Pick my Taco

I appreciate the honesty, and that's exactly what I'm looking for. I don't need fan boys or "because I said so", real facts and tangibles are what I care about.

What was it about gen 3 that made you so certain you wouldn't enjoy driving it? They certainly look cool, but I'd like to know more about why people seem to share that opinion with you, because you're certainly not the only one I've heard that from

 

I didn't really outline it on my previous post, but here is what I don't like about it.
- Feels like a mini-van when you step on it (not really big fan of the Taco's throttle by the wire programming)
- Likes to hunt gears
- doesn't have the umph like what a truck should have
- doesn't like holding RPM
- the suspension was too stiff for me
- uncomfortable seat (too low in my opinion)/cab too small.

Those can be "fixed" to your liking, but gonna cost you, except maybe the last bullet. Some don't mind it though, so it's up to how you want it to drive.

 

Good looking out buddy, I'm the same age, but only ever owned a Prius and a Saab, both used, so I'm not nearly as experienced. The warranty advice seems very well-founded, and is really making me re-consider my late 2nd gen preference. I'd certainly like to be a GOOD off-road driver, so I doubt i'd ever use the gimmicky off-road features. I also like the idea of starting with a clean slate and having less maintenance issues to worry about, especially as I'm more experienced as a carpenter and mountain bike mechanic than a car mechanic. Well, I'm more experienced as a president than I am as a car mechanic, actually, as I've never worked on a car... Doens't mean I don't want to learn, but reliability in the early days would certainly make things easier. My previous experience with different generations of products is to never buy the first of a new model/update, as they always have some kinks to work out. Based on that, would you say an early 3rd gen (2016 ish) or late 2nd gen (2015 ish) would bode better for most of your general concerns as far as maintenance, mods from previous owners, etc

 

I would look for 2017-2018 right now if you want a 3rd gen. People that leased those vehicles are turning them in right now so it's all stock w/ maintenance done to them. Dealerships will have them up as a used vehicle, they may even tell you which ones were previous leased vehicles if you asked.

 

Thanks man, this is a really thorough answer. The 4runner is a mean looking vehicle, I love it, but I think I need the added utility of a truck... Is the Tacoma significantly less capable than the 4runner? we used to have a 2001 4 runner, thing was awesome but never used it for off road, more as a work vehicle

 

The engine and transmission are out of the minivan/cuv and rather than having low end torque and a linear onset like a traditional truck it’s more high revving and touchy like a car. The shifting, throttle input, driving experience, for me, wasn’t acceptable in my driving needs for a truck. I prefer old thumper dual sports over sport bikes because of their tractor-like pull when off road. Same thing for truck when wheeling or working. Go tap the throttle on and off a few times. There’s nothing at all and then on hard and then shifting weird. Hated it, personally. YMMV.


Biggest selling point for a 2nd gen though is they’re about 10 grand less expensive than a 3rd Gen. give or take depending how old you go. Put that 10 grand in an IRA and contribute a few hundred a month to that rather than to a car payment for that much longer and you’ll be able to retire a millionaire and buy any truck you want. Until then, make smart financial choices and actually be able to provide for your family for the rest of your life > shiny toy.

 

1. Showing my ignorance here, but I have heard that term before... what exactly does it mean to "hunt gears"?

2. What are the general solutions to these problems, whats their approximate cost, and remind me, was yours a TRD off road (with the stiff suspension?)

 

1. Hunting gears mean it keeps shifting gears (automatic) and doesn't just stay in one. The reason is the truck was focused on EPA/MPG. Some people doesn't notice it.

2. To fix the power/torque issue or umph like what me and @BuzzardsGottaEat You have to re-gear. If you mod your vehicle, you are going to require a regear anyway due to the added weight and tire size.
(just did mine: total including labor and taxes: $2,400) If you change the gearing while stock, you will notice it being more responsive and more torque, but it will decrease your MPG by around 1-2mpg.
To fix the hunting issue, the re-gear will solve it, if you want to completely change it, you are going to have to re-tune your vehicle. If you want to fix the peddle issue due to the throttle by the wire, then you have to tune it.
($800-900, haven't done mine since it doesn't bug me as much as some people) You can use a peddle commander, but that is like putting a bandaid on it and not really solving the problem (around $300-400).

Yes, I had the TRD Offroad. I am now on my third set of suspension. Current one: custom valved/made suspension from Radflo (current suspension cost: $3,600, I installed it myself except the modded rear hangers which a shop did for $550 parts + labor). However, I am pretty sensitive to any changes because I used to ride motocross and participate in competitive go-kart racing when I was young. Used to having customed vavling/suspension based on terrain and how I want my vehicle to drive.

Remember, you may not even notice some of the things I or other people say. Test drive it, buy what you liked, and mod when you think you need something better.

 

Want it stock? Off road.

want to mod the crap out of it from the get go? SR.

Want to mod the crap out of it but need a push button start? Off road.


I’d still say off road I think you’ll be surprised how capable it is stock. Plus you can use the e lockers don’t need to drop a grand for lockers right away. Unless you’re lifting it to the point of needing a regear then I’d say SR.

 

The truck has two overdrive gears (5 and 6). So when you’re stuck and needing torque to get up a hill the truck will shift out of overdrive to get there so it will jump from 6 to 4. A lot because 6 is a tall gear.

On the highway I leave it in 5th in sequential and have very little hunting and still run around 1750 to 2k rpm consistently.

 

We love our 99 4Runner for our big trips. Wife and I did 6,400-6,500 miles or so last Fall around the whole SWestern United States only staying on BLM land and did some really gnarly off road and remote back road sections. The things is much better off road than my Tacoma’s. The shorter wheel base and Coils in the rear rather than leaf springs makes for a compact little adventure rig. We are always shopping for another one simply because when this one finally has too much wrong with it to be worth fixing we want another and they’re getting harder and harder to find in good shape. If anyone is selling a reliable well maintained 3rd Gen 4Runner let me know ha.

Save your money and go 5-10 years old at least. Better truck for less money.

 

I'm in the same boat here...I just recently got rid of my 3rd gen off road, which I traded a 15 sport in for...and now I'm considering going back to a 15 off road or sport (probably off road). They're really fucking expensive in my area, I'm looking at this thing right now: https://www.bighorntoyota.com/used-Glenwood+Springs-2015-Toyota-Tacoma-Base-5TFLU4ENXFX135483. Video here: https://vidmails.com/v/Fgbj9DdJbt. I was NOT a fan of my 3rd gen, even though it was a 6spd, it was one of the most gutless/cramped vehicles I've ever owned, and was not without issue. They look great though...I really wanted to like it.

Also, TacomaWorld is leaps and bounds better than anything online for my current (make/model withheld for street cred reasons) vehicle.