*Hopefully* constructive discussion about the 3rd gen and it's issues

vehicle depreciation occurs the minute you drive it off the lot

 

and had issues with those Tacomas too.... not a lot new here.

 

Not necessarily true!

You don't get what I mean.

Are there people here that just want to complain? Yes. Are there also people here that had a 2nd gen, loved it, then got a 3rd gen and felt they were taking a step backwards? YES!

The ONLY reason I upgraded was the offering of a manual transmission. Had my only option been the 3.5 and the auto, I'd have either lived with my 2nd gen or gotten a Ford.

 

true, because this guy has owned Toyota trucks from year 1986 thru 2016 , located in his signature, that's first hand experience owning Toyota trucks from Hi lux to 3rd GEN

 

I'm averaging about 19.5 with this current tank of gas at about 60 miles to empty, if you trust the center display (I know, I know). So I'm ok with the mpg - but that doesn't negate the wear and tear the poor gearing has to be doing to the trans and/or torque converter. Also, for a couple days after I had the Rev1 done, I was averaging somewhere closer to 21-22 mpgs with the same trip - it's obviously crept down since then.

For those of you saying that THIS amount of shifting up, just to shift back down again in 50 yards, and then back up, all on a 3 degree(?) slope at 40ish mph, is normal - have you driven other trucks?? I haven't driven a lot, but I've driven and ridden in enough to see that this isn't normal behavior for a vehicle.

 

your 19.5 is about 1.5 more mpgs than I get and my truck shifts fine, unless my arm hurts.

 

On a semi-separate note, anyone here that can explain the ~500rpm drop at the bottom of 3rd gear? I've read that it's the lock-up of the torque converter..?

Is that true? I don't understand in detail how the TC and trans interact.

 

I will state it again THANK MY LORD I got a manual . I also average ~ 19 to 21mpg according to the little guy running the computer. On a few hour highway trip last night, again according to the computer said 23mpg

EDIT: I guess I have a unicorn or white lighting or whatever is stated here...

 

I get what you mean.

My point being there are documented issues with all generations of Toyota Tacoma and people like you and I still buy them knowing some of those issues have carried on. There are also plenty of 1st and 2nd gen owners here who think the 3rd gen is a step forward (myself included) from previous trucks.

Perfect? nope, not by a longshot in any of my trucks.
Perfect for my needs? absolutely and no complaints for what I need the truck to do.

 

I think you and I have danced this jig before!

 

So maybe I'm lucky, but I haven't had any issues so far. Got about 1800 miles on it now. Yeah it's not got the best MPG when you're driving at highway speeds here which are mostly 75MPH, but I didn't buy it for MPG. I have not had much gear hunting, a time or two when going uphill and giving it more gas. It shifts fine. It WILL let you drive it like a grandma and putter along. It will also get up and go if you want it to. You can find a happy medium I think. Handling and ride is great for a truck.

 

yes we have

 

I like the idea of a manual, but I sit in too much bumper-to-bumper traffic and I think it would get old soon. Unless you're on open roads of course.

 

Well then I really need to get a life...


As soon a Lent is over and I can watch TV again you can bet your sweet buns I won't be here so much!

 

it will be over before you know it. Spend more time driving, less time obsessing.

 

I fully agree with you there, good point. I have open state NH roads 96% of my driving. If I was still in Seattle or CT in bumper to bumber daily where the speed is never right for 1st or 2nd gear it would suck.

 

Ha! Same to you, bud!

 

Depends on what you mean "open road." Anything over 65 mph you start to hear cash register bells.

 

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if it was rushed due to the GM twins coming to market. The design was out of date; so could have played a part in ensuring they had a modern design in the marketplace to compete with the GM twins. IMHO it is the best looking truck on the market.

It is speculation at this point, but it's possible the 3rd gen was rushed to market. It can't be ruled out. Also proper quality control seems to be missing as well.

 

I never really questioned the reliability of the truck when I had mine, I am sure it will last a long time but that is a long time to be with something you will not be happy with. I would immediately try and resell privately, worst case trade it in on something else if you are having second thoughts. When I bought mine I expected an improved 2nd gen. I did not really research the truck because I knew Toyota always made a fine product given my last 4 tacomas.

Go with a manual if you still want one.

I plugged the LCA holes with gorilla tape, I didn't feel like waiting hours at a dealership to have them troubleshoot it.