Second Gen (2015) TRD Sport or 3rd Gen (2017) Limited

Hello fellow Enthusiast,
I just want to hear what people think in regards to buying a 2015 Tacoma Sport 4x4 DC
with 150k or a 2017 Tacoma Limited with similar miles.
Pros and Cons?
Appreciate everyone's opinion.
t2

 

It comes down to what you're looking for. This is a battle of drivetrain/engine (2015 TRD Sport) vs. creature comforts and tech (2017 Limited). Issue is, one man's PRO is another's CON.

2015
PRO

• 4.0 1GR-FE engine
• A750E transmission
• "Best" year of the 2.5 Gens

CON

• "Dated" tech and interior
• Higher potential for frame rust vs 3G

BONUS

• Has nonfunctional skewp +hotboypoints
• Sport Suspension if staying roadside
• Color matched bumper, flares, sideviews

2017
PRO

• Leather and "premium" interior (seat warmers, etc.)
• Tech if that floats your boat (blind spot and cameras)

CON

• RC62F transmission (gear seeking, powerband)
• 16 and 17s had more TSBs than other 3G years.
• Frame rust, Toyota more or less learned from 2nd Gen but still check.

BONUS

• Comes with the "I hope you like chrome package"
• More modern exterior styling?
• Pretty much same suspension as the Sport.

What's the price difference?

 

Thanks so much for the valuable info. Much appreciated!

 

I’ve had a 2013 Sport and currently have a 2019 Off Road.

if both had miles and clean frames I’d likely grab the 2nd Gen.

Last year of a model vs. second year of newer model. Some just feel the 2nd Gen is a better truck.

My .01

 

Thanks for the input Joe.. As you know shopping for a used vehicle is very time consuming as there different models and year that comes up available. Now, im in conversation with a Sales Rep regarding a 2020 Tacoma Sport in Manual Trans. nicely optioned in Leather/SunRoof/ and all added tech items. Looks well taken cared of. So im keeping my options open and just enjoying the process, while reading through the Forum! Thanks again

 

I’ll say 2nd cause that’s what I have.. hope that helps lol

 

I still find the 3g grill horribly ugly. No intention of ever buying one.

Don't care about excessive tech or lux. It's truck. For truck stuff. That I'll never drive over a couple hundred miles at a time. Then again my little 5 lugs capabilities exceed my truck needs.

Some folks like lux trucks and tour with them. I get it.

You have to decide how you'll use it. And what you like.

 

I’m a little prejudiced as I have a 2nd gen and love it. But you need to take a little more detailed look at each. Are these trucks in the rust belt? If so make a careful inspection of the under carriage as to the rust. If much rust walk away. How is the exterior and interior condition of each. Does either or both have maintenance records? No records and I become a little hesitant. Do they have mods? Depending of what the mods are I am hesitant to buy a truck that I don’t know who did the mods or the mods were done by Sam Shithead who doesn’t know a wrench from a can opener.
Basically do a deep dive into each.

 

Thanks much for the input Ken (Sprig). You're right being at a snow belt is my Number #1 worry. Plenty of used Tacomas and you wonder why people are selling them? Rust is always a concern, and trying to convince these sellers private or used dealers to have them lifted up on a hoist to inspect the underbody is always a challenge. Although there are people that are willing to jump right in an and purchase a used Taco by just a test drive and visual check underneath the Truck. I'm taking my time and in No Rush as long as I can find a one owner or private sale is one that I will consider. Or a CPO Truck from a Toyota dealer.

 

I owned a 2018 and currently a 2015 sport I also currently own a 2023 4Runner with the 1gr (same engine as the 2015 sport but with 40 more horsepower since it’s dual vvti) my 2015 Tacoma sport feels like it has a smoother power band than both the 4Runner with 40 hp and the 2018 Tacoma I’ve owned

 

I have owned (2) 2005 2nd gen trucks and currently own a 2017 TRD sport, V6 auto 4wd. And I agree with the comments above. I’ve owned my truck and I am comfortable with the shifting, but the transmission is constantly changing gears. Also when you need to go fast, it takes two down shifts before moving forward. MPG on the 2017 was great on factory setup. However currently running 285/70/17set up and only gets about 15-16MPG

I am very happy with my 3rd gen I think I’d choose it over the 2nd gen. And if I purchase another Tacoma, it would be a LIMITED package also

 

I have a 2015 DCSB TRD Sport and love it. Manual trans makes it more fun also. No experience with a 3rd gen s can’t say good or bad

 

I plan to keep my ‘15 as long as it still moves. I’ve never felt that way about a vehicle before.