Do all 2nd Gen Tacomas drive the same?

Looking into buying my first truck and have decided to look into getting a Tacoma. I'm in between which years to look at right now, going with new 2016 or saving a few bucks and going with an older 2nd gen. I've never driven a Tacoma before and plan on going test driving soon but were there are big differences between

$90 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma With 4L Right Petrol intake air snorkel kit high performance system compatible kit Replacement black Rotational Molding (2005-2015)

2005-2015 that might influence my decision?

Main thing I'm asking is if I test drive a 2006 Tacoma will it more than likely feel the same as a 2013 Tacoma and vice versa?

Also, other than the update interior and new v6 is there anything much different to the 2016 compared to the 2nd gens?

 

My 2015 feels pretty similar to my old 08, I doubt you will notice much difference.

 

Welcome to TW.

There was a design update in 2012. Same chassis/engine/trans.
The front end is different, with updated bumper/lights/grill, different hood with lower scoop on the sport
LED rear tail lights added
Updated interior
Supposedly fixed the frame rust issues of the pre-2012s
Mpgs improved by +1mpg
Off-Road model got A-TRAC, off road traction control that simulates front and rear lockers
Off-Road model got upgraded electronic brake booster to support A-TRAC
About when the backup camera was introduced +/- a year
Stereo was upgraded with a touch screen sometime around then, 2013?
Somewhere along the way electronic LSD was added with stability control, and the sport lost the mechanical LSD at that time, I want to say 09?
Earlier models were more common to have the 2 leaf + overload rear springs which are very weak and sag, but not all did. The 3 leaf + overload spring was available (I think usually with the factory tow package). I believe the 3 leaf + overload became standard in 2014. They will still sag over time but are better than the 2 leaf.
I'm sure others can add more

2016 is a different truck
Smaller engine
6 speed auto instead of 5
Better fuel economy
Off Road has a new Crawl Control feature.
And the list could go on and on. You'd really need to go see it in person if you like the front end, and compare the two if you are interested in that route.

 

They don't all ride equal. It depends on the trim package. If you like a sportier/ firm ride, go for the sport. If you like a softer feeling ride, go for the offroad model. 2012 was the body design model change and from there on up. Electronically speaking 2012-2013 had the most bells and whistles. Even over 14 and 15 when they started removing electronics out of the interior and were still charging the same for them.

 

Had a 2006 DC LB 4x4 Base model than a 2015 DC LB 4x4 SR5. Exactly the same.

 

Suspension wise, it's not the same, but bodywise/ windnoise NVH speaking yes, they are all the same, unless he gets an access cab, which is supposed to be the noisiest model wind noise speaking.

 

In that aspect, nothing at all. Sorry dude. I'm typing this up while on break half asleep, so my reading comprehension before I write this stuff is halfway there.

 

Maybe tea. An hour and a half more of this dog and pony show and it's over for the day. Lol.

 

While there are suspension differences, if the OP buys/drives a 2006 with original suspension it will be well beyond replacement time anyway.

However I do believe the Off-Road came with a smaller swaybar for better off road ride.

Psh, I probably drink more coffee than I do water. Actually I'm pretty certain that is a fact.

 

Thank you for all the info on everything. For the record I'm looking at DCSB 4x2 SR5/(maybe TRD). I was planning on going to my local dealer that has a few '16s in stock along with an an' 08 and '13. I'll take a ride in both gens to get a feel for the differences.

Anything I should look for as far as the used Tacomas?

 

Frame rust.

 

That's not good bud. Coffee dehydrates. You want hydration. Lol.

 

I vote 2nd gen no matter what, brother man. However, you are in the 2nd gen forum.

I never trust the first few years of a new model re-design. Also, I think 3rd gens are just plain gross. You know, with that all due respect thing.