Issues solved between 2017 and 2020?

I’m back in the market for a Tacoma after selling my second gen awhile back. I’m thinking about trying a third gen. I’m looking at a used 2017 TRD Off road or a new or used 2019-2020 SR5. Salesman and I couldn’t come together on a New 2020 SR5 today. Have there been any major changes or issues resolved between 2017 and 2020? For example the head gasket issue on the 2005’s which was resolved sometime in 2006. I don’t need the TRD package, it’s just the used one I found has it, so not considering that as a decision point. I’ll ultimately swap suspension and everything else I can eventually.

 

I have a 2017, it's a great truck.

 

I get a low mileage 17 TRD OR. Skip all the TSS bullshit.

 

2018 introduced safety sense.
2020 introduced the availability of Apple Car Play.
Somewhere in there leather seats became available for TRD OffRoads and Sports, cant quite remember when that was.
Some double cabs had a leak from the 3rd brake light, there was a fix for that.

 

The auto transmission was recalibrated for the 2020 model year.

 

let’s be real. He needs a 1st gen 4dr

 

From personal experience, if I could go back in time, I would buy a 2017. I ended up buying a 2018 and I am not a fan of the tss and radar and camera stuff.

 

My brother just sold his 96 T100 with an 8ft bed for $700. Did I mention he’s a moron?

 

Turn it off. And you can use regular cruise control still.

 

Rear diff leak recall fixed some time in 2017 IIRC.
3rd brake light leak fixed some time 2017 (applicable to double cab models only).
2018+ has TSS safety features, all of which could be turned off if you want. I actually like adaptive cruise and lane departure warning, because all the good off-road trails are 3+ hours drive from my city.
2019 deleted the larger bed storage bin on the driver's side.
2020 has a new infotainment architecture. Head unit has Android Auto. Door speaker connectors are different than before. Rooftop antenna moved forward. The surround view cameras are good for off-road.

 

I’d buy one in a heartbeat if I didn’t have a long commute and need to fit a car seat with another car seat coming in the future.

 

I think they just stopped fixing the rear diff leak unless it’s physically dripping.

I have a 2018 and my 3rd brake light leaked. (There are 3 different part numbers for the brake light at the moment)

I’ve also seen a fair amount of 2019’s with what looks like a rear main seal leak.

 

2020 got a power driver’s seat.

 

The biggest thing if you're not planning to regear is the 2020 has updated transmission programming. If you're going to regear anyways this is kind of moot.

 

Issues? what issues?

 

my lane departure is off. The back up sensors and blind spot monitoring is on, but I’ve never had any “near misses” prevented by it. The TSS is whatever. Goes off randomly but isn’t applied brakes for me. Back up sensors are nice in my neighborhood with lots of kids, it will detect them

 

2017 is the best year

 

I agree..

 

My dad has a 96 T-100 4WD since 97 with only 130K miles, his work 6 miles roundtrip and now retired. No lift, since on 33’s and looks tuff. Truck is a beast! Reason I want to Toyota. He’s had that truck, while I’ve had 5 since started driving . Bought 2 new Tacoma’s and he still rocks that truck!

Guys will randomly leave notes, go to my dads house asking if he wants to sell truck! Crazy how much love that truck gets for being a 96! He just had repainted from insurance claim.


Oh- back to post, love my 2020! Went from 2013 2nd gen to 2020- no issues!

 

I love the TSS. We have it on the Rav and my new sport. It saved my ass once. I wouldn’t buy another vehicle without it.