Common issues with 3rd gen's??

I talked with a buddy of mine today, who has had tacoma's for a while but switched teams and bought a dodge recently (yuck) .. because he heard they had "issues" and "quirks" with the 3rd gens ... has anyone heard of this or are you concerned of this at all with the newer models? I want to get a Tacoma, but just want to be aware of what to possibly expect with the 3rd gen Taco's!

 

Start with a long test drive of a 3rd gen.

Then take a different 3rd gen on a long test drive.

Repeat step A.

Go test drive all the other manufacturers trucks.

Then come back and tell us what you think about it.

Really.

 

Every make has issues. I got the Tacoma for the reliability and resale value. Worst case scenario if it starts falling apart I can resell the turd for close to what I paid and try another brand.

I looked at the Dodge too. They can’t give them away with $13,000 incentives, that told me the resale was gonna suck bad.

 

Welcome to TW.

This is a topic that has been beaten to death. I highly recommend you review the sticky threads (at the top of the forum) for these and other details.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...formation-while-navigating-tomfoolery.616012/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-readers-inquisitors-and-the-like-read-here-first.391429/



Happy reading. Bring popcorn.

 

Yea man I've got an f150 right with 5.4L Triton.. and my mechanic says he hates those motors and striaght recommended me getting a Toyota. Yea thats nuts 13k in rebates or something.. i do like dodge interiors, but not exterior.

 

ahh oops thanks ok!!

 

I love mine!

 

ok.... so I’m not typing this to be “that guy” on a forum to the new guy.

but that said maybe go to google and type Tacoma 3rd gen problems or something of the sort. There are literally 1000’s of threads/ posts about it.

that said I’ve owned a 2nd Gen DCSB OR (2013), and I own the exact same truck, color and everything in a 2017 3rd Gen and I love it.

they get a ton of grief, but it’s like everything on the internet. Just wait till there’s a 4th Gen....

most common complaint is power is up higher, needs to rev more, and the transmission hunts for gears. That said i run mine with an 1100lb camper and couldn’t be happier. Just don’t think you’re buying a 5.7 hemi. Different truck different purpose. Good luck!!!!

 

Some folks aren’t cut out for Tacoma’s.

 

Just to play devil's advocate. If paying 1/3 less than sticker, it's never going to be worth more than that.
As to topic. Drive them all. Buy what you like and can afford, knowing a domestic CAN be more expensive in long term costs.

 

No worries - just helping you get right to the meat.

It’s a fantastic truck. Drive a couple of trims and find one you love. I’m partial to my DCLB and needing 3 miles to pull a U-turn, but you might be a DCSB guy.

The test drive is half the fun, so enjoy!

 

Biggest Problem = owners who just want to whine, bitch, complain, point fingers, do nothing to fix issues, can't turn a wrench and don't want to go in for warranty or TSB related items,..... Yah - owners who should just move on and go purchase a POS Ford or Chevy. JMO so don't get Butt Hurt!

 

The 19's are a better truck than the early 3rd gens. A host of annoyances were taken care of along the way. Just my experience, I owned a '16 M/T (built 09/15) and now a '19 M/T.

You're going to see both ends of the spectrum in here, from people who hate the truck and can't wait to tell you about it, to others who do nothing but gaslight anyone who dares speak ill of a 3rd gen. Most ppl fall somewhere in between thankfully. In any case, and speaking of stickied threads, I find this one to be educational:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/list-of-t-sbs-etc.562671/

 

I just traded in my 2011 Tacoma 4x4 work truck for a 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport and couldn't be happier. This is my 3rd Toyota truck. I started with a 1982 Toyota SR5 'truck', 2.4L carbed, 5spd manual that I drove for 13 years. This 3rd gen Tacoma is awesome. I just dropped mine off at the dealer this morning to have the trans re-flash done and have a new battery installed under warranty. If you take care of your stuff properly and keep up on any new TSB stuff you should be very happy. I'm the parts manager at a Honda car dealership but I've never owned a Honda (except the 6 different Honda motorcycles I've owned). This Tacoma is my 6th Toyota. I understand people not wanting to pay dealership prices for some of their maintenance items but don't be afraid to keep your truck updated per the bulletins. All in all the 3rd gen Tacoma is a great midsize truck which I hope to drive for another 10 years.

 

Leaky cabin

 

Just FYI, the rear diff whine and deceleration vibration are common quirks that may or may not show up during a test drive. The diff whine in particular usually emerges a couple hundred to a couple thousand miles later.

Overall, extremely happy with my truck, even with these minor quirks. Take one for a spin and see what you think!