Why I bought a 2013 and not a 2016

I really liked a lot of the features on the 2016 but could not get past the lack of low end torque and the shifty transmission. It seems like even talking about it is Tabu. I have nothing against the 2gr engine or the good folks the bought and like the gen 3. You will say that the new engine only losses 1 lb.ft of torque... but it has to rev a 1000 rpm higher to get get even that. The gen 3 goes like a damned race car. Very fast and smooth acceleration. I just want a truck, I don't drive that fast. My beef is with Mike sweers for taking away a good truck engine for those who are not too concerned about fuel Milage. Why couldnt they still offer it as another option? The 1gr is a better "working truck" engine.
I'm pissed at Toyota and I'm not ashamed to say so.
Having said all that... I love my 2013 Limited.

 

Good move!

 

If it wasn't for all the very strict regulations on vehicles from the govt, Toyota would probably have gone with a different motor in the newer Tacoma. Its getting very hard for all makes to come out with newer motors that are both powerful and efficient at the same time. Sucks for trucks.

 

Same experience here. I drove two 2017's fully intending to buy one. After negotiating the price,I asked if I could take it for a longer test drive. They let me take it for two hours so I ended up putting about 70 miles on it. I was running around 60 mph for most of the drive and at every hill,no matter how small,it would downshift to 5th and then 4th and stay in 4th with the engine screaming until I was at the top of the hill. I can't imagine driving that every day. I took my wife for a short ride in it and when we hit the first hill she said "I would not buy this thing,why is it doing that?" I liked everything else about the truck but the new engine/transmission combo is horrible. I ended up buying a 2015 instead.

 

Can't beat that dinosaur of an engine on the 2nd Gen .

 

Never have drove a 3rd gen, but my 2nd gen does excellent in every situation ive ever put it in. Cant complain.

 

Got a personal letter from someone at Toyota Friday, they NEED my 15 for a trade on a 17....

Although I am quite impulsive, I'm glad I've done my research.

 

The 2gr came out the same time as the 1gr. Neither are dinosaurs.
The "R" motor ran from 1953 to 1995. The 22R from 1981 to 1995. The GR motor came around 2005... so it's not very old.

 

Right now energy prices are low, but if they ever go back up again the old 4 litre is expensive. Having said that I bought my 2015 just before the 16's arrived and got a great truck with cash back. I pull a horse trailer with mine so I love the 4 litre and its low rpm hp and torque.

 

Love my 2013 sad to think I might have to replace it with something less one day.

 

Haha true, but there's always something cool that's new, and that time won't arrive for many years as long as no accidents claim the truck.

 

I think the 3rd Gen is just having some issues cutting it's teeth. It could be that the transmission software is still learning driving habits too... they're could also be a software update that has yet to be put into effect. Let's not discount the 3rd Gen too much. Every new model has its own issues.

 

It's nice to read a critique that actually has some thought in it. You are absolutely right about the engine power. It's a little weird coming from mostly V8s and a 4.3L V6 Chevy. Those had way more low rpm torque.

I do think the 3.5 is made to handle the rpm band though. Compared to the 4.0 it's way smoother in the higher rpms...... Toyota should have made the exhaust a little quieter if they want those rpms.

 

My feeling is that they chose a transmission that is smaller and can't handle too much low rpm torque. The 5 speed in the gen 2 was used in all of toyota's trucks including the Land Cruiser and Tundra. I think the transmission in the gen 3 comes from a Lexus car. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

If I were to get a 2nd gen, it would have to be the TRD-PRO in white but in the mean I love my truck lol

 

I love my second gen pro

 

Agreed. I'm surprised Toyota hasn't done anything with the Tundra yet.

 

First year teething issues was the reason, I bought a 2015 in September of last year. With that said, if I was buying a 2017 - I'd insist on the 6 speeds manual / 3.5 combo - which would run me about 10 grand more than what I paid for my 2015.

 

I think they will become a classic, built and re-built like the old Chevy 350 V-8

 

I think of my 2015 as very similar to all the small V8's that were in American pickups in the 1980's and 90's. Not exactly the same, for sure, but close in performance, capability and mileage. When I drove a Hi Lux 4X4 pickup in the 80's pulling a horse trailer at highway speeds, it would sound like it might blow up but it never did and I got used to it.