2nd or 3rd gen

Hey folks,
Lifetime honda enthusiast up until 3 weeks ago when my girls dad loaned me his 2013 Tacoma. Needless to say I'm hooked.
I will most definitely be getting one in the next few months, TRD sports package most likely. My main concern is which gen to buy. I hear lot of great reviews on the 2nd gen and not so great reviews for the 3rd.
Is there anyone there who's had both and could point me in the right direction with regards pros and cons of each?
Cheers

 

Welcome! Stop by your local dealers and do lots of test drives, so you can find the right Tacoma for you.

 

2nd gen guys will tell you to get a 2nd gen and vice versa for 3rd gen guys. Go drive both and buy whatever you like most.

 

The second gen is what made you want a Tacoma in the first place.

The third gen interior is lightyears nicer and much more luxurious. Third gen still has a few kinks like a erratic shitfting transmission with the 3.5l, along with quality control issues with doors not lining up, weatherstripping failure, leaks in the rear window, howling rear diffs, failing transfer cases, mismatched bedside stickers (although I'm pretty sure not anymore), low engine oil on inclines, and other random problems I'm probably missing. Not to say every 3rd gen has these problems. These are just problems I've read on here that I know for a fact multiple people have had.

The second gen has the better V6 hands down. Sure the 3.5l has more horsepower, but it comes with a tradeoff for torque. And you want as much torque you can get when towing and it definitely helps offroad; In that case, the 4.0l is the better choice. Their transmissions are much better with shift points as well. Second gens are also really really really dated, some people like that about them, it might turn others off. Second gens also suffer from quirks, but not as many as third gens and as far as I know, they're mostly easily fixable.

If you're in the market for either gens, take a 2018 for an extended test drive. See if it has any bugs that bother you. Who knows you might like it more than second gens. Keep in mind second gens are getting older by the day, and depending on where you live, the frames might be starting to rust already. Toyota has a horrible history with rust and it doesn't go away with their newer trucks. If you live in an area prone to heavy snow and roads with brine and salt, you might want to buy a third gen just for the extra assurance of a few years of a rust-free frame.

Read as much as you can, do as much research as you can, and good luck.

 

I own a 2006 and driving a 2017 while my frame is swapped.
DustStorm4x4's post is right on the $$$.

I like the luxury and more 'car-like' comfort of the 3rd gen. It gets 10-15% better fuel mileage, if you can keep your foot out of it...
And speaking of get up and go, I feel like you would absolutely fall in love with the 3.5's variable timing which makes the 3rd gen come alive above 4,000rpm. (Seeings how you are a Honda fan...)

Most Toyota dealers offer a 'Try Before You Buy' program where you can rent a vehicle for said number of days. I recommend getting behind the wheel of a new Tacoma and try it out. Put it through its paces like hilly terrain, flat ground, city vs highway, and towing/hauling if you do any. After a few days you should have a good enough feel for the truck and it's quirks.

Now, I tow trailers, haul tools and such, and deal with some pretty hilly terrain. I would pass on a 3rd gen, For Now, until they refine the setup a little. I don't like the fact I have to use the upper portion of the rpm range for the majority of usable power. Also not a fan of the 'cycling' of the trans. (I use S mode more than Auto) BUT, I do like the creature comforts and sportiness.
If I could, I'd Opt for a 2015 Tacoma. It has tried and true design with a mix of new age.
Most, if not all, the creature comforts inside and proven durability of the 4.0.
The question is, do you want to pay what folks are asking for a used model these days?? Lol.

 

My 2009 Tacoma is getting the frame replaced this week.They gave me a 2017 SR5 V-6 4WD loaner. The only complaint that I have is that my 09 is a 6-Speed Manual and the 2017 is an automatic. The 2017 is an excellent truck..I was prepared to hate it after reading all the negative reviews. More than enough power and a little better gas milage.The Entune with Nav is simple to use.

 

1st gen

 

Had a 2nd gen but it developed a vibration in it That the dealer tried to fix but no luck. Traded it for a 17 trd off road with all the bells and whistles. I personally have not had 1 single issue with this truck. Buy what suits you the best. There are good ones and bad ones in all gens .

 

Have you driven a third gen?

 

I can't seem to find any issues with my loaner... I was prepared to hate it after reading all of the negative reviews on here.