2nd vs 3rd Gen reliability

3rd gen has a simpler trans with fewer parts and 6 speeds.

But yea, they're identical lol

 

The 2nd gen may be slightly more reliable (and less complex.) They're both great trucks.. go with the best deal you can find for a lower mileage clean and low/few owner non-modified truck.

 

The none modified is a big thing, a lot of tacoma owners talk big, but will do anything to avoid paying. IE: hack up wires, cut corners with cheap modifications, otherwise they would have gotten something other than an tacoma.

Previous owner of mine tapped the harness and solder a reverse light into the main body loom right before, instead of at the pin, and had a diff drop kit installed when he should have gotten a bushing to replace the needle bearing.

 

What do you feel is unreliable?

I do not see any real trends since some early TSBs sorted some teething pains.

 

Why would you buy a used truck modded like that in the first place unless you got an insane deal...

 

The 1gr 4.0 that was in the second gen Tacoma is still used in the 4Runner and 70series Land Cruiser in some parts of the world. Toyota would have kept it in the third gen Tacoma had cafe standards not forced them to go to the 2gr 3.5
The sienna minivan and Camry used the 3.5. The 4.0 is a truck motor and the 3.5 is a car motor

also the 4.0 is more reliable, the 3.5 is a decent engine but not as reliable nor is it anything remotely similar to the 3.5

 

We're splitting hairs with reliability but there's no argument that a 3rd gen has more longevity simply because they're newer.

If OP truly is intending to keep the truck to 300K miles it makes sense to have something that's doesn't already have 150K miles of unknown history.

 

can definitely last more than 300k, someone just posted earlier of one crossing over to 400k.

 

Great comparison.
I have looked at some nice 2nd Gen with low miles(40000-70000)and all were rusty.
Some guys act like it’s no big deal but im holding out.
I have also passed on a few that were definitely cared for by there owner that just wasn’t exactly what I wanted.
I’ll just hold out as they seem to pop up every month or so.
MGM low mileage manual access cab is my preference.

 

I think its easier to put a 3rd gen fron end and interior in a 2nd gen, both have been done actually.

 

2.5nd gen, low mileage, 13-15 just don't be in a rush!

Autotrader 118K 6sp manual $17.5K

Used 2013 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Access Cab V6

 

A lot less to go wrong. 4.0 and no "atkinsons cycle" nonsense.

 

I will eat my words if there's a single post about the "atkinsons cycle nonsense" causing an issue with 3rd gens.

 

It does not cause any issues, but i as a old fart can't get past the intake valve staying open at the start of the compression stroke. that's all

 

Get rid of that ugly ass bull bar

 

Had a 2010. Now own a 2021.

The only reason I would buy a 15+ year old vehicle would be because I was passionate about it. I would know everything about the model, be searching the internet for unicorn examples from low rust zones, and not coming on a forum to ask which is better. I would know exactly what I wanted and why.

I’d also have a second vehicle as a daily because any 15+ year old rig is going to likely have electrical gremlins as wires and sensors reach the end of their service life expectancy.

 

That’s ok but more miles for price than I want.