Poll: Why did you buy your 3rd Gen Tacoma?

Back in 1974 my dad was the first in our family to purchase a Toyota Hilux truck. It was bulletproof reliable (but rusted easily) and easy to mod/tune. I purchased a 2002 Tacoma DC TRD Off-Road 4WD and also found it to be reliable and capable on and off road. When it came time to get something new, I didn’t hesitate to shop again for another Tacoma. I fell for my new truck as soon as I saw it tucked away in the back of the dealer lot. I purchased it without even driving it. No regrets. I only wish that the automatic transmission computer shift logic could be refined, the tailgate lock was tied to the power locks, the front door pockets would fit letter size envelopes, and the passenger door handle had the same touch unlock/lock feature as the drivers side. But these are very minor annoyances that’s really nothing to get too upset about.

 

My wants:
Reliable
Resale value
Mid size truck

If that's what you want, you can't beat the Tacoma. I've had a Tundra and Ram, both nice trucks, but I wanted something easier to park.

 

Thanks, I drive them about equally.

 

I spent the last 10 years driving a Jeep Liberty and while it wasn't a bad vehicle there were many times where a truck would have been more handy around the house. So last year I spent a lot of time researching mid sized trucks and was actually holding out to see what Jeep would do with the Gladiator but the sticker shock and funky look changed my mind on that. I was seriously considering a Chevy Colorado and test drove one but it just felt off design wise aside from the ZR2 and that options was pricey as well. At the same time I was researching the Tacoma and with all its quirks there were things I really liked (Price, mods, reliability) and when I took a TRD OR for a test drive it just felt right and my wife liked all the safety options, although she tried talking me into that minivan thing called a Ridgeline because of consumer reports. I really wanted something that will last and I can tinker with to make it my own plus go camping, Tacoma just fit that bill for me.

 

I needed a vehicle in between the rubicon and a truck for off road and daily usability. First Toyota Ive ever owned and will be my last. Im glad for the resale, I guess then. Just cant get over how poorly it drives and shifts. Rides great, comfy. Checks most boxes I need it for but as a DD it is unbearable, severe throttle lag and a trans that shifts constantly regardless.

 

Shouldn’t the plate on the 3rd gen say “B Tacoma”?

 

I've owned three other Toyota trucks (88, 93 &04), and a 86 Toyota Van, 92 Previa Van, 03 Highlander, 15 Highlander & Rav4 (Wife's choice). When my wife said something to me a number of months back about trading her 14 Rav4 in on a truck, I never considered anything but a Toyota Tacoma. After checking out the prices of the '03 & '04s, I decided that a '16 or later would be better.

We also wanted a 4x4, so when we move to Utah in a few years, we could have a vehicle that could handle the snow.

I came across my '16 Tacoma Limited MGM 4x4 just a day or two into my search, there was no doubt that it would do the job I needed. And since I don't use it for my 125 mile a day commute, it would last me for a long time!

 

Went from a 94 4Runner with a 3.slow to a sedan to cut gas costs for college. After a few years with my sedan, I wanted back in a truck.

Started looking at 4Runners and Tacomas. I went with the Toyota brand because I am well versed in its reliability. Test drove both the 4Runner and Tacoma and went and signed the papers for my 2019 SR the next day.

 

Why did I buy a brand new 3rd gen Tacoma?

Because I could not find a brand new 1985 Toyota Pickup or 1st gen Tacoma.

 

Of your annoyances:

• Auto transmission can be helped but not totally cured with OVTune.
• Tailgate lock can be tied to power locks with pop-n-lock.
• Passenger door handle can be modded to keyless mode.
• Can’t help with the door pockets... just need to get letters to fit in our many cup holders.

 

Hum, not a bad idea, my plates renew next month

 

Get real.

You have two options:

1) F-150 Raptor

2) You are not wealthy, so Tacoma.



anything else makes you look like a joke.



wait wait wait...

3) BMW, for tricking women into fornicating

 

BMW would also imply wealth. Or some form of making poor decisions.

 

never had a truck before....

 

Owned a 1st gen AC and loved it.
The 2016 DCSB seems really big in comparison and love it.

 

This

 

I was making a deal on a 2018 ecoboost 2x4 extended cab. I needed a truck and I am a loyal Ford guy. The Ford Dealer had this 2017 Tacoma 4x4 Sport on the used lot. It had caught my eye when I was waiting on the dealer to jump start the Ford so I could take it for a test ride, honest true story. Before I signed for the Ford I told them to "give me a number on the Blue Tacoma 4x4." The guy comes back, "it is just about exact price since the Ford has a rebate etc." ...I always wanted one of these, deep down. I had a FX4 4door back when I had more dollars than sense. That was a heck of a nice truck, roomier, quieter, smoother, little better gas milage. Just wasn't "MY" truck. Anyways...if anyone is still reading this, I just wanted it.

 

I used to ride around in my buddy's 1st gen a lot. Climbing into a 3rd gen for the first time felt like hopping into a full-size in comparison. Slight exaggeration, but still...

Then again, I think that's how most cars are going. Before this truck, my last two cars were 1993 and 2007 Ford Exploders. The 2007 dwarfed the 1993 when I parked them side-by-side.

 

Have owned many Toyota's over the years, and have gotten great service from all of them. My previous daily driver was a 2nd Gen AC that I liked, so I expect this one to be my ride for a long time.

 

For me
Had an 85 which was clapped out when I bought it and it just kept running and running and running....
92 which took me all over Colorado and never once let me down. sold it with 190k 13 years ago and still see it running around town.
Wife’s 14’ 4Runner trail has been spot on
Off-road abilities
Manual tyranny
Size