017 model purchase

So I have a situation coming up and am looking at having to buy a new truck ASAP. I have been staying away from the 3rd gen because for one, I wasn't happy with the engine or look, and second, looking at an offroad bumper seems to be a difficult job for them. Can anyone pop in who actually owns or has owned a 3rd gen, and give me your pros and cons over the 2nd gen? I already know the common issues with the 2nd gen, so don't need that info. I just want a comparison. Should I go ahead and get over my dislikes and get a 3rd gen?

Thanks!

Poll added

 

I am in the same boat. The interior/electronics is by far better in the third gen but I don’t like the front end of the truck and questionable about how I’d like the engine.

 

Third Gen Pros
It's quicker/more powerful
It's quieter
It's newer
It has nicer creature comforts
It gets better gas mileage

You should probably do your research though. The engine/transmission shifts more and needs more RPMs to get the power, but it's there. Some people don't like it.

I got 40K on mine and am quite happy with it. I've driven and been in 2nd gens. I wouldn't get a 2nd over the 3rd unless I could get a sweet deal.

 

3rd gen cuz I wanted the updated interior when I traded in my 2nd gen.

I like my diarrhea colored leather seats, overall updated interior, looks way more aggressive vs 2nd gen imo. I also have an auto and really don't have a problem with it other that the cruise control going crazy in hilly situations.

Only problem I have seen was my third brake light leaking water into the cabin which seems to be a problem for numerous people. Dealership fixed it which they had to order a whole new third brake light kit.

 

Sorry, I don't own a 3rd Gen; but from what I've seen/read/heard, the later 2nd Gens (2012+) is the way to go. Plenty of aftermarket parts, well-documented mods/repairs, and most of the TSBs have already been worked out by then. Other than the run-of-the-mill complaints, I can't really say anything bad about the 3rd Gens.

I'm trying not to be biased, so take it with a grain of salt. Best of luck!

 

2nd Gen has noticeably more low end torque. The 3rd Gen is better in every way besides that.

 

Had them both, and would take the 3rd generation every time. Truck runs a lot better with more miles on it. I only drive with ect on and runs pretty strong. The way this truck is set up reminds me of a 2 stroke, you have to keep the rpms up. If I’m pulling a trailer I just put it in 4th and no lack of power. My next one will be a manual, but have had no problem with automatic.

 

Make sure you get an extended test drive. The 3rd Gen is more comfortable and quiet and are very nice trucks.

 

I had a 2013 and now have the 2017. I have no regrets. I love the look in my opinion way better and no complaints about the drivetrain More power imo.

 

I have owned all three Gen's and I like my 17' the best, it does take a little getting used to as far as the engine and trans but other then that I am extremely happy with mine. Like a few others have said take a nice long test drive.

 

This. People like to shit on the 3rd gen's "lack of torque" but after driving a 4runner with the supposedly a better 4.0 for a week, it was quite disappointing. The 3.5 has better get up and go from everything else that isn't the first 60 feet from a stop light and better gas mileage.

The truck is much more complete as a vehicle with better creature comforts/modern interior and objectively better styling all around. The low mileage 2nd gens around here were going for 32k or more with 40-60k miles on it. Only a few grand more to get a brand new TRD OR 4x4. No brainer for me.

 

I moved from 1st gen Double cab Prerunner V6 Auto 4x2 to 3rd gen V6AT Limited 4x2.

Improvements IMHO (Pros):
Ride quality
Far quieter
>30% MPG improvement
It HAS tech
Safety features
Faster acceleration - Even the 1st gen needed to hit the power band to sprint 3rd gen PB is just a bit higher

Cons:
Took just about a week to get used to the size and hood height

I am very happy with my new Taco. Unlike some others, mine is not a plaything. It is my DD, I haul small loads (home depot etc) occasionaly and infrequently (once in my 8+mo of ownership) I will haul a heavy load and pull a trailer. Over time my typical use may change. MPG is more than 5 better than the 1st gen (V6 Prerunner 4x2). The 3rd gen does shift more but it also has more gears to shift to.

What would I do differently?
Not much, keep same truck configuration or possibly go OR vs Lmtd, different mods maybe, tonneau vs cap, exhaust, ??
Either way I would still change to a 3rd gen and have no regrets.

 

Thanks for all of the input. I think I may take a trip down to the dealerships today to look at one. To be honest I haven't had an interest in the 3rd gen, so I've never got into one. Keep talking though! Always open for more input!! INPUT! NUMBER 5 IS ALIVE!!!!

 

Just out of curiosity, have you posted this same question in the 2nd Gen forum?

 

^^ That is a good idead

 

I hadn't because I wanted to find people who actually HAD a 3rd gen, and not those who just look at them like I have and said "meh". But not a bad idea.

 

Owned a second gen for 10 years. Have had my third gen for a few months now and like it better in every way. I have the automatic and it does shift better over time. If I push the ECT power button it really gets up and goes. Try that out on your test drive to see the difference.

 

^^^^This... I traded in a 2006 as well..... Just cuz it was 10 yrs. old, and I wanted a new truck..!! Very happy..!!

 

The 3rd Gen has had its share of nagging, but fixable issues. The only thing they can't fix is the lack of the low end torque. Go test drive and see if you can live with it. Other than that, it's awesome.

- 3rd Gen Owner with 80K+ miles

 

I had an 08 TRD OR that was great. Loved the truck and had it for 8 years with no issues. I traded for a 2016 TRD Sport 2wd and didn't have any issues in the 31k miles that I drove it. The new interior is worth it to me, since that's where I'm spending my time. The climate control, heated seats, heated mirrors, better touchscreen headunit, and other tech items appealed to me. I also feel like the 3rd gens ride better, especially the TRD OR.

The major difference, though, is the motor and transmission. It's nothing like the old 4.0. It makes power at a little higher rpms, but once there it has plenty of get up and go. The throttle mapping and transmission seem to be geared towards fuel economy and I think that's why a lot of people say it feels like it doesn't have any power. The transmission wants to get to the highest gear possible as quickly as possible too keep rpms low and there's just not a lot of power down low. I adapted to it pretty quick and the truck also seemed to do better with holding gears a little longer as time went on. I hauled stuff and towed with it and it did everything I needed and then some. I also averaged about 20mpg combined while I had it, so that was nice.

I just traded for a 2017 TRD OR 4x4 with premium and tech and JBL and I'm very happy with it. I'm hoping to keep this one for awhile. Definitely go test drive one for as long as possible in different situations to get a feel for the truck. The 3rd gen is more modern and a little more refined, but if you don't care about the new features, a 2nd gen is a good option. Pretty hard to go wrong with any taco, in my opinion.