About to purchase a 2016 TRD Sport, is all this normal?

I was just test driving a 2016 metallic gray TRD Sport DCLB. It has been somewhat difficult to find the combination of options I wanted for the right price with the way the market is right now, though I really do like this one.

Coming from a 1st Gen Tacoma, the feel is very difference as to be expected. I've also test-driven a number of 2nd gen trucks, however I've only driven a third gen one other time before today. So I'm curious to if what I am sensing is normal for the truck or is it something to be concerned about.

First, I noticed turning the steering wheel is very thick and not as easy or effortless to turn the wheel as much as a second gen. The tires, according to the TPMS, we're slightly over-inflated at 37 PSI. Which would only assist in steering, not make it slower.

Second, there is a noticeable delay in the throttle response. Even on the freeway it is one or two seconds until the engine catches up with the throttle. Is this to be expected with drive-by-wire systems?

Third, I read from a few people on here about the "rumble pad" feeling that you get when you come to a stop in the 2016. I think I felt this as when going from a stop, along with the throttle lag, there was a bit of feedback from the car.

Fourth, not really a concern with the car, I wish the seat could be moved higher. I'm 6'2" and I'm not a fan of looking over a hood scoop. It seems like I should be sitting up an inch higher than the stock height of the seat. Either that or the steering wheel extended outward more.

 

Maybe try test driving a few different 3rd Gen's.

 

Just an observation, when the steering wheel is at 12 o’clock position, there seems to be a bit of a dead spot in turning left or right. As if I have to sometimes oversteer.

 

The third gen has it's issues but it sounds like that particular one's not the truck for you. Your paranoia now is going to grow if you buy that one. Like previously said, try a different one.

 

Other than the steering effort, I would say all common complaints for the 3rd gen.

There are many complaints about the engine/transmission on the third gen. The engine likes to rev and makes it's power in the upper RPMs paired with a transmission programmed for fuel economy that shifts into higher gears as fast as possible. It takes some time for the combo to figure out you want some power and to downshift. There are probably some programming TSBs that could approve this situation.

The rumble pad feeling is also a common complaint. There are a few TSBs for driveline vibration. I've seen fixes ranging from rotors, rear brake drums, rear axles, shims, tire balance etc. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/oh-no-tsb-0171-16-driveline-vibration.463992/ I think this may be the newer TSB https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2020-tacoma-driveline-vibration.645448/page-5#post-24928740

For the seat adjustment, a lot of people use seat spacers to change the position of the front seats. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/seat-jackers-spacers-risers-blow-out-sale.729542/

 

The 2020 and 2021 has powered driver seat and has height adjustment.

 

That TSB is not applicable to the 2016s, but there are others that might help with that dead pedal. I would suspect that the one the OP is looking at is not updated.

 

Good catch, I should have linked the ECU TSB post in your sig.

 

Thanks!

No worries. Even the noted VIN ranges in the actual TSBs can be wrong.

 

Been driving my 2016 for 5 years and never felt a rumble

 

use the ECT button, major difference.

 

Don't waste your money on a Sport. The Off Road rides better, on and off road. Do the test drives before you buy.

 

Look for a second Gen.

 

If possible, test drive a bunch of them, take the one that feels best.

 

Go drive a new one. Then compare.

 

nice