purchase decision

New member (and new to trucks....period)

looking to purchase a used Tacoma for my son whose car was recently totaled (he's 18). he would love a truck and I am on board. love the Tacoma for reliability, safety, looks and fun. we also ride motorcycles and it will be nice to throw the bikes in the back (occasionally).

been looking at used Gen 2's because of price point. then i found a 2016 at a reputable Toyota dealership with low miles (and because I know a guy that knows a guy) - I can get a good price on this car.

Question - the car has spacers and is therefore slight raised. the car is the 4 cylinder. and it's the first year of the 3rd generation. any reason for concern? car has clean car fax and is the same price of most of the 2010-2015 that I have been looking at).

thank you so much for your advice in advance....ch

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

I would recommend reading up in the 3rd gen section to educate yourself on possible issues and what to look for.

You can also read up on the lift that has been added in the suspension section. A good place to start would be the Lift FAQ thread.

 

Welcome! Definitely take @irayfz6 advice and check out the 3rd gen forum for more info.

 

Hmm, let's see. My truck is a first year 3rd gen that I bought 4 months ago with 25k and it has given me no problems. The difference is mine is completely stock, the one you are looking at has spacers. I also have peace of mind since I have not hit 36k yet and still have the original factory warranty covering me. I would say that could be another thing to consider upon looking at this truck BUT I am not sure how the suspension mod would affect that warranty coverage.

Also, Welcome to TW.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

thanks for the feedback. will look around the other sections to get educated. Also went down there to drive the car and it is not spacers - it is a full on Bilstein suspension set up (not sure how much of a lift, but noticeable). truck drove very firm and hard compared to the two other stock used Tacomas that the dealer had. I passed on the 2016 - thinking about the 2018 - of course that one is more money. sucks you in...

 

Welcome to TW you can’t go wrong with a later 2nd gen. I’d research the possible common issues with the 3rd gen. But being a 4cyl should be fine is it an auto or standard?
The 3rd gens are a little roomier but if the price is right do what’s best for y’all. Either way you can’t go wrong an the spacer lift can be removed fairly easily.

 

I bought a 17 six months ago and its certified which is peace of mind and it's a great truck so far . Would recommend.

 

Welcome!

 

No issues with my 2016 but it has the 6 cylinder engine

 

Welcome to TW! Test drive the Tacoma and see how you feel about the trans shifting all the time.. That's the biggest complaint with the 3rd Gens.

 

Buy him a real nice 1st gen. He’s 18.

 

80 series landcruiser. Welcome to TW!