To third gen or not to third gen... that is the question? (And is 2.5 gen the answer)

i posted this is 2nd gen territory, I am just curious what the 3rd gen guys have to say in terms of advice.

Money not being an object in THIS comparison. What is the best truck for my buck?

I've been spamming this forum with Tacoma advice and hopefully I don't get banned, but I have one last question for anyone who has bought a used Tacoma vs. a new Tacoma.


I am looking at buying a used Tacoma, but am crunching numbers at buying new vs. buying used and cannot decide if it's a better investment to go new, get the warranty but more expensive insurance or buy used, save a couple bucks and potentially not have a warranty.


Here's my options:

2015 CPO Tacoma TRD Sport Access 4x4 23k miles - $27,700

2015 Tacoma TRD Sport, Access, 4x4 26k miles - $28,500


2014 Tacoma TRD Sport, Access, 4x4 23k miles - $26,900


2017 Tacoma TRD Off Road Access 4x4 - $32950


I am making my decision this weekend, I am sick of looking for a deal and tired of talking to dealers. Life is too short!

 

What is a CPO Tacoma

 

Certified pre owned..

 

certified pre owned

 

Certified Pre Owned

 

Damn I feel dumb. Going back to my corner. I vote for the CPO if you care about pure functionality of the drivetrain and the 2017 if you care about creature comforts.

Don't settle based on price. Make sure you'll be happy.

 

Go with a 2nd Gen, but that's my opinion as I just still can't that nose on the 3rd Gen. But you have to go with what feels right to you.

 

I'm glad I'm not the only that hates the nose.

 

having driven an '11 trd or until December and replacing it with a 17 TRD OR, my recommendation would be for a '17. my '11 was bulletproof but the '17 is light years nicer. However, I haven't had any of the problems that others have complained about. mileage, comfort, options are much better. The only shortcoming is low end power. I didn't buy it for speed, though.

 

Didn't realize the 17 is the only offroad of the bunch. I vote the 17 unless you seriously hate it.

 

id go 17 but that is me.

 

Yeah, I think I'll be happy with the CPO taco, but I don't want to regret not getting the latest and greatest

 

I bought my 2016 new and I love it. I recommend buying new to anyone who can. Warranties are a big deal to me.
Also, a new Toyota will easily outlive any financing you use to buy it.
5 year loan? No problem, your Tacoma will still be running strong.
7 year loan? Okay, maybe you replaced a water pump by this time, but the truck's still rock solid.
15 year auto loan? Maybe they do these in Nevada. I say go for it, a Tacoma's just hitting its stride at this point.

 

Honestly doubt you will regret it.

 

Why would you not get the new 17? Will come with warranty, new, hold value better since its newer than the rest, and contrary to the nonsense here, they are still a reliable great truck, this is my 7th Tacoma and am more than happy/satisfied.

 

You sure the insurance is more? Mine went down with the newer version...more safety equipment

 

My insurance on my 15 was the same as my 16 and 17. Like you said I doubt its significant if any savings/difference.

 

Just sitting in the 2nd gen makes me feel bad about spending almost 30k. The 3rd gen interior, while still not "luxury" is much more refined than the 2nd gen.

 

I will go with the 17 TRD off road access cab. For $4k more you get a lot of extra features for the money. You'll get premium entune audio standard with navigation, crawl control, multi-terrain select, rear lock differential, hydraulic brake booster, nice looking interior, and a new factory warranty.
Buying new your interest rate will be lower so your payments won't be much higher for the same terms as buying used and the truck will last a couple years longer.
Test drive all of them and pick the one that makes you the happiest though.

 

Believe it or not, the looks grow on you the more you see it. Hated the look at first but now I love it.

Try and drive both the 2nd and 3Rd gens back to back if possible then take a break to cool off and drive them again. I spent 3 months driving both 2nd and 3rd gens before i finally decided.

Coming from my 1st gen, the 2nd felt more familiar, the 3rd gen more refined. The more I figured out how to drive the 3rd gen the more the 2nd gen began to feel dated. Dip your toe into the throttle of the 3rd gen a few times and you might be surprised how well a taco can move.

Kept driving them both to confirm until I decided what I wanted.

No reason to rush the decision, take plenty of time to decide as there's always going to be plenty of new and used trucks on the market to decide.