Could use some advice on deciding between a 2nd or 3rd gen

Not a new member, but have not been actively posting here for a short while. I am at an impasse in a decision I have to make very soon. Ive been all over three states the last few weeks seeking out a replacement Taco since my 1st gen was totalled. Ive seen the good and bad, and I am at a point where I have to make a decision.

Im coming from a 1st gen Tacoma 2.7L. Super light and spry for a pickup truck. I have been test driving 2nd gen Tacomas and newer 3rd gen Tacomas, and I am split about what direction I should go in. A newer 3rd gen is going to have a greater power and MPG, more aftermarket following, and be stylish for longer into the future. However, the truck feels huge when driving it, without the connected feel of the smaller truck. The one I am looking at is a 2017 TRD Sport 2x4 for $31000. It is loaded with all the options available, and in the color I want.





The 2nd gen ive been looking at is a 2015 4x4. Its also in the color I would want, loaded with all the options, and a Limited package with leather seats. Its going for $27000. Its a older style, but it feels smaller, the seating position feels better, and it does not feel like a full size truck. Main downside is that it gets lower MPG, also its a dated design, but it feels more familiar.





I like the feel of the older truck, but I like the appearance of the newer one. Im really split here, not sure what to do.

Is it normal to feel sad replacing a truck that has served you so well for almost a decade? Its like im losing a pet, a faithful servant by replacing my old truck with a newer one.

Any wise words would be appreciated.

 

I thought about a 3rd gen but with all the issues I read about on this site, transmission shifting issues, acceleration issues, oil leaking from timing covers on 3.5$$, no start issues, on and on Ill stick with my manual key battle proven 4.0 that I know will easily last several hundred thousand miles with just basic maintenance. More tech = more problems.

The only issue with the 15 I heard about is the secondary air injection pump. I have a 13 and just did the uni filter mod, did the same on my 14 4Runner to avoid any potential issues.

 

I have a 3rd gen tacoma, and old 97 4runner honestly 1st gen tacoma are amazing trucks, cheap parts and last forever. Just my opinion i have an newer truck but my old 97 is whats fun to drive. But i also have kids and only will transport them in my 3rd gen tacoma. Many variables

 

really tough choice, best of luck in the direction you go. Really not a wrong decision, as my guess is you'll be happy either way you go. IMO, that '17 is sharp lookin'

 

2nd gen, more specifically 2.5 gen, 2012-2015 is my pick. The aftermarket for them is just fine, unless you want all of the mall crawling bolt ons and shiny things. Then a 3rd gen probably has more aftermarket for that junk.


the 2nd gen and 3rd gen are exactly the same size, only main difference is engine/transmission. The fact you can do a 3rd gen nose swap on a 2nd gen and a full suspension swap from 3rd to 2nd gen tells you a lot about how much Toyota did not change between the gens.

 

Those are both sharp looking trucks! Personally I'm a little biased toward the 3rd gen as well. I like the looks, inside and out, way better. You could always buy the 2nd gen and do a 3rd gen panel and interior swap! I've seen a few do it (although not on TW). The bones of the truck are very close if not the same.

As for reliability in the 3rd gen. Yes they drive a little more quirky but it is also a part time direct injected engine that is geared for MPG. Direct injected engines tend to rev higher while the 4.0L makes more of its power down low. Basically the 2015 will beat the 2017 off the line but the 2017 will run circles around the 2015 on the highway.