Thinking of buying a 2023

I said "deal" very weakly. Deals on used Tacos haven't really been a thing for about 1000 years, so... But, you never know and I wouldn't let a good deal on an early 3rd gen go by without a look since any problems it would have had, surely have been TSB'd out by now. Any remaining problems it would have are the same exact problems that a new 3rd gen would be susceptible to, like timing cover leak or cross over pipe leak since Toyota has never changed those items.

Also, with the new truck being announced, you might find a gently used newer one that someone dumped to get in position to grab a 4th gen.

I get the reasoning behind going new though. Just throwing it out there.

If you do find a used one, search the vin on toyota owners site and the dealer stuff (Maintenance or repairs) should show up online.

 

I’ll try to be helpful: I think Sport or Limited has what you need without spending more than you want. Manual is the way to go on these 3.5L’s IMO.

Heads up there was a recall on some 3rd gens (2022’s included) for the LATCH anchors for car seats. Something to do with faulty welds or something, I forget. My VIN wasn’t affected but keep an eye on it.

I had a 2018 access cab Sport then also a surprise baby, so switched to a 2022 double cab Off Road. Rear-facing infant seat fits best in the middle for legroom upfront. Not sure how big your dogs are, could fit or just kennel them in the bed. The short bed is the hardest part to get used to tbh, since you had an access cab like me.

People are spoiled nowadays, you’ll make it work. Your kids will grow up comfortable being uncomfortable. I’ve already changed diapers on the tailgate and used to have to squeeze into small trucks and cars for road trips as a kid too. Who cares, they’ll buck up.

My access cab and now double cab as a dad.

Cheers and good luck man.

 

OP buy a 2023 off road double cab long bed with the the leather and moonroof options. It might be expensive at first but you will have a new truck that will last, a long bed to do truck stuff and 4 doors to haul two car seats. I remember having a 1st gen limited tundra access cab and then had a kid. She out grew the access cab so I traded it for the last year 1st gen double cab. I used it for my dogs, off road, hauled tons of dirt and gravel to remodel my back yard and eventually my daughter learned to drive in it. She got the tundra and I ended buying a 17 dclb because the new gen tundras were no longer mid sized. I have 4 doors and pack my gear in the bed for trips. You won’t need a pro and why over pay for it when you can upgrade suspension later if you want.

 

I'm in the same boat. 2015 AC with a baby on the way. I'm thinking about keeping my 2015 and buying a car to commute in/dad duties. I have a 4 door 3rd gen work truck but I can't use it for personal use.

 

Sounds like you need something with more payload than a Tacoma.

 

I thought about doing that too. Around town would be fine but couldn’t live with the thought of taking the wife’s Subaru on camp trips instead of my truck. Just isn’t the same haha.

 

Payload of the Tacoma has been (mostly) fine. I’ve overloaded it a bunch and it’s done ok. I’d rather overload it now and then versus driving a fullsized truck every week in DC.