Is 3rd Gen 3.5 Tacoma really a good truck?

Is 3rd Gen 3.5 Tacoma really a good truck? If you read all the complaints on this forum no one would ever buy a Tacoma. Almost every thread is about some issue with 3rd gen.

I done my research before I bought mine and I knew better but bought it anyway lol. I have a 2004 it has served me well for 260,000 worry free miles.

 

Yes, the newer the year the better IMO. I had a 16 and traded it fora 23 and that's my experience.

 

Oh and at least it's not a timebomb Tundra!

 

I've had prior gens and then a 16, 17, 19, 20 and 22, all of them trouble free except the 16 some new model annoyances and 17 needed the transmission flash cause it was deadly scary sometimes with hesitating, the rest have been awesome. The 2020 I had almost 65k on and not an issue, I would not hesitate buying another. The things you see on here are not really a big or systemic issue, plenty of 200-300k mile 3rd gens running around.

 

When I bought my 3rd gen I specifically wanted the 2TR-FE

 

I can’t argue with that

 

This is all a very good point, great post!

Maybe I should start a thread “Tell me all the good things about your 3rd Gen 3.5 Tacoma”

 

If anything keep it in good shape and watch your value go up or not down, I've been full size shopping, clean low mile 2018-2021 Tundras are commanding their MSRP or higher pricing with the new gen. Im rooting for the 4th gen but what i'm seeing is a similar path as its big brother.

 

I think the bomb proof toyota truck era ended in 2015.

They are a totally different company now with different goals and philosophy

 

Overall they are reliable …. But just like everything else it is a mechanical machine and problems may arise ..just maintain it and watch out for the common issues and u should be fine .

 

And the 4R is next

 

I'll agree with that, I mean the 3rd gens are still extremely reliable and solid, remember alot of it is pretty much the same as the 2nd gen but expanded on or updated. I just never remember seeing so many QC issues and over complicated stuff people never asked for or designs that we are seeing with these new platform trucks. Could be a pandemic/covid supplier issue or inflation or workforce, but I do agree the simple, reliable no frills Toyota is gone.

 

I wish my wife had wanted one. We have a plastic Lexus product instead...

 

We have a 20, but I'm looking for a 24 to trade in on while I can.

 

They sold, on average, between 20,000-25,000 3rd gen Tacomas every month from 2016 to 2023.
Stop and think about that for a minute.
Now, how many bad comments you read here. Up above in the stickys, there is a thread on lost engines. Somewhere around sixty total.
Pay attention now... that is exactly one hour of production, or one a minute. 60 seems like a lot until you do the math.
People like to bitch. They come here and bitch. People don't come here to compliment.
My point? Don't let the minority speak for the majority like it does so many other places.

 

So true! When I compare the quality of panel alignment and just the build in general to my 1st Gen 2004 the 1st Gen blows my 2023 away. With that said compared to a lot of other automakers today the 3rd Gen is about the best truck in lieu of resale value.

 

Very well put!

 

hiPSI said,

“People like to bitch. They come here and bitch. People don't come here to compliment.
My point? Don't let the minority speak for the majority like it does so many other places.”

The best post/reply of this thread!

 

Went from a '06 TRD OR AC manual (115K miles) to a '21 TRD OR AC auto. Currently at 33+K miles. Never looked back and NEVER 2nd guessed my decision. Once we got used to each other I've never had any issues. Expect this Taco will outlive me.
Too many whiners complaining about minutia while those who are happily enjoying their Tacos don't bother to comment on TW. There may be a scant few with real issues, but the overwhelming majority of 3rd gens are great vehicles.

 

Did you research your 2004 before buying? It was said to be an unimpressive pickup, with awful ride and built with flimsy sheetmetal