2016 Model Year - Risky Purchase?

I'm in the market for a used Tacoma and I really like the 3rd gen trucks but the price of the newest ones is out of my range. For that reason, I've been looking at some 2016's since they are the oldest of the 3rd gens.

I've heard people say that it's risky to buy the first model of a new generation because Toyota may not have worked out the kinks yet. Is there any truth to that? Did anything actually change between 2016 and 2017?

 

I had a 16 and currently own a 17. Haven’t had any major issues with either. Just make sure the TSBs are done and you’ll be fine.

 

Mine's been fantastic. I have one of the first ones bought in November of 2015.

Love it!

G.

 

Not really. There are a few bad ones, but that’s the same for any year, even the last year of a specific generation. Find one, test drive it, and enjoy. Not much changed between those years, TSS was added in 2018. Few minor changes between years but 16 and 17 are pretty much the same

 

Bought my ‘16 in Jan ‘16. 47k miles and only problem was replacing a bad battery. Has been perfect otherwise.

 

A lot of people have 2016's with zero issues. You have to remember that out of the million people that buy a product the few that have issues will make post complaining far out numbering the number of people that are completely happy with it and have no issues.

Some 2016's have had issues. Just check the car facts or request the maintenance records on it to see if its had any work done to it.

 

I found my 2016 TRD OR in october of 2018 with 20k miles on it.. has 29009miles on it as of this morning.. love it.had trans TSB reprogram done as well as the lower control arm plugs installed (for howling at around 50-55mph.. it still does, but the plugs help it not be as bad..

 

Get a 2nd gen 2015 or 2014. Much better choice imo

 

Is it a good deal or not a good deal depends on the price you pay.

 

Why would a 2014 or 2015 be a better choice?

 

It gives you the right to loiter in this forum and bash 3rd gens, while secretly wondering what could have been.

 

That’s YOUR opinion. He’s looking for a 16

 

You are correct buddy that's my opinion as I stated in my post. Good job

 

Much better engine and transmission. If you search on the forum you will see lots of discussion regarding the 3rd gen drivetrain. Basically toyota put a car motor in the 3rd gen tacomas.

 

Same. OEM battery is trash. Get a 24F/27F NorthStar or something similar (check the Group Buy threads, generally run by @ramonortiz55 ) and be ready for when the day comes that the OEM fails.

Otherwise, I’ve had zero problems with my 2016. Ignore all the second gen chatter. The drivetrain is older and people are nostalgic about it. You’d get the same nonsense if you were hunting one of them out from the first gen crowd.

 

it came in the following:

• 2016-present Toyota Tacoma (GRN305/310/325/330)[9] 278 hp (207 kW; 282 PS)
• 2015-present Lexus GS 350 (GRL12/16)[10] 311 hp (315 PS; 232 kW)
• 2015-present Lexus RX 350 (GGL20/25)[11] 295 hp (220 kW; 299 PS)
• 2017-present Lexus LS 350 (XF50) 318 hp (237 kW; 322 PS) (China)
• 2017-present Toyota Highlander (GSU50/55) 295 hp (220 kW; 299 PS)
• 2017-present Toyota Sienna (GSL30/33/35) 296 hp (221 kW; 300 PS)
• 2017 Toyota Camry (GSV70) 301 hp (224 kW; 305 PS)
• 2017 Toyota Alphard (GGH30) 296 hp (221 kW; 300 PS)
• 2018 Toyota Avalon (GSX50) 301 hp (224 kW; 305 PS)
• 2018 Lexus IS 350 (XE30) 311 hp (232 kW; 315 PS)
• 2018 Lexus ES 350 (XZ10) 302 hp (225 kW; 306 PS)
• 2018 Lexus RC 350 311 hp (232 kW; 315 PS)

hardly a car motor when its in 3 lexus SUV's, as well as the highlander.... ford has done the same with the mustange 4cylinder and put it in a ton of their cars, and even a variant in the ranger..

 

Make sure you take the 2016 for a thorough test drive. Keep it overnight. I opted for a 4runner instead of a 3rd gen Tacoma

 

It's almost like a Honda civic motor low torque high revving engine. The transmission shifts too much. Wasnt my cup of tea I bought a 4runner

 

Consider a certified pre-owned 2016 with extended warranty for piece of mind.

 

get the TSB transmission shift reprogramming done.. I had mine done it shifts great, less hunting for gears on hills, but I hear the OVtune program does soo much more to help this issue..

true it is a higher reving engine 6500rpm, and ovtune has an option to go to 7k rpm.. it likes to drop gears, and rev to the moon, and it can take off from idle when it wants too.. I was amazed one time trying to merge onto a high speed section goes around a sharp turn to a stop, and a sharp right onto the road.. I gave a bit too much throttle and roasted both rear tires for a good 20-25ft before it gained enough traction to take off.. and take off I did.. was at 60mph in about 6 seconds (its a downhill).