Help choosing my Tacoma? Totally lost

I bought bare bones and came way under 30k

 

Is their a list or site that lays out all of the additions/improvements of every 3rd gen taco?

Like:
2016 had this and this
2017 introduced sliding back window
2018 introduced the TSS system

 

If you are looking for creature comforts, I think you're best bet would be a 3rd gen tacoma.
Now which trim is right for you, depends on what you will mainly be using it for.
In terms of the higher trim lineup, this is what each one will provide for you overall:

TRD Sport 2WD/4WD

Exterior - Hood scoop, color matched fender flares, and most (color matched rear bumper covers)

Interior - only really changes with the premium package (leather seats, seat warmers, and sunroof)

Suspension/Tires - softer and friendlier on paved roads with street tires ( great set up for daily driving if not planning to offroad very much)

TRD OffRoad 2WD/4WD

Exterior - Loses hood scoop, black fender flares, and option for color matched bumper covers or chrome

Interior - only really changes with the premium package (leather seats, seat warmers, and sunroof)

Suspension/Tires - Bilstein shocks, little rougher on paved roads but great when off roading with equipped wrangler kevlar tires

Drivetrain - E-locker available on 4WD along with crawl control (correct me if wrong)

TRD Limited (more of a luxury trim)

Exterior - loses hood scoop, color matched flares, color matched rear bumper covers, chrome badging

Interior - Leather seats, seat warmers, and sunroof

Suspension/Tires - Softer suspension and friendlier on paved roads, limited wheels and regular street tires

TRD PRO

Exterior - Hood scoop, black fender flares, color matched rear bumper covers, and special PRO badging

Interior - Leather seating with PRO stitching and PRO shift knob and floor mats, heated seats and moon roof required

Suspension/Tires - FOX shocks awesome for offroading, PRO wheels and off road tires

( I know I'm missing a few things but you get the gist of it. Hopefully this helps )

 

I bought a certified 17 and so far its great .

 

Bought a new 19 TRD off road last week and love it. Wanted a red SR5 4wd but there were no red anywhere close and got what I feel is a good deal on mine. I would say look at the options and see what you need and start from there. Then see what falls into your price range and choose, and like others have said test drive and see what works best for you, could always go late 2nd gen.

 

2017 FTMFW

 

Yes I noticed how it seems new is way to go. When I bought my new tundra was cheaper getting brand new for rebates and still have warranty for peace of mind. But I sold it back to dealer and what equity I had and cash on hand I wanted to avoid a payment all together.. and after month of looking new seems most logical way go.. but hate how taxes high and insurance on new.. ugh crazy isn’t it.. yes good hold their value it’s just everything in this world is just so expensive. If I go over my cash limit I will have a payment again,

 

Very nice post thanks.. your right I have test drive all gen’s and the 3rd is the one you just can’t say no too

 

If you have the means. see if you can rent one for a weekend.

 

Here's a truck you might get for 30K . Used so no hidden fees just tax and tags . Certified so better warranty than new and still has some factory bumper to bumper warranty .

 

Welcome! I also went from a half ton to a Tacoma and it was the best automotive decision I’ve ever made. Lots of good advice in here, I think the pictured deal above looks great. The 3rd Gen is a great truck and one of the best looking trucks on the road as well.

There are quite a few butthurt 2nd Gen owners like (not the majority of 2nd Gen owners, we all know the ones I’m talking about) that hang around the 3rd Gen forum for some reason who will try to tell you that the 2nd Gen is better than the 3rd Gen. As you’ve discovered that’s obviously not true, though the 2nd Gen is a great truck too! I think a lower option TRD OR 3rd Gen will serve you nicely, as others have said an SR5 is a great option too!