Can you sell me on a 3rd gen? Update: You did!

A little history on me, I owned a 98 Tacoma for 8 years until I got my 2005 Tacoma which I'm still currently driving. I couldn't have been more happy with both. In 20 years of driving both, I've never had a major repair. For that reason, I'm very loyal to Toyota, I wouldn't consider switching brands, just possibly holding onto what I have. To this day, I get in my 2nd gen excited to drive it. But it's 13 years old and I find myself wanting some of the comforts of a new vehicle. Financially, I'm lucky enough to be able to pay cash for a new vehicle, so I wouldn't be taking on a payment.

Went to the dealership today to with the intention of buying a 2018 and later selling my 2nd gen on my own. No premium packages available here yet, I can be patient, so I sat in a 17 with the sunroof just to see since I had my heart set on heated seats. Sunroof and heated seats come hand in hand. I don't fit. That really had me confused since I'm not overly tall at 6'1, but hit my head on the ceiling, and it feels much more cramped than my wifes Rav4. Big time bummer. I realized I'll probably have to avoid the premium package, something I'll have to ponder for sure.

So we went out for a test drive in the 18 without a sunroof. I'm hoping someone can ease my concerns on the transmission after the TSB. The truck I was driving had 12 miles on it, so no learning yet. I hear the shifting will get better, I'm hoping it gets a lot better. The truck had very little get up and go, even with the ECT button pushed. Just when you think it might throw you back in the seat like my 2nd gen, it would shift taking it back to the 2k RPM range that is very sluggish. It left me really underwhelmed.

I figure there are many people in my same position going from a 2nd Gen to 3rd with power concerns. Did you get used to it, or did it get better? Anyone else 6'1 feel cramped in a 3rd gen with a sunroof, or could I find a sweet spot in the seating setup? Thanks in advance for the replies.



Update: 3-3-18

I didn't have much going on today, so I went to the dealership. They had 17's on the lot and the 18's at a satellite lot about 2 miles away. I drove a 17 (with sunroof) to the satelite lot where the 18's were sitting. I played around and was able to find a sweet spot that felt comfortable, I was able to resolve that issue. I really disliked how the 17 drove however. The whole way over I got that disappointing feeling again.

Got to the lot where the 18s were and let it warm up. I specifically didn't hit the ect button because I wanted to feel without. It felt very different. Much better, no question I could drive that and not be disappointed. I had to drive the 17 back to the lot, I paid attention again making sure I still didn't like it, no question. Stepped on it, felt like turbo lag. Shifting wasn't smooth. Nothing at all like the 18.

I will be buying a 2018. I didn't feel like spending the entire day at the dealership and feel like I'll be able to work a better deal via email, so I left. I had already been researching and know there aren't any premium packages to be found in this entire region, so I'll start working on that.

Thanks to all who offered help, I'm excited I can get the truck I really want and make it mine. I'll update the thread with pictures of the new truck when the time comes.

 

Buy it and get one of these: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-toyota-tacoma-v6-ecu-tuning-alpha-release.495735/

Reviews from testers of the new tune, and users of the existing tune say it's pretty much night and day. I just ordered so I can't give any feedback myself. That thread is full of happier people though.

 

Sounds like ur a no. Find a different truck.

I loved mine from the moment we met. ...I'm coming from 2014: 2nd gen.

It's like dating a chick your not that into... chances are if your not attracted now it ain't getting better later.

Me and my 3rd gen we get along GREAT.

 

I ain’t selling you on nothing I love mine and that’s all I care about! You’re gonna have to decide for yourself.

 

I would suggest the Manual trans. But I will admit it does enjoy that 3k RPMS to get up and go.

 

Yep, get something else, or get a manual transmission.

 

Isn't the Gen.3, 40 HP more than the Gen.2????

 

I love mine. You have to test drive test drive test drive. That's the key. When you drive one enough you will know what to do.

BTW I'm 6'4" 250 lb and I fit fine. Not cramped at all.

 

I'm 6'3" and I own a 2015 2gen and my friend owns 3rd gen and I have no problems in either trucks. Did you try adjusting the seat and steering wheel ?. It sounds like your anxious on pulling the trigger and just looking for a out because you don't want to let go of your hard earned money.

 

installing the ECT on all the time mod is what saved the day for me. did i get used to the way it preformed without ECT..NO! i came from a 2008 4.0

 

Not interested in a manual. Too much sitting in traffic.

 

Why don’t you look into giving your second gen a little love? Wheels, supercharger, etc....

 

It is, but during my test drive, it didn't feel that way.

 

With the sunroof? I don't have an issue with my height without the sunroof, my complaint is that at 6'1 the sunroof was too cramped. I prefer the other options with the sunroof.

 

Nice looking truck. I have modded mine to my liking. Just wanting heated seats, leather, phone integration etc.

 

How many miles on the 05?

Sounds to me like you should keep it a few more years.

I really like my 2016 SR5 with 6cyl and AT, but I have read enough whining posts on TW to appreciate that this 3rd gen is not for everyone, and if you are not happy with the test drive, don't expect your experience to improve with time....

.

 

You can always do katskin covers with heat....and a different head unit with phone integration. Nothing like a 4.0

 

I did. I played around with it. The only way I didn't hit my head, my arms wouldn't have been comfortable driving more than a few minutes, lol. I don't ever have an issue sitting in vehicles. I'm 6'1, 175. I was comfortable in the truck without a sunroof.

 

05 has 81k miles. Not in an area where rust is a concern. I know it's going to go forever. But I really like all of the comforts new vehicles offer.

 

Read a few folks having the short roof issue with the sunroof. I'm 6'3 and have no issue in my non-sunroof