3rd Gen Owners who previously owned a 2nd Gen

26mpg with the deletes for the Dodge on the hwy, 20 combined.

 

So I did pull the trigger last night on a '17 DCLB TRDOR 3.5 AT with 5 miles on the odo. Very strange getting used to it. More to come as the miles build.

 

Congrats and what feels strange?

 

Lol, thanks. It's just strange readjusting to a tighter feel, all the gadgets, the quiet, and letting the trans do its learning (AT not MT, my bad). Waiting till I can open her up a little.

 

Wow, I stand corrected. Crazy!

 

Very cool I got the same thing , it was a little different from my 2nd Gen. But I really like the truck a lot more.

 

I've owned a 1978 Celica, a 1986 4x4 2.4l pickup, a 1999 Taco v6 4x4, and now have a 2007 taco that I bought with 2 miles on the odometer. Test drove multiple configurations of a 2017 taco. Didn't like it. Cab felt crammed with plastic crap, the rear springs were slightly better, transfer case operation was slightly better than the 2nd gen, but the 1st gen transfer case shifter was better than both. Too much electronic crap. Styling on the 3rd gen looks like shit inside and out(that's subjective), overall changes are minimal - meaning this is a warmed over 2nd gen with a new drivetrain which has poor reliability according to Consumer Reports. The truck is also no longer recommended by them, probably because it is a warmed-over version and they're hip to that. The first thing I did after the salesman told me the truck was "all-new!" is climb underneath it and tell him he was misinformed. I've worked on auto assembly lines, I know better. I also recognize there are improvements, but here's what I think Toyota needed to do: Change the whole design. Yes I like the 2nd gen - love it. But, why even call it a 3rd gen when so much is the same? What would I change? Return to full box frame, torsion springs on the front suspension and conventional shocks instead of struts, manual transfer case shift lever, rear springs that don't fail or clack over bumps, more hidden storage (maybe lockable?), optional secondary fuel tank, Bilstein shocks that have a warranty that Bilstein actually honors, metal bumpers mounted to the frame, optional lift package, and auxiliary battery cable stubs that extend to the rear of the truck as well as a campershell connector that has connections to brake, tail and constant power sources - this is shit truck owners have struggled with for decades - WTF, Toyota? This is basic. Also, sealed power stubs on the roof and front bumpers that connect to robust cables for lights, winches, etc. Well, that's about it - I hope Toyota is listening. I love my 2nd Gen's remote oil filter, looks, reliability, power train, and think the world of it - except the trans-case shifter and rear springs. Also, a robust front bumper would help it. Still 2nd gen > 3rd gen IMHO.

 

I have had 6 Toyota trucks including my 2016 ORDC 4X4, 7 4Runners, 2 Sequoias and I now have a 2014 LX 570 and a 2017 Rav4. My 2016 Tacoma is the best truck out of all 6, the rest I have never had an issue with. My Lexus is awesome and the Rav4 gets 29 mpg with plenty of room. I will continue to buy Toyota until they let me down.

 

I literally have never struggled with any of that, different strokes I guess. There's a reason the aftermarket exists.

 

I read until you referenced Consumer Reports and their assumption that the 3rd gen was not reliable.

 

Bruh...it's 2018, not 1978, get with the now.....

 

Loved my 2006acsb manual and 2011dclb auto.

I also love my 3rd gen.


I don't regret buying it, but the rabbit hole has run deep lately with the camping and traveling and at times I wish I went used again so there's be slightly less guilt cutting and welding

 

This is my 5th Toyota Tacoma. Ranging from a 98 4cyl Xtra can 4x4 to the present 18 dcsb 4x4. My last was an 08 dcsb, I personally put 199,000 miles on it. As much as I loved my 08, this one, even with it's quirks, is still many steps beyond. There were so many issues I dealt with my 08 in the first couple of years and worked through it. That's kind of why I waited 2 years to get this model, helped to "learn" it better. As far as a decision over a 2nd gen vs 3rd...I wouldn't have done it any different.

 

I have had two previous 2 gens and enjoyed them. Now w a 3 gen

I consider myself an enthusiast but not hardcore

I thought the same... I’m glad bought the newer It’s updated, I trust it and if I didn’t read TW, I would never ever think anything of the issues.

I still don’t notice any trans issues or anything else.

It drives as a truck should. I’ve had a Ridgeline and it drove like an suv