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

1. i would cross shop a 4runner model for model vs the tacoma (since they are both BoF vehicles, ridgeline is not, more like a truck version of the pilot/highlander - read unibody frame)

- 4runner Limited is compared to Tacoma Limited
- 4R OR vs Taco OR
- 4R Pro vs Taco Pro
- 4R SR5 vs Taco Sport

now mind you they have premium versions of the 4runner (more standard features than the baseline version)

2. heated seats will be a god send in the winters, trust me on this (North Dakota here myself)
- heated seats in the tacoma will literally burn your a$$ compared to the 4runner leather heated seats (trust me on this one)
- 4runner limited has vented leather seats, this helps on hot/long trips (helped alot driving 1800 miles to see mom this past turkey day)

3. get the factory tow package regardless (trust me on this) on either vehicle
- taco get 6500 rating with tow package
- 4R gets 4700 rating with tow package

4. gas pedal
- tacoma has weird surge right around mid tach if you floor the pedal
- 4R really doesnt pick up steam until you mash the pedal

5. both are really good on occasional dirt/off roading
- 4R limited has full time 4wd (i went this route due the changing road conditions up here, didnt care to switch 2h/4h on the tacoma/lower models on 4R)

6. model years
- 4R current gen is pretty close to being revamped in 2018/2019
- taco current version is brand new so mid cycle refresh is abou 3-4 years down the road

 

Consider yourself lucky. Also too late as OP went out this morning and bought a new ridgy

 

I'm 61 and this will most likely be the last vehicle I will own. I was a bit concerned about all the negative comments here, until I realized that the majority of them come from the same handful of people who have seemed to make it their sole purpose in life to destroy the reputation of the Tacoma.

Are there a few issues? Well of course there are it's a new truck, but it seems that Toyota is working hard to fix them. I find hilarious that people on this forum whine and moan that Toyota is not addressing their concerns about this truck, and then have a total conniption fit went a recall is made to address one of those issues.

Buy the Tacoma, you'll be happy with it. I would definitely consider getting the MT, but I am kind of a shifty sorta guy. As for power... well I'm coming from a '99 S10 with the 2.2 and as long as you don't lugged it down this V6 is head and shoulders above that truck. Also, get the Premium/ Tech package, I didn't really want to spend the bucks for it, but I couldn't find the truck I wanted without it. So glad I got it now.

 

Appeals to that group apparently.

 

It's mostly when there's windy conditions, which is frequent where I live. The whistle is from the lower control arms, fixed by some simple rubber plugs if your dealer is nice enough to warranty it......mine wasn't unfortunately. The Kazoo noise is a issue in the weather stripping on the doors that carried over from the second gen, this is not my truck or video but its the exact same noise and I hate it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6RJ-o4U-9g

 

lol that noise is too funny. gets windy as hell here but I've never
heard any kind of noises from wind. Admittedly, it would drive me
batshit if I did have that issue.

 

OP,
I have a 3rd gen my secound to be exact, I traded my 16 double cab SR5 4x2 4cyl AT in on
17 SR5 4x4 V6 AT, my reason for trading it was I missed not having 4x4 and for the future to tow a small RV, utility Trailer Or watercraft etc. most of my planned off reading is for accessing hunting camps and surf fishing. No issues with either. my 16 had 19,000 plus on the odometer when I traded it.
Took my 17 tacoma on a Memorial Day weekend break in road trip 800 miles round trip all sorts of driving minus snow and mountains performed flawlessly.
Prior to the 16 taco was a 4 runner and a Chevy duramax.

 

Buy a Tacoma!
That's why you came here and that's what you want.
Be honest to yourself!

If you can deal with clutching, get a 6-MT (manual) V6 4x4. Then you would not experience about 90% complaints you see here.

 

I see a lot of issues online, facebook, and in the reviews. I still bought the truck because I figure most complainers have the loudest voice but looking back I can see why some of these issues are getting so many complaints. I do not think it is just three or four people complaining. There are a lot of complaints out there about this truck.

 

If you've been happy with Ford trucks, you should consider the F150. Or, hang on a bit and get the new Ranger when it returns in late 2018 early 2019. From what I've read, it's going to be a good small truck.

I've currently got a 2006 F150 4X4 5.4L with 187k, great truck after you deal with the two piece OEM crap spark plugs. I also have an '05 Tacoma TRD AC Sport 4X4 with only 94k and the 6 speed MT. I love it too! Can't decide which one to keep, but I'm actually considering selling the Tacoma. Tough to give up the capability and comfort of a full size. Both trucks are easy to work on the normal maintenance and minor repair stuff, the Tacoma is a little easier for the DIY driveway mechanic I think, and reliability is better. My Ford (knock on wood) has been extremely reliable. My .02 cents...

 

Some people want a truck, some people want a Ridgeline.

I haven't had a single problem with my Limited.

 

Love my 17' DCSB OR, great truck, no problems, very quiet and comfortable, the trans. thing is solved with the ect button, buy one.

 

I am over 50, do not go "Crawlin", and I am an Oklahoman living in Flori-Duh. I have a 2017 Limited ATDC, with the tech package, towing, and I came in under your budget. Even after I have added a few items Undercover Flex, AMP power steps, Opt7 tailgate bar and bed lights. Ok at that point it is very close, but still under assuming you do not count the beers that aided the install. I love my taco and have have had zero trouble with my truck which was on the recall for the differential. The tranny learned my driving style within the first 1200 miles. I am still under 5K miles. This is not my first toyota, or the first Taco for me. Assuming I live long enough it will not be my last taco.

I test drove a sport and found the ride a bit stiff, compared to the Lmtd for sure, and I did not care for the scoop as seen from the drivers seat. With all that said, the only thing I would want to do differently would be 4 wheel drive, possibly a LB but the Lmtd does not offer it. That is IF and only if I were to spend more time in snow and ice prone states.

I woud suggest that you look at the options you want. Test drive the OR, Sport and Lmtd with all the equipment you want, or at least as close as possible. Then either place an order for a 2018, wait for the 2018s to start hitting the lots and buy one then, or buy a 2017 once you find the color and config you want. If this is going to be your "last truck" get what you want, I am sure you have earned it. Remember, it is your money and your truck do not settle on what the dealer "has" for you.

Best of luck!!

 

Lots of great info here. I know what you mean about people using the forum just to vent their complaints while the vast majority are perfectly happy.

A couple more questions. I would assume the off road versions would give you a stiffer ride but I hears it was just the opposite. Is the Limeted way smoother than the TRD Off Road? This is not a concern for me but is for my wife.

After looking at trucks locally the dealers are sticking with the list price and won't budge. Is there better prices? I'll start branching out of the area a bit to see if I can save some bucks.

I've had many new vehicles/motorcycles and the way I look at it is generally the newer the better. As time goes on I'm pretty sure the 2018's will have some software upgrades and the recalls will be far less.

 

Post 102 here on difference between ride. Sport limited and sr5 will all have similar ride characteristics https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/trd-sport-vs-off-road.459478/page-6#post-13608096

Off Road definitely smoothest "cushion" like ride

How to get best price: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/so-you-want-to-buy-a-tacoma.475482/

 

I don't recall the ride on OR being particularly noteworthy. I do remember thinking the Sport was stiff. But the Limited was very nice and was my choice due to the close match to my wants. Really the only things I did not want were the leather and the moon roof. But bother were part of the truck as a Limited witht eh Tech package.

A note o the ride in general.. I traded my 04 Dbcb Prerunner in to get the 2017. The 04, though I thought it rode well enough, rides like a "truck" and my limited rides like a luxury car in comparison.

The wife disliked riding in the 04 but accepted it when we needed the bed space. Conversly she suggests we take my Taco anytime we go someplace together, unless her car needs fuel.

 

Where are you located?

 

In my experience, a lot of negative comments come from people who don't even own a third gen. Maybe that's just my perspective. Anyways, I have an OR with premium tech package and love my truck. EPA regulations are to blame for the automatic transmission. I personally don't have a problem with it but I also don't have an issue with driving at or a bit below the speed limit. I stick to the rightmost lane and watch the morons fight for position in their pretend race. I run 33's with full steel armor underneath and possibly the heaviest front bumper/winch combo and still average 19-20 mpgs in crappy traffic. Might not be the best comparison but my boss's Ram 1500 cost a little more than mine did and the drivers side door doesn't always lock\unlock, rear window leaks, check engine light is on more than not...and it's a 2015. His 2014 was the same way and the reason he traded it in. Like others have said, test drive it with an open mind and see if you like it. If you do, buy it and enjoy a truly great truck.

 

I had two Rangers over a span of 16yrs (that I loved) prior to the Taco. Also a Ford guy. Some of the trans shifting issues are annoying but I'd consider mine good now after the TSBs. Not perfect, as I feel that the drop off in power from 4th to 5th gear is too big and is probably a gear ratio thing. However, I really like this truck and have no regrets.

It's slightly wider and longer than the Ranger. Quiet as an SUV inside and overall a joy to drive. It will do everything you're seeking. If you're over 6ft, you might find it uncomfortable for a long trip but I don't consider 3hrs long...I'm short, 5'5".

I've seen a few suggest the Ridgeline. It's more car like and comfy for sure and would suit your stated needs as well. I think the complaints are a bit over the top with some on the 3rd gen. If a meteor landed on my Taco tonight destroying it, I head to my dealer and buy another Taco. Except this time I'd get Quicksand instead of black.

 

No complaints about my '16 DCLB 4x4 SR5. Its been listed for both recalls, CPS and rear diff leak. However, I have zero leaks or issues. Just waiting for a free weekend to take it in July/August ( and whenever the dealership has the fix for the CPS)
I love my truck and everything about it. It wasn't purchased to be a race truck, so the tranny issues don't bother me at all. I sit in the slow lane most days and just cruise it. 19.5 mpg for every tank. BAMF sliders, ProTop shell, 265/75/16 E rated Wildpeak AT3W, loads of gear, bed platform and vinyl inserts