Disappointed in gen3, need advice on my gen2

Ha!

 

The 4runner is the easiest option in terms of effort lol

Updating the taco is far a cheaper option lol

 

I don't get the hate for Toyota hybrids. I'll admit, putting them in their 4x4s is a risk that I'm just going to assume will pay off. Toyota knows their reputation is on the line if they release something unreliable for their notoriously reliable models (LC, Tacoma, and inevitably the 4runner), but I trust them.

I briefly went through this a year ago when shopping for my wife's replacement car. We were set on a RAV4 Limited, but ended up test driving a Venza and absolutely loved it. My concern being the Venza is ONLY a hybrid option. After some research and telling myself Toyota has been perfecting their hybrid drivetrains since early 2000 with the original Prius, we made the jump. We absolutely love the Venza. In the summer we saw 50-55mpgs on the regular and it's just a pleasure to drive. We've put almost 15k trouble free miles on it so far and have no plans to part with it.

Now, I'll also never sell my 2015 Taco unless we need a V8 or family plans seriously change. My truck has been problem free for 115k even with all the mods to it.

 

I am a role model for long term ownership.
I put 120k on my Civic
I drove my E36 BMW to 230k
I got 103k on my 128i now
And 70k on the Tacoma

If you take care of them and don't cheap out on maintenance stuff, cars can last you a long time.

 

@paltak
I have actually done what you are debating on.

I owned a clean 2nd Gen TRD Off Road and traded it in on a new 2018 3rd Gen TRD Off Road. Drove the 3rd gen for few years and I could never get used to the transmission, so I traded it on a New 4Runner right before the pandemic. I enjoyed the 4Runner but I missed having a bed. I debated on getting a small 5X8 utility trailer to use when I needed to do truck things. Then the pandemic hit and 4Runner prices skyrocketed. I was able to sell the 4Runner for more than I bought it for and pick up another clean 2nd Gen TRD Off Road.

Do I miss the 3rd Gen? No. I did not like the transmission.
Do I miss the 4Runner? Hell yes. I would get another one in a heartbeat but because of how expensive they are now I wouldnt be able to afford to eat.
Do I like the 2nd Gen? Yes. I just replaced the entire suspension and put on a new set of wheels and tires. It doesnt have all the newer tech that the 3rd Gens have but it gets the job done.

Keep the 2nd Gen, upgrade the lift and tires and still have money in your pocket.

 

I don't hate hybrid Toyotas. My wife has one and she loves it!

It's a situational and comfort level thing, and platform anxiety, in my opinion. I know my wife will only keep her car for 4-5 years and we'd be able to sell/trade with no issues, and her next car will likely be another hybrid.

For me, I plan to keep my next car for hopefully 15+ years. If I went with an LC I wouldn't want to pay or who'd want buy a hybrid LC that'll likely need $10K battery replacement. I drive a lot less nowadays so I'm not too concerned with the efficiency, or we can always take my wife's car on road trips.

Just my opinion.

 

Nice! Would love to learn more about your build and brands used since this is all new to me.

I'm leaning towards 285/70-17 KO2 on TRD Pro wheels.

Still unclear on what lift/suspension piece I would use

 

I’ve read this same story more than once. 2nd to 3rd back to 2nd.

 

your 2nd gen hasn't let you down, so dont let it down. 9k of mods can get you alot, better to do it now while stuff for the 2nd gen is still available. you can look at my build thread for some ideas.

 

I have a 2nd Gen TRD Off Road that has about 120K on it. I was able to buy a complete suspension (front shocks/coils, rear springs and shocks) that was removed from a 3rd Gen TRD Off Road that had less than 500 or so miles on it.

 

Sounds like it's time to make some friends.

 

I’m in camp keep the gen 2. Sounds like it is plenty capable for your uses and as others have contributed the ride can be massively improved with less than 6-months worth of new 4runner payments.

Not sure where you’re located but I’ll add the anecdotal experience of my KO2s being great tires, except on wet pavement. If you drive lots of miles on-road and you live in an area that gets regular rain, you might consider something with more siping like the Cooper Discoverer AT3 or the Falken Wildpeak.

 

I get what you are saying about the 3rd gen. My second gen seemed to have more low-end grunt. If you need more juice, push the ECT PWR button. It def helps.

And idk a low mileage miata is pretty cool. Tough decision for sure

 

Thanks for the suggestion. I live in the Midwest and currently running on smaller KO2s on original rims, and it does get slippery as the tires get more miles.

 

Sounds like a new vehicle with extended warranty is the best choice for you
Read up on how to get the Toyota extended warranty the cheapest possible, don’t get fleeced by your local dealer

 

I got excited but I don't believe my 2012 TRD OR has an ECT button, but I really don't need the extra power.

 

The third gens have them. Or at least mine does.

 

Thank you. Would definitely consider this if I end up getting new, but I'm now more leaning towards keeping my Tacoma and do some upgrades and maintenance.

 

If it were me, I'd keep the 2nd gen and keep it stock. I know, the most boring option

 

If you can’t pay cash for the new one then fix the 2012 and keep it another 250k miles.