2018 Toyota Tacoma

Hello to all;

New member here, I currently own a 2009 Tacoma TRD sport acesscab with a manual transmission. The truck has 71000 miles on it. Have owned it since new. No major problems with it so far, I do most of the maintenance on the truck. I'm thinking about getting a new 2018 TRD PRO. More than likely another six speed manual. I have heard some talk about the 3rd gen tacomas not being quite as good as previous models. Namely transmission trouble and sluggish engine performance. Any suggestions from the group would be appreciated.

 

Get an extended test drive or overnight test drive to see if you like it.

 

I'm not trying to be mean but There are literally a ton of post EXACTLY like this. Try using the search function.

 

Test drive extensively. If you know anyone with a 3rd gen, ask to drive it. Most that have any issues had them show up well after purchase. Test drive used ones on the lots too. Drive all configurations; short/long bed, AT, MT, etc. get a feel for the trucks, then decide if you want one or not.

 

I sold my 2015 for a 16. Zero regrets.
Tows faster, just as quick 0-60 and passing is quicker than 2nd gen because of 18% more hp once rpm is up. Noticeable difference. Quite a rush actually.
Only issue I had in 2 years was a battery they replaced for free.
Shifts great, runs fast and smooth and tech outshines 2nd.

 

Also no regrets for me. When new 3 months ago the power delivery with the auto trans seemed a bit sluggish and clunky compared to my last truck with a V6 turbo.

Now, after 1,100 miles the transmission seems to have learned my driving habits and pairs well with the engine. It drives and shifts smoothly and has plenty of power. Use the ECT button to drop shift points and it transforms the transmission for an even more responsive and powerful feel during shifting.

When new at 200 miles the transmission was clunking into gear when shifting into reverse or drive. Having had many automatic transmissions over the years and always doing my own maintenance I figured it was low on fluid. Tacoma World has a wealth of knowledge and I read that many new Tacoma’s were 1/2 to 1.5 quarts or more low.
I added one quart of fluid to the transmission and the clunking into gear from ‘Park’ to reverse or drive was immediately gone. I then easily checked the fluid level with a cheap Harbor Freight non-contact laser thermometer (happens to be on sale for only $5.00 right now) pointed at the transmission pan to monitor temp range while checking the level.

My rear dif was about 1 quart 8 ounces low. The front dif was 7 ounces low. The transfer case was filled. Go figure! I also tightened rear differential U-bolt nuts and greased two zerks which were low from the factory.
One more thing. Get under any truck when new and also every year or two. Use a spray can of Rustoleum rust converter and cover up all the newly forming rust spots on the frame and suspension welds and nuts and bolts on driveline. All new trucks from all makes will have developing rust spots.

Check your fluids when brand new and you’ll continue to enjoy Toyota quality. Just not quality control!

 

Damn... your post sounds exactly like mine last year...!! My fluids were all low as well, except for the T case.
No grease....loose U bolts, etc...!! 1.5 liters low on WS fluid as well...!!

My truck has been "tickety-boo" ever since... I love her..! "Happy Truck.. Happy Life"

 

Good quotes Over 60!
Born in Canada but left at 1 year for another Ontario.
Picture of Mustang from 1978.

 

How did you check the level with a temp monitor ?

 

Man is that what it looked like here in the 90s?

 

Not trying to be rude but ...how do you think that ton came to be?
I think it's ok for someone to ask a question that's already been addressed .
If it bothers someone, they should just abstain from participating in the thread.

 

To be honest, make sure you don't mind having the optional JBL audio, push start ignition, and keyless entry. Going 6MT in a 42k+ truck removes all the luxuries that you expect for paying that much.

 

Use a non-contact laser thermometer. They are extremely accurate. They’re around $19.00 on sale at Harbor Freight. $5.00 right now if you spend $49.00 on other items.
I decided to do it this way so I didn’t need to buy an OBD scanner or electronic instrument to plug in for a temp check, and I already had the laser thermometer. It comes in handy around the house.

I drove the truck around the block a few times. You can stop after each lap to check the temp with the thermometer pointed at the transmission pan in front of your house. As the temp rose to 102-104 degrees in different locations on the transmission pan, I pulled into the garage, opened the engine compartment hood and pointed it at the inlet of the transmission cooler which measured at 109.5 and the outlet measured in the 99 degree range.
Someone else please jog my memory, but I think the recommended temp to check the transmission is around the 105 to 113 degree range. I’ve seen I few different temps quoted, but this is close enough and probably better than the dealer will do for you, as they need to wait for your transmission to cool down if you bring it to them for a check.
When I went back to check the pan it was at 107 degrees. That’s within the range for the check procedure.
You then just loosen and remove the transmission fluid OVERFLOW drain bolt (not the transmission fluid drain bolt) at the bottom of the pan. Both are at the bottom of the pan. You don’t want the trans drain bolt because you’d be dumping a whole bunch of your fluid!
Mine released about 4 to 6 ounces of fluid and then slowed to just drops or a trickle. At that point, put the drain plug/bolt back in and you’re done. It doesn’t have to be perfect. An ounce or two one way or the other is ok.
My transmission was shifting great before the check with the added 1 quart of fluid, so I just put 6 ounces back in the trans fill hole up high on the side of the transmission. I waited for the exhaust pipe to cool down first though!

 

Insert a plastic hand pump with clear hose installed on a 1 qt bottle of transmission fluid to fill your transmission if necessary.

 

Just to be clear. That’s a laser thermometer, not a 45 cal handgun!

 

Get a manual, I couldn't get over the auto 17 I had. Traded for a manual. The difference is night and day.

 

Highly doubt they will allow an overnight test drive of TRD PRO models due to demand at the time.

 

Never owned a 2nd gen, but I bought a ‘17 4cyl SR utility pkg because I just wanted a “back and forth to work” truck, and didn’t care about the frills. I liked it so much, that instead of driving my 370Z on weekends, I kept jumping in the taco.
Long story, long... I sold my 370Z, and traded my SR taco for my Pro.
Love, Love, Love it.
Do drive an offroad, and a sport, (back to back) to see the differences. The suspensions are way different. I think the pro has a plush ride like the offroad, but with a bit less “float” due to the awesome fox suspension.

 

The OP seemed concerned about the engine and transmission, he can simply do an extended test drive in an Off Road, Sport, Limited, or SR5 V6 as they all have the same drivetrain as the Pro.

 

Check around for a used one on a dealer lot and tell them you'd like to drive it overnight to see if you might want a brand new one.

They will likely allow that if you show them you are serious about purchasing.

Plus with a used one, many of the reported issues may have had a chance to manifest.

In this area (Atlanta) there are always a bunch of used 2016-2017 Tacomas on the lots.

I just did a check for used Off Road 4x4 models within 50 miles and there were 13 available.