Buying My First Tacoma! Advice Needed

Hey everyone,


I’m currently in the market for my first Tacoma and was leaning toward a 3rd gen. I’m specifically looking for a manual, as I really miss the feel of driving stick. I’ve been daily driving Ford F-150s with the 5.0 for the last 13 years and absolutely love them, but I’ve heard great things about the Tacoma in terms of reliability and off-road capability.


That said, I’ve also read that the 2005–2015 models are considered more reliable due to the simpler 1GR-FE engine. Some say the 3rd gens are just as good though, so I’m a bit torn. I’m trying to avoid the 4-cylinder models and really just want something solid and dependable for the long haul.


I’ve heard mentions of oil leaks and other minor issues with the 3rd gens — is there anything major I should be aware of? Would really appreciate any insight or advice from experienced owners on which generation to go for.


Thanks in advance!

 

I can tell you I have A 2020 TRD PRO manual.. zero issues. You are correct in your thinking GET a 3 pedal truck. Much less problems. Watch out for rust if your in a rust belt area like me. I dont drive it in the winter. Good luck !!

 

Biggest thing to look out for on these trucks are rotted frames. Other than that ensure there's maintenance records. There's a lot of complaints with the 3rd gen auto trans so wanting a 3rd pedal will alleviate that issue. Folks still reccomend a tune with a manual trans on the 3rd gens. I currently own an 07 (second gen) with no complaints.

 

Every vehicle from every builder is going to have its "issues". Some are pure folklore, and some are very real. But overall the 3rd Gen Taco is a solid mid-size truck. If it were me, I would look for a 2020 or newer truck. Expect to look extra for a manual that trips your trigger.

PS: you are going to miss the towing capabilities that your F-150 had if you happen to tow stuff.

 

No problems with my 2016 with 62K miles. I am the original owner, so if you buy used make sure it is well maintained. Check out this thread since you have an F150. Welcome to TW regardless of what you get.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/f150-owner-considering-making-the-switch.705304/

 

a manual is going to be hard to find, but hold out for what you want.
I suggest test driving one, even if it's an automatic. Especially since you are used to a V8, you should understand the 3.5 doesn't product much torque down low and needs to be spun up. There is a new post nearly every single day from folks wanting to "improve shifting" or something of the sort, fact is, there is nothing wrong other than expectations and lack of test driving before purchasing. Also if you plan to tow, there are numerous complaints on the manual transmission trucks having a tall reverse gear, making backing up hills and/or with a trailer, a clutch slipping endeavor or having to use 4low.

All said- I love my 3rd gen and plan to keep it a long time. But, when it gets retired, it will be replaced with a truck with more low end torque.

 

Some of those old F-150's and even the Rangers are beasts. And per others you will miss the towing capability and torque.

But - the 2021-2022-2023 models are 'good'.
Perfect?... no.

Do your homework, get someone to take a deep dive look-see and you should be ok.

I wouldn't buy the 2024+ 4th Gens for another few years to see how they shake out.

 

I have the 2021 year and have no issues with it. I don't tow, go off road. I mainly use it as a everyday old man truck. Keep it at 50 mph on most paved roads and regular maintenance is the key to a long life of the vehicle and oh yeah forgot get oiled or rust proofed if you live in the snow, salt belt like I do.

 

Welcome to TW.

2016 owner here, 82k and no abnormal issues. Do oil changes and regular maintenance. When buying, note what you’ll be doing , towing, or whatever and buy appropriately decked out, like towing package, etc. if you like creature comforts, look at “Limited”, if you’re just looking for a workhorse SR5 will get’r done. One big thing is resale value when it’s time to move on, they do hold their value.

 

Tacos rule

 

If speed is your #1 need, you may be disappointed. But if reliability and off-road capability is your #1 need, you've picked the right truck.

The TRD Off-Road model is the best bang for the buck, as it is much cheaper than the TRD Pro, and the TRD Sport is more of a street runner.

The SR & SR5 (V6), are no slouches either, they are just missing the rear locker & Crawl Control (something the TRD Sport also does not offer).

 

My 2021 SR5 has been incredible. I came from a ram 1500 that was a complete piece of garbage. I purchased that truck new and took extremely good care of it but it was falling apart by 60K miles.

The Tacoma is the opposite, nothing fancy and it just starts and goes every time as long as you take care of it.

I drive my truck all over North America and I use it like a truck. If I had to go back in time to when I sold my Ram because it couldn’t be trusted, I would buy still the exact same taco.

 

Being a previous Taco owner and current F150 owner I would definitely recommend driving multiple before buying. For me F150 is much roomier, seats are more comfortable, ride a little better, I ended up getting better fuel economy with the 3.5L EcoBoost than my 2009 with the 4.0 and a rocket ship compared to the Tacomas.

 

The f150 hauls more, tows much better, has a lot more room, and will get better mileage than a Tacoma.
The Tacoma is a decent mid sized truck. Keep the Ford. I like my Tacoma for what it is.

 

You will be disappointed moving from an F-150 to a Tacoma. I went from a Ram 2500 with the 6.7 Cummins to my 21 Tacoma. Tacoma fuel economy is worse, less comfort, and considerably worse drivability. Only reason I switched vehicles was that I stopped towing my Jeeps so I could no longer justify an expensive depreciating asset sitting in my driveway rotting in the sun.

 

I have a 23 TRD Sport 6' bed. I had a 13 Sierra 5.3 before the Tacoma. The Sierra had alot more power, room and bed space. I just did not need a full size V8 powered truck since I do not tow or haul heavy loads. For me, the transmission in the Tacoma is the only quirk the truck has. Apparently a tune helps with this issue.

 

Welcome to TW ! Whatever you purchase let us know how it goes as time passes .

 

If you are worried about 3rd gen reliability, buy one from a dealer with an extended warranty. Toyota pumped out 200k-250k 3rd Gens per year between 2016-2023. You will hear a few horror stories, but the vast majority of 3rd gens are reliable. I have a 2018, but my mileage (20k) is too low so can't give much advice on it's reliability just yet. It has had to recalls serviced (fuel pump, PCS sensor), and once for warranty (squeaky clutch).

 

I have a 2022 Off Road that I literally beat to death off road - it does not get babied. Just had it at the shop for the 60K maintenance and no major issues.
I do change the oil every 5K miles and sometimes - when I feel like it - rotate the tires and clean the mud and dirt off it. Oh and it has an OTT tune so I think it runs really nice on the pavement so all the complaints about under powered blah blah blah - yeah, I have no idea what that is all about.

 

To get the Manual you will be only able to find in a few trim levels and configurations. Double Cab Short Bed Off Road, Sport, and Pro, and Access Cab Sport. Since you mentioned no 4 bangers, l left out the 2016 - 2017 Access Cab SR.