trying to determine if going from a 2010 with low miles to a 2016 or newer is really worth it?

I like my 3rd gen more than my previous 2nd gen.

That being said, my 2nd gen was a AC and I needed a DC for the kiddos getting bigger. I got a good deal on my 3rd gen and raped the dealer on my 2nd gen trade.

Good luck and nothing at all wrong with keeping what you have.

 

Do you really need a new truck?

I'm still driving my '10 Frontier Pro-4x because it only has 62k on it, I owe nothing on it, it drives great and it's still quite safe by modern standards.

 

If your truck is providing good service and meeting all your needs, it will never 'worth it' financially. Even if you pay cash for the move, you're losing time value of those funds. And you are at the prime season of TCO on your current truck.

In terms of a personal 'worth it', as in do you like it better, only you can decide.

Some folks like it better, but not enough to pay the difference. Some folks don't like it better, regardless of cost.

 

With only 60k on it, I would keep it. But you gotta do you.

 

I’d say it depends on your individual needs and whether or not you can benefit from all the added tech (expense) or not.
If you’re an avid off-road enthusiast, all the new tech may help you better, if you would potentially benefit from better (21-23+ mpg) fuel mileage too.

However, all this (tech) may come at a great cost for us all at service time. Meaning you may have to take out a mortgage loan to address any issues this may bring you if you’re not a DIY type.

If I was in your shoes, I’d keep it till the wheels come off. But that’s just me.

Cheers!

 

After just returning from a 2000 mile trip to St Louis with my 2017 TRD Pro, I wish I had kept my 2010. There is a big difference in acceleration, MPG, and ability to maintain set cruise between the 2 and I miss that 2010. Just my 2 cents.

 

So, two of my friends have 2nd gens - literally no problems.

I own a 3rd gen, and it’s been a complete lemon. Seal failures, brake vibrations, electrical issues — and that horrendous differential howl they call “normal” and i call bullshit

I’ve had the truck since april and have put on 36,000 miles touring the country. I really want to keep the truck, but it’s not put together well and service departments won’t stand behind it.

I’d say i’m hesitant to own it past warranty but it was always like pulling teeth to get the dealerships to fix things anyway

It’s a pretty truck. And that’s about all the good i can say about it

 

If your value is good on ur 10, which im sure it is, it may be worth trading. Shit, why not test drive a 4runner too? They have a cult following too I'd atleast drive a new truck and see how you feel about it. I love my 19.

 

I'd go for it, but only for the right reasons. If you want a more modern truck, less years exposed to the environment, better tech, then go for it.

If you're happy with your truck and that stuff doesn't bother you, then keep your truck and avoid any extra payments.


As far as the ability or what not of the third GEN, it's fine. Outside of those people who have legit issues with their trucks ( which all generations have), it's just internet people doing internet crying.

60k miles on a 2017. Around 3000 miles between offroading and back country camping. I've caved in my skid plate a couple of times. Truck performs great. I'd still buy it again over my 2006 access cab MT sr5 and my 2011 AT dcsb

 

And beware all the negative Nancy's about the 3rd gen. It is not near as bad as some of them make it out to be. Some people like to bitch and bitch, it has amazing resale, trade it and move the fuck on.

 

Actually, It's called consumerism and debt

 

^This!

My son has a 2008 Taco with 52K miles and I have a 2018 TRD OR. While the 2018 is miles ahead in fit, finish, and feel, the drivetrain in the 2008 trumps it.

Unless you really just want a new truck - nothing wrong with that - my advice is to keep what you've got and upgrade the tech features through a new head unit (did that with my son's truck last year).

 

Keep the 2nd gen unless you really want/need a change in configuration. Outside of the luxury/tech stuff they've bolted on there is not much change in the platforms, IMO. All stuff you can add for a fraction of the preloaded premium and get better 3rd party stuff.

This would be a debate if you were coming from a different vehicle but a 2nd gen? I think you would instantly regret that payment with how little you'd be changing from your current vehicle.

 

The cheapest truck, is usually the one you have. You can probably add anything you want to the 10. as long as the frame is good i'd keep it. If it's starting to rot then you should probably trade it in

 

You can only reasonably add a HU to the '10. You can't add a new drive train, or crawl, etc. But if you've gotten fine without it this far, well....

 

Does your truck have stability control and side airbags? The extra safety is one thing you can't really add to an older truck. My '05 lacks both options, I'd say this is the biggest shortcoming vs. a new model. I'm at greater risk of injury or death on the highway. But shit, I'm not making payments, and that's nice too!

 

My son still has my old 2nd gen at home here so I can compare often. The 2nd gen was a special convergence where the designers got most everything right. 3rd gen has improved some areas and gone backwards in some, but it doesn’t have that overall zen balance of design that the 2nd gen has. As an engineer I notice these things. I’ve owned only Toyota pickups since the 1984 model, and I think 2nd gen was special.

Having said that, I’m enjoying the more modern experience in my 3rd gen and plan to mod the weak points (seats, sound insulation, OV Tune, head unit, haven’t found a solution for the lack of a sunglasses holder yet). I like the 3rd gen, I’m not negative on it. I was just a little disappointed that Toyota couldn’t keep the 2nd gen design team together for the 3rd gen and make it better in every way.

 

The romanticization of the 2nd Gen on this forum is really silly. The 4.0 definitely has a little more guts down low, but then peters out once you get going. The 3.5 might be a little lacking in low end grunt, but once you’re into it a little bit it definitely feels faster. And MPG wise it smokes the 4.0. The introductory issues that plague any new model are long gone and any weird quirks and vibrations etc are inherited from the 2nd Gen that it’s so similar to. Some forget that the 2nd Gen were often referred to as plastic crap by 1 Gen’rs when they came out.

What’s more important is that it makes sense to you financially. Despite what the debt police on here seem to think, there’s nothing wrong with owing on a new car, especially when as desirable and that holds its value as well as a Tacoma. Make a good deal, use your valuable trade as a nice down payment, and get a good interest rate - not a thing in the world to feel bad about.

If it makes sense and you like the new truck, do it! Those of us that love our 3rd Gen’s really love them, and judging by how well they’re selling compared to how the 2nd Gen sold many agree. (Inb4 some genius uses a McDonald’s metaphor) On the other hand, if it doesn’t work out you get to keep your awesome 2nd Gen. No lose either way.

 

i dislike the 2nd gen interior and don't find the engine any better or worse overall than 3rd gen so if you have the money i'd say splurge on a 2020.