Looking for my first Tacoma

Hey All!,

I'm in San Diego, CA.

I've had a 2011 Ford Edge Sport for the past 3 years but I'm looking for my first truck. My Edge has 160K miles on it and still in great condition so I'm looking to trade it in while it's still good.

I'm committed the Gen3 and looking at the TRD Sport 4x4. Right now my budget is leading me to a used 2016 at about 80k miles on it or 2017 with more.

I've done a lot of research and finding the one common complaint with these gen3's is the transmission finding gears etc. I've test-driven a 2016 the other day and noticed the difference right away especially when trying to merge on the freeway. My Edge has a very sensitive gas pedal. It does not seem like a deal-breaker to me but then in the parking lot, I was testing the tranny by doing some K turns and noticed a slight bump when idling in reverse without braking.. My Edge had a similar issue at 80k and Ford had a TSB to update the valve body gasket and I never saw the issue again...

I know there was a TSB from Toyota for this and it seems to fix the issue for most people but then others said that the issue came back in 5k miles...I've also heard great things about the pedal commander for gear shifting!

So, has Toyota finally addressed this issue with the gen3 or should I pretty much plan on buying a pedal commander?

It seems to me like dealing with and/or working around the issue is worth it with the Tacoma since I see so many gen3's on the road.

Is there anything else I should be looking at and testing when it comes to getting a used 2016 or 2017 Tacoma?

Thanks in advance!

 

The only way to know for sure is extensive test driving of the truck you are interested in.

Problems seem to vary by specific truck, and of course actual driver technique/style plays into that.

Aftermarket solutions also seem to vary in praise and meh reports, again likely due to driver and specific truck.

Manual trans is another solution.

Good for you doing your research in advance.

Good luck with your shopping..........

 

Get a 2015 with low miles and don't look back, just sold my 19. It was a lot better after 7 trips to the dealership. Sold a 9k miles.
The tranny shifting seems to be fixed with the latest TSB, after I got used to it, it accelerated fine for me & I was one of the ones who was complaining about 3rd Gen shifting in the beginning, it learns you, you learn it.. Sure it would have been an ok truck but a 2015 would have DEF been a smarter & cheaper decision for me.

 

You are doing great pre-purchase prep work!
When you narrow down your decision, increase the test drive times to really get a feel for a specific truck.

Good luck and welcome to The Forum!

 

Welcome aboard

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Nevermind. Got a 2019 TRD Sport DCSB 4x4 6AT instead...

 

Welcome!

 

The tranny compared to how the 2gen drives is night and day. I'm reminded of everytime I take my dad's 5gen 4R out for a spin. It has gotten better over time, completed all the available TSBs. Like a few posts up had mention, you and the truck learn each other. I'm satisfied with how my truck drives with my style and behavior. Enjoy the new ride!

 

Been driving around for a few days now and so far I have no issues with the transmission... Big difference from sport SUV with 300hp and 22" rims but it's a welcome change.