Considering changing teams

Hello,
Bought my early retirement gift to myself about 15 months ago, and I would like to share a few issues that I've had with mine. Currently, my 2016 Taco 4x4 double cab, TRD OR, with just under 18k miles is at the dealer getting the crankshaft positioning sensor replaced. It died on me 2x the past week, the 2nd time was near the beginning of 2-hour drive to get home from visiting my daughter. Had to be towed back to the dealership in Kennewick, Wa. Luckily, I was able to borrow my daughter's car to get my wife and I back home. Let me see, oh, I have had the following issues with mine, besides the current one: 1. entertainment system shuts off on it's own. 2. I actually get frost on the inside of my windshield (winters in e. wash. st. can be really cold!) The dealership told me that this is occurring in later model Toyotas and I just need to run the recirculating fan and that should help. An unbelievable response if you ask me. 3. Trip meter will just reset itself. 4. The usual complaint with the transmission shifting so much, I've seen that a lot on posts. Don't so much mind that, as it does get decent mpg. I get that the power configuration is such that this will occur in a 6 speed transmission 5. Do not like the fact that the truck will not coast down an incline without shifting on its own, however. So, these are the things I'm experiencing with my $40k truck. Things, quite honestly, that having thinking of switching over to a Ford or Chevy. Lots of things I like about the truck, but I'm having a confidence issue with it. I am a Toyota believer, had a 2004 Tundra for 3 years that was the best truck I ever owned. Always wanted a Tacoma and the new design convinced me to "go for it". I guess I want to warn those thinking of buying the 3rd gen, and, perhaps a little pep talk from Tacoma owners out there who know more about this than I do...this is my 1st Taco. Wondering also if I should by a 2nd gen truck. Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks for listening.

 

The 2nd gen is a very good truck.

 

To be completely honest with you, any first year model will have its quirks. The 2nd gen is much more solid (in my opinion) than the 3rd gen. The 4.0 has been around for 10 years and it's proven to be a stout engine. Not to mention, the transmission shifts are more refined, even though the 3rd gen is somewhat made to shift as such. With that said, the full size market is totally different. I have a 2013 F150 with the Ecoboost. It completely stomps the Tacoma is almost every way, except for the size benefits. If you're wanting to tow/haul more and need the extra space, full size is the way to go. Otherwise, the 2nd gen will serve you well.

 

I've heard nothing but great things about the Honda Ridgeline.

 

I have friends with other trucks, and they all bitch about different things. The diesel Dodge Ram gets great mileage but has a leaky transmission. The 2014 Silverado vibrates like an epileptic dildo factory. The F-150 revs like it's a Focus and gets barely half of the advertised mileage. The guy with the 2017 Colorado talks to me about my Tacoma every day...and openly admits he should have gotten a Taco.

Everything has its issues - some are better than others. Since my transmission fluid was topped off I've been problem free (knock on wood) but I know it might not last. These are complicated machines, and more things means more things that go wrong. Is it any less reliable than anything else? My experience is no, your mileage may vary.

 

The zr2 is starting to roll out. Keep an eye out for reviews.

 

That right there...thats funneh!

 

Knock on wood, I've been exceedingly happy with my '13 Tacoma. If you don't mind "downgrading" to a less modern, less techy interior, my 2nd gen has been great to me so far.

 

I've had my 2nd gen since it was brand new (11 miles on the odo) for 9 yrs and love it!

 

Gen 2 tacoma is a solid option. I love mine. Still get 18mpg combined om 33s. Tows great in my opinion. Hard to beat really for the size and the resale on these is absurd.

 

Heres what you do.. go and create an account on each of the forums, ford, chevy, dodge, then spend an excessive amount of time reading them and you will see, every forum is full of the same stuff.. I lurked the Colorado forums and f150 forums before buying taco.. they were just like this place.. in fact go to a motorcycle forum, like Ktm and you will see same stuff.

Everything has its issues!

 

Don't switch teams, just switch trucks...

 

well I had my 16 taco dec of 15 and sold it in Feb of 16. I had no issues with it and it was loaded sport 4x4 dbl cab in putty color. Comfort in the seats killed it for me. I drive 36k a year and I couldn't get the seat adjustment to work and it hurt my back. That said I left a tundra crew and really liked the size and loved everything else about it. I got a 16 Colorado diesel march 16 and now with 37k on it I have had no issues. seats are better due to adjustments but harder though. I have averaged over 27 mpg since I have had it. That said I took a 17 trd pro in cement for test drive and I still like the looks and Tacoma interior better. I like the diesel power train and seat position better on the Colorado. The new zr2 will be nice. Heard they are going to 220 hp and over 400 tq from my 181 hp and 368 tq. If I could get the seat to work for me I would have a trd pro Tacoma today still. Shame they cant make a god adjustable seat but still love the interior and exterior better. Mine still isn't real comfortable because seats are hard and they don't have enough adjustability either. makes no since.

 

roflmao!!

Yeah I hear that a lot too, mostly from car owners though.

Sorry to hear about all those issues. Only one I took care of is the CPS issues, no problemo here after 20k on the clock.
But to be honest, the Fords and Chebbys are no better and maybe even worst in the long run.

But I'm guessing you know that already.

I could have bought either brand at great price since we had them in our fleet thru my contacts, but I chose to buy Toyota trucks for my personal use instead because I put a lot of miles and wanted them to be trouble free because once the warranty runs out its your baby, and after my last GM, I truly realized how sweet it is not to get constant recall notices for the tiniest of B/S due to low quality.

The 2nd Gen is a great truck, but it shares a lot of the same issues as the 3rd and its dated. I would go Tundra instead if gas mileage and sheer size is not an issue. If they are, maybe a Frontier is a better choice.

Best of luck on whatever you decide
Cheers!

 

Me too....

 

Before you decide to do anything, shop the used car market for 2nd gen Tacomas. They are expensive. Low mileage 2015 Sport 4x4's start at 31k and they don't budge much on price.

 

1st gen > 3rd gen > 2nd gen. Mic drop.