Possibly purchasing 3rd gen DCSB OR Manual

I have 13K miles on my ‘21 manual tacoma I bought in December 2020, its only had one (odd) issue. Rear diff started making a clicking noise in the first couple days (<200 miles) of ownership, Toyota replaced the rear diff quickly under warranty. Zero issues since and I’ve done a fair amount of wheeling and long trips.

 

He’s right. My previous truck lost a lot of value when the owner repainted it. Got really shitty valuations when I was looking to sell it. Even though he did the jambs and engine bay. Paint was perfect.

 

Wow. Lots of negatively for the 3rd gen here.
As someone who's driven plenty of 3rd and second gen manuals? I'd take the 3rd gen just for the interior. If you can find a 3rd gen for msrp, and get decent value on the second gen, I'd do it.

 

Whats new?

 

I love my ‘21. Have had zero issues. Love the manual. Love where I can take it.
A lot of people have unrealistic expectations of a body on frame TRUCK. Expecting it to do shit and handle shit like a Porsche 911 would, which seems to be where most of the ‘issues’ begin.
And if you’re worried about ‘quality’ or ‘reliability’ - I always reference this guys thread;
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/200k-club.721719/
Compare his post count to most people who whine around TW and you’ll see the old adage of ‘run your truck not your mouth/keyboard’ in action.

Enjoy your new truck OP, you’ll love it.

 

The second gen motor is much better. I forgot how good it was until I helped a friend with the purchase of an 06 TRDOR 6MT. That truck felt more confident in power and drove nearly as nice as my ‘21. My old 2010 with 180k on it also still drove tight on all factory suspension.

that being said, I think the 3rd gen is a better truck in every other aspect. Tranny is better, interior is WAY better, better gas mileage, better gearing, and tighter truck.

It’s frustrating, I think the 3.5 is actually a great engine, they just tuned it so poorly. In the wife’s highlander it has tons of low end torque and very effortless power delivery. In the taco it often seems out of breath.

 

So you rather spend 2400-3600 a year on an older vehicle? At a point, if you’re truly paying that much a month on a vehicle, there is a point you’re just throwing money away. I have a 2021 and my payments are just a little more than what you say to pay on the 2nd generation.

 

Good point lol.

 

im in the market for a 20-21 manual (loaded) OR or PRO east of the mississippi if anyone knows of one

 

my bro bought a 3rd gen stick used, had 50 or 60k on it. Smooth as butter, basically just sucked into gear. I've driven 2nd gens and always loved them, but i prefer the 3rd's, mainly bc of the interior. Good luck with the purchase and post pics for sure

 

Power seat and adaptive cruise control are awesome. CarPlay also awesome. Also 3rd gen looks better ,

if you can make it work out easy I would do it.

 

I would recommend test driving a 3rd gen manual if you can find one. I've owned both 2nd and 3rd gen MTs and there is things I like about each: mind you, these are MY personal opinions

I like the clutch of the 2nd gen better
I like the gear ratios of the 3rd gen better
With Redline MT fluid, they both shift smooth but the 3rd gen is more rubbery feeling (if that makes any sense)
I like the interior of the 3rd gen better but find the seats (cloth) more comfortable in the 2nd gen
I like the 4.0 WAY better than the 3.5 (although a KDMAX tune might change that)
I like that my 2nd gen is paid off!
Whether you choose 2nd or 3rd gen....both are great, just a little different. The later 3rd gens (2020-2021) are much more "pollished". I drove my friend's 2020 and it drove nicer than my 2018 did, and had the power adjusting seats!
Best advice is try and drive one!

 

Thanks for the comments guys. Was crunching some numbers.

Keep truck: 10k in paint and repairs soon. Not to mention any unforeseen issues that will come up in near future. I own the truck, no payments.

New Truck: Let say I sell truck for 20k. Add in 10k of avoided repair. Truck costs ~40k. That's 10k more for a new truck. In reality I'll have to finance 20k or so over 5 years. That's a monthly of $350-400.

Shoots, either way, its a win, or a lose. Depending how you look at it. Haha.

 

how do you feel down in your gut? FWIW, doesnt seem like a bad move whichever way you go

 

Good question. I am trying really hard to ignore the excitement of a new truck and make a grown up mature decision!

The only thing making me lean toward the new truck is the possibility of a large repair in the near future. AC goes out or something. Then I'd kick myself in the ass for not going with the new truck.

 

the 2012 (and also the new one for that matter) will need repairs at some point for sure but you seem like you are trying to stack up repair costs that dont exist right now to justify buying a new one.

i think most here would agree that unless you are really abusing the 2012 and/or not maintaining it, the chances of it turning into a total money pit are slim... or do we only talk about the legendary reliability of these trucks when we aren't looking at new ones? LOL

its your money so if you really want a new truck then buy one. the interior will be nicer and the manual will shift a little smoother.

to me the trucks aren't that different and if i still had my 2013 (totalled) i wouldn't even consider a new one unless the 4th gen (rumour 2024) came up with something interesting.

 

oh and... please post a pic of the 2012.

 

I get you on that. Some of the upcoming costs are real (10k). I am trying hard to keep it rational. Trust me, and I am leaning toward keeping the 12 but want help here to work out the thought process and things I wouldn't have thought about.

 

This was after doing some mudding. Was funny cause it was right after I put on a ceramic coating. The mud didn't stick to the truck, slicked right off except for the wheels.

 

Once moving the 3rd gen runs circles around the 2nd. It's off the line the 2nd gen feels better, after that it's over. 4.0 bogs down in upper rpm's, 3.5 takes off.
Look at the gauntlet tow test for proof.