Which would you buy, 2nd gen or 3rd?

I agree, definitely some of the stuff out today is absolutely garbage. I'm wanting a 3rd gen rather than 4th due to it being out for years and perfected. Reliability is my most important factor. But I think both the 2nd and 3rd gen do well at that.

 

First off, I would try and talk the 2nd gen down a couple grand and then definitely pounce in that. Especially if it only had one owner.

Secondly, I truly don’t understand how some of y’all think just cause something is older automatically means it’s less reliable. I’ll take the reliability of my gameboy color over my Xbox 360 any day

 

1 owner and oil changed every 5k. If it wasn't from NH I would buy it.


Used 2014 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab for sale in Epping, NH 03042: Truck Details - 700136188 - Autotrader

 

2nd

 

I think this is the smart idea.

The 3rd Gen is not perfect, but it is the devil you know.

As an aside, my 2010 wasn’t perfect either. It went back for numerous recalls early in its life (remember those “unintentional acceleration” issues Toyota had back then?) plus I went through 3 stock radios (warranty covered) before getting frustrated enough to just buy an aftermarket unit (at my own expense).

My 2010 also needed new wheels due to the paint flaking off (purchased some take-off’s from the marketplace) and needed a new steering rack at about 100K miles due to the old one leaking. That was a $1,500 repair IIRC.

The way I look at it, the first few years is the infant mortality period for mechanical components. If they survive this period, you are probably safe for the next five years. Once you get to maybe 10 years of operation, you need to expect a major repair of some component just due to age.

 

That truck is from not too far from where I live and I’ll bet a lot of the under hood components look just like that trailer hitch you can see in one of the photos.

You can also see a bit of the front suspension in one of the photos and it is rust covered.

When I hear “10 year old vehicle” I just anticipate having to use a torch to loosen bolts and needing a tetanus shot after every maintenance activity.

 

Not that it matters to most, but fuel economy is much worse with the second gen IMO. I’m on 35s, regeared, bumpers, sliders, winch, skids and I average still 17 city and 19-20 hwy, which is basically the same a stock 2nd gen auto.

 

Yep mostly in the rust belt hahahaha

 

Neither.
First Gen, Best Gen.

 

Good Eye

The 2nd gens had a big problem with frame rust. Ryeguy is spot on with his post.
I was able to get 16k for my 08 because Toyota replaced my frame with the recall.
I also replaced the tow receiver , and front engine pan that was rusted out.

 

In 13 years the only non-schedule maintenance items I've had are a LF wheel seal and the driver door lock actuator. I doubt you will ever get anything close to this kind of reliability on any new vehicle nowadays. The quality coming out of the factories is not what it used to be. It's a big reason I haven't bought a new one. Unfortunately, the premium for a good condition 2nd gen is unreasonable which makes a new truck seem like a better value.

 

T100 FTW

 

My second gen averaged 16 and my 3rd gen averages 18. 50/50 stop and go and highway. I wouldn't call 2mpg that much worse. I'd gladly take the hit for the better drivability.

 

2012-2015 trucks have a manifold air injection system with an electric pump and switching valves that will develop problems around the 10-year mark (i.e. now). If your state doesn't have visual emissions inspections, you can spend $400-500 on a delete kit.

The 2014 will, more likely than not, have age-related issues like a timing cover leak and steering rack leak, that you will either have to live with or spend $2-3k to fix. (2023 may also be susceptible, but you won't see them for years.)

The 2014 lacks modern features like heated mirrors, adaptive cruise control, pushbutton start (keys jabbing into your knee), faster heat after startup, etc.

 

I love the 2nd gen v6, but love the 3rd gen looks

 

Not all new 3rd gens come with those options, and many would prefer a key over push to start.

Air injection pumps were an issue for really only 2012 and there are cheaper aftermarket solutions now.

Timing cover leaks aren't very common, and you don't need to pull the motor to repair it like you do on the 3rd gens.

My 2nd gen and 3rd seem to warm up at about the same rate, but is that really that important?

 

buy both

 

@NE-TacoGuy66 ordered a 2023 DCSB OR, so it's expected to have push button start.

The air injection system remains unreliable because it's exposed to exhaust gases. Guys in my off-road club with 2013-2015 trucks are seeing stuck switch valves, etc.

Timing cover leaks are very common in my experience looking at used 2nd gens (and 4th gen 4Runners) last year - every single one I looked at had it. My previous 2010 Tacoma had it. @NE-TacoGuy66 can of course go inspect the particular 2014 truck in the area near the power steering pump and see if this truck has it.

3rd gens have an electric PTC heater so you get hotter cabin air before the engine is warmed up. It's a convenience feature of course, like the backup camera with night vision, but they add up.

 

How many did you look at last year that had it? Sounds like a little BS here. My was bone dry at 130k. I have a few buddies with second gens and a few with 4runners. no leaks.

 

^I looked at three Tacomas and four 4Runners... I eventually bought a 5th gen 4Runner as a daily.