Serious Question for a Buyer

Are both the 15 and the 16 autos, or manuals? The other difference will be the motor, 4.0 V6 versus 3.5 V6. They run differently, so you may like one better than the other. My only Gen 2 experience was with an '08 4cyl, and I liked it although found it pretty sluggish, but it just kept on goin'. I really like the 3.5 despite what the detractors say. You have to put your foot into it, but when you do it comes alive. You can't baby the throttle and expect it to perform like a Hemi V8, which it seems some guys think should be the case, but when you get on it, it perks right up.

But yeah, definitely test drive both and see which one suits you better or, better yet, spend a few $K more and get a new one like has been suggested.

 

I came from a 2012 FJ.

I went with the TRD Off Road.

The FJ and Tacoma are two different animals, I suggest you take the Tacoma for a long test drive including freeway before you decide.

 

I had a 2015 Sport and now a 2017 Off-road, I'd pick the 2017 hands down every time.

 

FWIW, my work truck is a 2015 SR5, my personal truck is a 2017 TRD OR. They are both great trucks, but the 2017 is hands down my favorite. I have no issues with the power or driving characteristics offered by the 3.5 for the way I use my truck. If I was looking for a tow vehicle, I wouldn't choose either, I'd get a Tundra.

 

I had a 2006 FJ. I regret trading it for a 2015limited 4runner . Traded the 4runner for a 2016 OR. The FJ was a sporty tank. The 4runner was an expensive station wagon. The Tacoma needed a lot of upgrades to make it feel like a stock FJ

 

Thanks for all the inputs guys. Test drove the ‘16 again and will do so one more time before I seal the deal. Going to miss my FJ, but my kid is stoked to have something nicer than his ‘97 4Runner (with 272,000 miles on it). Think I’ve brainwashed him to be an Aggie and drive Toyota’s.

 

Done deal on 2016. Told the sales manager about all the TSB’s I found on here (thanks) and Carfax said it had an open recall - the differential. He sent it over to maintenance and low and behold ... they are going to replace the entire rear end to comply with everything. Supposed to do the transmission & ECU updates as well. We’ll see, but seems like they are trying at the dealership. I don’t get the truck for a week, but I get to cruise around in RAV4 for free. Hope the good effort keeps up.