Looking at a 2017 Tacoma...

I had a 2002 that some kid texting used for brakes. I've been without it for two years and I'm getting the itch. Problem is I've been hearing about issues with the Gen 3 Tacomas. My 02 never gave me a single problem ever. Never got stuck, towed my boat without issue, and went 191,000 miles before being destroyed. I'm also hearing the new ones have plastic beds? Can that be right? Anyway, here's my awesome 2002:



Here's the one I'm looking at:

 

Keep your 1st gen man, it's paid off.

 

My 2001 and 2016 have both been great

Good luck on the 2017

All models have some niggling issues

 

He hasn't had his first gen for two years...

 

Pointless thread is pointless, but thanks for that first pic. Saved it and will post it anytime I see photos of people putting their dogs in the bed instead of the cab.

 

If you didn't catch the picture of my 02, it's no longer driveable.

 

I know, I'm sorry. Bad joke. Good luck.

 

I've owned a 98, 13, 15 and 17 for four days now. The 3gen is by far the nicest generation, but that's just the direction of the market. I would say go for it. Both the first and second gens had just as many problems. Just make sure and test drive and look it over well before buying.

edit: the bed is composite. They did that on the 2gen. I've had zero problems with it.

 

So it appears that you're "that" member of the forum. There's always at least one. Thanks for the information.

 

That'll buff out.

Rule #1 - don't believe everything you hear on the internet.

Rule #2 - don't assume anything different just started with 3rd gens. The composite bed has been around since 2nd gen (2005) if I remember correctly.

I had a 2002 4runner until a few weeks ago. It was a solid truck throughout its 170,000 miles. It did have a few issues; had to replace valve cover gaskets, O2 sensors, and finally the brake booster was starting to make a funky noise at times.

That said, I really like my 2017 TRDOR.

 

go for it!

 

I had a 2000 4Runner and it was fantastic right up until the transmission died. I used it to tow a 2500lb boat every so often and I believe the lack of a transmission oil cooler coupled with a lack of power to tow caused the trans to die prematurely.

 

Do it, I love my 3rd gen, had some minor issues which were easily resolved by dealer. Yes, they have a composite bed which works very well, has been around since 2nd gen.

Edit: don't believe all the crap you read here in the 3rd gen section, most owners have no issues and love their trucks. Too much trolls in this section...

 

I love reading how all the 2nd gen owners are saying "don't get a 3rd gen they're full of problems" but if you look at some of the polls on the 3rd gen threads. 75% of the owners haven't had any issues and the issues the other 25% are complaining about are getting resolved from Toyota like the transmission shifting and the lca howling. I've never owned a 2nd gen so I can't tell you which is better but as a 3rd gen owner I can tell you that I am very happy with my truck and it's everything I wanted it to be.

 

OK, now that there have been some actual serious answers, I have a few more questions.

1. The TRD package on my 02 came with the ATF cooler which doesn't appear to be part of the TRD package for the Gen 3s. Other than the suspension, is there any reason to go with the TRD?
2. In the pic of the 2017 I posted in the first post, it does not have the TRD package, yet has the BF Goodrich tires. Is that an add-on?
3. The one I'm looking at has the "tow package" which adds the ATF cooler and it has the "SR5" package which adds some goodies that I will definitely use. Are there any other options/packages I should be looking at?

http://www.koons.com/new/Toyota/201...ngton-dc-a42e45250a0e0ae854d002e50494d246.htm

 

The tow package is the only thing I would consider a must have. I chose not to add the JBL, didn't seem worth the money to me. I did add steps and roof rack, but honestly I would go aftermarket now, I ordered before TW learned me some stuff.

 

I will defend my 2016. I got a manual transmission and seem to have no problems. Yes the differential howls when feathering the throttle around 55 mph. I'm always blasting music so I can't hear it anyway. Squeaky clutch issues... Just lube it and it's fine. Get a grease gun and grease the zerks if you get a 4x4. Other than that, my truck has been a blast to drive and it looks great. Hope I could help.

 

Forums attract the small percentage of people that have an issue. Don't pay too much attention to the people that say they have had issues, unless you see nothing but the same issue over and over again. Every forum for every vehicle, has a bunch or people saying they have had a bunch or problems. It's nicer than the 2nd Gen, with more power, and gets better gas mileage. It's still designed and produced by Toyota. Love my 17.

 

Most Tacomas come with the "tow package" which has the ATF oil cooler

TRD sport has Firestone Destinations standard for better economy and road handling. TRD OR i believe comes with the BF Goodrich tires for better Off-Road handling. You'd have to ask someone who owns an OR.

Keep an eye out for the Premium Tech package. For $3,000 it adds sunroof, Blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, dual automatic climate control. That's a lot of goodies for a small price. You can also get a JBL package with premium sound.

 

I agree with that. I've been riding dirtbikes for decades and it's amazing how many motorcycle forums have nothing but people bitching about their crappy "insert brand here". I'm just looking for solid information before spending 30K+ and I appreciate your post.