Disappointed in gen3, need advice on my gen2

I've a 2012 TRD OR since new that has been absolutely bullet proof. It has 107K miles and I've only replaced oil, tires, battery and brake pads. That's it, everything else is original. Never done any recommended maintenance, etc. but she runs perfect!

I prefer a naturally aspirated engine so yesterday I test drove a 2023 TRD OR before they're gone forever. I expected it to be better in every way, and while it felt more planted to the ground and the ride quality was better, it felt sluggish compared to my gen2. I didn't feel the power come on until it reached 4-5K or higher RPM so I really had to step on the gas to merge onto a highway (felt like it was gear hunting or something). Full disclosure - I know very little about cars.

I'm left with two options and I would really appreciate your suggestions, especially for option #2.

My use case includes, weekend runs to home depot, camping, fishing, hiking, occasional overlanding but nothing serious.

#1 get a new 4Runner TRD PRO. My first choice which I would keep forever.

#2 is it worth spending money on my 12-year old 2nd gen Tacoma. Lift it, new rims, 33" tires, do routine maintenance. If you like this option, please suggest lift kit, rims, tires, and maintenance I should do. I'm just simply not capable so my mechanic would perform all the work. I can spend 7-9K for said upgrades and maintenance.

Here's the kicker, with option #1 my wife asks that I sell my 1990 Miata with 50K miles in immaculate, all original condition. I've agreed because I have another fun car and the Miata isn't getting much love lately, but I would miss her dearly. With option #2 I get to keep my Miata and have a very capable gen2 Tacoma

Thanks for reading this far. Your kind suggestions will be appreciated. Cheers!

 

if your truck rides like shit then replace the crap shocks

you say you’re not capable and thus would spend $3k on $500 jobs
Does that mean amputee (there are amputee mechanics) which is kind of understandable
Or simply refuse to Google

can’t imagine spending $50k on a TRD Pro (basic suspension, 20yo V6 5AT)

turd gens are not gone forever. You’ll be left with a couple high mile used ones that proved they didn’t fall apart like the rest.
And probably depreciate to leave you money left over to replace crap stock parts.

don’t really care what model year.
Something is either made bulletproof or it’s not. There are bulletproof vehicles from 2001, 2005, and older.

4Runner depends on what drivetrain you want, towing capacity, if you want a separate truckbed or not. And price.

3rd, 4th, and 5th gen T4Rs are probably all better than a turd gen. As well as certain Tundras, 1st gen Taco, LC, GX, etc

imagine driving a stock $50k vehicle riding worse than a $10k locked into high payments for years worrying about door dings
But hey if someone else wants to wear their underwear outside their pants, thumbs up.

your 2nd gen you could consider a minimum of 5160/6112, wheels are optional, Icon RXT, etc and maintenance. Possibly find one with that for a ride in to see how you like the feel. It’s noticeably better. Used RXT can be had for $300.
They are the same upgrades and same price regardless of what vehicle you put them on.

This is not an Audi Q5 burning oil, bad cats, worn bushings, trans broken, timing chain broken, street only, 50 other things broken

 

Thank you. I'm physically fine. I'm just not mechanically inclined, don't have proper tools and to be honest I'm intimidated to work on cars beyond doing an oil change

 

Buy the 4Runner and keep it forever.

 

I’ve got a 2012 Off-Road with the same mileage and it’s been a rock solid, dependable, durable and capable machine. I would spend some money on your truck freshening it up and keep it for another 10 years.

I really want a 4th Gen and I’ll get one someday, but I have zero reason to upgrade. Plus they don’t make the Gen 2.5 OR anymore. Keep it!

 

Nobody is born with skill. It's not a singing voice or 6'7 basketball player.
Tools are a cheap universal lifelong asset. Some of which should be kept in the truck at all times.
Useful skill to have, if not necessary.
Being intimidated is good. It means you're not Jiffy Lube employee confidently draining a trans double-filling oil.

You've already assessed the turd gen exactly for someone who "knows very little about cars"
"felt sluggish" (it has less low end torque, engine size is smaller 3.5L vs 4.0L)
"4-5k or higher RPM" yes exactly
"gear hunting" exactly. Big complaint regarding their trans, TCM, motor, and gearing

Or, you find a tech near you and pay them $50/hr to do whatever you want to the truck for a significant deal.
It's amazing how people get this wrong.

random person told me "hey I want you to do all this shit for free"
lol nope, enjoy the broken car
many times

 

Thank you, this was my initial thought. Debating whether it's worth spending the money on a 12-year old gen2.

 

If I destroyed my Tacoma I will look into the new Landcruiser.

 

The gen4 looks absolutely stunning and very capable truck. Why is it called gen 2.5? Sorry for my ignorance.

 

it could be. Time will tell. Real world use of how it actually works in real life. If they last, if they break
frame switches from C-channel to boxed. Rear susp switches to coil.
chassis geometry otherwise looks the same

gen2 05-15
pre-facelift = 05-12
post-facelift = 12-15, aka "gen2.5"
ie different front end, LED tails, different interior
+SAI
+RSCA
-mech LSD
different paint colors
possible sharkfin
etc

 

Sounds like there's no good reason to get rid of your 2012, and you have several vehicles to drive, so it's even worse to tie up major funds in a new car.

I say a little love for the 2012 (catch up maintenance, replace wore out suspension), and you'll have a nice ride. Assuming it's not rusted out or anything.

 

I would take door #2

Replace the suspension.
Get the tires that suit your use case.
Keep the Miata - because Miata.
Do not incur car payment.

 

I've a deposit on the LC, but I'm now more leaning towards a non-hybrid.

 

on top of that aren't APR's like 8% minimum right now

hybrid can have many benefits
-more power
-efficiency
-higher electrical capacity, very high charging (such as bed power outlet) for overlanding type gear, stock (power station, cooking, phone, laptop, etc.)
Supposedly bed outlet in 2024 hybrid provides 2400W
vs. 2nd gen stock is 100W at idle (takes ~60W to power one light bulb)

no idea if they'll do it right like a Prius though

 

It's actually in great shape, no accidents, not rusted out, etc. And it's a great better, put crap in it or park it anywhere without worries, etc.

 

What is it that your old truck isn’t doing for you? If it’s the ride and appearance, find a good shop and have shocks installed and maybe have the bushings checked. Rubber bits dry out over time. See if that fixes the main issue. If it does, then do wheels and tires and other prettt bits. If not, and it still isn’t riding like you want, start looking around.

 

I vote keep your 2012 and see how the 4th gen Tacos pan out. Plenty of happy 3rd gen owners but it’s not the truck for me. And 5th gen 4Runners are lame and personally feel more sluggish than a taco by butt dyno despite not being that much heavier and having a few extra horses. I say that as a big 4Runner fan. My first car was a 2002. I’d rather be in that or a 4th gen 4Runner v8.

If you trick out your 2012 with some well thought out modifications it will feel like a new truck. I had a 2013 and removed all the aftermarket stuff bringing it back to essentially stock and had second thoughts selling it because it felt like a new truck doing that. Ended up selling it. Bought a GX470. Got tired of the GX pretty quick and am back in a 2011 Tacoma which I intend to keep forever.

 

Thank you for the great and practical advice.

 

Yes. UCA's and LCA's wear out. Could be a good time to do them while apart doing shocks/springs. They may or may not be worn on OP's truck given the newer model year.
The stock shocks are bad new.

TW has regional subforum. Every region has more offroad enthusiast groups like local FB pages. Would be pretty quick and easy to find an owner/truck with X suspension you're looking at getting and go for a ride before deciding and committing to buying parts.

 

My wife has a hybrid and she loves it! She gets 42 MPG lol. For myself, I still like the old school feel for a truck.