Which 3rd gen

It may be helpful to determine what exact issues 2016-2017's had, and just inspect the maintenance records/mechanic inspect the areas of interest to determine if the truck you're viewing has/had those issues. Considering all 3rd gens are essentially the same truck, plus or minus some techy things, they're all prone to the same issues.

 

I bought my 2016 certified used at the dealer in 2019. It had 58K on it. I'm getting close to 90K right now and haven't had any issues. Just regular maintenance. It drives just fine, I wouldn't avoid something simply because an online search says X or Y.

 

Some of the issues were front main seal leak and transmission "issues" (which were tuned out in the following years). Note that just because they were not the best years for 3rd gens, doesn't mean that they are not great trucks.

2nd gens are still the ones with the most issues, but they are still good trucks.

 

I already have a 5gen 4Runner just looking for a truck now. I’m still open to looking at 2nd and 3rd gen. But I’m learning a lot here.

 

Got my 17 sr5 4x4 at a dealership with 75xxx on it and no problems. Checked the service records before signing and all it showed were oil changes, rotors turned, new tires and the usual recalls. Just hit 81xxx and drives like a new 1 to me.

 

I have the 2016 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. Haven’t had any problems. Other than one of my spark plug need new oil seal. Saw oil on spark plug when I replaced it at 100k mile. Recall I had done were the transmission update and third brake seal. Replaced my brake pad and rotor at 100k too.

 

almost bought a 2015 but wanted to look also at 3 gen[/QUOTE]

I had a 2014. Possibly best vehicle I ever had. Only ever needed routine maintenance.

 

'17 Off Road Taco for the Win!

 

What would be the difference between the Tacoma TRD off road and TRD sport. Is there any lift restrictions if doing a lift kit?
I know for the 5gen 4Runner sport with the X REAS there may be some restrictions when installing a lift.

 

TRD sport has Hitachi Shock; LSD the awesome sport hood.

TRD off road has Blistein shock, rear Locker, multi terrain mode.

No restriction. I seen people with Sr5 put on TRD pro shock/etcs… so long it’s 4x4 (and pre-runner)

 

All Trim levels have brake simulated LSD

 

I have an ‘02 TRDOR w/ 160k and lots of mods that I’ve driven across the country several times. I also have a ‘20 TRDOR w/ 11k and few aftermarket parts. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive either across the country tomorrow. If you go with a used Tacoma have a third party mechanic look it over. As long as you stay on top of routine maintenance and use OEM parts you really can’t go wrong. Find the lowest mileage truck that you can afford.

 

+1 that's correct. And yes it's just a simulation, not a real mechanical LSD.

 

I’m leaning more towards a TRD off road.

 

Couldn’t have said it any better myself.

 

The trd is a better choice if off-roading a lot. I think it does have some of it own issues though with more inherent vibration, at least my buddies did, and lower fuel economy than my sr5. We both had v6 autos.

 

The TRD off road also has the softest on-road ride in my opinion. I test drove my SR5, an OR and a Pro before buying. I think this is a pretty well agreed upon fact. In case on-road ride is one of your big things. But if you’re planning on changing the suspension is doesn’t really matter anyway.

 

I rode in my buddies 2019 trd vs my sr5. Really couldn't tell a lot of difference in ride except his had a lot more vibration you could feel at different speeds. Also the trd seemed less peppy than my sr5. I can tell you his Nissan frontier pro4x is a nicer riding truck than my sr5 if looking for ride quality.

 

@Road_Warrior

I've got close to 19K miles on my 2021 Sport and she will be 2 years old this May.

With an awesome tune and plenty of after-the-fact add ons, I am loving my first New Toyota 4X4 Truck.

 

all the big $$$$ issues happen on all years.