Best option for new truck?

I also drove one, but have no opinion about it, as I only did it to show my sales guy I was serious about buying a truck. I told him before and after the test drive, I want a manual trans and could care less how this auto drives.

Have you asked the dealer to let you drive one that has been TSBed? Like you said, for something you are keeping for 10-15 years, all options should be checked first.

 

Yep, it boils down to space or turning radius. I'm used to the LB turning radius, but the SB was much easier to maneuver. Lifted LB's look sick.

 

The third gen makes the 1st look like an RC car.

 

Longbeds also have a smoother ride on the highway and feel more stable when towing. I would honestly take the SB out of the equation unless you liked the manual that much more.

 

Then again I don't think I would ever say "Man, I wish I didn't have the heated seats, sunroof, and power sliding windows in this 3rd gen" if I went that route...

Plus the BSM seems like it would be nice when you have a topper. Can't see anything with the one I have on my current truck.

 

I actually measured them and was surprised at how similar in size they were, much closer than the pic suggests.

 

Ebrake between the seats is also a nice touch and the steering wheel is one of the best formed I've had. Driving experience in the 3rd gen feels so much better.

I loved that damn truck and haven't had any regrets. You mash that pedal and the truck just goes like hell and is more efficient than my 1st gen.

 

That's a tough decision. The price on the 2017 sounds really good. At the same time I think the 2014 is priced a little too high, but then it is $5,000 less than the new one (about $100/month in payment if you finance) which change the picture a little if you look at it that way.
If it was me I would go drive them again back-to-back on longer than standard test drive around the block. Take both on the highway and in high traffic areas. Then when you make a decision, try to never second-guess yourself and just live with the decision. Both should be good trucks for a very long time. (I think a lot of the hype about the 3rd gen problems on here is overrated, but that's another story)

 

Option 2

 

All the recent posts in this sub forum are making me lean towards second gen. I read everything and it seems like way more negative than positive. Buy backs, bad brakes, etc. Scary stuff. I want something that will last for 12 years like my 2nd gen has.

 

Well you're not going to read topics that say "had another great day in my problem free 3rd gen again" even though thousands of owners are probably having them.

Buy what suits you and be done with it, not what you think we think you should buy.

 

Understood that people wont post about it, I guess I am just looking for some reassurance from the third gen owners that don't have any issues and are loving their new trucks. Its hard to tell from a 30 minute test drive what it is like to live with every day.

 

2nd gen

 

You should have been around when the 2nd gen first came out, everyone and their brother thought they were unreliable shitboxes because they were untested like the 9 years of the 1st gen. No one thought they'd last except you dumb bastards that bought them.

Shows you what owners if the previous generation knows.

 

I love mine, have had a few spouts here and there but nothing that hasn't been corrected. This forum sped up the repairs that my truck needed because the service manager actually read the links I gave him, had the crap inspected and replaced.

 

That's the clear winner there. Buy it.

 

Ask for an extended test drive, like overnight or a weekend. I too wanted an OR in a manual, but the long bed and access cab over a double cab were more important. The auto isn't that bad, it takes getting used to as it is different, but S mode and ECT makes a difference. You really learn how to throttle it to get the response you want. Ever since the tranny fluid was topped off and 1st TSB was applied, it has been quite good.

 

Yes

 

I was around for that and do not recall any of that, I do remember when people saw the new design that they thought Toyota stole designers from GM and did not like the squared off fender wells. As far as issues, I do remember some rear ends breaking and motor mount collapses which Toyota took care of by 07.

EDIT: Also remember people complaining that there were no rear disc brakes yet...

 

You need an option for both.

I would say buy the 3rd Gen for that steal of a price, sell it for $1-2k more than that. Use that extra money to buy the 2nd gen.