3rd Gen TRD OR (AT) purchasing advice; 16, 17, 18, or does it matter??

I've been reading a lot on Tacomaworld and just signed up. My wife and I are currently sailing our boat/home in the Bahamas. Two months from now we will be back and I want to get a 3rd Gen TRD OR (AT) access cab (i need the longer bed). I've been reading about this issues of the 3rd gens and fixes/improvements. I will be purchasing it from the DC area near where my folks live and that area seems to have really good pricing compared to national averages.

2016 models with ~20-29K miles tend to be ~$1-2K cheaper ($29-30K) than 2017 new or <2k miles ($31-33k). New 2018's I'm seeing $34-35k advertised pricing. So, 2016-2018 model difference in pricing is ~$4k.

My question is: from the 2016 to 2018 are many of the bugs worked out to justify extra $4k? i.e.: tranny fluid levels correct/TSB already done , wind howling noises fixed, leaking rear diff issue fixed etc. Not big on the 18' TSS stuff, but as long as I can turn that stuff off I don't mind if its there. I don't plan on a lift but possible level in the future.

I am interested on what some of you might know/think. I have limited access so within the week I will hopefully be able to get wifi while traveling to see responses. Thanks.

 

The tsb applies to all that need updated. Years shouldn't matter since it's the same tranny for all 3 years. With the latest update they should be identical.

 

$4k seems like a low cost to get a vehicle with 0 miles instead of 20-30k... These things retain value so well it doesn't make sense not to go new really.

 

Thanks. I'd rather go new probably and know from the beginning where I stand with maintenance and how ignoring was driven. The extra money spent up front should be seen again the day I sell. $1k military rebate buying new also shrinks the gap.

 

Till April 2nd there is 0% Financing on 2017 Tacomas. I took advantage of this when they did the Presidents day sale 0% for 72 months.

I decided to avoid the 2018's b/c of all their new sensors. My friend just bought an 18 and has had nothing but problems with the sensors. (eg his automatic high beams flicked on when a cop drove by, and then his brakes locked up in the middle of the interstate when someone cut infront of him)

 

For $4k, I would probably go new, if it were me. If you can find a leftover 2017 model, you should be able to negotiate the price down pretty close to what a used one would be. Though, an access cab might be harder to find. My dad just traded his Tundra on a 2018 Tacoma, but he looked at some used ones before that. For just a few grand more and a better interest rate, he decided to buy new. Good luck in your search!

 

Simple. GO NEW!!!!!

G.