Decisions : 2nd gen vs 3rd gen; DCLB vs DCSB

So the old man(grandpa) is finally about to buy a late model Tacoma . I want to pick one up before my 96 4Runner ( 292,929 mi) leaves me stranded. Good time to buy given the Covid situation I think. Wife and I have 3 cars. 2 with over 200,000 miles. So I can take my time looking. Here are my plans for the truck:

• Daily driver when the 4Runner blows up
• Pull 2500 lb fishing boat
• Topper for sleeping/camping in bear country in mountains (explains long bed)
• Driving to Ski hills in winter

Originally I was set on a 2015 since the ratings are so good. Starting to consider 2017-2018 since they are in my price range. I hear there are some issues with buying the 2016 since it was the first year of the new design.

Good amount of DCLB models in Colorado. However, there are certainly more DCSB with a towing package. I want the TRD OR just because that’s what I want. Those models always seem to have the towing package ( trans cooler, etc).

Can you give me a good reason to not buy a long bed ?

Anyway, I just found a 2017 DCLB with very low miles. Under the truck I see some frame rust.
Is this Rust on the welds anything to be concerned about?

 

Welcome to the forum, first question is: is that the only place you see rust? If yes, then it’s a question of has it been repaired?
And finally, if you buy it it’s easy to treat the rust then paint over it.
Oh, and if you really like that truck use the rust a bargaining chip!

 

The truck came to CO from Massachusetts. I think it the only rust I saw. The carfax shows 1 owner. No accidents. It is a lease truck which was Auctioned once and ended up in CO. I will drive it tomorrow. Outside looks perfect. Not lifted. All stock which is what I want.

 

I have been here for a few years and while I really like my truck, I see many members complaining about the power band.

Take that truck on a nice long test drive.

Note how it accelerates on inclines or if it shifts erratically or holds gears too long.

The truck is most likely performing as designed, but some people can’t get used to it and blame Toyota for “dropping the ball”.

Seriously, take your time and make sure this 3rd gen truck is a good fit for you.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

You get a lot more creature comforts with the third gen, but it depends on which you prefer in the long run. Both designs have their ups and downs. Also, I’m fairly certain tow package was standard in 2017 and up

 

I myself opted for the 2019 longbed because I use it mainly for a truck. I haul 2X4s and plywood from time to time and figured that with the 6 ft bed and the tailgate down it would not hang out. I was shocked how quickly the bed filled up the first time I went camping with it and was super glad for the extra foot as well. I also believe it looks more proportionate than the short bed. Just my humble opinion though.

 

I have a 3rd gen and while I have never owned a 2nd gen I did have an fj cruiser with the 4.0 before going with my 3rd gen. I was very anxious about the 3.5 being under powered but it pulls my boat just as good as my fj cruiser did with the 4.0. The difference in the engines is to me is where the power is. When towing with the 3rd gen and 3.5 I put the transmission in S and 4th gear and stay at 70mph. Pulling my boat I can still get around 11mpg at 70. Engine turns about 3000 rpm in 4th at 70 but pulls great. If I get a little tail wind or really flat road I can shift up to 5th with out it searching for gears but mileage is the same. So I just slap it in 4 and go now. My boat is probably 3800 pounds with trailer and a full tank plus gear. I think the 4.0 in the fjc had more low end torque but I kept in in 4th when I towed my boat with it too. However it had 285s so not apple's to apple's. All in all I have no issues pulling my boat with my 3rd gen. In fact it's quite comfortable.

 

. I would keep looking for something cleaner. I grew up in in Mass and during my my military service lived in other coastal locations, Hawaii, Guam and Japan. Even with frequent cleaning, etc, most vehicles do not do well with exposure to salt air. You will find something better for sure.

 

Interesting in my search , I find another new vehicle TRD Off Road with Premium package (2018) with extremely low miles (18,000) for about the same price (32,999 + TTL). It was sold at auction in NY and brought to CO. An odd pattern.

 

I bought my 2019 Offroad without the tech package and 7 miles on the odometer for 35400 out the door. With everything happening today you may find a new one around that price point. Good luck with your search

 

Ok I am down to 2 options:

2016 white DCLB /premium package certified preowned 30,000 mi. $ 30, xxx

2017 Quicksand DCLB 39,000 mi $31,9999 : Fly 1 hour to buy and drive 7 hours home.

is the 2017 really that much better given possible first year issues Of a 2016 ?

is the 2016 really that much better given the CPO warranty ?

2017 has about 2 year/ 20,000 mi power train left and 0 comprehensive.
2016 has 3.5 years/70,000 mi power train and 12 month comprehensive warranty

Neither truck is from a state that uses salt on road.

 

They both seem expensive imo... You can get a brand new DCLB Off Road for under 35,000...

 

For the length of time you seem to keep vehicles, and the price point you’re looking at, I’d say buy new. Also yes on the long bed. Only thing I’d change about my truck if I could.

 

I grew up in Boston MA, I wouldnt really want to touch a car the spent much time in MA (I'm talking salt of course)

 

Aint that the truth. Just like the people that complain about surface rust, as if their truck is going to implode on the highway

 

Not in my neck of the woods. not even close. In fact you cant even find one for sale.

 

You have to basically live on the coast (within only a few miles) for your car to be affected by ocean spray. The thing that is really bad is all the salt they put on the roads during winter.