Having a Hard Time With my 3rd Gen.

I wouldn't "move past" the TSB. Get the transmission TSB done and then reevaluate. It won't make everything better, but it might tip the scales. A lot of your complaints are resolved with the TSB. The majority of people (including me) are very happy with the results. It does make the truck seem like it has more low end grunt. The transmission was by far my biggest complaint and biggest drag on my enjoyment of the truck. So far (just done yesterday) the TSB seems to fix the issues to my satisfaction.

The seats work OK for me, but they certainly could be a lot better. I think the short cab height constrains the seat bottom design, but they had enough time to figure it out.

 

I definitely would get the TSB done. However keep expectations tempered as we don't really know yet with this adaptive transmission (learning) if it will again pick up bad habits or in fact be a major improvement that sticks. Likely will take a month or 1200 miles +

 

Good point about using the resource. His honesty and objectiveness is commendable. I used to work for Nissan and certainly didn't think they were all the Bees knees.

 

Thank you for your input on the TSB, that's essentially what I was referring to when I said "move past" it. I am no head honcho or anything of the sort with Toyota, just a service advisor. The only two issues I have seen with the new Tacoma down here (SWFL area) thus far was that one had a starter issue, and the other was a windshield issue, the windshield was replaced and the company who replaced the windshield didn't weather strip it properly - water got in and shorted out some of the components and made the truck unable to turn off completely, the engine would turn off but always stay in accessory mode (it was a DCSB OR 4x4 so it was push start.)

 

Curious since you are a Service advisor what would you say to a customer who complains that his Tacoma Transmission performs like crap? "Sorry sir that's a normal characteristic of the vehicle"

 

fair comments.

 

Serious question, did you do a test drive before you bought the truck? Also, according to Fuelly.com the mileage is marginally better than the 2nd gen. Just saying
Oh, and welcome to TW.

 

I say if you are so unhappy with you 3rd Gen, you loved your 2nd Gen so much and you work at a Toyota dealership you should keep your eyes open for a 2nd Gen and get rid of your 3rd. How long have you been working for Toyota? Did you seen any issues with the 2nd gens? There is no perfect vehicle out there.

 

OK sure but I see this statement made quite often here. Frankly it comes off as a bit of a cop out. To ignore the fact that the third gen has been somewhat a disappointment and a departure from expectations is slightly myopic

 

It's not a cop out at all IMO. There were things about my last vehicle that I hated so instead of just grinning and bearing it i sold it and got my truck. Life is too short to stew in your own shit, just get rid of it and move on with life. I have some issues with my transmission just like most but it doesn't make me hate my truck because I am secure in the fact that there is a fix for it and I'm still under warranty. I can guarantee that if you go on any automotive forum for any make and model of a vehicle there will be a handful of people that are batching and moaning about them.

I'm not being negative, just being realistic.

 

If anyone is going to buy one. When you road test it drive it like you stole it. Take it for a nice long drive. That will be the deciding factor.

 

Agree 100%. No vehicle will be perfect, I find it funny how quick to dismiss members are about the issues 2nd gens had and have too. Instead of dwelling on every little imperfection (seats too hard, don't like the way this looks, don't like the shift pattern but haven't gotten the TSB) how about focusing on the good, there are a lot of great updates to this platform, people need to seriously stop with the nit picking, the biggest issue Toyota has addressed (transmission shifting), more will come over time, its still a high resale, great looking, great off road and likely highly reliable truck. I just don't understand sometimes. Voicing concerns, issues and then posing fixes, asking for help is one thing. But holy balls this crap is getting annoying with the whinning on these trucks, some silly some not so silly. And guess what if you cant stand the truck, sell it and move on. I think the expectations here are a bit ridiculous with some. Even the 2nd gens aren't perfect, my 11 had a leaking front diff seal at 30k miles, my 15 had to have the leaf springs replaced, the lower control arm bushing went bad and squeaked like a mofo needing replaced twice, the tailgate handle oxidized in 5k miles needing replaced, etc.

 

Damn it my 40k Tacoma better have the same fucking quality of a hand built rolls Royce!

 

Maybe but many people are not having issues until 10k miles or greater. For instance leaf springs and rear diff issues.

 

Wasn't singling you out bud, have no idea even what your issues are, im talking in generality in the forum and specifically 3rd gen section.

 

Lol.

 

As someone else referenced its not a Mercedes its a mid size Toyota truck.

 

So a 35k to 40k truck should come with low tranny fluid, low diff fluid, zerks not greased, failing rear differentials, hood adhesive failure, vibrations, rumble strips, clunky transmissions, squeaking body mounts and leaf springs, weather stripping failures, radio malfunctions, cab vent leaks, exploding windshields & sunroofs, this list goes on. Well it's ok because Not Rolls Royce

 

Should of done your research before buying.