Thinking of trading in/ up 2013 for 2017/18

Currently driving a 2013 2WD DCSB PreRunner with 4.0L, it is a great truck and does all I need, but thinking about upgrading to a new truck. Mostly I am really curious about the new 3.5L engine and have some questions for the quorum here:

How is that engine, are the HP & mpg numbers accurate? Reliability?

Towing capability, is it better or worse than the 2013? I know the weight capabilities are out there, but are they realistic?

Any pros or cons with automatic transmission versus manual? How about 2WD or 4WD?

Is it available without radar cruise control and lane departure systems as standard equipment or is it optional? I drive Corolla & Camry rental cars all the time and those systems irritate the ____ out of me!

Any advice for options or equipment that is a must have or avoid?

Thanks.

 

HP #s are accurate but MPG varies wildly. Some don't get any close to what they're supposed to get, while others report they are right on target and sometimes above. Hard to judge reliability when it's only been out 2 years. Seems like there's more than a handful of kinks with 3rd gen in general but some also have no issues at all.

I would say towing with more torque is better but that's up to you I guess.

Pros of manual tranny: less erratic shifting, in control. Pros of auto: you don't have to deal with shifting. Cons of manual: I've seen a few threads where it gets sticky in 6th. Maybe found a fix by now. Don't know. Cons of auto: erratic shifting. Costs more in the long term if it fails.

2WD seems more reliable since there's a few threads stating about transfer cases getting stuck and/or completely failing. But 4WD is fun. Gas seems to be the same so it's up to you.

Not sure about the adaptive cruise or lane departure but I'm pretty sure they weren't offered in the '16 model. Could be wrong though.

 

I had a 2014 4.0. Great truck. Now I have a 2017 3.5. Still a great truck. You can hardly go wrong, but there are differences. I don't regret the update. I do about 50-100 miles a week so I'm not gonna have good MPG data, and it's basically all city, and it sucks gas around 16-17 MPG per the trucks math. I feel like my 14 got better MPG but that was my math and it was 2x4. I've not done the math myself in the 17. I don't tow, but I've hauled a bed of gravel and fresh fallen tree cuttings around flat AZ streets just fine. Auto trans is "different". It races through the gears to OD quickly. Double overdrive, too. Search around here... it's been beaten to death already.

 

Make sure you take an extended test drive

 

I have a 2013 as well and I drove a 2016 limited home for the night last week and liked it a lot

 

Watch out and research if you intend to do any mods, lifts etc. Changes the dynamics of the truck and usually not for the better.

 

This has been discussed ad nauseam.

 

So?

 

Mpg = www.fuelly.com

 

wait for the 18 it is almost here!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...2nd-and-1st-gen-tacomas.505982/#post-15830513

 

Yep! I get like 16 mpg pretty normally and I drive mostly city and I do not granny the truck. I've seen others claim 25+. I don't see how but whatever. The truck runs fine for a v6 imo. I haven't towed anything so I can't comment on that. My '17 doesn't have any of that safety sense junk and I'm glad of it!

 

I watched TW for a full year, and weighed all of the opinions, both good and bad before selling my 12 and buying the 17. I am so far, very happy with the 17. I definitely wouldn't go back.

 

If your current 2013 is "a great truck and does all I need", why get rid of it? I would suggest you pay it off if it isn't. If it is paid off, pay yourself car payments for 3 or 4 years. By then you will still have value in your 2013 and have enough to pay cash for your new vehicle.

It is pretty nice to be able to have no vehicle payments yet every 8-10 years purchase a new vehicle with cash.

As others have said. If your bent on getting a new Tacaoma. Take it for an extended test drive. Drive it like you do your 2013 and then decide.

 

Thanks for the info, I have searched the other threads but they seemed to drift off subject.

To be honest, my truck is excellent except for the color. Living in Florida black is too hot. There are days in the summer when the A/C can't keep up. It is not modified in any way, and the 2WD does fine for my style. A mix of city/ highway or averages 22mpg per tank. 2WD currently does the job since I'm not an off-road driver but very rarely may need it for a boat ramp.

Also I am intrigued with the new engine and may go with the 3.5L and a MT if it is an option.

Thanks again for all the info.