Should I buy 3rd gen instead of 2nd?

So far I'm leaning towards buying a used, low mileage 2015 4x4 tacoma, but the price gap between that and a used 2017-19 isn't bad. I prefer the 3rd gen interface and appearance, but reliability and longevity are more important to me. I hope to have this truck for 10+ years and don't want to worry about major mechanical issues down the line. What do you guys think I should buy?

 

3rd gen, the interior is too outdated for the second gen and Toyota reliability is a given.

All cars will have lemons, doesn't matter the gen or brand, however some do more than others and I don't think there is much pointing to the 3rd gen being wildly unreliable.

 

The answer is really easy. The later year models are "almost" always better than the previous. Buy as new as you can get. The only reason to buy older is if you can afford to make it new again. Just my $0.02

 

Whatever you like and can afford?

 

Only you can decide what you should buy. Why ask strangers?

 

I have a 15 sport longbed 4x4, and a 17 offroad shortbed 4x4.
I tend to drive the 3rd gen more..... but you cant go wrong with either seriously. All this 2nd gen is better 3rd gen is better crap is garbage. Its a tacoma and i love them equally. Good luck brother!!!

 

I was looking for something with low miles not to old not brand new (upgraded from a 95 tacoma). I settled on a 2015. 3verything I wanted and needed plus i dont really like the look of the 3rd gens. I looked for months for the right choice, finally found it

 

My vote is later model 2nd gen

 

I hear you, but with proper maintenance most 2nd gens are praised for their longevity. Can 3rd gens hit 200k without having major mechanical issues?

 

I'm on my 3rd second gen. I may be biased...

 

3rd gen tech package is better than the 2nd gens if youre in to that sort of thing. The 4.0 in the 2nd gens is proving to be one of the best Toyota V6's made longevity wise.

Both have their ups and downs. Per this week, both have rust issues . Drive em both and see what you like better is my answer.

 

With the high standard of automotive manufacturing, I believe that I can get "ANY" vehicle to 300K easy.

 

Whatever you can afford. Theyre all great trucks, regardless of generation.

Anyone that says otherwise is an immature man-child.

 

Sure. @mosesofthesouth has over 230k miles on his 4-cylinder 3rd gen. Not sure what the highest mileage v6 one is.

 

My 02 4runner was at 270,000 when i traded it in. I loved that 3.4 L in that thing

 

If you look hard enough you can find a nice low mileage 2nd gen for a steal compared to a new third gen. Something with like 30k-40k miles for under $20,000. They're out there. Then it's hands down worth it to get the 2nd gen.

 

For what it's worth, this is what Consumer Reports says:

 

How many people surveyed per year? Those graphs alone dont tell the whole story.

 

No clue, this is what the offer on their used car page. I'm not making any claims.

 

Closest thing I've found to that price had 90k miles. Any search recommendations? So far I've been checking craigslist CA/AZ/NV, the big used car sites, and the marketplace here.