Should I get a 2017 or a different year 3rd gen?

Hello everyone… I currently have a 12 TRD sport and looking at a 17 to get into. I know there have been numerous issues with these main being the transmission which some have issues and some do not. Does anyone know if at this point in time does Toyota have the correct reprogram to fix this issue for good? Any feedback on this or any other problems with the 17’ would be greatly appreciated! Should I get this year or a different year. Trucks sitting on the lot for 29,000 with 84k miles on it. Which is a lot cheaper then any others I’m seeing. Thanks

 

I won't tell you to get it or not. I do like the versions without the pre-collision warning and lane depart for simplicity and just leaving me the (*&^ alone when I drive. Are there issues? Sure - it is the second year of a new model. The critical stuff should be warranty or NTSB items.

Crank position sensor recall. (ensure it is done)
Third brake leak light recall. (ensure it is done)
Frame rust recall. (ensure it is done)
Rear end howl. (turn the radio up louder)
Driver door seal kazoo. (turn the radio up louder)
Flash the transmission with new program. (good to do, but better if you do an OV Tune ECM flash as well)
Body mounts by radiator clunk. (easy DIY when you feel like it)
Truck needs a lift / sliders / lockers / bigger tires / body mount chop. (go drive it and enjoy it, if anything doesn't meet your needs then modify otherwise just save your money because the truck is very capable as is)

 

Do not lug the engine RPMs like your 2nd Gen! That will cause the transmission to shift differently when you don't want it to shift.
Use "S"equential Mode and ECT. The 3rd Gen V6 makes HP and torque at higher RPMs.
The transmission is not the problem. The Toyota 3rd Gen ECM/PCM tune is the problem. Get an aftermarket Local tune first.

 

2020 and newer has power driver's seat (common complaint for 3rd gen is the seating position), and an updated touchscreen headunit that includes Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Factory e-locker equipped trucks have a larger rear diff iirc...

 

you can turn off all the safety stuff if you want...

 

I have a 17 Sport. It’s been great. (104K miles on it).

The only complaint is the anemic shifting. (I don’t have a tune yet like most - but even people with 2022s are getting tunes for the shift patterns. For me it drives fine. I drive in S4 a lot around town, and S5 on interstate unless I’m cruising long flat stretches.

Update to latest software, drive with ECT mode on, if you don’t like it …get it tuned (many recommend KDMax now).

It has Entune 2.0. I think 20+ has the newer with Apple Car play which I do kind of envy.

Other than that it’s the same truck. If it has a clean carfax and the deal is good - buy it.

 

I have an 08/2017 built TRD Sport DCSB with 6MT. I have had no recalls. No issues. It has been a fantastic vehicle. I currently have just over 61,000kms of daily driving. I am very happy with my choice.

 

Nothing wrong with the transmission, drive it like a 2 stroke and your good.

 

I’ve got a 17’ 4x4 sport with 70k on it. It’s been a great truck. It’s anemic at best if you don’t use ETC though. I’ve made it my habit to just hit the ETC button as soon as it fires up. As others have stated I’m sure a tune would solve this issue. Other than that the trans has been trouble free and reliable, as well as everything else on the truck. I drove cross country, Southern California to Cleveland, towing a large uhaul trailer in 3-1/2 days going 80mph most of the time. I was not nice to her. But she got me to my destination without a hitch. Love these trucks!

 

Ive got a 17' DCSB. They have done a few recalls, just like all the years pretty much. I was disappointed with the power when I got it, but I had one of the tunes done on it and it is crazy responsive now. No big issues aside from the charcoal canister acting up, but thats not a 17' thing. It can and probably will happen to most years.

I like mine. Compared to the 91, 02, and 08 that Ive had, they seem to get more doo dads with each new model, but less reliable. Trade off I suppose.

 

Check the production date. If late 2017, buy it. Also check if ECU was updated to later version.
Later 2017 is a golden year...

 

$29,000 seems steep for an 84k mile 5 year old tacoma. I would drive your truck longer and save another $8,000 to cover the cost difference between new. You want a 5 year old truck with almost 100k miles for 25% off sticker price? No thanks. 2 years ago new tacomas were 10-15% off MSRP off the lot. Wait for new prices to drop, or don’t buy yet.

 

Not really, unless you want to see the PCS OFF light illuminated all the time in the dash!

 

I traded my 12 for my current 17. No issues *knock on wood*. I was unsure before purchase but now I know it was a good decision. I never looked back. Really love this truck

 

man look around. 3 weeks ago i got my 2019 DCSB trd sport 2wd with 23kmiles for 33k and this was in the tampa bay area. i know it depends on the state you are located but there are still some dealers with no mark up. and at 29k you can even buy a new truck if SR/SR5 is not a problem

 

I went from a 2017 to a 2021. The 2021 feels more sorted out... steering and suspension felt more compliant. Also, better seats and head units.

 

I would recommend looking at new in that price range. A brand new 2022 TRD Off Road can be had at my dealer for $36k. So for an extra $8k you get back 84k miles, 5 years back, a factory warranty, power driver seat, etc. To me, that seems like a pretty solid deal.

You could also go the SR5 route and save a few thousand. Unless you really want the hood scoop (or rear locker on the OR) or MT, the SR5 is probably better value.

 

Is it a TRD Off-Road or Sport? Auto trans? $29000 seems pretty good. All the ones listed around me want $34000+

 

I remedied the seat position issue with seat-jacks... so there's a way around that problem.

 

Get a pre Covid 2019 and put a radio in it. You’ll be ecstatic.