Why did you choose a 2nd gen over a 3rd gen?

Just basically trying to figure out if I should spend $28k on a double cab 2015, $31k on a used 2017 double cab or buy a brand new 2018.

What do you regret about buying a 2nd/3rd gen?

What color did you choose, and do you regret it?

What trim level did you choose and do you regret it?

Thanks for any info in advance guys, can’t wait to join the Tacoma team!

 

2017 TRD OR in MGM. Brand new and no I don’t regret it.

If I were in your shoes, I’d get a new 2018. You are going to over pay for a 2015-2017. Get a new one. I have had all 3 gens and this one is my fav by far. Not even close.

 

Get the 15 I have zero regrets about buying mine. No matter what they do they can't improve on that ugly ass front end on the 3rd Gen

I chose Pyrite Mica as you don't see many of them, and it shines up real nice.

I got the TRD Sport DCLB 4X4 zero regrets but it is a little outdated.

 

Wow, that rig sits beautifull! Specs on tires and wheels?

 

I’m In the same boat, I love the looks of the 2.5 gen and the power of the 4.0L, but that 3rd gen has all the creature comforts, and looks great with the Pro grill and some new wheels.

This is probably one of the tougher car decisions I’ve made

 

I’d say go new. I had a 2012. Sold for a 2017. No regrets at all. Only issue I have is the engine is obviously a little under powered compared to the 2nd gen. Which isn’t noticeable until you throw a ton of weight on like my truck. But again, I love my 3rd gen and I don’t regret at all.

 

Love the wheels.

 

Because paying $17,500 is better than $40k lol plus the 4.0 v6 is much better than the 3.5L v6 in the 3rd gen. I’ll wait to see what the 4th gens will look like in the future and decide then if it’s worth to trade.

 

Why did I choose a 2nd gen? 3rd gens weren't available in 2007.

 

3rd Gens do have some creature comforts but it's a shame for 2018 they made the grill even uglier.

 

My vote is for a 12-15. I bought mine for the 4.0 6spd combo and ended up going with a barcelona red sport. I personally cant stand the way the 3rd gens look up front, but to each is own. My decision was mainly based on the lower end torque that the 4.0 provides. I just didnt want the 3.5. If they would have offered the 3rd gen with a v8 and manual transmission combo, i wouldve probably been able to deal with the front end/grille, but since they downsized the motor, i was sold on the gen 2 6spd. No regrets here, i love my 4.0 manual even more everytime i drive it

 

reliability. everyone i know that bought a 3rd has been to the dealer to have numerous things replaced, repaired under warranty... my 2013 only needed the catalytic converter replaced and has done 100k without an issue otherwise.

 

My own take on considering a 3rd gen for the longest time, but sticking with my old girl:

2nd gen:
- more powerful "work truck" engine, even though specs are the same/more hp with the 3.5L in the 3rd gen: 3rd gens need higher RPM for peak torque in practical situations
- cheaper
- cooler front end (IMO)
- certain parts, especially body/interior, are more readily available and cheaper (will change over time rather quickly for 3rd gens as they are crazy popular)
- much more aftermarket support is readily available as well as used parts (bumpers, shocks, stuff you expect to find on craigslist, etc.)
- people have all the cool mods and guides figured out (if you're into that)
- any major mechanical/safety/software issues are mostly resolved or known about, so they can be addressed
- engine/tranny longevity that gave 1st/2nd gens their reputation has been proven

3rd gen:
- slightly better gas mileage with newer tech/software
- more safety features
- more modern look and interior features, climate control, etc.
- weaker engine even though specs are same/better on paper: when considering RPM and actual real-time displacement, it's not a better work truck engine (but if you don't tow or haul heavy stuff, who cares)
- some parts interchangeable with 2nd gen, such as shocks, suspension, etc. (just do research before buying), helps avoid "new generation" cost spikes
- will end up devaluing at a higher dollar loss vs. time ratio compared to a 2nd gen as it's a new launch (you're already seeing 2016 TRDs go for $30k when people paid over $40 out the door; depends on location)
- depending on state, you're going to be paying a pretty insane registration fee (unless they eat that up somewhere else; in AZ the registration fee is where they hit you)
- has that "oh no it's new, don't scratch it" vibe
- new engine/tranny longevity still being determined on a macro scale
- still "new", so lots of recalls and fixes in the works (leaking diff comes to mind)

 

Agree, the 3rd gens were on the lot when I bought my 15. The front end on the 3rd gens is just terrible, thought it might grow on me over time.......it has not....at all. If the only option were a 3rd gen I would look for another brand all together. Look forward to many more years with my 2nd gen.

 

Exactly I would buy a full size before buying a 3rd Gen, or a Tundra

 

Lol. If you can find a 2015 for $17,500 then I need to find the magic dust you use.

 

Why do you have two threads for this question?

 

I was just gonna ask the same question as he just reversed it in the title but in the end same question

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-3rd-gen-over-a-2nd-gen.524567/#post-16698849

 

I was looking at a new 2017 SR5 4x4 and a (virtually new) 2015 TRD DCSB 4x4 OR for almost the same price.

Went with the 2015 because of 3rd gen reliability/recall issues, and because I wanted all the bells and whistles on the OR. Plus, not sold on the ugly ass 3rd gen grille. The dealer "certified" the truck so I still got a bumper to bumper warranty and a couple free full service visits. It only had 10k miles, so new enough to still feel really fresh. In my mind, a total no-brainer.