Upgrade Gen 2 to a Gen 3

I got my 2015 trd sport a month before thw 3rd gen came out. Me personaly i would not buy a first or second year car. Hopefully by the 3rd year they fix all the major flaws. That being said i am starting to.like the 3rd gen after seeing some in person, only thing holding me back is im already 2 years in on my truck i would not want to start over with the payments.

 

I agree the only benefit of the 2nd gen is the V6 4.0 lower rpm torque, tows better than the 3rd. I have 2017 and none of the issues I read the 2016 had, runs perfect, just need to push accelerator down farther to get it moving quick, then let up and she runs perfect. Interior is night and day better 3rd generation and I think the brakes are also better. Cant comment on suspension I have a Pro and its awesome.

 

Seems like you answered your own question.

 

I'm of this same mindset - my plan was to hold out until 2018 but I could feel a major mechanical issue coming with my 2007 and took the plunge early.

 

Do you have proof that they're any different from the 2nd gens?

 

I did it,traded my 2015 SR5 for a 2017 SR.Picking it up today.

 

"While the geometry is the same, the shock valving and spring rates have been optimized on the new Tacoma and vary between different models. Stronger ultrahigh-strength steel is also used for the control arms on the new Tacoma, as well as throughout the frame and body to increase strength and shave weight."

http://www.fourwheeler.com/features...wess-and-better-mileage-than-its-predecessor/

@rlx02

 

I upgraded from a 2014 SR5 DC, to a 2017 TRD Sport DC, with the upgrade package. The 2014 4.0L had more power at low end, where the power on the 3.5, comes on higher in the rev range. The transmission hunts when you first get the vehicle, but mine has almost completely stopped after 1800 km. I personally like the interior of the 2017, it is very clean and well laid out. Third gen has options like sunroof, auto climate control, available. My biggest like although minor is the fact I finally have much needed heated mirrors Yeah!!
I was originally intending on buying out the lease on my 14, but after driving the 17, I really fell in love with it. The stronger frame, better sound proofing (still room for improvement) and a better tuned suspension won me over. Really you need to go drive a couple of the different packages available on the third generation and decide for yourself.

 

Can you give more details how and why you like the 3.5 better than the old 4.0?
If someone asks me what my biggest regret would be for buying a 3rd gen I would say "the gutless 3.5 motor".
It will be interesting to hear from a person who has driven both gen Tacos.
I really like everything else on my truck though.

 

I went from a 2014 trd OR, to a 2017 trd OR and I love my 2017. My 2017 came.from the dealer with 3 in lift and 285 tires. Also gives me a little piece of mind knowing the dealer installed the lift and tire,shouldn't hear any junk if something breaks!! So far 2017 is far superior to the 2014!!

 

Seems everyone that upgraded to the gen 3 is happy with the decision. I'm going to start looking at some 2017 model, take a few test drives and see if I can make a deal. Thanks everyboy for your input. I do appreciate it.

 

I've had both and I prefer the 3.5 over the 4.0 too. If you think the 3.5 is gutless, you must think the 4.0 is just plain dead? The 42 HP difference feels huge to me, the 3.5 pulls hard from 3500 to redline.

 

This video doesn't really show the benefit of 42 HP extra that 3.5 supposed to have over 4.0.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbmOYTMirrw&t=434s

Sadly even the smaller & much weaker 3.4L 190-hp Gen 1 beat it.

But I didn't buy my Taco to drag race or go fast. Actually it's completely the opposite. I just expected more of the off-the-line oomph without having to rev up the engine so much, just like how a good truck engine should be. Overall I'm happy with the Gen 3 - good looking, modern interior & features, acceptable MPG (so far > 20), and having the 6-MT is the main reason. I would not have bought a Gen 3 if 6-MT was not avail.

 

That video is meaningless. No Christmas tree, no timing system, three trucks randomly placed on different sections of an ice cold road course, three different drivers, no tire information, no repeated testing to ensure accuracy. For credible info, go to Car and Driver and compare the acceleration times on the various Tacomas they've tested.

 

I'm about to buy my first tacoma. I've got it narrowed down to either a 2015 or 2016. I've heard the 2nd gen have rust issues. Does anyone know a way to deal with that? I've heard about some coating you can get, but wasn't sure.

 

I sprayed some anti corrosion spray on the frames of both my 2nd Gens and never had a spot of rust and will do the same on my 3rd Gen.

 

2nd gen does not tow better than the 3rd. Gauntlet test has 2nd trailing by 45 seconds in its test. It can't keep up, period.
They were surprised also in the test, but its true.

 

Actually, the video would be a better reference than Car and Driver archives as the C&D trucks were tested on different days with different temperatures and humidity.

In the video they are side by side and if you look closely at 4:19 you'll see that the 3rd gen got a significant hole shot on the 2nd gen, yet still lost by over a truck length.

 

C&D is arguably the most prestigious automotive magazine in the industry, with a consistent testing regiment that is adjusted for atmosphere and weather. Do you honestly believe that this hack edited YouTube video is more credible?

 

My 2011 was traded in without a spot of rust on it, even after the geniuses at KDOT decided to put down salt spray on the roads any time it's going to rain below 40 degrees.