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

I went with low miles 2015. I had seen gen 2 for so long and read gen 3’s we’re having some issues. My budget allowed to get a new but after several new cars and options that I never even turned on (heated seats, sunroof or navigation iPhone 10 times better) I decided I wanted to go minimalist to some degree and not pay for things I would never use. I don’t off road so no need to pay for 4x4 or TRD. I do miss a few thing such as my leather seats and heated side mirrors. All of which i can add if i want along with what ever else i choose. Only time I have any regrets is when reading this sight. LOL! Overall happy with what I decided it fits my needs and that’s what it is about.

 

I went with 2nd gen ONLY because i was told toyota no longer makes the ac cab in a manual. Nearest one i was able to find was this 08 took months to find her, love her but would rather have bought new.rather have new than risking someone else problems. N the look of the 2018 can be fixed with a custom bumper.

 

I got my 2015 because I wanted Blue Ribbon Metallic. I knew the 2016's were about to come out but I've learned my lesson on buying 1st year production vehicles. I love the 2015's front end more, even though that Pro grille on Stefan's truck is pretty bad ass looking. My buddy's dad just got a 2017 off-road and seems to really enjoy the creature comforts.

 

Regrets: Despite being 3 years newer than my previous vehicle, the dash is much less technologically advanced. I had a multi-function display in the dub, the Taco has an odometer and nothing else.

Color/Trim: I got a BSP X-Runner. I do wish I could have found a red one, but literally no facelift X-runner for sale was red for like 3 months when I finally caved and bought the one I have. The non-existence of a third gen X-Runner is why I have a second gen. That and I didn't want to have another car payment, which would have been necessary on a truck much newer than my 2013.

 

It’s more power but the power is up top and you have to rev the engine to get the power. This is less of an issue with a manual trans but in an auto that is programmed to keep revs as low as possible to maximize MPGs , you end up with a lot of gear hunting every time you breath on the peddle. It just wasn’t a enjoyable experience when I drove it. It felt like Toyota shoved an off the shelf powertrain into the truck without really thinking how it would work in the application.

 

Yes, power is up top. You have to rev the engine, which is what it's made for. This concept is no different than driving a mustang.

I think of it like the 2G being a Mustang GT (coyote motor) and the 3G being a Mustang GT350 (voodoo motor).

Not sure why people keep complaining about "gear hunting"... Oviously the truck will have to shift to put itself in the best part of the power band to meet the demands of the driver at the time. The driver even has the option to engage "ECT PWR" button, which makes it more peppy from the initial hit of the gas pedal.

I have driven nothing but performance cars since my early 20s and am quite pleased with this truck. Perfect for me.

 

Wow your neighbor must have found the one set of 16’s that don’t fit. I have seen numerous sports with 16’s and you can even build a new sport on Toyota.com with the old 16” fake headlock wheels.

 

The front calipers are slightly larger than the OR’s so you’d need some serious off set or a big spacer to clear it with anything less than a a 16”!

 

On a 3rd gen Sport?

 

You need some serious offset or spacers to clear the caliper. There’s hardly any room with the stock Sport 17” wheels.

 

The off-road and pro have the same brake setup.

 

From my experience I’ve found it to be slightly larger. I couldn’t fit 16’s. There’s maybe .5in of clearance now between the caliper and wheel with the 17” wheel.

 

What wheels did you try because like I said the brakes are the same.

 

@Stefan_Ray, @Rustytaco71

 

I have an Off-road. My neighbor has a Sport. Neither the dealership OR discount tire will put 16” wheels on his truck.

 

I just realized that there are two threads like this:

Why you chose the 2G over the 3G AND why you chose the 3G over the 2G.

I meant to post in the other one. This thread was for the 2G guys.

My bad OP.

Dyslexia is real.

 

No, the brakes are not the same. I’m at Toyota as we speak. Service guy says the Sport’s are larger which is WHY they come with 17” Wheels in the first place.

 

Brakes


- Front - type/diameter

- Front Swept Area

(4x2/4x4)

-

Rear - type/diameter

- Rear Swept Area

(4x2/4x4)

- Parking

Ventilated disc/10.75 in.

56.75/65.5 sq. in.

Leading-Trailing Drum /10.0 in.

65.51/61.81 sq. in.

Lever Type (Automatic & Manual)

Straight from Toyota specs. On discount tire they list numerous 16" wheels that are compatible with the 17 TRD Sport. Toyota.com also lets you build a 17/18 sport with 16in wheels. So I am really confused how they are all wrong and your service guy is right?

 

I'd be very surprised if that were true. I bet the brakes are the same size. Sports come with 17" wheels/tires because those are better suited for the street/highway driving. Just like the suspension.