Used 3rd gen vs new 4th gen

Got a relative looking to buy a Tacoma. He is debating between a used 3rd gen with low miles or a new 4th gen. What’s everyone’s thoughts on this?

 

Tell him to drive the 3rd on the highway for a few. See if he's happy with the seats and transmission.

 

Im biased, and dont know much about 4th gens. I really like my 3rd gen, and as a rule wouldnt buy the 1st year of a new generation. That being said, the 4th looks the down, the dank and the decent. Test drive both and see which one makes you happy!

 

Test drive, stick to the one that meets his requirements

 

Obviously drive both , if both are acceptable then go with looks and tech . Just make sure if Gen 3 is the pick check it really well., to make sure it wasn’t too abused , and also look underneath.
Especially by the power steering pump that it’s not wet for the timing cover leak and in the back of the engine at the coolant bypass hose . This way if any of those things are issues ,( if at a dealer ) they can address them . The gen 4 seems like a nice truck , and should be good ,but no one really knows yet . It’s too new

 

Does he like modern technology? How tall is he? Seating position and comfort along with technology upgrades would be the biggest differences an average person would notice. I guess the exterior styling as well

 

Your poll is broken.

Needs another option, "used 2nd gen".

FTFY.

 

Your relative is going to base a $30, 40, 50K purchase decision on what random people on the internet tell you to tell him to buy?

 

This is a tough one for me, as I do not buy first years and I do not like to sit in another's farts. However, when I was in this boat, I went with my current 2017 in Dec 2016 over a low mileage used 2015. Basically it came down to price and willing to negotiate on the 2017. I was speaking with a few dealers who had stock on a MT in OR's and Sport's. The dealer would not budge on the price for 2015 and I loved the 2017, so easy choice.

 

I'd go with new and new happens the 4th gen. New Tacomas are usually easier to find and pricing is usually pretty close between new and used. The 4G is probably more highway or traffic friendly. Now if I drove a 4G and hated it that would be another story. That's not to say I wouldn't want a 3G, the right one would have to come along depending on trim, options, and most importantly condition.

 

The dealers across America act like the 2023’s are made of gold.

 

The ones I see listed are usually up in price. I see a few new 23 AC left at a few dealers. I'm guessing the dealer is using them as shop trucks. I can't imagine they are discounting them.

 

I wouldn't buy the first year of a new gen. If a late 3rd gen will fulfill their needs maybe find a certified used one from a Toyota dealer as it will get you a great warranty and a proven truck.

 

This.

In terms of reliability, the 3rd Gen has been proven but no one knows what the 4th gen will be like yet. I would assume the 4th Gens will be reliable because it’s a Toyota but who knows these days with all the new technology that’s added to vehicles.

 

Only 3rd gen is touch would be a pre covid built one. I personally think the later 3rd gens were crap. My belief is Toyota started cheaping out on them big time and focusing solely on the new 4th gen

 

IMHO, I’d give the 4th generation 3 years of troubleshooting. Same as with any new platform.

 

Not random people, self-proclaimed Tacoma experts (so even worse, lol)

 

I'd normally agree, but based on the posts about "is $25k too much for 180k miles", I'd say the days of scoring a good value second gen are long gone. They've gone the way of the 1st gen now.

 

Unless one cannot afford the 4th generation I cannot imagine any reason to choose prior. Crash test ratings, fuel economy, comfort, power, quiet, and the other features that bring a lot of safety and convenience.

This should not mean or be taken as I think prior gen Toyotas and drivetrains are bad. They all served me well. It is just that gen 4 is a big leap for ease and pleasure to use. Also, I'd choose neither if I didn't really need a light truck for at least the next few years.

 

Negotiate the best possible deal on both and go from there. The 3rd gen is old school but reliable; 4th gen is a nicer ride with better tech, shorter range, larger turning radius, and unknown long term reliability. Looks are subjective.