Questions about new Tacoma’s for possible new owner

Hey all, first post on the forum. I am going to be getting a new truck soon. I currently have an NNBS Sierra with a 7-9 inch FTS lift and 35s. It has been absolutely reliable through 100k miles. I am just wondering if I can expect the same from a new tacoma? Also, if I’m wantinf to get around 33 inch tires without rubbing, what’s the best, and affordable option. I just use off-road trails to get to my favorite fishing spots so nothing too extreme.
Thanks,
James

 

Welcome to TW! As far as longevity, only time will tell, but there are a few on here who have clocked 100k so far without issues.

 

Thanks! I know the reputation of the old Tacoma’s just wanted to make sure that carried over to the new ones!

 

Welcome to TW!

If nothing too extreme, this truck will get you there without lift, just update the tires. No lift required. If you absolutely require a lift, I'd go no more than 2". 33" may require some trimming, but nothing radical. Do a search on here, there is lots of info from multiple members.

 

This is no full size PU by any means. You may be disappointed by the lack of pickup and hauling/towing. But from your post that may not be what your after either?

I’m not going to sugar coat this. You may want to take the CarMax 5 day challenge and see for yourself what your getting yourself into. Those going from the 2nd generation to the 3rd and current body are very disappointed in the truck. Yes it is much nicer but that gave way for a smaller engine and lack of Ponies under the hood. As my service advisor said when I asked him about the many complaints about the lack of power. I value his opinion greatly as we have bought many Toyota products over the past 30 years. He’s never steered us wrong. “If you’re looking for something to pull the house off the foundation, you need to pass on the Tacoma”. He’s 100% right.

Toyota has generally been known for quality, dependability and durability. There are the occasional lemons that work their way through the process. You’ll find that anywhere. Nothing is perfect! Not so much for going 0 to 60 in 5 seconds flat or being the truck with the latest rocket science features. The Tacoma is an entry level truck for the young buyer. The Tundra was susposed to bridge the gap to the older mature buyer that wanted a full size truck. That may have worked on paper and thought process but never took off in reality. Those buyers went to GM, Ford and Ram for their fix. That’s where the rose colored glasses come in for Toyota.

I’ve owned a full size Ram and can wholeheartedly say the Tacoma it’s not a real pickup. I didn’t really buy it for that purpose. I got tired of trashing the inside of my Lexus and Benz hauling stuff and borrowing other peoples stuff to my dirty work. As my co worker says it’s the IKEA furniture hauler and nothing else. Good analysis by the way! I’ll continue to use my Lexus to haul my jet skis. The Tacoma won’t be able to get out of its own way if I depended on it to do that. For the occasional tow it will do the job.

Yes, I surmise I’ll get death threats and hate mail for this. Mysery loves company so why not lower the bus bumper?

For now the truck will do its purpose I bought it for.

Ask lots of questions and test drive the hell out of what you like.

 

Wow thanks for an honest response. Luckily, I am not looking for power. I have another older truck for towing. I am looking for a dependable, fun, and smaller truck that will get me where I need to go and never leave me stranded. I don’t mind a lack of features. The less features the less that can go wrong.

 

This is the most accurate reply that you’ll get in my opinion. I’d say the exact same thing except I’m a BMW fan, not Benz.

 

Thanks everyone. I am going to take a look at a 2017 Tacoma this upcoming Tuesday. If I wanted to level the Tacoma out what is the most affordable option that is still suitable for off-road use. I am just wanting some slightly larger tires and a nicer stance.

 

Make sure you get an extended or overnight test drive especially if you are looking at an Automatic

 

Drive it and drive it some more. Preferably on hills and stop and go. If you like it after all that it’s a great truck

 

I really don't think i'll mind the lack of power, if I wanted power I would be looking at Camaro's or an STI. I don't really race from light to light but I will do a thorough test drive before I establish my opinion. Again, thanks all for the feedback.

 

It has the power, more hp than the 2nd actually (almost 20% more), just at a different rpm.
Same 0-60 as 2nd gen and 45 seconds faster than 2nd gen in towing gauntlet test.
Torque/rpm curve is different but who cares.
2nd genners hate to admit it but its true.
What some don't like is it doesn't snap your neck off the line like a corvette.

 

I have a more positive view of the Tacoma than some of the above posters. With 37,000 km (20,000 miles) on my '16 AC MT I have had zero problems. It's the best truck around for bush roads and trails with its narrow profile, shorter wheel base and high clearance. I work in the bush and generally haul a quad in the back for when the road runs out. The truck has ample power for this type of usage. I had a 2nd gen Tacoma as well and my butt dynamometer found the power slightly better on the G3. Gas mileage is 10% better on the G3.
It's fine on the highway too although definitely not a high speed cruiser.
Stock tires are not for use off-hwy. I run KO2's in the summer and they work well.

QR

 

I have a '17 and have ZERO issues with it. No issues with gear hunting, erratic shifting or many of the other items mentioned on this forum related to the 3rd Gen Tacos. I find the power to be adequate for what it is, but it's not a powerhouse as many have mentioned, but if you want to tow and haul, get something else.

I don't think you're going to be disappointed with it. Plus you can pick up a '17 for a good deal right now, as the '18's are starting to hit the lots.