Honest opinion on the 3rd gens?

I like my truck

 

But then he could be... any one of us...

 

This post was priceless:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-reason-the-2018-are-late.518719/page-2#post-16418511

This one was icing on the cake...

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rear-diff-gear-lash.518682/page-2#post-16423987

 

I love my '17 DCSB M/T. Traded a RAM 1500 for it and haven't looked back. Just had my 15k service done and not an issue to speak of. It's my favorite vehicle I've ever owned. I've hauled big loads, towed, and driven it in all kinds of weather conditions. It's performed flawlessly in all circumstances. It still feels as solid as the day I bought it and suspect it'll keep on for as long as I want to drive it.

However, I will admit that the power is not great. Especially in an A/T. That is a big reason I got an M/T. Feels a bit more powerful and is more fun to drive. Completely makes up for the less than spirited acceleration IMO.

 

When ever I hear people complain about under powered Toyota pickups I think to myself "is this the first time you have driven a Toyota pickup?" They have been under powered for about 40 years now. Seems to be a running theme I would say.

 

It's ok low end but you have to hammer it.
Eco programming borrowed from Prius I swear

 

So here is my opinion, but first some personal bias. I have always wanted a Tacoma, going back to when I started to want to drive. Life got in the way and when I was finally able to acquire s new vehicle, the 3rd gens were what was new in the market place. I was also driving a Jeep Liberty at the time and did not feel safe with my kids in the back due to the poor design and positioning of the gas tank.

Having the truck over 1 year now, there are both positives and negatives. First the negatives. I have never owned a vehicle that has had the random noise and vibration issues like this one. The crazy shifting tranny took some time to get used to, and when on cruise control I still get some hang up on gear shift. Buying a new model year, I fully expected to have some bugs, but it’s when the timing was right for me to buy.

Now the positives. The truck is comfortable, stylish, and gets me where I need to go without issue. I didn’t buy the truck for exceptional mileage, but when I slowed down I can get 18-20mpgs, even with the extra weight of skids and sliders. I fee safe in the truck, and my kids love taking it more than the wife’s Corolla. The after market support for this vehicle is amazing, as well as the knowledge on this site to address many of the issues I have encountered. The taco is also fun to drive, and I enjoy taking it hunting and watching the bigger bro dozers do 20 point turns to get out of a narrow situation where my taco is much more nimble. The moon roof is a nice touch, and I use it often. In the end, I would buy it again with all of its issues. There are issues, but I think the overall experience leads me to believe this truck is a keeper.

 

He probably dropped off his turd gen at the dealership and then detonated it.

 

Q: Do they rub?
A: In 4wd when turning, and in 2wd when going straight, and in park. Other than that, no rubbing.

 

I was reading all the comments on mpg. I try to fill up on the way home whenever possible because it is almost all down hill from that station. When I get home, the dash readout often says 24-25 mpg, once it read 30 mpg. Of course, those of you in hill country know all to well, what the down hill gods giveth, the uphill gods more then taketh away! So 18-19 mpg is my usual on a tank, all in town.

 

I have a 2016 SR5 with the automatic V6, I drive it pretty easy, no issues with the transmission. People complain about it shifting and having low power, just step on the gas harder, haha. My first Tacoma though, I like it alot! Great vehicle, buying any other truck other than a Toyota is fine, but nobody comes close to the reliability and resale, that's all I care about. To each their own I suppose.

 

I like my truck but it sputters at highway speeds, howls, and has downshift clunks in the front and the back.