Some Q's for you 3rd-gen guys - may finally say goodbye to by 09 TRD OR

Thought I would keep my 09 forever, but the allure of leather heated power seats, the safety features, and the new tech has me SERIOUSLY considering an upgrade. I haven't had any major issues with my 09, but I travel for work regularly, and I don't want to wait until it starts losing it's reliability either. I've done a couple wheel bearings, u-joints, brakes/rotor. Nothing major yet, but I do have a noise from the rear that's either another wheel bearing or one of the pinion bearings in the diff.

Looking at either an MGM TRD Pro, or a Cement TRD OR Premium with advanced tech pkg. I wish they made the TRD Pro in cement, but I guess it was just too much work to paint them in Army Green AND Cement Not a fan of the Army Green.

Couple questions for you 3rd-gen owners:

1) Is there a difference in the thickness of the body panels from 2nd to 3rd gen? I keep hearing the 3rd-gens dent easily.

2) I can change the oil in my 2nd-gen lightening fast. I hear the 3rd gens are the cartridge type. I hate changing the oil on my wife's highlander due to that cartridge. Total wrong-direction move in my opinion. Is it easier on the Tacoma with addtl ground clearance? Big pain vs. the 2nd gen?

3) What springs are in the rear of the 20's? The 09 came with a weak set, and I had to have them replaced with "TSB-springs" to actually haul or tow anything without it sagging down horribly.

4) Are the studs in the 3rd gens any longer? I had to put longer studs in my 09 to get enough bite on the threads with aftermarket wheels.

5) What are the key 'known-issues' that affect the majority of the 20's. I see a long list of TSB's, but I'm sure many of them aren't very widespread. In my 09 I remember doing the springs, the steering wheel shaft knocking, auto-trans ECU flash. All were a pretty big deal/very noticeable till I had them done.

Anything else I should be thinking of coming from a 2nd-gen? Such a tough choice. . .

Part of me wants to just keep my 09 forever and fix stuff as it comes up, but new toys are shiny, and with all the new safety features, it could make a big difference one day.

If I DO get the TRD OR, I would probably look to source the Pro grille, the skid plate, and maybe even upgrade the suspension. I have 5100's in my 09, and I really like the feel.

Help :/

 

Should have mentioned, I think I can get the premium with advanced tech pkg for ~40-41 locally, while the TRD Pro is 45-48. I know the MSRP's are fairly close when you option the OR the way I have, especially if I plan on swapping grille and adding skid plate, but the dealerships are MUCH more willing to play ball on the TRD OR's vs the Pro. I also figure it shouldn't be too hard to offload the 20 OR grille to someone with an older 3rd gen.

Did I mention I wish they offered the Pro in cement for 20?

I wonder how the cement will hold up long-term. I STILL love the timberland mica on my 09 to this day. Has really held up style wise (or I'm just old now).

 

I don't have answers for any of your questions honestly.

Life's short. If you have the means, buy your new dream truck. Sounds like you're willing to spend lots of dough on upgrades too.

 

Oh boy.

 

Keep your low tech 09. Give it a few more years and it will be really cool and rare

 

Just don't forget to press the ECT button before driving! 3rd genssss

 

Only legit complaint I have is the diff howl.

Aside from that, the 3rd gen is a better truck in every regard, and I've owned both a 1st and 2nd gen.

 

It sounds like every point you listed is a reason to NOT move to a third gen. I think the sales number speaks for themselves as far as how great of a truck a 3rd gen Tacoma is.

 

Well what if you dont like the answers to all of your questions above? Will you just keep driving your 09 until the 4th gen comes out in a few years? Will you switch to another brand? What exactly are you trying to get out of those questions? The 3rd gen is different yes. Is it the same old reliable as hell toyota we all love? Also yes.

 

Test drive and see what you think, I had 2 prior 2nd Gens but would never go back to one from my 3rd Gen.

 

Test drive an offroad model and play with the Toys, it's a huge upgrade from an 09' go for it.

 

I've driven the Pro and the OR. Dealer I was at though had the Pro in white (hard nope for me) and only had the OR with cloth seats, so wasn't buying from them. I liked how both of them drove.

 

Test drive test drive test drive. We can't make up your mind.
Only you can choose.

 

What is the deal with this? I saw this ref'd on another thread too. Is this something everyone is experiencing? Right away, or after a certain mileage? They can't resolve it?

 

I think the cement is my favorite. Wasn’t available in the package I wanted at the time I bought.

Can’t say if the truck dents easier or not. Seems the same.

oil change is a bit of a pita, but with a Fumo valve it speeds it up a bit.

springs are a bit better, but you’ll want to at least toss on an aal if your hauling.

studs are still short

You’ll want a flash ($800). The needle bearing in the front needs to be done $100ish. The truck does much better with new gearing. I fell in love with my truck once I got the 5.29 on 33s. 2,300 on the highway at 75-80 mph ($2k +/-) a few weird Things here and there on the older trucks, but a lot of the early issues seem to be sorted.

As far as the pro, it all depends on the suspension and other upgrades you’re looking for. The money you’ll spend getting your OR up to snuff might be what you would have spent on a pro. However, if you plan on changing the pro get the OR.

 

What are your 'never go back' reasons?

 

Don't get me wrong I loved my old 2nd Gens but my 3rd is way more comfortable and has many enjoyable creature comforts.

 

Seems to affect certain configurations of the truck as its a harmonics/resonance issue. Supposedly nothing "wrong" with the diff, just very bad NVH design.

 

Like he said didn’t affect everyone. I have a 2017 Pro. Currently 50k miles and I just replaced the stock tires. No out of pocket expenses so far. It has a much better interior than the 2nd gens. Good luck.

 

I can tell you for me the ride is much better then My second gen. The interior is updated in a good way, not to over the top with tech and yet still simple enough.

Despite all the bitching on here my 3rd gen actually tows a lot better then the my second gen. I went from a long bed to a short bed and it still tows great. These trucks make more then enough power just have to push the skinny pedal.

The build quality is still the same Toyota. I think it has more power then the second gen and the truck is just a joy to drive. All stock pro, no tune, no shifting issues, no diff howls. Nothing. I’ve used ect a few times getting on the interstate and you can feel the difference in the fuel mapping and how it delivers power. That’s said I’m on 265/75/16s and still drive it daily in normal drive mode. Truck shifts fanatic but according to people on here the trans is shit.

Test drive em and buy what ya want. My 2nd gen was a solid, reliable, good lucking truck. The 3rd gen does everything the 2nd gen did but better imo, plus they look better. Good luck! Let us know what ya buy.