Opinion - 3rd Gen Vs. 2nd Gen: Which to buy?

OP, I was in the same boat as you. I preferred the 2nd gen body style but I liked the 3rd gen interior better. What swayed me to the 3rd gen was the fact that they weren't much more expensive than a good condition used 2nd gen and came with a warranty. The front end grew on me and, overall Ive been pretty happy with the truck.

 

Also, I have a manual transmission, so none of those issues apply to me but I know there is some discontent about the automatic's performance in the 3rd gen. Not sure about the 2nd gen. For what it's worth, I prefer the manual in the 3rd gen to the manual in the secon gen.

 

Never owned a gen2 taco but i sure like my gen3 a lot. I don't think the cost of insurance should be any different between the two. My 01 tundra was just a few bucks more for the same policy, and that had a v8. Cost of operating my gen3 taco is better than a 1/3 less than the tundra.

 

I loved my 2008 Taco, but there are some real upgrades with the 3rd gen. A few things to consider:

- Drive by wire on the 3rd makes it feel different than the 2nd gen.
- 3rd gen is geared for fuel efficiency. Some people see good gas mileage, others not so much.
- The 3.5 makes peak HP/TQ numbers about 800 RPMs higher than the 4.0. The 3.5 has more more HP, but approximately the same TQ, but you have to mash the throttle to get to it.
- The base model 3rd gen will still have more tech and amenities than the 2nd gen. The other side of that is that there's less to cause any issues on a 2nd gen.
- My 3rd gens have all been quieter than my 2nd.
- 3rd gens have more safety features, if that's important.
- Aftermarket support is great on either gen.
- If you like changing your own oil, 2nd gen is definitely easier.

It depends on what's most important to you. Test drive as much as you can and see which feels the best. You said the 2nd gen was your dream truck, so it sounds like you've mostly made up your mind. If you had your heart set on a 2nd gen, then try to go that route. In the end, they're both great trucks and I wouldn't hesitate to drive either one.

 

Tacoma's have been drive by wire since the end of 1st Gen, around 2003 - 2004.

 

I assumed it was, but should have clarified. I'm referring to the non-linear feel that the 3rd gen has compared to my 2008. I guess throttle mapping might have been a better term to use.

 

You mean the non-sequential gear-selection?

 

I was talking about the fact that when you press the throttle 50% of the way down, it feels more like it's only opening the throttle by 20-25%. Whereas on my 2008, if I mashed the throttle 50% of the way down, it felt like it was opening the throttle closer to that. Maybe not 1 for 1, but less of difference than in the 3rd gens I've had. When I got my 2016 I had to adjust to that. I think OVTune smooths that out some, but I haven't followed it that closely. Please correct me if I'm wrong on the throttle mapping. I'm just going off of my experiences with these trucks.

 

Odd, the throttle response on my 2020 was much more sensitive than my 2013. Even now I use maybe up to 25% of the pedal movement for 90% of my drive. 50% when I'm entering a highway and it already jumps to nearly 4k rpm without issue.

I've actually wanted to set up a gopro and ruler to measure the pedal movement in a typical commute 'one of these days'. I feel like my experience does not match at all with a lot of the 'complaints' levied against the 3rd Gen.

 

1st & last always get what U want

might have to beat the bushes harder...........wait a little longer

every year they change something
a newer truck / less miles probably better

i liked the metallic grey 5speed ...............have a 6speed white access
really like what i have

5speed Not offered anymore....... the color doesnt matter
got a really goooood deal !!!

damn good truck

 

That would be cool, especially if you could also get a video of the gauges and sync the two videos side by side. As I'm thinking about it, the truck likes to keep RPMs low, so that might compound that non-linear throttle feel. It's probably not as drastic as the difference in my post, but it's something I noticed when I jumped from 2nd to 3rd gen. I will say that my 2020 drives better than my 2016 or 2017 and that includes the throttle response. This 2020 may be my favorite Tacoma yet.

 

I have a 2018 2WD. No ragrets on year or drivetrain.

Despite all the bickering here, the average lifespan of each of those models is going to be pretty similar. Take care of either one and they'll last.

Personally 2019 is the one I would avoid. It's just like a 2018, except its missing a bed cubby.

 

Y'all are great. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to respond. Thank you!


-T

 

I had a second gen 2011 before. I now have a 2017. If I were to choose now, I’d take my second gen anytime. Better engine and transmission but the 3rd gen looks better.

 

2016 here, almost 5 yrs. old, love it no egrets at all, had two 2nd gens, last one was a 2011 TRD 4x4, this one is better in every way.

 

Agreed, I had 2 prior 2nd Gen's too, both were great trucks but I would not want to go back.

 

this comment for either the 2nd or 3rd gen is absolutely rich.

 

how high are you right now?

 

As far as the throttle throw...on my 2020 sr5 v6 auto its about as linear as you can get. I cannot tell any difference from other older vehicles driven...its the same as my 2001 tundra.

 

Come for a test drive & I'll be glad to show you. The low end power is fantastic, especially compared to the more expensive 2016s I test drove before I bought this.