I need help....On the fence.

Bit dramatic there don't you think Sparky?

Agreed

To the OP - I purchased a TRD Off Road DCSB in 2018 to be used mainly as my daily runaround car, and to access the local beach that only allows 4 x 4 vehicles. I considered an Outback, Wrangler, and the Tacoma. For me, it was the Tacoma hands down. Shockingly, my wife felt the same way.

I live in Florida where the steepest hill is probably on I-95. As such, I've experienced zero issues with the transmission and the down shifting issue that others experience in hilly areas. All the other complaints, I chalk up to an internet forum where less than 100 people complain about a vehicle that annually sells in the hundreds of thousands. Think about that for a second.

If you want a sporty car - like a number of people on here apparently do, you will be disappointed. I've got an Audi TT RS and no, the Tacoma won't hang with it on the road. Hell, it won't hang with the wife's MDX. It isn't meant to.

On the other hand, I can't take the Audi on the beach, haul 25 bags of mulch from Home Depot, fit enough gear to camp for a week, or make runs to the dump.

It's all about expectations. It's a Toyota truck. It will probably outlast me (I am turning 61 in April).

All the other "issues" that people have, mostly legit, I have not experienced nor have three of my neighbors that also have Sport and Off Road Gen 3 Tacomas ranging from 2016 to 2020 models.

Is it perfect? No.

Is it one of the most reliable trucks on the market with ridiculous, RIDICULOUS, trade-in values? Yes.

So, if you're a wannabe Mario Andretti with the driving skills of Miss Daisy, I recommend you pass.

If you just want reliable, functional transportation, I'd take a serious look. As others have said, take a long test drive. Maybe take several over a coupe of weeks. From your post, you say your window isn't until the summer so use that time to research, but don't be scared off by issues noted on the forum. Good to take note of them, but the vast majority of owners don't seem to have any problems. I haven't.

Good Luck!

 

Early 3rd gens had some annoyances to be sure, but most of those were taken care of by Toyota over the years. Even the M/T had some issues with the OEM engine calibration, mostly with very laggy throttle response and bogging off the line. I had and early 3rd gen M/T OR, so no bench racing here.
My '19 is much better off the lot than my '16 was, including the OEM tune. While the throttle is still a bit unpredictable when blipping for rev match, you can get used to it. The bottom end still lacks somewhat, but since I have experience with OVT I know that is mostly artificial (in the OEM tune). Toyota has however heard feedback and improved things along the way, there's no doubt about it (check out the list of TSBs on this forum). Anyone that thinks there were just a few "whiners" on an internet forum doesn't really understand this point.
As far as the "dreaded" diff howl, it was LOUD on my '16 (only at certain speeds and when feathering the throttle)... but nothing bad happened in the 4 years I owned that truck. Toyota managed to reduce how much of this vibration you hear with updated leaf packs, cab mounts and sound deadening material in the rear of the cab (according to the TSB that was issued for it). It's important to note that not ALL trucks do this BTW.
Having said this, I CAN still hear the diff howl on my '19 under the same conditions. It's there, but much less noticeable - I guess in my case I can't "unhear" it lol.

As some have said, it's best to turn on the filters when reading opinions on TW. There are haters, but there are also those who continually bash anyone who finds fault with this truck (the gaslighting gang).

Good luck!

 

Glad I could be a small part in helping you join the Tacoma World of financial ruin.

As I said, you won't be disappointed!

 

You know it to be true.

 

Disagree.

First time i drove mine was after signing the paperwork.

To be fair. I did test drive a few different used trucks and did test drive an auto version of mine just to appease the dealer.

 

You spend 35k without test driving your vehicle? Do you buy homes without walking through them also? Just seems like odd practice to me

In my case i didn't test drive my exact truck because it was ordered but i did drive 3 2017's before knowing it was what i wanted.

 

14.5 years later. seems to have worked out ok

i've been kicking around the idea of getting a new ride.... if it is new, i most likely won't bother with a test drive.

 

I guess man, i would just hate locking myself into that kind of contract without knowing what I'm getting into.

 

It sounds like the OP drives a Silverado and never had a Tacoma, didn't like the harsh ride of the Sport he quickly tested and is on the fence about owning one. Seems like a good idea for him to get an extended or overnight test drive to see if he would like it before shelling out a bunch of money.

 

You will not be dissapointed with any MT 3rd gen taco. I drove my buddies 19 AT off road and it drove beautiful, just not my cup of tea. Both will be fine.

I love my truck more everyday. Tranny is nice and smooth, very nice low first gear. Reverse a bit too high but easily solved with 2WD LOW mod.

No diff howl, vibrations, hesitations etc. Gets decent mpgs, drives smooth, plenty of power and looks good, what more can you ask for?

Good luck man.

 

Yep own an 03 Silverado. The 2019 sport I test drove felt like it had adequate power just didnt care for the suspension on our rough roads. I will test drive some 2020s to see how the power seat is because I will admit being 6'2 the 2019 was a little awkward sitting in but not uncomfortable. Of course I joined here and read all the nit picky bullshit on the forums and it obviously scared me lol. I feel a little more confident about getting one now because the thought of a manual truck sounds dope.

 

Yup. Me too. Test drove a few used and then purchased a new one without even seeing it in person. Toyotas have always given me confidence....

 

It took awhile to get my manual but it was worth the wait.

 

No test drive for me either.......

 

I test drove my taco for 10 mins and thats all i needed. Been happy ever since, especially after ADM.

 

65k miles in 3 years. Not one issue.

 

Wait, you are telling me that you are not even hitting your shins when getting into the truck?

 

Oh, I had a broken windshield from a rock and some scratches from bushes. Does that count?

 

Only counts if you made a thread and complained about the said things on TW.