Looking for general opinions on your Tacoma

Hey everyone. I am considering a new leftover 2017 Tacoma that a couple of dealers still have. I dont normally consider buying new but if the deal is right, I may consider it.

I have read a bunch of reviews on the new generation Tacoma but I wanted to get some opinions from you guys here on how you like them. Pros and cons to the truck from people that own them.

I would love a 4x4 but really dont need it. I am looking at a Double Cab, V6, tow package, SR5. Just a nice truck, not a lot of extra stuff. Will be doing some trailering, just a small camper, but the towing is normally long interstate runs up to the mountains. Have a couple of kids to haul and just using the truck for a daily driver with weekends trips to Lowes and stuff like that.

Most everyone that I have talked to really dont have anything bad to say about them. A friend of mine owned a 2012 for a few years and now has a 2016. He likes both of them. No issues.

A Tacoma is just one of the vehicles I am considering as a replacement for my current ride. I have been looking at 2015 Tacomas too. Used Tacomas are everywhere in my area so finding a used one is no problem at all. I like both the current Generation and the last. From what I understand, Tacomas seem to run a long time with almost no issues and have crazy resale value where I am.

Thanks for any opinions ahead of time.

 

I generally like my 16 . Welcome to TW

 

I had a 2016 SR5 4X4 2.7L 4 cylinder and put 27K on it, just traded it in for a new 2017 TRD Sport 4X4 V6 and couldn't be happier. Both trucks have been great.

 

I bought a 2017 DCSB 4X4 TRD Off Road. Got the Premium and Technology package. I like it overall. Sold a 2005 Ram quad Cab 4X4 for it. Wanted a smaller truck to wheel around town in. Thought it had everything I wanted on it but then caught MOD fever. Beware of that. You might want to drive one over a weekend if you can. The drivetrain takes some getting used to. Since you are considering a 2nd gen you might like the way they drive better. Be careful about towing. The Tacoma won't tow heavy loads. And you might want to get a long bed depending on what you plan to haul.

 

After 13,000 miles, I can say this about my V6 DCSB MT

1) No reliability issues on my part.
2) mileage is as advertised for my Manual transmission


3) Entune is behind the curve as far as features go. I was originally very impressed because I drove a 2007 Tacoma that had almost nothing, but seeing what other companies offer has me a little envious.

4) The power train... The power is there, but you won't feel it because it is a high rev'ing low displacement motor. I feel like I can get high 7s 0-60 times, which is great for a truck like this. However, because all the power is at the high-end, it doesn't give you that sensation that a low-end torque motor will. I have acclimated myself to the motor, and I am fine with it. In fact, I enjoy the surge in power at 3500rpm, but most people on this forum don't seem to like it.

Please pay attention to 3 and 4 above because you have been warned. I don't want to see you on this forum 3 months from now complaining about the power train.

Overall, it's the same ol' same ol' from Toyota--Behind the curve in excitement, above the curve in conservatism and durability. I feel like this will go 2 200k miles with no issue like my 2nd gen Tacoma and my old MR2 mkII

One thing that doesn't seem to get old about this Truck my eyes are the aesthetics. I think it's a very good looking vehicle, and I like jumping in it everyday.

 

I think you can get a great deal, but I'd make them check and perform every TSB before I would accept it. And I would want a list of TSB's for the model year and which were performed. If they tell you it doesn't apply, cross check the VIN.

In my experience, because dealers can be dinged for excessive warranty work they are incented to only fix something when a customer complains. Save yourself the headaches...

 

I’ve enjoyed my 16.
My advise is to test drive, test drive and test drive.

 

I generally like my '16, 4 banger except for the cow manure smell that is in my a/c evap core.

 

Sold mine. It was super shitty.

 

Personally, I am loving my truck. If you spend any time on this site, you will see people that have issues with theirs...it happens in every vehicle, so I can't speak for those folks. I know that so far, mine has been solid, and not had any of the issues that some others have reported on TW.
That being said, mine was kind of a " settle" purchase. I say that because I really wanted a full-size ... F-150, Chevy & Tundra were the ones considered. The problem with those was, I could not justify the amount of $ they wanted for what I wanted in a truck (NAV, heated seats, other convenience features...) My kids are grown, so I am not normally hauling a family around. It is my DD, sometimes the wife & I will take it to the mall (lol) or go out. Tacoma was always kind of just sitting there, looking at us, saying "hey, I have all those features, I'm not a boat like those guys, and just look how damn sexy I am!" We test drove a few, liked the size of the double cabs, the utility of the "long bed" and the amount of features available for the price.
When it came down to it, I knew that the one in my garage was "the one". The color, the skewp, it drove great, and just felt right. Haven't had a minute of regret since.
They are quite capable, but also aren't going to overwhelm you with the power. As long as you know that beforehand...and like was said before "don't go complaining about it's lack of power". Those that haven't driven a rev-happy engine don't get that you've got to give it some gas to wake the engine up. It is there, but you have to go to 3500-4000 rpm's to feel that kick. Personally, I think it has plenty of power...but if I want speed, I'll get on my sportbike, drive my brothers Vette, whatever...
Test drive that thing, make sure it feels right to you. Make sure it has what you need in a vehicle, there are so many options to choose from.
Best of luck, and welcome to TW!

 

Loving mine so far, but not enough time for a solid opinion yet. Only thing that bothers is the shifting, but I think it's still learning since it has < 300 on the clock so far.

I have to say i liked my new insurance rates. I expected a higher rate with a new truck (old was a '13 Tundra 5.7), but my insurance went down rather than up. All the new safety stuff... (j/k smaller displacement more likely)

 

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I love my 2016!

 

Lack of Low End Torque would probably be the biggest complaint I have with this truck but I have adjusted my driving style to try to compensate for it, the Rear Diff Howling is a bit annoying but it is a great Truck otherwise. As said above, make sure you get an extended test drive so that you know you are going to be comfortable with it.

 

opinions here go both ways so you'll just need to see for yourself with an extensive test drive. maybe drive the 15 back to back if possible.

 

Yeah you’re gonna get wildly varied opinions. Look Bro. If you want a Toyota Tacoma aka a pickup truck made by Toyota, you’re gonna be stoked. If you need Ferrari shaped like a truck, you’re gonna be pissed. If you need rich Corinthian leather and an interior that feels like velvet and coddles you like a womb, you’re gonna be upset. If you need your truck to have power everything because you can’t cope with basic fucking functions in the physical world... yup. It’s gonna suck for you. But if inside you gotta have a Toyota pickup, even if it means there is no automatic rear step to help you into the bed, and your maybe ok with shifting your own gears...then you already know. This shit is for you. My truck is amazing fun everyday. I’m revving out in a 2.7 off road go cart and I couldn’t be happier. Wouldn’t trade the experience for any other vehicle. I’m just into this particular stuff.


Also if you need rear disc brake because it’s 2018 don’t bother.

 

Test drive all the vehicles you are considering. You will easily know which one is your favorite to drive, and that is the one you should get. Other people's opinions don't matter.

 

A lot of us 3rd gen owners are unhappy with the trucks ECU and bad throttle response. The truck looks great but its definitely lacks in power. Especially if you are towing something or loading something heavy. The truck hunts for gears.
With that said I would buy it and then get Orange Virus Tune.

 

General opinion.
I have 700 mi on my 17, 2wd, double cab, long bed.

I drove the F150 and was surprised that I almost liked it. The turbo engine and the first year of the 10 speed transmission made me a little nervous. It fit in the garage (barely) and had Android Auto.

Then I drove the Tacoma. It just fit me. Same length bed (approximately) just not as wide. Comparable fuel economy. Smaller cab (a plus and a minus). About $1500 cheaper and better features / didn't feel as cheap.

My biggest concern was a sheet of plywood not laying flat in the bed. That fear has been alleviated with 2 2x6s in the bed notches. I hauled 13 sheets of plywood over the weekend along with other lumber under / between the wheel wells.

I'm very happy with my decision.

 

I like my 2017 SR double cab 4X4 so far. I wanted to go off road and am selling my 2007 Honda Ridgeline, which I think is a great truck. Best advice is to go test drive any truck you are interested in and compare for your self.

 

Ive owned both 15’ and 17’. The 15 seemed more powerful and my wife swears the inside was more roomy but the 16 looks nicer and has more interior options. If i could chose one today both brand new id chose the 16 or 17 simply for the pushstart but dont think that comes in sr5 haha