Buy a 3rd gen or 2nd gen advice

So I'd like to stay around $35k otd. I'd prefer a trd offroad double cab auto short bed. I'd really like to have the locker. I can get a new 2018 SR for this price but a trd will be around $40k otd. I was going to just buy the new SR but started reading about all the issues; shifting, rear end howl and leaks, frame rust, wind noise, etc. For this much cash, I shouldn't have to worry. If you were buying again today, would you get a slightly used 2nd gen trdor or go for the 3rd gen SR for about the same price? Either model I get will get wheels, tires, and leveled at a min. Thanks!

 

I honestly like the 2nd gen over the 3rd, 3rd is way too overpriced!

 

You can probably get a nice 2015 4x4 for $25,000-$30,000

 

A used 3rd gen should be something to consider too...

 

Welcome to the forum!
Don't buy a Tacoma. Too many problems. Mine is just fine, but, reading this forum, I know it will soon just self destruct so I am going to get rid of it because of forum posts.

Look, what you read here is NOT real life. Every problem is way exaggerated here. Sure, out of the 20K a month they sell, there is bound to be one or two with a problem. It's the same with every mechanical device made by man. The ones with problems, they post about them here. The ones without problems, they just don't post. They enjoy the truck.
You don't have any more worries buying a Tacoma than you would have buying a GM or any other brand. Go visit their forums. Report back.

 

You should be able to get a 3rd gen TRDOR. For that price. Where are you located? I'm in socal and got mine DCLB TRDOR for about 36 otd. Auto, Tow Package and Entune premium is all. None of that other fancy stuff.

 

4x4?

 

Yes sir.

 

Damn that is a good price. It was brand new?

OP I think it will highly depend on the 35K OTD where you live. In the PNW I still see TRD sports with 15-20k miles at the dealer starting out at 36k. They are never going to sell it at that but talking them down will be a hassle.

 

2nd gen

 

I found my Sport for a little over 30k after taxes with only 5k on the odometer. You can certainly find an Off-road for 35k. I also haven't had any of the major issues plaguing these trucks. We'll except for the "Made in the USA" battery dying prematurely. Seriously, I question where it really came from.

 

I’ve owned both and loved them both. I’m not going to get involved in a my truck is better than your truck debate (2nd vs. 3rd, etc.), but I will say that I find my 3rd gen more refined and quieter than my 2nd gen. I also like some of the creature comfort features better (infotainment, etc.). The trucks are still very similar in many regards, but I do not regret purchasing either one. I’m a buy new kind of guy so I’d get a new one in my price range and not look back. Like so many others on here, I had the howling rear differential issue, that turned out to be a resonance issue. Mine is now fixed thanks to a TSB. Neither generation truck is perfect, but to me they are better than anything else out there for my needs. I say buy what you want and don’t look back. Chances are you will be glad you did. Peace....

 

OP I just bought a 3rd genTRD DCLB Off Road and prev had a 2nd gen SR5.

The shifting hasn't bothered me yet and just did a 1000 mile road trip. What concerns me is the diff problems but seems Toyota is fixing those and perhaps the 2018's don't have that problem anymore.

The creature comforts are super nice. However it lacks some easily implemented ones like walking away and your car automatically locking. Or being able to unlock your car from both sides with the keyless system.

 

A coworker's son just bought a used 3rd gen TRD sport for $30k with less than 25k miles (central Massachusetts). I doubt the market for a used 3rd gen OR would be significantly different (a quick look on carmax has a bunch of used 3rd gens for less than $35k).

 

You could be like the 1st guy that responded who buys a second gen, wishing for a 3rd gen, and hang out in the 3rd gen forum.

Or just go ahead and buy a 3rd gen for a little more than a used 2nd gen. And for the record, I would just get an SR and install an ARB locker (if that's your thing). I like my Off-Road for sure and will not switch it out, but doing it over, SR (DCSB 4x4) would be first overall draft pick.

 

First gen FTR!

 

Test drive both, see which one you like best. You may end up hating one and liking the other. That’s the only way to know which is the better truck for you.

 

Ok ok useful info, second gens have had MOST of their hiccups worked out by end a production 3rds are still finding new issues. BUT! Accessories etc are still coming out for 3rds which is fun.

If It’s a Toyota. It’s great

 

I'm located in Truckee, CA so my closest dealer is in Reno, NV and Sacramento is 2nd closest. $36K otd would be great. I'd go for that.

 

Really? The locker is the only thing I'd really like on the trd over the sr. I figure an arb would be over $1k. Not sure on the exact price though.