Which 3rd gen

I’d go for the ’15. Do your due diligence and perform a thorough pre-purchase inspection and test drive. Even pay a trusted mechanic to look it over for a couple hours.

 

I love my 2017, but I don't go out of my way to by people's issues and fart impregnated seats

 

I have 30K miles on my 2021 and I have had zero issues. Phenomenal truck so far.

 

Can't complain. My 2020 sr5 has great...no major issues since new, unless you count a dirty door switch that needed some electrical contact cleaner sprayed in it. Main thing is, if in the rust belt, get the chassis coated with a good rust inhibitor sooner the better.

 

Had a use 2018 with 6k on it and it did have the gear hunting issues. Traded it for a used 2020 with 9K and it drives about as perfect as a truck should, without any issues so far. I think it is just the luck of the draw sometimes. I got lucky.

 

Lots of strong opinions on your question b/c there’s no wrong answers as they’re all Tacomas. Depends on your budget & priorities.

if you’re into safety features, then ‘18 & newer. If saving money is most important, you’re best bargain might actually be clean ‘16-‘17. If you can swing a ‘19+ it’ll be the most reliable choice, plus a good chance you’ll have some powertrain warranty left.

Buying a 2nd gen is always a solid choice, but at this stage there’s not as many compelling reasons left to buy one over a Gen 3 unless it’s a ‘16-‘17.

Whatever you choose, if it was not abused and has clean service records, you’ll probably have truck you’ll love. Good luck

 

2019 here, 73k miles. Runs great, drives great. Pick your color, the features you want, check car fax and maintenance, and drive the heck out of it.

 

I’ve had nothing to complain about on my 17, but she’s only got 40,000 miles on her. Don’t overthink it and don’t overspend, but, and this is the best advice… get what makes you happy and don’t look back.

 

FIFY

I bought my '17 brand new without test driving any Tacoma just over 5 years ago with minimal problems. Under 59k miles.

 

I think this all boils down to what do YOU want from the truck and whats your budget? If you find those two categories conflict, we can't help you. If there's no conflict in budget, the next question is what creature comforts are an absolute must? Thats gonna narrow down your picks. Otherwise, you're looking at the exact same truck no matter what year you choose (3rd gen that is). If it were me, I would find more value in less nanny features and prefer the 16-17's. In reality, if I wasn't extremely concerned with features/trims and I priced used 16-17's, I'd just buy a lower trim brand new.. And I'm not one to buy brand new cars. But the used market for trucks is stupid. Risk/reward for used/new and the price differences don't really make sense to me personally. Good luck.

 

I bought my '16 with about 80k on the clock, nearly at 100k now and according to the vehicle history and my own experience since owning it, it has had no serious issues. Only thing I can think of other than regular maintenance that I've had done the first time I took it in for service was the 3rd brake light recall, which was covered by Toyota.

 

I’d buy the cleanest 2nd gen you can find. The more maintenance records the better. IIRC the ‘16 and ‘17 were the first Tacomas to receive below average reliability ratings from Consumer Reports FWIW.

IMO, if you want a newer truck get a 5th gen 4Runner. I don’t understand why Toyota put the 3.5 in the Tacoma while keeping the 4.0 in the 4Runner. The latter is simply more suited to a heavy utility vehicle with its longer stroke.

 

Bought a 2020 DCLB sight unseen, only after looking over the Carfax, vehicle history, maintenance, and the final deal maker, it had 7,500 miles on w/no issues reported what so ever.
We've taken 3 trips of +2500 miles each with it towing our trailer, and haven't had an issue or care since.

 

I'd argue that any '16 or '17 taco that had issues certainly has been addressed by this point in time since the only "issues" they had over later models were addressed by a software flash and for the most part these trucks are virtually identical through the whole run hardware wise.

My '17 did have some teething issues, but since like 10/18 with the latest and last TSB, it's been fine for 75k miles now. Any issue I have with my truck now, I would be facing the same issue on a '23.

 

I have a 2021 TRD Sport DCSB in 4WD. I absolutely love it. I get more comments on this truck than any other car I have owned (granted, it is lifted, and cement, the best color). Highly encourage you to get a 3rd gen. If you plan to off road, get an Off-Road though. Really wish I had rear locker. Good luck!

 

I’ll take a 2016 over a covid supply shortage built 21-22.

 

I'd take the 21-22

 

Have absolutely loved my 2017 Off Road for the 84k miles ive had it. Did get the dreaded timing cover leak that was covered under warranty. If it leaks again i wouldnt get it fixed, just use some RTV on it and call it a day. Other than that the truck has been incredible. 10k OCI till about 50k miles then switched to 5k OCI. Love my truck.

 

It’s just what I google search on most reliable and least reliable 3rd gen Tacoma. So that’s why I’m here to learn more. Thank for the info.

 

Online search is what got me avoiding the 2016-2017 which had most issues. Now with all the info you all are sharing is helping me a lot. I don’t really care to much for more electronics. All this info will help me with my search for a Tacoma.