Any reason to avoid 2016 Tacomas?

For all you 3rd Gen owners, I know it was more of refresh than a completely new truck (I have a 2nd Gen) but my buddy was asking if there was any reason to avoid the 2016 versus 2017 and up? Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

2018 and newer has Toyota Safety Sense (TSS; Which includes automatic braking and blind spot monitoring); 2016-2017 DOES NOT. You are also much more likely to find an older 3rd Gen with a manual transmission because Toyota seems to be phasing them out on certain trim levels.

 

It’s always a good idea to avoid a first model year of a new design with any auto manufacturer as they always have the most issues than the following years.

 

Just hit 75k miles on my '16 DCSB OR 6mt. NO issues and still original battery.

 

Toyota worked out a lot of bugs in the 16s, 17s, and 18s. Most of the members here who bought them new have gotten these issues sorted out by now, so their trucks are in good shape. Hard to say whether or not that will be the case buying a used one on the market.

It's still a great truck regardless though.

 

2016 here, no issues. I’m happy I don’t have TSS, the less technology the better IMO. Plus, all the TSBs had been applied to my truck prior to me buying it (I bought it used with 35k miles - it was a lease). No gear hunting or anything else TW complains about, super happy with mine.

 

Blindspot monitoring was available on my 2016, and my brother has it on his 2017.

 

I’m still very happy with my 16 after 4.5 years - no significant issues.

 

Really? I guess it was just the automatic braking then? I wonder if my uncle's 2017 AC TRD Sport 2WD has the blind spot monitoring?

 

The blind spot monitoring must have been part of a package, I don’t have it on mine.

 

I once saw a new 2nd Gen SR5 at the 2016 Philadelphia International Auto Show that didn't have intermittent wipers; It may have been a base model, but the way it was optioned pointed towards SR5 at a minimum...

It was MGM, with special black wheels, and a lot of add-on accessories you couldn't get from the factory!

 

The only issue I have with a '16 over the '17 is the fact that the '16 doesn't have a rear powered slider on the double cab and the '17 does. I'd rather have a '16 or '17 over the later years due to avoiding TSS. My wifes Rav4 has it and it doesn't do much for me.

Just make sure the TSB's are up to date and it should be fine.

Edited to add I forgot about the different key for the tailgate, that sucks too.

 

BSM was an option package, my '17 lacks it as well. Automatic braking is part of TSS which was introduced in '18.

 

My uncle's has heated seats; Would that be part of the same package?

 

I'm not sure of the package details since I have neither, but the technology and premium package sort of mix up the upgrades. Someone who has the the P&T package, or just the tech will chime in shortly to clear it up.

 

I have bsm in mine too.

 

Yeah, it should if he has heated seats and sunroof.

 

He has heated seats, but I actually drove his truck once and can't remember if it has a sunroof!

 

For 2017 it should

 

His truck is also the only 2WD Sport I've ever seen!