Debating between a 3rd gen and a 2nd gen

I have been looking at getting a Tacoma and after test driving an 18 yesterday I need one. I would be buying pre-owned. It would be my daily driver with the occasional dirtbike in the back but nothing crazy. I can't wait to get my first Tacoma.
These forums are amazing. Thanks for posting all the awesome information!

 

Both are suitable.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

For some reason I don't really understand, 2nd gen owners like to dump on 3rd gen owners, but it doesn't really go the other way. Who knows, man. Both are great trucks. The 3rd gens have better interiors. You'll love whatever you get.

 

My dad had a 2013 access cab TRD Sport and a 2015 double cab TRD Offroad and i have a 2018 TRD Offroad now.

Based on conversations with him and with myself, both are good trucks. The 2nd gen is smaller and more nimble and obviously has the tried and true 4.0 (if you’re getting a 6 cyl.). The 3rd gen is a bigger truck with more technology (unless you get a 2020 which has a bit more).

Both will be reliable pending how “used” you’re going, both will hold their value well, and both will probably do everything you ask of it all while looking great and having a huge aftermarket.

 

Welcome Scuba
Did you test drive a gen 2 ?

 

I have not driven a gen 2. I like the technology that is offered in the 3rd gen but do not know enough about the reliability of a 3rd vs a 2nd. I'm sure I am just being paranoid but.

 

Not a cheap decision either.
I would suggest test driving both repeatedly till your satisfied.
Good luck with your decision.

 

You can't make a wrong decision here. Buy whichever you like with the lowest miles that fits your budget.

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

Welcome to TW!

 

If you like the "tech" you will be utterly disappointed with a 2nd gen, they are archaic, generously speaking.

 

Of the tech I liked its all things that can be changed to my liking in a second-gen. I don't need lane departure and things like that. To be able to listen to music and not sound like a bathtub is the only tech I need. That being said I was surprised by the tech in the third-gen but just isn't necessary. Thanks for all the input!

 

The 2nd Gen is basic tech wise, but that’s a good thing.
https://youtu.be/uo74Q_T274g

 

This goes back to 2015 when third gens were first seen in marketing material. For whatever reason, every new member who joined (there were many) had a totally different attitude than previously existed here, at least since I’d seen when I joined in 2012/2013.

Immediately every second gen owner with a negative opinion about the changes were now repeatedly told how poor they must be and they’re just mad they can’t afford a new Tacoma. This was drummed loudly, especially by the King of all Fucktards @TacoBella who posted nothing positive here and only was a divisive asshole.

It happened with first gens too, to a lesser degree. Anyway, 2016 was a noticeable shift on this forum. We’ve crawled out of that hole quite a bit, but still not there yet. Probably just in time for the 4th gen redesign.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I have an '18 SR5, my brother has a '15 TRD Sport. I have driven both a fair amount. I would probably get a second gen if I found myself in the market again, just because I've found that drivetrain to be more to my tastes. But its not like I have any intention of selling mine either. Both are great trucks and will be getting the job done for us for a long long time to come.

 

I've owned all 3 gens....you just can't make that bad of a choice

Buy the lowest mileage, least rusty, most feature friendly Tacoma with the best (verifiable) maintenance history you can afford.

The gen 3 is by far my favorite

And welcome aboard!