What to lookout for?

So I am going tommorow, to take a look at a new 2017 Taco.

I read lots of threads that state problems with Tranny oil and Going from P-R.

Is there any other issues with the Gen3, I should be conscious about and ask the salesman about.

Also do you think its worth it to do the upgrade for the trd air intake and trd exhaust system?

 

Take a long test drive, 30 minutes minimum. If you can convince the dealer to let you test drive it overnight that is the way to go.

Check if the rear diff is seeping oil, there is a recall on that.

Check if the vin falls under the crank position sensor recall.

Wait for the end of the month, better chance of getting them to come down a little at end of month.

Complain about the two active recalls I noted above to try to drag price down a little.

The TRD air intake and exhaust are a waste of money imo.

 

Here are a few things to consider when buying, coming from someone who just got one a month ago.

Check several interior packages. Some have better audio packages, some have better instrument dash such as the auto air conditioning (forgot what its actually called). You may be able to get them to add floor mats free, or get one with running boards for the same price as one that does not. Sit in several of them and see what combo you like best. Ask them to meet your needs even if they have to order the specific one in, and have them do it for free.

As for things such as recalls and all that. I feel the newer ones on the lots have most of that taken care of. They shouldnt be selling any off the lot now that have the rear end problems. But it does not hurt to ask and verify. So far mine has zero problems besides the sluggish low end throttle response, and that is something toyota intentionally did.

As for warranty, it was my choice not to add the extended plan. I have read up on it and in my perspective is not worth the extra cash. Opinions will vary. I would save that money and toss is some nice custom fit seat covers like classios or coverking after you get it home.

Hope it goes well! congrats if you get one.

 

Agreed about spending the cash on the TRD intake. I feel the stock exhaust needs some help but you could get a better cheaper option later with a 3rd party on these forums.

 

Get it on the highway to 55-60 mph and lightly feather the throttle, listen for a howling from the rear differential.

Try to get the RPM band at about 2100 and feel for vibration in the steering wheel.

If the truck has some miles on it (probably won't since it is a pro), pop the hood and check the adhesive joints between the hood bracing and hood above the engine. At 20k miles, mine are completely melted/disintegrated.

Take a nice long drive around down making slow turns and trying to quickly accelerate into traffic and ask yourself if you are OK spending as much money as you will on a Pro for that little of low end torque.

If all of those check out, you'll probably enjoy the truck for many years to come. Those are the major issues I've noticed, with the hood issue being relatively minor, everything else seems pretty easy to resolve.

Edit: Also feel for a "rumble strip" type of vibration when you are coming to a stop, that seems to be another big one. There is a TSB out for it, but it is kind of hit or miss on whether it fully resolves the issue.

 

Get it for an overnight test drive so you can travel on roads you normally drive on.

 

Not sure if this applies to all states but in my state we can't legally sell a new vehicle that has any open recalls. If the recall wasn't performed or can't be at the time, then the vehicle can not be "legally" delivered

 

Most dealers won't let you do an overnight test on a vehicle like the Pro

 

Literally just read all the posts on here. There are so many whiny bitches that complain about the dumbest things. That should help you out. If it annoys when your truck goes up and down when you drive over a speed bump then you should probably stay away from a "40k" truck. Or that's what ultimately 75% of people on here say.

 

Definitely wait until that last weekend of the month. At this point, I'd wait until the end of August as the '18s should be rolling out. They will be more willing to deal at the end of the month and model year.

This one is huge. Go to your bank or credit union and get a pre-approved auto loan. You basically get a blank check up to the limit you're approved for. So if you're looking at a $38k OR, you should get pre-approved for $41k, for taxes, warranty or other add-ons you might decide on. Now you wheel and deal, put someone money down or trade-in and only end up spending $37k. Then your loan payment will be based on $37k. The dealer won't let you leave knowing you have that blank check. There's also the possibility the dealer might find you a better deal on financing thru Toyota or one of their partner banks. You don't have to use that pre-approved check, especially if you get a better deal.

Some of the complaints on here are valid while at the same time some people are over dramatic. I had trans shifting issues that were really concerning but after the second TSB, I'm happy. Not perfect, but I still love the this truck and look forward to racking up some miles in the years to come.

 

I did the pre-approved thing and then the dealer actually beat it so I benefited greatly. I always recommend an extended or overnight test drive to people to prevent them from buying then coming on here bitching about it after purchase.

 

Dont even drive an automatic go straight into a Manuel! I was in such a rush to get mine i didnt even drive a Manuel, BIG Mistake! I got the first TRDsport4x4 they got on the lot back in Sept 2015. But always get what you like the most, its your truck you have to drive it and live with it!!

 

test drive and look over the truck thoroughly and make sure its the right vehicle for YOU, there have been lots of fabricated complaints on issues that could have been noticed at the time of the test drive by people who didn't research the truck and were too lazy to make sure it was the right vehicle before buying it, your allowed to do as many test drives as you see fit so don't just do a 10 minute drive and say its all good, you can always come back or go to another dealer for more test drives.

 

Of course it applies to all dealers everywhere! Geez do threads like this bring out the whiners from the cellar or something?

OP, you can't buy a vehicle if there is an open recall on it. It has to be fixed first. Just remember that the vast majority of Tacomas have absolutely zero problems, mine included. The ones with problems whine the loudest and this thread is proof of that. They just keep going on and on and on, instead of getting it fix and moving to some other topic.

Get what you want and enjoy It!

 

Exactly. Pay attention during the test drive and if you like it buy it.

 

yes, there was another thread started by someone who says that when he pushs the brake pedal it makes a squish noise he didn't like and a $40k+ vehicle shouldn't do that and he previous vehicles didn't do itso he obviously didn't notice it at the test drive

 

All the more reason to get an overnight test drive.

 

I have a buddy who is an AST mechanic at my local dealer, and the issues have been taken care of on those made after about January 1. The axle press fit was bad on some evidently.

I have a TRD OR 2017 made in March and it's been fine, and I use if off road quite a bit. Keep an eye on the ground for leaks.

 

TRD Offroad diff isnt part of the recall, only the non-locking diffs are.

Do not put exhaust on these trucks, I've heard every type on the 2nd and 3rd gen, they all sound terrible.

The TRD intake is very expensive and I'd prefer a well made aftermarket if you need the noise.

Honestly, its a new truck, you'll have warranty and they have made recalls and TSB's for the problems, dont worry about it.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/muffle-brake-pedal-noise.499859/ this is being taken as a serious issue? the dude said a $40k++ truck shouldn't sound like a golf cart but he supposedly test drove it and then bought it that way? the next excuse will be it happened at 10 miles after purchasing it.