Thinking about a 2017 Tacoma but maybe I should wait??

Really like my 2016 SR5 4x4 6 cyl AT-
I was driving a 97 Dakota 6cyl 5speed MT (original owner) and was looking to buy my "last truck".
I read all the critiques of the 3rd gen and am just glad I don't see any of it from my vehicle.
Since you aren't in a rush, test drive all the midsize, including the Frontier and Ridgeline. If possible go to different dealerships.
Forums are great resources, but tend to attract people who are experiencing problems. I have talked to a few 3rd gen owners in my area and have yet to meet anyone who has heard of TacomaWorld.
I never thought I would own any vehicle not produced by the big three, but I am older and planning for living on less income, so reliability is my top consideration- Toyota Tacoma was the best fit for me.
I believe the 3rd gen does have issues, but also believe any manufacturer does not loose their quality standards overnight.
Hope you do well and get the vehicle that best suits you, and welcome to TW.

 

For what you are looking for as far as features I would say the Off Road, just due to what you get vs price of the sport or Pro. Sport is just more cosmetic features and it doesn't seem like you need a hood scoop or stiffer suspension.
However, if you are not in a hurry and are willing to wait, the Ranger is making a comeback in 2019. Even if its not the truck you are looking for or Ford really screws up the design, it gives a consumer advantage with more competition in the mix.

 

Buy one if you want to be constantly irritated by vibrations, rattles, squeaks, and howls or a transmission that doesn't know wtf it's supposed to do.

 

^_^This^_^

 

No problems with my 2017 OR. I recommend a very long test drive, at least an hour, or overnight if the dealer will allow.

 

Out of 100's of thousands sold you listen to a few constant whiners here about everything ? I have 0 issues and quality is spot on.

 

I believe if I was in your position I would go all in. Limited loaded out and if the performance of the automatic is an issue look at the Shift Sense Pro that @dcz108 is making. I'm 45 and bought my DCSB TRD Sport 4x4 6MT last year. 1st new vehicle I have ever owned and 1st time I have ever spent that kind of money without any regrets. I figure that unless we buy a camper and need more towing capabilities than the Taco I have probably bought either my last vehicle or next to last. If I buy again I'll buy like a pimp! Leather,sunroof, whatever they offer. Not one to trade vehicles much so what I have determined for me its best to get exactly what I want when I buy.

 

Honestly, I think this site sucks for what you are asking. Some people have absurd expectations and don't really understand how things work. Some also don't have the ability to look at things objectively. If you rely on this site for information, you will hate your truck.... and by the way, you will find out whatever choice you make, your decision sucked. Some people here also don't read and comprehend. Lots of good info here, you just have to sort through all the BS.

For what I think about the truck (based on my SR5 DCSB, V6, 4X4 with Tow).
I've had my truck since new and it has a little over 26K on the clock. It's reasonably comfortable and quiet. The engine has plenty of power if you need it, but low rpm torque/response is a little lacking. Putting around town, it's a little wimpy even compared to older engines like the Toyota 4.0L and Chevy 4.3L. If you punch the gas, it's better than either and the engine is much smoother at high rpms.

Reliability? The drivetrain ain't really all that new and it shares architecture with the older engines. What is new is how they feed air/fuel and introduce the pseudo Atkinson Cycle. Overall, I really do expect this truck will be as reliable as the older models. It'll definitely be as reliable as any thing else out there. There are a few kinks that are getting sorted out, and there is a CPS recall and a Rear Differential recall. Your "new" truck would be sorted out with those things.

I highly recommend you take a good long test drive and see if the shift happy transmission and low RPM torque/response are something you can live with. Drive up hills! This truck will be different than other trucks you have driven!!!! Don't expect the truck to "learn" how you drive and get better after you have had it 1000 miles. I learned about how this truck is, drove it, and felt that it's perfectly adequate. I'm not looking for a hotrod, just transportation that will take me on adventures.

Personally, I really do like this truck. If I were to do it again, I'd buy another in the Offroad Trim just because I want the locker and softer suspension. Good luck.

 

Oh, wait or buy now? You're 68, there won't be any major changes to this truck for awhile. Decide if you like it and if so, buy it. Waiting ain't going to get you anything.

 

Since it hasn't been mentioned, I believe 2018 Tacoma will be equipped with some version of "Toyota Safety Sense" you might want to look into that and see if it is something you want or don't.

 

My 2017 OR DCSB auto has been completely trouble free.

 

I can't really see that being any kind of show stopper, but for someone else it might. I wouldn't wait 6 months just for it. It took us awhile to buy a truck just doing the research and shopping for a good deal. As close as we are to the 2018s being out, I can see waiting..... I wouldn't be waiting another year though.

 

My 2016 Off Road manual transmission has been trouble free and a great pleasure to drive. I sometimes get stuck in traffic (Dallas) and love first gear in manual because it is one of the best crawl gears I've had. My daughter and I take the trip to Colorado and make sure we do at least one off-road mountain pass trail. Last year it was Cinnamon Pass. This year, it will be the road to Tincup from Buena Vista. When not camping, I use it haul my trailer (get the tow package, for sure) for dirt hauls, Home Depot runs, etc. I have 17k miles on it so far. Plan to keep for 250k+ miles. This is a keeper, and the manual transmission simply cannot be beat. Gas mileage is decent.

 

I wouldn't hold out for 2018 to be any better than the 16/17 models, they're likely to come with the same whistle up front and kazoo in the door. I've got around 23k miles on mine now in just over a year and I'm likely trading it in this summer. I now have a leaking rear diff that Toyota claims "isn't bad enough to do anything about yet" and its saturated 75% of the seal. I've had lots of truck and diff leaks usually aren't a huge issue, but never had it as early as 20K miles. Sad part is I really do like the truck but I have serious concerns about the longevity of this vehicle with the issues I've had already and Toyota's lack of willingness to fix anything. I had to drive out of state just to get the trans software update!

As for the features, the tech package is nice to have for the wife because of the dual zone climate (she's always freezing and I'm always warm) and heated seats (which get hotter than any other car i've been in), the JBL is a nice upgrade and I'm glad I have it but I could have done without it as well. The TRDOR handles surprisingly well off road and coming from an older Ranger the lack of low end power shouldn't bother you too much. The shifting could be an issue though, it seems to like to fall flat on it's face when trying to accelerate unless you use the ECT PWR button or shift in sport mode (or even a ShiftSense box for $175). Overall I would say its a decent truck with issues that don't seem to be getting resolved and the outlook for 2018 isn't any better. My suggestion, take a lengthy test drive and then go drive something else to see if you're happy about how the Tacoma performs for your needs. Either way, good luck with your choice and white is the best color!

 

I would take a hard look at the Ridgeline to be honest. I wouldn't discount the 3rg gen Tacomas as well.

Unless you own a 3rd gen, how can one comment on it? Tons of 2nd gen guys say the 3rd gen sucks which I dont understand.

 

I say get the Tacoma. I've had my 6MT OR for a few weeks now and love it. I read this site before buying, and almost didn't buy it because of that. I'm glad I pulled the trigger.

I actually looked at the Ridgeline before this. No comparison to the Tacoma. It's seriously a civic raised up a bit. Doesn't feel rugged at all, and I feel the interior is cheap loooking. That is just my opinion though.

 

never experienced those 2

 

My suggestion is to buy the third gen and stay the hell away from this site!

 

I've got family in The Dalles, beautiful up there.

 

Whistles, rattles, shift happy, squeaks etc... WTF did these folks buy, not the same truck I have.

~ 8500 miles - no squeaks (clutch did a bit in the freezing icy/snowy winter, but brake grease took care of it), no rattles (and I have towed and hauled materials), no kaaaazzzzooooo, no howls, shifting - I shift when I want to, gas mileage averaged over 23mpg for last fill-up (yesterday).. Man I suppose we have a bunch of snowflakes or you got effed. So far, my truck is awesome so I guess either I'm a pink panther / white elephant knight thing or WTF you guys call it. I think a bunch has come to the internet to bitch or we have a small number of complainers out of all Taco owners. Please please please, sell you trucks, get a Ridgeline or 4Runner and make yourselves happy.