To 3rd gen or not to 3rd

I went from a 05 2nd gen to the 2018 3rd gen and like the 3rd gen a whole lot more, very nice truck!

 

The only reason i said 19 and up is fine, because some 16-18 required ecu updates. I think this new aisin is a very smart transmission, reliable as well.

I was surprised how well the 19 drove, i was expecting it to drive like shit, after reading all this bs about "hunting". Good response and picks up speed when needed.

 

I had a 2011 4cyl before my 2018. It's my daily so I appreciate the added tech and comfort features in the 3rd gen. Only thing I miss from my old truck was the T-handle park brake.

 

I had that t handle parking brake in my first vehicle, mazda b2200. Was different, thats for sure, cant say i miss it though.

 

I have no issues with mine - it IS different than my GMC vehicles (V8s) but for the roughly 48K miles I've put on this truck - in 12-13 months...I love it.

 

My buddy loves his 19 as well, he was expecting it to drive horribly after reading TW. He loves it more everyday he says, it took some kms for tranny to learn he said, but its great now.

 

Yeah I understand - I wasn't sure if it was learning or it was teaching me - regardless it's great now. I DO NOT discount folks may have issues - and I must admit I am more interested in the utility/function of the truck (we own a horse farm on a river) and I'm often deep in mud and driving along trails by the river - the size and capabilities of this truck are spot on for my needs. I am also NOT a car/truck guy - but I have enjoyed this truck more than any other vehicle I've owned - and I've owned a lot (and I use to be a car guy in my younger days).

 

See if you can find one to rent that is or close to what interested and get for 3 or 4 days, take in on trip and use like you normally would, If it's a 4 by find so safe off road trail to try.

 

I had an 07 Tacoma and really hated it. When I test drove a 2019 everything I hated was gone so I bought a 2020. I was shocked at how much better the 3rd generation is.

 

I liked the 4.0 liter v6 with the auto better than the 3.5 with the auto. Manual is the about the same as the 2nd gen.

For me, the biggest gripe about the 3rd gen compared to 2nd gen is the visibility out the windshield - the hood sits too high IMO (even worse if you desire a fake skewp like so many bros on here). You will get used to it so its not a huge deal, though.

I'd go with a '20 since you get Android Auto/Carplay - really hate that my '17 is lacking this option. I think with the '20s (and maybe '19s) you also get a much better range of seat adjustments which would prob be nice too for a lot of people.

Also, Bronco is only a few months away... if I were in the market for something new right now I'd wait to see what that thing ends up looking like before I made a decision if possible (unless of course the truck bed is 100% needed).

 

This is a smart idea. I see Tacoma's at most Avis Airport locations, especially larger airports. Get one for a long weekend and have at it. Small price to pay especially if the local stealership can't or won't loan one for a few days. They seem to be all over the map about that.

 

Seems to be a lot of complaints about the automatic transmission.
Why?