Feedback on which year to buy 2017-2020

Especially since you can turn off the radar cruise and it will emulate the rudimentary cruise control of yesteryear....makes no sense.

I will say that the TSS on my 2021 RAV 4 hybrid is MUCH better than the TSS that was on my 2019 Taco in one respect: The radar cruise would redline my engine in the Taco to get back up to speed, while on the 2021 RAV 4 hybrid it is 100x smoother. It will accelerate like a normal person compared to just flooring the go pedal in the Taco. Maybe the newer Tacomas are similar or my 2019 was an odd-ball, but the radar cruise in the RAV 4 is smooth as butter.

To the OP: don't bother buying used, it will cost you just as much or more than buying new, especially if you are planning on keeping it for more than a couple of years.

 

It's just another thing to go wrong and another thing to have to recalibrate. I've had a version of TSS in a couple of rental vehicles and it works ok. It works as intended but can also overreact too, which I'm not a fan of. But that's just the nature of those types of systems.

 

The radio in the 2020+ is pretty sweet, it’s my favorite OEM head unit yet. Very simple, no wacky menus, and most things only need one button press to get to. CarPlay is also nice.

The led headlights are also great; they have a much better beam than other LEDs or HIDS I've seen on the market. When I visit my parents I have to drive through hours of country/deer roads at night. I added some serious exterior lighting to my F-150, but I don't think I will with my Taco.

Adaptive cruise is awesome for the long hauls and feels like a safety net in case I don't notice something. It's a little brake happy vs my girlfriend's corolla (CVT) but works great for the highway/interstate.

I have super white, and while there are some defects from the factory (a few spots with dust, etc.), it seems like it will hold up. Most dealers seem to add the protective coatings to the bumpers, doors, and handles. However, it definitely does not seem as durable as the paint on my F-150; some feral cats have already caused a few light scratches. That said, I only handwash and only touch the paint when necessary. I also have the exterior paint protection package, so if I have any issues within 7 years, they will correct them for "free". This package isn't that pricey, but my dealer used it to negotiate the price.

The electric seat up/down adjustment is nice since I'm 6'2. I "think" I would still fit fine in an older Taco, as long as it doesn't have a sunroof.

Personally, with my 2021, I haven't experienced issues with the transmission or anything else. It's still a bit new to me, but time will tell.

Otherwise, not many differences. Price-wise I would go new.

 

When I was trying to decide between a 2016 and 2019, my insurance payment for the 2019 was significantly less for the 2019 due to the safety features - that can be turned off if you absolutely must.

 

I echo what other have recommended, buy new, the savings not worth the new car warranty and upgrades. I feel tempted to upgrade just for the BSM, but for now, all the other features are undesirable to me, and the mini-spot mirrors I installed are working as intended .

Sorry to hear about your paint issues.

I have ’16 super white, no issues except for bug stains/damage to the front. I only hand wash with a good car wash soap (Mother’s\Meguiars) too far between washes as most drive thru car washes use commercial (concentrated) wash that has to be mixed and maybe a recipe for mistakes to be occasionally made in mixing, among other potentially damaging hazards to the paint.

I also know of people that use regular dish washing soap, which is also no bueno.

IDK if any of these apply in your case, you could have just got a late Friday or early morning shift vehicle (J/K), but I do know for a fact that there’s nothing wrong with the TOYOTA super white paint, as opposed to other colors in spite of what maybe said on a forum.

 

My buddy has 19 sport in bright white and has no issues. Just a few rock chips, which is normal.

 

I have rock chips too, but they're covered by the bugs lol!

 

Power seats

 

Power seaT.

 

I'm sure it's fine. I personally like all the luxury features like electric windows and remote start, but having an on-star type nanny system onboard kind of creeps me out. I keep a Personal Locating Beacon (PLB) by my side, as my SOS button, if I ever need it. Otherwise, everything else I should be able to manage on my own.

 

Of course, I was focusing on the safety features OP seems to care about

 

I assume you don't have a cell phone since on star type nannies creep you out?

 

2019 is the one to buy. No leaks and no pandemic. You really won't use the power seat and you'll want to upgrade the stereo. Mines built like a tank.

 

TSB 0092-20. There are several threads about it.

 

Thanks so much, I will do some research! First time hearing about this.

 

It is great. Got my 19 updated last week.

MPG dropped by about 2 around town but it doesn't shift like a crackhead anymore. Much smoother acceleration.

 

That's great to hear! I assume the dealership does this? Is it free?

 

If your truck is still under warranty the TSBs are covered by the dealer. I just printed it out and brought it in saying it was shifting weird and I found this TSB about it. They confirmed the issue and updated the programing. Took like an hour in & out.

 

Nice! I'm going later today for a replacement bolt so I'll ask about this! Thanks.