Keep '09 Taco Or Go Gen 3?

I have an '09 Access I bought new. It has new tires and battery with 48k miles. It is garaged every night. I have really enjoyed this truck. The only thing I never liked is the wind noise level has always seemed a bit high. A frame inspection during a recent oil change revealed the frame is like new. I have been offered a free CRC on the frame anyway.

I have posted here before about getting the itch to look at the 3rd gen. I seem to get an equal number of "keep whatcha got" vs. "go 3rd gen" replies. A dread I have is that I might trade and not like the new one as well as the old one. This week is supposedly one of the best weeks to trade for end of year inventory. My local dealer has some '17 Access cabs in stock as well as some '18.

I am really tempted to go look. Just don't know.

 

If you trade go with the 2018. The 2017 are improved over the 16s, 18s should be even better. Traded my 15 for a 17 with no regrets.

 

Take a test drive on the freeway. My 2016 has a fair amount of road noise but I previously owned a convertible so some noise does not bother me. Overall, I am happy with my 3rd Gen. Good luck with your decision.

 

In September I sold my 10 sr5 and bought a 17 sport. Biggest changes are engine differences and electronics on the inside. I love the new engine but you do get the feeling it is a different type. It has awesome passing speed. While faster 0-60, it feels different accelerating. Electronics inside are much improved. I am very happy I didn't listen to the haters. As some will repeat, take a test drive. Good luck

 

09, 49k miles. No payment. Sure new is better but no payment is nice too.

 

Paid for is nice, but I am fortunate to be 68 and don't owe the world a cent.

 

I went from a 2009 Tacoma double cab, long bed sport to a 2017 Access Cab TRD OR and absolutely love the new truck. It’s night and day and I couldn’t imagine living with the 2nd gen any longer. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I don’t experience any of the horrors that have been shared here. I almost didn’t consider a 3rd gen truck due to all the ‘hate’ I read here, so far I’m glad I followed my gut after numerous test drives. As for you, you’re truck is barely broken in but also if starting payments isn’t a stretch go for it...remember you only live once and life can become unfortunately and unfairly short for some of us in an instant! Good luck with your decision.

 

GO GEN 3

 

If it ain’t broke....

 

I have a 07 and test drove a few 17's and there's no comparison, the 17 is much better in my opinion. I'm holding out to see the new ranger before replacing my 2nd gen.

 

48k on an '09?

You don't drive it enough to fret over wind noise.

But if you do go new, don't trade. Sell yours privately. Someone would be thrilled to have that truck w/o the aggravation of a dealer being involved.

Side note:

I'm within a year of you age wise (+/-, but who's counting?), also debt free. But I have no intention of spending that kind of money on a new Tacoma when my '13 is perfectly capable of everything I want it to do.
1) that kind of thinking helped me become debt free
2) I can think of dozens of other things I'd rather do with that money.

 

The wind noise is really bad on my 16 trdorac. Lack of a B-pillar is the reason why I guess, although my 02 Dakota was quiet so it can be done, I just don't think Toyota gives a shit about some things, people are buying the trucks anyway. I think you will be sorry when you spend 35 grand for a truck you all ready have.

 

Do an extended test drive, 24 hour if not more. And I would highly recommend getting manual trans.

 

Why 24 hr? Won't a long drive over different type roads suffice? Also, I don't like manual trannys and my wife can't drive one so that is a no go. I don't off road or drive in snow. I am just looking for a basic 4cyl. Access.

 

Another big question is size. I have a narrow two car garage. With my '12 Highlander and my '09 Taco it is pretty tight. I know the 3rd gen sits tall but is it longer or wider than the 2nd gen?

 

Almost every post about the 18 transmission says it shifts better. Unless I lived in the middle of nowhere I wouldn't get a manual transmission. But to each his own.

 

Better than the '16/'17 or the second gen? I have never had any issues with the tranny in my '09.

 

Either people are getting used to it, or they changed something. I'm getting close to purchasing so I'm really reading all the threads, seems like all the comments on the 18 transmission sound positive.

 

Get it. It’s an upgrade on a few different areas and its a great truck

 

Looks like about the only trucks in inventory in a basic 4l 2 x 4 access are white or red. No thanks.