I am really trying to like my new Tacoma....

I’ve got almost 100k of hard miles on mine, only time it left me stranded was when I gave the alternator a bit of a bath

 

Always good to hear about lots of trouble free miles! I'm just shy of 25k right now in the 16 months that I've had it and I plan on putting a lot more on it.

 

I honestly love it. I've got a motor that hasn't changed much since 2003, basically an updated 2nd gen frame, a Toyota live axle, Apple Car Play touch screen head unit, and updated safety features. I think its the perfect blend. I'll let everybody continue to beta test all the newer tech for another 5 years while I pay this thing off.

 

Really all I wanted was something with a stick shift that could take me all the off pavement places my 2nd Gen 4Runner could except with 25 years and 250,000 miles less wear and tear.
Only piece of tech I find myself coveting is CarPlay(mine is too old to have it). That screen is a huge waste of space for how little I use it. Even then really all I actually want is a USB input, aux input, a Bluetooth receiver and a factory phone mount on the top of the dash. Give me a nice storage cubby instead of a useless screen

 

I only made it through the first page of comments. You bought a 2021 with 5k on it used? Why didn't you get new at that price? This is why I don't like buying used cars. Never know the history. I suspect it had issues from the first owner.

Sorry. I would sell it and buy new. It really is a good truck. Some flaw. I found ECT mode livens up the transmission to acceptable standards and plan to get an OVTune after I do some more mods.

 

OP, im with you. I just bought a 2017 DCLB sport a week ago. After driving it for a week I think I should have stuck with an older model. This thing feels like a semi truck compared to my old 1st gen or even all the 2nd gens ive driven. The steering is horrible, gas mileage is exactly the same as my 1st gen, the radio sucks, the seats suck. Half the engine is made of plastic, has a uselessly expensive DI system. This is all shit that I would expect in an Audi, which at least would be more comfortable and perform better. It was no way worth the $30k+ I paid for it. Im debating on putting up for sale for what I just paid for it, perhaps slightly less.

 

Damn man, that sucks.

You getting something else?

 

Exactly.

With Tacoma’s, you don’t win buying them “slightly” used.

 

Id probably get a fully loaded 2nd gen Tacoma, even though I am seeing 2014-15 going for the same if not higher price as 2016-17 models. I think a Silverado is a better buy and has better appointments for only a slightly larger overall package than a 3rd gen Tacoma.

 

You realize the 3rd Gen uses a 2nd Gen Cab but its reinforced with high strength steel, basically the same frame too but also with extra reinforcements. Don't see what you would be gaining by going backwards to a 2nd Gen as the 3rd is basically just an improved version of it.

 

That 2.7 should last until the end times lol. Those things are pretty hard to kill. As you said, these trucks are a good blend of reliability, features, and capability. I'm planning to put a lot of miles on this one.

 

I've reached the point i wouldn't buy any 4wd truck used unless knowing who owned it first.

 

Fair points. I definitely agree with the practicality aspects. I personally would have considered a Ridgeline a bit more except for 1, I find the front end to be absolutely fugly and 2, no manual option, which honestly kind of surprises me for Honda.

I read the first line of the post you quoted and then read your quote and thought you were talking about having a tesla alternator fail you.

This was exactly the scenario that led me to buy new. I could have had a 2 year old truck with over 30k miles for $4k more and fewer features... or I could buy a brand new at slightly under MSRP. No brainer.

 

21k on my 2020 over the last year.

My Experience:
1. It operates as Toyota intended, whether I like it or not.
2. Acceleration between 30-40 mph is awkward at times, due to OD upshift/stall sensation.
3. It isn’t a V8, so I tend to miss the low-end torque.

My Response:
1. Toyota set shift points to increase fuel mileage, so I live with it.
2. Give it more gas, which works every time.
3. Buy a V8.

I like the truck. Other than Jeep’s and 4Runner’s, it’s all I see wheeling. It fits in the garage. It looks good. The parts, mods and support on TW are great. I’ve had zero reliability issues, and resale is great when the time comes.

Op - Get what you want. Why suffer?

 

life's short man, trade it for something you're happy with

 

This is a good post, in my opinion.

Coming from a Chevy, I almost joined the Tacoma/3rd gen community back in 16, after test driving a 16 TRDOR. I liked it, but did think it was a tad wonky feeling and decided to get a slightly used 2nd gen to be safe (I had a long work commute then.) That truck was great and made me an even bigger Toyota fan. I recently finally did get basically the same 3rd gen truck that I test drove (color and everything), but a couple years newer. All the while I have been watching what 3rd gen owners have been saying on here and researching them. After now having it a couple weeks, I think you are right. I'm already used to how it shifts/runs. I do feel like this one is a bit better that the 16 that I tested. I have noticed around town that being a little more assertive with the throttle, makes the truck react more decisively (on hills and areas that sometimes would gear-search a bit.) I just accept that the truck is designed to do what it does, and I feel confident that I will enjoy this truck for the time that I have it, just as I did my 2nd-gen. I'm totally satisfied and happy to stay in the Tacoma community.

 

I think Toyota made some minor tweaks from 2016 to now. Maybe I've gotten used to the way Toyota does trucks, but I seem to like the 21 a lot more than my 16. I learned a valuable lesson about buying the first model year of a new generation. Godspeed to the 2022 Tundra buyers.

 

Saw a 2021 OR sitting at a Honda lot with less than 700 miles on it. Asking $47,500 over $8000 more than I paid for mine in Dec 2020

 

I just had my frame replaced on my 2010 and they gave me a 2021 loaner with the AMT. It felt like it was always searching for another gear and wasn't much of an upgrade from mine. I think the AMT is a POS and would only buy a new one with the manual. Every time I get the itch to upgrade I keep coming back to my second gen that has never had a problem. Tough to move away from solid reliability.