It's been 42 years since I had my 81' Toyota pickup and I would like your opinion

Hello all, Thank you for adding me. I have a purchase dilemma: 2023 V6 or 2024 turbo? I like to do my own maintenance and longevity and reliability are very important. Thank you. Your opinion is appreciated and valued!

 

I purchased mine last year because I wanted the V6 rather than the 4 cyl turbo. I guess it depends on your opinion.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

If longevity and reliability is the most important consideration for you, I would go with the the 3rd gen 2023 with the 2.7 I4 and a manual transmission: especially coming from a 1st-gen vintage Tacoma. (Culture shock) Last year for this generation/design. The '24 is all new and I don't think it's going to be easy to work on for a DIY-er.

The first few years of production for a new re-design are always a little rocky.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome aboard!

The 2GR-FKS V6 used in the 3rd gen Tacomas made its debut in the 2015 Lexus RX350. It has also been used in the Lexus ES350, GS350, IS350, LM350, LS350, RC350, Toyota Highlander, Sienna, Camry, and Avalon. This engine has hundreds of millions (if not billions) of miles of pedigree.

The T24A-FTS turbocharged 4-cylinder in the 2024 Tacoma is relatively new compared to the outgoing V6. It was introduced with the 2021 Lexus NX350, and has also seen duty in the Lexus RX350, RX500h, TX350, TX500h, Toyota Crown and Highlander.

Both engines produce the same maximum horsepower, 278 at 6000 rpm.
The turbo 4 produces 281 lb-ft of torque at 1600 rpm, while the V6 produces 265 lb-ft at 4000 rpm.

The 2024 automatic transmission is an 8-speed. The V6 automatic transmission is a 6-speed.
The 2024 Tacoma's transmission and low-end torque make it faster off the line. The slightly higher torque also make it arguably "better" to pull a trailer with.

On the other hand, turbocharged engines are inherently more complex than their naturally-aspirated counterparts. And they have more moving parts than can be potential points of failure.

Both are Toyotas. Both are more likely to last longer than any of their competitors. But generally speaking, it is wise to avoid the first year of a new generation (regardless of make/model), because there are almost always quirks/issues that are not discovered until after vehicles have been delivered to customers. Conversely, the last year of a generation is usually the “best” year of that generation, because the manufacturer has had many years to refine it.

One more thing to keep in mind: If you can still find a new 2023 on a dealership lot, they are much more likely to negotiate a deal on that versus a 2024 model.

 

The 3rd gen 4 cylinder was available with the 5 speed manual for a few years but I think it was dropped (the MT version, not the 4 cylinder) before 2023. Maybe available only 2016-17?

 

Welcome to TW

 

Hello. I have a V6 Third Gen and enjoy it. My guess is the Fourth Gen turbo will be pretty good, maybe even great. However, it’s a guess because the 2024s are so new and so the major issues are unknown. If having the absolute newest thing is important to you and you need a new truck now, by all means go for a 2024. If you don’t need the latest and greatest, get a V6 and enjoy something with a track record. Or wait a couple of years for the Fourth Gen’s issues to get sorted out.

 

Welcome to the TW