Buy 2019 and disable TSS, or 2017 have it shipped?

Hi Everyone,

I'm Peter a new member from South Florida. I been researching and reading a lot for the past few weeks about 3rd Gen Tacoma's and I'm hoping I can get some opinions/inputs from some of you guys since I'm looking into purchasing my first Tacoma.

I know there's lots of information on the forum so I will try to be as specific as possible and not to repeat certain topics already discussed in other threads.

A bit about myself, I have owned for the most part diesel engine 4wd vehicles only. 1998 and 2001 Land Rover Defender 90 (300tdi) & 110 (td5), 2007 Nissan Patrol 3.0 TD and currently own a 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series 4.2L and a 1998 Jeep Cherokee which I'm getting rid of.


I'm looking into purchasing a TRD Offroad Double Cab 4wd Manual transmission that will be use as daily, it will be modified for overlanding purposes and I will be keeping for at least 8 years or more. I'm almost 90% sure that the vehicle will be a 2017 since from what I know and read it doesn't have as much sensors ,TSS, etc as the new ones. The types of terrain (deep water crossing, mud, etc), weather temperature and the lack of technical/electrical support in the middle of nowhere become an important factor when choosing a vehicle for me. I'm not here to discuss if having this sensors is a good or bad thing but for me is something that I will like to avoid at all costs as I don't really need them.

Now, with all that been said. I haven't been able to find a decent 2017 TRD Offroad in south Florida. I will only buy a CPO to avoid any headaches and so far the only one that I have found to my liking is out of state. It's a Toyota Certified 2017 TRD Offroad with all the specs that I want. Low milages 7,140 miles asking price is $34K (will negotiate the price) I'm really trying to justify buying this vehicle plus paying for shipping instead of getting a brand new 2019 for an extra $3K-$5K more or even wait for the 2020 model to come out in the fall in hopes that the 2019 will lower in price. I don't really care about the new features of the 2020 model, so I don't really consider it as an option at the moment. But I'm happy to listen to your guys opinions and thoughts on this matter. Am I better buying a brand new 2019 model and disabling the TSS sensors for good? Is that even possible? Or try to lower the price for the 2017 and have it ship?

I'm happy to join this forum and looking forward for your thoughts. Thanks

 

There are plenty of threads on here about TSS and how to disable it (not completely possible). You are probably better off buying used. Good luck.

 

Welcome. I looked at used, but when shopping around it made sense to get the new one for a couple thousand more. Good luck!

 

$34k isn’t terrible used with only 7k miles. Shipping is also not thy expensive.

 

Thanks for the reply. That is true lots of info here about the TSS but no one really mentions if it can be disable completely. I'll do another search.

Thank you.
Yes, prior vehicles where great no doubt. I lived outside the US for many years so vehicles where available and affordable. Not to many options now that I'm state side compare to them.

Thanks. I'm really trying to justify the price difference, plus I have never bought a vehicle that I haven't seen in person or test drive. It has me scratching my head.

 

TSS can be disabled by simply unplugging it at the grill. You will however have to look at the warning light on the dash.

 

I find it better to google: Tacomaworld (then your search criteria) vs using the search feature on the site. I find stuff way easier this way. Just a thought, doesn't always work for everything.

There's a ton of knowledgeable people on the forums, just a matter of them seeing the thread.

At least you're not a vegan concerned about the fake leather trim .

Lol sorry i had to take my vegan jab.

 

Big question; how extensively are you planning on modifying?

The CPO may be of zero value to you...

Edit to add: TSS isn't that big of a deal and is easy to disable.

 

I would think as big as Florida is and all the dealers you would be able to find something within the state. Good luck on your search, honestly I have all the bells and whistles and there no problem.

 

Sorry but the adaptive cruise control makes TSS worth it.

 

Thanks for your input. Vehicle will be use as a daily driver and mods will start happing around December covering the following: suspension, tires, wheels, axle ratio, front bumper, winch, rear bumper (tire carrier), roof rack, tent, snorkel, sliders, snorkel and a few other things. Offcourse not everything at the same time.

 

2017 is the best model, they way I see it. It’s not the first year production and doesn’t have stupid TSS and PCS crap.

 

Personally, I wouldn't worry too much about the TSS sensor during your "deep water crossings". By the time you are that deep, there are many other components that will give you issues. These trucks aren't really meant for that. You will need to heavily modify it to allow that to happen.

 

I been looking for a month now and it's been difficult to find the specific 2017 Tacoma that I would like to have. I'm a very picky person, so it's not that easy.

 

Ftfy

 

With all those mods, I wouldn't worry about a CPO. They'll invariably blame anything that goes wrong on the mods and you'll be facing an uphill battle.

 

You should be able to get a brand new 19 for less than 34K. I paid 34 for my DCSB OR auto; manual is a little cheaper I think. I was originally looking at a 16/17 also but the prices between used and new was so close didn't make sense not to go new.

 

It's not that that I'm worried about, and yes it is true there are many other components that can give me issues but it can and will be modify to safely allowe a decent water protection.

My real concern with TSS is how will it behave and act in the bush. I seen many stories, on this and other forums, of brakes been applied automatically out of nowhere or sensors malfunctioning. I don't like the thought that a computer can interfere with my driving, specially when you are in the middle of nowhere and I'm hear to gets people's opinions and try to learn more about the pros and cons and see if I can get better guidance for my future purchase base on my needs. Thanks for your input.

 

What if you don't use cruise control?

I never use cruise control, personally I can't find a reason to like TSS like systems.

 

Just disable it when going off-road. Takes a few seconds to do.