Considering a 3rd Gen Taco, want some advice...

Best thing I can advice you, OP, is to go on a test drive WITHOUT the sales man. Arrange for that so that you may focus on the truck.

My experience with mine has been nothing short of amazing. I have a trd off roaf 4x4. Absolutely no complaints.

 

I'd love to see a video of this because I don't believe you.

 

I did an extended test drive on saturday. The dealer I went to really impressed me with their customer service, gave me the keys and said go enjoy it.

Long story short, getting the chance to test drive the truck for myself has forced me to come to the conclusion that most of the negative reviews of the Tacoma are pure BS. It isn't noisy by any standard of the word, it also doesn't lack power, ride harsh, nor are the seats uncomfortable. Is it as smooth as a caddy? No probably not, but that's okay because I don't care for luxury cars or the kind of image that goes with them.

Also, the transmission shifting didn't really bother me as much as I thought it would. It did shift a lot, but apart from the noise it makes when it does that, it had no noticeable impact on the way it drove. I think it's something I'd have to live with for a while to decide whether I want to use the shiftsense or not.

The interior of the model I tested was uninteresting, to say the least. I have no idea what choices are available, but it felt like there was some potential that Toyota wasn't tapping here. Having said that, in terms of style and layout it's still the nicest truck interior I've ever seen.

 

OP - I'm now 2 months in on my used 2016 DCLB AT sport. Previous owner lifted it and added some mods since, I've added a bunch more.... I got it with 19,000 kms, it now has 27,000 kms.

My observations to date based against test drives of unmodified 2016 comparison trucks:
Once lifted and with 33's the performance and fuel economy disappear, to be expected. The tranny truly is to blame, when shifted manually if accelerates and performs well however, left alone it has no idea. Cruise control at hyw speeds of 100 to 130 kph are poor, any kind of hill, head win or passing seagull and it downshifts abruptly. Fuel economy sucks = 430 kms per tank full. I do have a howl in the drive-line at 85 to 90 kms but hope its the front control arm wind noise and not a diff.

Interior feel, fit and finish is excellent except for the road noise of the 33's which is again, to be expected. Left knee does rest on the door and i'm average size 5' 11" guy but its not uncomfortable. Overall cabin space is excellent and love the interior and its features. I find all the lighting more then adequate and don't feel a need to upgrade to LED but probably will, because once you get one of these mods become like crack...

So that said, I'm willing to continue working thru these issues, as i LOVE the truck. When i park it, I almost always look back lustfully and think yeah baby.... that's a F'ing sweet ride!

Hope that helps !