Tacomas now scare the heck out of me!

I want to upgrade my 2003 Dakota with a Tacoma. I've always wanted a Tacoma offroad DC 4x4 as a second car and now makes a whole lot of sense to trade the Dakota in for a Tacoma. The problem is I came to this website and spent the last couple of months reading people's experiences. I know people usually post when bad stuff happens to their truck or if they have a strong feeling but there seem to be enough of the same warnings on here that I now feel that not buying a new Tacoma is better than buying one.

So, are these truck really that bad? Does this site just have a disproportionate number of gripes or is this truck really crud? I am not interested in dropping 30k on a truck just to have to visit the dealership to have stuff replaced and constantly needed attention. I want a quality truck. I actually want to upgrade my Dakota!

Thoughts?

 

Le sigh.

 

We can't help you.

 

I've visited the dealership twice. Once for the TSB and once for my 5k service. I've had nothing wrong with mine. I love my 3rd gen.

 

I hate em!!

LOL

 

Pourquoi da fuq do I even bother looking at the 3rd (Turd) Gen forum??

 

Please don't buy one so Toyota will slow production, thus will limit the number out there and help hold the value since its so sought after.

 

Draws you in just like this

 

Get a second gen that has already had the TSBs and recalls completed and either has a good frame or had the frame replaced recently.
Looking on TW will give you a disproportionate view on the 3rd gens because many people who have problems search for a forum that specializes in that vehicle. So when a new setup come out in a vehicle, you will more easily find people with faults than you will those without. There are folks on here who have had zero issues with their 3rd gen. Then there are those who don't own them (like me) who bash on them because they don't like the styling or perceived downgrade in the power train. But most do understand that they are still decent vehicles, but we enjoy having fun talking about them.

 

Contrary to what many people say on this site. Toyota still builds good quality vehicles.

 

As a 2016 3rd gen owner, I wouldn't recommend one. They have too many issues.

As soon as Toyota fixes the rear diff, rumble strip, and 1800-2300 vibes I could recommend it. But theses are pretty egregious and disconcerting powertrain/driveline issues. These things are coming out of the factory low on fluids, with misaligned beds/bumpers, lacking proper door seals, etc. Toyota is getting by, at least with this particular generation, on their past reputation--not because this truck is particularly great.

 

Get a ridgeline

 

I would buy that, but the poll of people here showed 50% are having the diff howl. You can't tell half of the active users on this site joined to complain. (And if they did...I'm not sure that helps your point either.) Most of the people voting are enthusiasts and fanboys.

 

this site will make you believe there are way more problems with the 3rd gen then really are. It seems like nothing but a cry fest here over the smallest thing.
I have almost 8000miles on my truck and had the TSB and have had no major issues a few small grips that I took care of myself quickly. But wouldnt stop me from buying another if I did it all over again. Dont go by this site for the trucks reliability. Best thing to do. Is buy the truck and never visit here again. you will probably never have a problem again or even think of one.

 

I have 16,760 miles and have only been in fo r 3 oil changes so yes get the truck that you have wanted.

 

My first taco, was a Ford fan....had TSB 0077-16 done, no other issues...Love it so far..

 

buy a 2nd gen, 3rd gen is still garbo

 

That generation Dakota (and any Dodge from that period) was absolute garbage. A yugo would be better. I wouldn't worry about going from a Dakota to a Tacoma.

 

. How do I say it. As another 3rd gen owner who have been through a diff replacement, multiple transmission issues, and truck just shutting down itself issues, and as much as I love my new truck, its looks,.. i won't buy another one. Toyota's name was once synonymous with quality, but that is no longer true and has become a things of the past. I plan to trade in my truck in a few years for a newer, and better one, and continue doing that. So that I could always have a better one. Like a razor blade .

 

Thanks for the replies. Its good to hear that people with 3rd gens have had no problems. I mostly read about the problems and not much about the successes.