2nd gen getting traded in, 3rd gen OTW

My 2010 Tacoma, purchased new by me in August 2009, is getting traded in in a few weeks for a new 2023 Tacoma. I've driven several 3rd-gen Tacomas (loaners) when the frame replacement was in progress on my 2nd-gen Tacoma in early 2020. I really liked the access cab 2.7L 6-speed auto 4x4 and focused on that model when I visited the dealer last week. I was told that none of those models were currently available (inventory was practically non-existent) and everything on 'allocation' was a double cab (save for a few SR access cab with the 'delete' package, something I did not want).

I eventually settled on a double cab short bed V6 AT 4x4 SR5 SX package, magnetic gray. It's scheduled to be built around December 1st; I should have it by the 15th. My 2010 is a reg cab 4x4 2.7L 5-speed manual transmission base model; even has roll-up windows!

Anyways, I thought I'd post this message in case any experienced 3rd-gen owners have advice on starting out with a new truck. I was considering the factory TRD lift kit ($1700, 2"F/1"R) and possibly a TRD cat-back exhaust, PRO-style grille, sill guards, floor mats, window rain guards, seat covers, etc....TIA, happy to be moving to the 3rd gen forum!

 

I'd honestly spend time driving the truck first before deciding on a lift option so you can get a sense of what do/don't like and need, though you probably already have some idea from owning your 2nd gen before. TRD lift kit seems to generally be considered good but quite overpriced for what it is from what I see others saying. I'd say choose lift setup based on what you need and will actually be using the truck for, but most any option will be an upgrade over stock SR5 suspension regardless if you know what you want from it.

As a TRD exhaust owner IMO it's a nice balance between too much drone/noisy and not having any noise at all; if you can I'd recommend riding along with someone with it installed to see how the sound works for you during different driving types. It's definitely less noisy than the TRD exhaust on the 4Runners though, in a good way that's much more liveable with if you ask me.

 

I agree with BTL Y-Wing. Give it some time, ride it around for a while, and you may have a better idea what mods you are looking for.

On another note, built on December 1st and delivered by the 15th? That is pretty quick. Mine is closer to 30 days after build.

 

Congrats on the new ride!

Second driving it around and see how you like it first. Then think about what you would like to do with it. Overland? Commuter? Just because?

Done a bit to my 3rd gen but on a practical note, I probably like my weather mats, bed mat, and roll up tonneau cover the most! haha

 

Run it stock for 6 months.... then decide what you really want to do.

 

Take it straight to get the underside coated before rust starts. Order an OE bed mat. that’s my starter list

 

They're not jerking you around. I actually got a call today from the dealer ... I was waiting for a 2.7 4cyl access cab sr5 4x4 to replace MY 2010 manual transmission of the same load out.
No dice. Toyota will not be manufacturing any more 4cyl 2023...probably related to the 2024 production.
And yeah dozens of utility package seat deletion trucks out there or 2wd in New England.
I love my 6ft bed and the problem is available access cabs have the entirely unnecessary $$$nav packages for $1710...need that extra $10. So now I'm pivoting to v6 double cab options.

 

shit man congrats!

 

How many miles on your RC manual? I assume the underside looks like it’s lived in NE for 13 years?

 

@Hogleg918, 49.5K, and yes, lots of natural New England undercoating! I chased that rust monster back in '20 when the frame got replaced (@37K miles) and really got it under control. Four years later, it's back and I'm not in the mood to deal with it again. No body perforations, it just lots of other small stuff. It's gonna make a great project for the right person once it's turned over by the dealer, however they do that.

 

Holy taters, with that mileage even with NE undercoating I am sure it's worth it to keep and sell for a nice dollar. You don't have to share but what are they giving you for it? I bet you could come out ahead selling it here.

 

I agree with driving it for a bit, but the first upgrade I would do on any 3rd gen is an OTT tune.

 

Send the old one out west where it will last forever!

 

I feel that the trade-in offer made by the dealer isn't 'retail' price but 'trade-in' value (somewhat less) but it's part of the convenience (IMO) of transitioning into a new vehicle. Of course I'd like to get more for my trade, but the offer made is consistent with my personal value research done prior to visiting the dealer. I do feel that my truck is in exceptional condition, but that counts for squat as far as someone else is concerned. The biggest issue I have with the particular process is that I was initially prompted to visit the dealership by an online advertisement for a vehicle which was neither a part of inventory nor available through any other dealership; it simply did not exist. Once that fact was understood & accepted it was then a matter of 'looking at the list' and selecting something that appealed to my personal desires. REALLY wanted a 2.7L engine w/6-speed auto transmission, hopefully the 3.5L V6 with AT will grow on me with time.

 

Get em while they're available before we get turboed

 

Out with the old, in with the new....


FINALLY!

Just picked it up today. Built 10/28/23, off-loaded in NJ 12/02/23, arrived @ dealer a few days ago.

 

Nice looking truck. Good move, in my opinion.

 

I love the smell of new Tacoma

 

Great looking truck. I originally wanted a 2.7 4x4 Access without seat deletion as well but also couldn't find one anywhere new. Ended up finding a solid deal on a V6 4x2 Access and really like it. We don’t get a lot of harsh weather in Nashville, so I can live with 2WD, but partially wish I had gone for the double cab. I’ve had passengers in the backseat twice since I got it in September and the extra space would be nice to have when I need it. Such is life and I still love my truck.

 

Congrats man! Glad to see it finally came in!