3rd Gen vs 2nd Gen,

Any feel for how much better, (if) the 3rd Gen Tacoma's are compared to 2nd Gen? I tow a 24' sailboat (3k lbs) around a few times a year going to competitions, etc. Also light beach driving here. Otherwise just daily driving.

I ask because, i just found out that i'm eligible for the "Free" new Frame & Rear Springs, due to an Open Warranty. But I know i'll have several to many thousands of dollars to end up spending on their replacement process... so i'm wondering if I should just bite the bullet and upgrade to a used/new to me 3rd Gen vehicle?

One person mentioned he was quoted "$17k" in upgrades during his frame replace job.... geez... My dealer said, it was going to be a see as they go process with mine... and they'd be good at it with 2 ahead of me right now. (St. Augustine FL) but a New frame/ Leaf spring set are on the way now for mine....

I purchased new from dealer in Gainesville, FL:
2006, V6, Double cab. 6 speed manual transmission. Truck is good, but does leak around the windshield in the headliner. Needs door dent fixed on passenger side. Needs hood paint from oxidization. ~$2,500 at a local shop to $5k by dealer.
Headliner compass does not work. ~$1,200. 4x actuator is frozen, won't engage. $$
Needs a throw out bearing $, 220k miles on the original clutch $$ (labor will be free to replace during Frame replace job)
Sure could use new headlights$. My shocks look rusty too$....

I wasn't expecting a new car payment, and don't really want on! But wondering if i shouldn't just trade in and upgrade to a slightly used 2016 or newer....? Let Toyota fix what they then want to and resell....

I do love my truck otherwise, it's taken me many, many places faithfully and I figured i'd see 300k or maybe 400k miles roll by one day....

Wife wants to upgrade..... of course.

Thoughts TW?
Thank you in advance for opinions/advise.

 

10 years is 10 years. I got 15 out of my last truck so I’m loving my Gen III.

 

Both the 2nd and 3rd Gens are great Trucks, cant go wrong with either one.

 

Welcome to TW...IMO I would upgrade to a newer 2nd Gen with low miles.

 

I upgraded my '01 to a '14 last July and I'm loving it. Ohh and...

 

whats to be feared with the 3rd Gen's, other that cost?

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Nothing,you wasn’t really wanting another payment so I thought that might be your best option. I personally would take payments for newer truck versus $12 to $17k in repairs as some have described.

 

Test drive them both or even better rent a 3rd gen and take the boat out.

 

I looked at a "used" 2017 Pro model, 26k miles with the 6M which i prefer, but at $41-45k listed.... at the local dealer... ouch!
I did not have time to drive. Thats a lot of coin.
But it sure looked sweet...

 

Test em out!Good Luck!

 

I bought a 2014 SR5 with 38k a year ago for $29k and drove 400 miles to get it.

 

?????????????

 

Just saying you can get a 2nd Gen with low miles and not have to pay $35k to $40k, the reason for the 400 mile trip to get it is because it’s a “Spruce Mica” very rare color.

 

Paid low 30's for a new 2017 SR5 4WD with 8 miles on it. 8 yr / 120,000 mile warranty.

Drove less than 10 mins to the Toyota dealership.

Choice of colors.....

 

Cool for you,Spruce Mica was not one of your choices and not every Toyota dealership has a large inventory of used Tacoma’s. I bought my truck from a subaru dealership.You gotta do what you gotta do.