Is a 3rd gen the best option for me?

You're not wrong. It's the highest selling vehicle by a country mile for a reason. Not truck. Vehicle.

If I wanted a full size, it wouldn't be a question. I find the F150 to be the most comfortable, pleasant full size to drive. Ram is second. And here's where I'm about to get hate, I dislike the Tundra. It's overpriced and a snooze fest at the helm.

Though oddly,I absolutely hate the F250/350. The Ram beats the hell out the heavy category.

 

I had to skim too

 

First of all, i appreciate everyone's feedback. People feeling strongly about or towards my certain choices at least make me feel i'm on the right path. I really want to purchase something less than 4-5 years old and low miles. I really want something that can take some abuse and be reliable for 150,000 miles. The caveat is this vehicle will most likely be out of warranty.
If my wife will drive it, it will spend most of it's time as a city vehicle but low miles. I/we will take it as needed on the weekend for hunting/camping and traveling. Potentially, she would daily the new vehicle and i would take over her newer Accord to rack up the miles.
I still need something (in my mind) with a BOF and genuine low range transfercase and LT tires.
I don't believe a crossover would have survived North Maine woods while towing on the Golden Road. I lost a shock and trailer tire up there. I don't believe that would be a solid choice for descending the shale covered switchbacks while getting elk hunting. I needed low range and low PSI. I was the only person towing a camper on Cape Lookout for a remote week. There were two crossovers (a Subi and a Rav4) and both overheated in the soft sugar sand.

I appreciate the feedback. What issues are you aware of? I almost bought a 13' TRDOR from them as covid closed them down in march 2020.

I would like to purchase something in the next month. Car deals are pretty good around the holidays as most buyers are tapped with Christmas. I see the 3rd gen Market as very low with the anticipation of the 4th gen coming out (prices have dropped 8-10% from the release to now. In a year, i could see the value going up as people flock back towards a more traditional non turbo/non hybrid. I see the 3rd gen at the end of it's lifecycle as somewhat "safe." i don't feel ready to be an Early Adopter of a new model.

I am skeptical of the ecoboost at 150,000 out of warranty. I know they are prone to oil leaks and coolant leaks. Thats why i was considering the 5.0. I don't tow anything over 4,000lbs.

It is good to see similar feedback. I nearly purchased a 21' that was out of its 36,000 mile warranty.

I'm glad i could help

I'll message you a take you up on this offer. At this point it'll only have one booster in the back seat.

 

As much as i've liked the Xterra for being a pretty good do-it-all vehicle, it's getting a little too aggressive for my needs. After spending several weekends like this, i've lost some love for it.

 

I came from 2 VQ40 Frontiers. I miss the low end torque of the VQ but overall I like the Tacoma better than I did the Frontiers. I still want to grab an older manual Xterra or Frontier for fun eventually, but I need more money and space before I do that.

 

Given the price of the 4runner TRD offroads, I have considered a gx460 as well. the 4.6/6spd seems like a better combo than the 4.0/5spd without any MPG trade off.

 

Can verify. My work truck for the last four years was an F150 2.7 liter eco boost with the ten speed. The engine was great aside from the stupid stop/start feature but the transmission was clunky. I just got a new 23 Transit van to replace it. 3.5 liter v6. My Tacoma is better in every way. The throttle response is horrible and the transmission takes 2 seconds to figure out what it’s doing. I would personally not buy a Ford product.

 

My 2017 3.5EB started out fantastic, but over the years the transmission is absolutely horrendous. When cold it has a long delay from P to D, and then slams, other times, it feels like it's attempting to start in 4-5th gear, the engine revs, truck barely moves. After warmed up, it seems holds gears way too long, slips the convertor, and if continued to hold throttle, it will eventually slam 3-4 gears lower. It just won't ever go up. or down, one or two gears, it holds, then goes up/down 3-4 gears.

 

used prices are absolutely dropping.
One thing I would consider, I found my 3rd gen disappointing until I got a tune. IMO the trucks are geared poorly but the tune helped a lot. Drive a 3rd gen and make sure you're happy with the gearbox and if not plan $1K for a tune to fix.

 

I find just flooring it solves most of my issues. The engine sounds awesome at 6000 rpm ‍

 

The gx460 is a nicer vehicle in almost every way. The engine alone is worth it over the 4Runner.

 

Still on the lookout. I had a deal cut for a 2021 Trd off road premium ($3,000-$4,000 cheaper than anything else in a 200 mile radius). Double cab, short bed, black, led headlights, Clean carfax, really nicely optioned. I got a very detailed video walk around. I got up early and made the 4 hour drive to Maine to be there for opening. I test drove the truck and immediately knew i didn't like it.
Everything on it felt extremely "stiff." The steering, the accelerator petal, the brake pedal. It drove really oddly with these inputs (the steering did not like to return to center on its own). While accelerating and decelerating at low speeds there was a metallic "ping" noise from the rear end immediately followed by a clunk.
The engine had this odd clicky noise (tin-y rattle) from the valve cover that would come and go at idle, sometimes it would almost match the rhythm of the high pressure fuel pump, sometimes it would only do it every 5 or 6 seconds. I wasn't the normal 3.5 clicky sound or the engine doing it's cycle between fuel injection systems. it was noticeable enough you could hear it at idle with hood closed. I knew i made the right decision not buying it and at the end of the day, i was home in time to make dinner and was only out $100.

I've scouring Autotrader, Cargurus, carsforsale, cars.com pretty frequently.

Also i appreciate the feedback on the DCH group of dealerships around Jersey. Once i began to did enough, almost all their used trucks had some shady past.

 

Best off, you’re right some sell some shody shit. Even if the price or vehicle isn’t right, test drive some locally and make sure it isn’t just the quarks of the truck, before you waste more time traveling.

 

I think you better buy new. I dont think you will be pleased with any used Tacoma.

 

I am I missed out on a local one. 2021 TRDOR DC with 13,000 miles. They were originally asking 39k and last saturday they dropped the price to 35k. It was brand new in everyway, i just didn't jump on it quick enough.

Actually, i never thought about purchasing new. I initially though the cost difference would be too large. The interest rate difference between a 2021 with 35,000 miles ($37,000) and a brand new 2023 ($42,500) reduces the new price down significantly. I haven't found a decent localish used one though. Everyone is still above MSRP for a base, zero option TRD offroad double cab truck.

Yeah, I was able to go home with some peace of mind instead of making a purchase i would regret later. I have been in others that did not have the rear end noise and the stiff steering. They had the same accelerator feel but i recall the brake feeling.

I completely removed a full size from my option list. Actual usage and physical size will not work for me.

 

My needs are somewhat similar to yours. I have 3, soon to be 4 small children. Once or twice a month pull a car hauler with my tractor or hay on it. Need 4wd with the property I have and snow we get regionally. Use the bed of my truck regularly-i really can imagine getting along without a truck bed.
I have stock tires and average about 20-22 mpg combined on summer fuel. I can fit 3 car seats across the back, 2 easily. And I don’t anticipate leg room being an issue until my kids are teenagers. I’m second owner of my truck and have put 20k miles on it in a bit more than a year with not a single issue. And to me it’s comfortable to drive for extended periods at 210lb 5’11”. With my family size and pulling a large trailer at times a F150 would suit me better, but after getting rid of my 2016 and having multiple friends with newer F150s currently having issues I doubt I am ever going back. Which is sad because my 2013 non-turbo v6 F150 was a rockstar up to 260k miles. Although my Tacoma isn’t as impressive as my 2016 F150 was when it came to space and power, I’m willing to forgo those things for a Tacoma that holds its value better, should be more reliable, better maneuverability, and does have enough space and power for my needs. But I do get that some people have the attitude “why have less when you can have more”. Just my 2 cents

 

A lot of my conflicting comments and needs dwindle down to a midsize pickup being the best for me currently. Right now, i only need a booster for my 5yr old daughter. I figured by the time she is big enough not to fit comfortably, the tacoma would have 200,000 miles. I commend your ability to do three carseats lol.
I cannot do a fullsize truck. My driveway is even tight and i could see my daughter throwing the door into the siding while getting out. I'm not a huge fan of the "cockpit" feel but all midsize trucks seem to be that way. I have a list of 5 i am looking at tomorrow. Three are Toyota CPO vehicles. Due to cleanliness and mileage, two are the frontrunners. Hopefully i can make a decision tomorrow. Whether that is signing papers or realizes i need to pass all together and the timing or vehicle isn't right.

 

I wouldn't sign right away. If you wait till they'll call you, you'll get a discounted price. There is a specific lexicon to use when having this conversation and you will get a lower price.

Please download the Toyota Owners App & create an account. Add the VINs to "Your Garage" then go through the Maintenance history on every auto your looking at. If it has been in the service dept in any Toyota dealership, you will be able to see all the history. This will let you know if it has good history or bad care. You will be able to see if the owner skipped on repairs, etc. and give you more purchasing power.

Please do this before buying any used Toyota! This is big and must be done!!!

 

I test drove a 3rd gen yesterday and would like to purchase it (truck A). There is one other truck i am interested in (truck B).
What would be your thoughts on negotiation tactics? I am looking at purchasing from a Kia dealer in CT (chain of 3 dealers all next to each other). Its seems they bought the Tacoma as a vehicle swap with a dealer that is local to me (Albany NY).
My current plan was to be as directly transparent as they were with me. I explained to them my schedule as i was looking at 4 trucks yesterday. He took all my information in about 3 minutes and gave me the vehicle for as long of a test drive as i liked. He did a complete walk-through with me about mechanical items, toyota tacoma specific options, and even undercarriage condition without him knowing my knowledge on the trucks. When i returned, he had a an offer sheet with trade value, every single fee, cost of vehicle, document transfer with NY, insurance transfer, ready to drive away. he didn't force any pressure or made me sit down or meet with his sales manager.
I would like to purchase from the Kia dealer. (truck A) The truck is cleaner, seems to drive better and was obviously cared for more by the previous owner. Also, this is the 17th vehicle I have looked at and the dealer experience was the best, hands down. They were very transparent, quick with my time and treated me with respect (i had my 4year daughter with and others treated this like an inconvenience).

Thank you for meeting with me yesterday. I appreciate you being very upfront with me and prompt with having truck ready, providing an uninhibited test drive, and having a complete cost breakdown prepared for me when i returned. Please let me know what your best offer is. For transparency, this is the other truck i am looking at.
https://www.toyotaofsaratogasprings.com/inventory/3TYCZ5AN7MT008999/? (TRUCK B) stocknum=R095610A&atc_ownerid=57517509&utm_source=autotrader.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=autotrader_listings
year (2021), mileage (within 800 miles), owner history, options, etc are all nearly identical.
Price $1,600 cheaper, trade offer is $1,400 more, and the truck is toyota CPO. Is there anywhere you can bring the cost closer, whether you can offer more on trade in or a reduction in asking price?
Thank you,

What are your thoughts on this level of transparency as a negotiation tactic? I feel like this is a catch more flies with honey situation. They were very respectful and upfront with me and i would like to return the same mentality.

 

Former sales director here, you'll have more success by changing your phrasing. Instead of asking for best price (which is not a thing, as it can always be better), offer a "I'll buy today if you can sell it for X OTD". If I'm the desk manager I look for commitment to buy, so saying if you sell it for $3,000 less I'll buy today I have some tangible offer.