thoughs on 2nd & 3rd Gens

Any thoughts on the different between the 2nd & 3rd Gen Tacoma Plus and minus.

 

Not going there.

G.

 

The search function may benefit you on this one. BUT, since you asked:

2nd Gen: Engine and transmission of legends, pretty much the same frame and suspension, not as many 4wd settings as the new TRDOR 4x4, less expensive, same bad gas mpg, less electronic stuff, cheaper to insure

3rd Gen: More expensive, in every way, Transmission from hell on the Autos, bad mpg, look really cool, lots of electronic stuff, $400 grill inserts.

Seriously, test the hell out of both models and dive in! You can't really go wrong. Unless you buy a lemon, then it is wrong.

 

Owned a 10 and bought 17 in Sept. 3rd gen is an upgrade primarily in the interior with entune. Both kickass

 

3rd Gen, good gas mileage, a little too big.
2nd Gen, poor gas mileage a little too big.
1st Gen, perfect size, perfect truck, mileage ok.

Just imo though

 

A buddy of mine(3rd gen owner) and I(second gen owner) were talking about this and came up with a list:

3rd Gen:

+: No frame rust issues, Interior is much better in almost all ways, more standard options then on the second gen, can custom order the vehicle of your choosing, slightly better fuel economy

-: Higher upfront costs (insurance, registration), possible diff howl, treacherous transmission compared to the second gen

2nd Gen

+: Low upfront costs (insurance (100 dollars for 6 months!), registration), Proven motor+ Trans, more simple in the technology used

-: Possible frame rust issues, slightly worse fuel economy, a bit too simple of an interior for many

 

Eh, transmission is not a legend. But will live till 250K Kms, mine died on a 2005 model at that mark. But I used truck as it was supposed to be towing, pulling, smashing crap out of it. So no complaints.

Insurance is cheaper actually (At least in Canook land) if we compare 2015 with 2018 nanny features. Interior sucks, but durable. MPGs are okayish and there are $400 grilles too for 2nd Gen.

3rd Gen - skip that AT, get manual, better truck overall.

P.S. I own 2015 AT and moving to a 2018 ACLB MT.
Can't drive same truck that came out in 2005 and has same shitty interior.

 

We can give you all our opinions, but ultimately only you can decide what features you like best. Find a friend, coworker, etc. who will let you drive their 2nd gen, and then test drive several 3rd gens at a dealer. You will feel the differences in the drive trains, and be better to assess what you like. The 2nd gen platform is proven, the 3rd gen will most likely be ok too, but only time will tell. The best thing you can do is get some behind the wheel time to come to your own conclusions.

 

Just get a 4Runner OR or Pro

 

I think insurance on an '18 is lower than previous 3rd gen's and the 2nd gen because of TSS. Mine was surprisingly inexpensive for a new truck. Mine went down from my '13 Tundra with the same coverage levels.

 

Maybe I'm just doing insurance wrong, but mine is almost double what I was paying for my 07 Wrangler Unlimited. Thats a lot of money. I almost got rid of this thing bc I was being charged so much and I shopped around! 29 y/o, no accidents/tickets/vehicular manslaughters... Nada! Still paying 1300 a year on insurance.

Edit: Mine is a '16 so please disregard my unintelligent reply.

 

They've been on the road for 2 years, sure they dont have frame rust issues. But they will.

 

Can't go wrong with a Tacoma