Like to hear your thoughts

I’ve been driving a 1993 4x4 regular cab for almost 25 years. Almost 500,000 miles with hardly no problems except a crate motor about 70,000 miles ago. I’ve been wanting to get a New Tacoma since middle of 2016 but I’ve read and seen a lot of negativity on the trans and motor. Are the 2018 any better.

 

same engine and tranny..test drive the crap out of it and drive some with ECT on. do not let the salesman distract you by talking thru the test drive. pay attention when turning into traffic and the power it puts out in that situation and compare with ECt on. test drive a least twice then decide...

 

I wonder how the 6 speed manual would be versus the auto. I think that be a good idea. Test drive the hell out of it

 

It's a new and different truck. You CANNOT compare the two. Drive a new one and take the time to learn the new technology. If you like it, buy it.
I love mine. Had a 2nd gen for 10 yeas and 150K miles. Love this one more. It IS different.

G.

 

Best advice would be to get an extended or overnight test drive and see if you like it.

 

What config are you looking at?

I love my 3.5 auto. Zero issues. Like 99.9% of others. Remember, this is the Internet. Issues get overblown, stickers get you HP, and MPG’s magically get doubled.

 

No matter what, this new truck is not going to be like your old truck.

It could be better. It could be worse. It will not be the same so don't fall into that trap.

Test drive. A lot. Good luck!

 

Just get a manual transmission and you'll love it. The autos aren't bad, but the shifting takes some getting used to.

 

I really enjoy the manual transmission in my ‘18.

 

Something to keep in mind is when somebody loves a restaurant typically they won't go out of their way to go on yelp and write a positive review, however if somebody doesn't like the same restaurant they typically put a tremendous amount of effort into a negative review as if they want the place shut down. But as everyone says test drive test drive and test drive.

 

I came out of a 2010 DC TRDOR SB AT to my 6 week old now 2017 DC TRDOR LB AT and I love it, tranny takes a little getting used to and I catch myself getting fixed on the real time MPG and driving a little different. ECT is great when you need a little higher shift level and for pulling my trailer with the Mule Pro loaded shifting to S4 or 5. Test drive enough to be comfortable and go for what feels good.

 

The MT is killer. I'd get that and not look back

 

I just test drove the crap out of one and I thought it was no issue at all. I think if you drive one you will like it a lot

 

I’ve had both. I much prefer the manual. The gearing and 4.30 rear end make a huge difference.

 

I drove my 93 extended cab for 20 years as a daily driver and had 186K on it when I sold it two years ago. Great truck and it treated me well. The biggest problem area I had was the radiator which was repaired five times. I put two PS pumps and one A/C compressor in it. Everything else was pretty much what you'd expect for that age and mileage of a vehicle.

I'm second gen, so it's not quite the same, but I'll tell you this much. It's a completely different truck than what you've been driving. More power, smoother and quieter. You're obviously more mature now, and the new trucks will suit you better while doing everything your old truck did, and generally do it better. Better brakes, more cabin room, much better acceleration and probably more mileage.

That said, it is bigger, on the outside so you have to get used to that. I miss the more "direct" feel the '93 had. Seems like I could sense the surface of the road better, especially in snowy conditions. Maybe it was because I was so used to it, or because it was smaller, but I felt more confident in it even though the new truck has more features that will keep me out of the ditch.

In any case, I think you made the right decision to wait a few years after the third gen came out. Good luck in your decision.

 

Test drive, test drive, test drive. All models and trims. See what you like best. Only you know what you like and what you will be happy with.

 

See if you can do a 24hr test drive. I’ve read a lot on mpg(cause mine sucks lol) and it seems the manual guys average better, or at least from what I’ve noticed.

 

The best way to get a long test drive is with a used one. This way the dealer isn't worried about the miles you put on. I like the sport shift, if you stay in 3rd past 2500 rpm, 4rth gear is better. The engine seems to love high rpms. There is something to love about these trucks but Toyota should have done a much better job on shift points and wind noise and seat levels.

 

I keep hearing this story but what has actually changed ? Safety sense in 2018 ??? Sliding window ?

 

So, 430k on the '93 pucker before a crate motor eh? Congrats is in order, not bad, not bad at all.
As for the '18 and as mentioned above, it's the same exact truck, drive train and all plus some TSS (Toyota safety sense) hardware which you may or may not want.

My thoughts -

You plan to keep your truck for the extended long run? Get the 2.7L four banger, and if it's a 4X4, get the auto. R&R clutches on 4X4 at 80-120k intervals is a PITA. On a 4x2 not so much.

If you need more power, consider adding a turbo. The four will serve you well, only 4 spark plugs, injectors and no $$1k DS4 HPFP plus Injectors and a whole host of other as of yet unknown variables on the 3.5L Lexus. The four is a Toyota, same company, but is made for us average folks like that to hold on to things and love them long time.

As for the rest of truck, I feel that its as solid or better than they have ever been, as are all the electronic bells and whistles.
Word to the wise, my thoughts are only worth about .02 cents.

Hope that helps
Cheers!