Wisconsin Tacomas and bad financial advice

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope to meet some more of you in 2019

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Merry Christmas Wisconsin!

 

1st gen double cab owner her in Madison. Was gong out today to look at a pre-owned 2013 2nd Gen Access Cab at a local dealer. My primary use is to pull a small 16 foot inboard boat and some lite camping and the typical forest road up north. Looking for some real world advice from 2nd gen owners and for anyone who went from a 2nd gen to a 3rd gen if I should broaden my search to include the 3rd gen?

Really like the size and of my 1st gen with the double cab and the only limitation has been the 5ft bed. It of course, has had saf-t-cap added to repair the rear 2/3rds of the frame but other than that and regular maintenance has been a great truck for me with 148K miles on it.

This will be my daily driver from fall to springtime and for towing the boat in the summer so pretty much a daily driver until the summer car comes out of storage.

Thanks for any input - Bob

 

I had a 2nd gen Prerunner 2wd . Loved it. Then I switched to the 3rd gen trd sport 4wd. Did it because my 2wd was worth a ton and after trade paid 24k for a 17 Trd 4wd. The money for a 2nd gen truck with 4wd & 200k miles was crazy stupid prices. I have put 50,000 miles on my ‘17 in just under 2 yrs and had a few issues (fixed under warranty)
It’s my daily driver
(120 miles rd trip/day) yes at low rpm it’s a dog.. maybe a aggressive dog! Lol
At higher rpm mine will get up and go. 70mph to 100 more mph in seconds. I’m glad I traded up.im getting 21-23.1 mpg (mainly hwy) Test drive one. Drive it at low speeds and then get it on the hwy and open up all 278 hp.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_7jiQcqfpw

More room than the 1st gen. I got the 5 ft bed. Not sure what ya need to haul but it carried all our stuff for a 18day family vacation across the country (5,000miles)


What ever you decide test drive the shit out of it. Drive it for 30-40 minutes. Way too many people bash the 3rd gen and never once drive it. Compared to my 1989 single cab 4x2 (before Tacoma) this thing is a absolute beast! Lol.. test drive ! Test drive! Test drive

 

I think the rain is more depressing than snow. Now my jobsite is a mud pit and I have to run conduit for a generator tomorrow or Monday. I'm thinking Monday

 

It’s going to drop 30* today.
Snow tonight during rush hour!!!
Thanks @ReconGrunt .
I love driving in the snow but driving the tollway home on a clear day takes
1 1/2 hrs. If it’s snowing? A easy
2 1/2 - 3hrs commute.

 

I have an 09 access cab off-road that I use for just what you are describing. Pull a 16 ft boat mine has an outboard, and a lot of towing ATV trailers around on logging roads north of 8. I have loved it for just that. Has good acceleration when you want to throw it through the gears quick, and will creap around when needed. I also have a buddy that loves his 3rd gen for similar reason. Probably can't go wrong either way.

 

I tow some pretty heavy loads with my 2014 DCSB 4x4. My last boat was a 17’ Lund aluminum boat with a 90hp motor. Pulled it great. I bought a new 19’ glass walleye boat last summer with a 200hp and a dual axel trailer. I fish Green Bay all summer long so 400 miles round trip. The Tacoma handles it fine. I have surge breaks on the trailer which helps a lot. Ideally, I’d have a tundra for this but the Tacoma works. A 2nd gen would suit you well.

 

Thanks for all the replies. So on Friday I was able to test drive and do a comparison of my 1st gen double cab, a 2nd gen access cab and a 3rd gen double cab. I was surprised at the power output differences between the 1st gen and 2nd/3rd gen. The 40 to 50 hp difference and the 80K or so mileage difference on my 1st gen showed how the 2nd gen/3rd gen could more easily tow my boat. I really have to watch the transmission temps and step on it to accelerate. The overall length difference didn't seem to be much of an issue in terms of turning radius and parking ability.

The 2nd gen was a 2013 Access cab TRD Offroad with about 68K miles on it. The 3rd gen was a 2018 TRD Offroad with 10K miles and a double cab and I can see how the 6 speed auto transmission works with that new v6. As a daily driver I could see how it would be enjoyable for long distances plus the safety upgrades.

My dislikes for the 3rd gen was the "long hood", especially compared to my 1st gen. The 2nd gen seat was uncomfortable as part of the test drive and the suspension seemed "soft" as compared to newer components and the 3rd gen -- comfortable but soft.

The price difference is now what I am contemplating -- list on the 2nd gen access cab was $24K and $32K on the 3rd gen or alternatively think about an engine/transmission rebuild on my 1st gen.

Thanks for the input - Bob

 

Yep same here.

 

I am looking for trucks with the optional tow package which adds the hitch, 5/7 pin connector, trans cooler and might add an increased amp raring alternator.

On my 1st Gen with 4 trans gear towing is in third gear and any grade I am well over 3K rpm for long periods. I will start looking at more 2nd gens...the last couple of years.

 

Are you running stock size tires?

My 1st Gen runs about 3200 rpm with OD off at 65/70. I will pay attention on my test drives of the second Gen and ensure to take it out of overdrive.

 

Happy New Year guys!

 

I might be looking to sell my 2015 DCSB,TRDOR with a tow package in the near future. I love the truck, but miss my 4runner and I'm thinking of going back.

As far as forest roads, etc... I have been extremely impressed with the capability of this truck. I'm completely stock, running Kumho at51's, and the truck sticks to pretty much everything like glue. The only limitation has been deep water and ground clearance.

 

Got a set of Truck bed lights with a round rocker switch from the neighbors for Christmas. Looking to get a OEM style switch . Saw this company online https://your4x4store.com/
Any one buy rocker switches for their 3rd gen lately. Recommend?

 

If I recall correctly rocker [Carling-style] switches do not fit either the tall or short toyota switch sizes.

You could presumably run a push-button switch if all you wanted is on/off, as well as looking factory.

https://www.ch4x4.com/product-category/push-series/toyota-small-push-switches/

https://www.aironboard.com/online/products/switches/toyota-push-switches.html

 

@BEAR_KNIFE_FIGHT




Ok . Thanks . Didn’t even measure it yet.
I saw the left side of the dash has 2 spots that are bigger slots vs the middle just below the radio. The light kit came with a small circular on off switch but wanted a more stock looking matching blue backlit design. I was thinking of adding a panel where the sunglass holder is. A little nervous about the headliner. Saw some sales on Amazon! Extra spots for light switches and my mini fridge.