Would you buy a 3rd gen again?

I’ve been considering a Tacoma purchase the last few months but haven’t committed yet.
Reading a bit online, I see some transmission criticisms, and then just noticed the thread here about engine problems/failures. I’m drawn to the Tacoma by the Toyota reliability and would like to keep the truck for the next 20 years.
I’ve had a 2nd gen 4Runner and Tundra in the past. Both were very reliable and each lasted me 12+ years. But reading some of the stuff online has me a little cautious.

So I’m curious, would you buy your 3rd gen again? Why or why not? What are the biggest pros/cons you see with the truck?

 

With the 4th gen being available, I would personally not buy mine again. I bought it when I felt like it was the only option at the time for a manual as my frontier was not working out at the time.

My biggest pro is the manual transmission and biggest con is the engine. It’s a good truck but I think the “legendary” engine reliability is much more out the window than it used to be with this engine. Now that they’re done producing them, we can really see how they hold up statistically as the years start to go by and miles go up. I wouldn’t care about the potential problems that much if it was an impressive performer, but it’s not that either…

All that said, I wouldn’t let the potential problems hold me up from buying one if I test drove and liked it as a buyer today. I just know that for me the test drive of a 4G would strongly win me over compared to the 3G.

 

Both of the Toyotas you had before had known engine problems. Not much more needs to be said about the 3.slow. The 5.7L V8 is known to suffer cam tower oil leaks, and head gasket leaks at higher miles, along with the flaky manifold air injection system. But you didn't experience them.

The 3rd gen transmission has actually turned out to be bulletproof despite all the complaints of frequent shifting (largely addressed by aftermarket tunes).

I would buy another 3rd gen as a daily. Before purchase I would check the individual example for known engine issues like the timing cover leak, coolant bypass pipe leak, and make sure it has run a full drive cycle with no codes.

I would also look at 3rd gen Frontiers. 2022-2023 used examples have depreciated rapidly to similar prices as older 3rd gen Tacoma.

 

Yeah I'd buy mine again. I've had no issues and my transmission never bothered me. I think some trucks may have shifting discomfort more than others and I think some people may be more sensitive to it. Where I live is flat though, so maybe people with hills or mountains have more issues. I like everything about the 4th gens on paper at least, but wouldn't want one until a couple more years have gone by just to be safe.

 

Yes, I would change only two things:

1) Color. Silver isn't BAD, but I like having color in things.
2) MT instead of AT. I went into a 3rd gen having never even driven one, ended up enjoying all of it except the transmission. I have learned to live with it, maybe in the future I'll get a tune, who knows.

For reference I only had full size trucks, never a midsize, didn't cross shop anything else, etc. I really enjoy my truck despite all of the idiosyncrasies and would have no problem doing it again with just those two minor changes. YMMV

 

Yes, I would buy my 2017 DCSB Sport MT in again, been and will be a great truck. However, I would also take a look at the newer gen 2025 (not 2024 - no 1st years for me).

 

If it were 2022 absolutely. Today, Ranger Raptor.

 

Absolutely, have a 19 with the 2.7 auto 4x4 and plan to have it for the next 15 years and pass it on to my kid. Love the truck and I'm fine with the lower power as long as I know my engine is bulletproof. Change the oil every 5k and try to keep it in good condition and I'm all set. My only regret is I got the access cab which I thought would hold my kid longer but he's already outgrown the backseat.

 

I fell in love with the third GEN (specifically cement colored ones ) never looked twice at second or first GEN back in the day (I love them now, especially the first GEN) but yes, I would buy my 2019 again, long boy double cab Trd sport. I can’t say I like the look of the fourth GEN very much it seems like they’re moving towards the tundra look whereas I always liked how Tacoma‘s resembled the tundra, but didn’t look exactly like them.

 

Yes.
I wanted a Hilux size truck with manual transmission, but these are no longer imported into the U.S.

Instead, I wound up with my 2023 which is a whole lot bigger than my 1991.
I can tolerate the automatic transmission because of ECT and Select modes of operation.

If I ever was forced to drive in San Francisco (God forbid!) the A/T will be most appreciated on all those very steep hills.

 

I'd buy a 2.7 powered 3rd gen only, and made before pandemic only.

 

The automatic transmission has proven to be extremely reliable, that said, the V6 mated with it, needs higher RPMs to create power,,, so yeah, it shifts a lot.
As far engine issues? there have been some problems, but two very important notes on that-
1. Toyota owners have very high expectations, we have daily threads on silly things, second guessing engineers at every corner. So there is a few that scream the loudest when something goes wrong,,, or even when it doesn't.
2. There were 100k to nearly 200k Tacomas made every year for 7 years,, so yes, you will have some issues. Also the V6 is used in large quantities in other Toyota platforms.

 

this exactly for me. i too bought silver.. too regular looking now..that greyish blue looks so good. i wouldnt mind a stickshift either. seems fun.

 

If Toyota was still offering new 3rd Gens, yes I would buy again. I might even consider a new 4th Gen but not until about 2026 (when the new generation bugs get worked out).

59K miles on my 2016 and no problems. Check out this thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/300k-mileage.604243/page-2

 

2019 gang rise upppp

 

As much as I like my 2.7 and hope that it lasts an eternity I can't really say the 3.5 is bad as there are millions of those engines out there and they aren't exactly dropping like flies or anything so it's still reliable especially compared offerings from the other OEMs. Have seen plenty of for sale V6 Tacomas with 200k on the clock. Get what you like you shouldn't be disappointed just check the ownership history and buy a well taken care of one and not a truck that has changed hands like 5 times... could be a hot potato.

 

Plastic coolant bypass pipe and engine committing suicide on inclines is enough to stay far, far away.
(also Atkinson cycle is a non-starter for me)

We should all be driving diesel Hiluxes and LandCrusiers instead anyway....

 

I have a '23 TRD Sport DCLB. After a year, I have to say that I like it, but also that I will probably sell it in a few months. When I bought it, I planned to get rid of my 1996 Gen-1 Tacoma. It turns out that I really don't want to part with the older truck and I don't need 2 so the new glitzy one has to go.

And no. I don't think I'll be buying another.

 

@BoulderT4R , you are asking an enthusiast forum whether we'd buy our trucks again.

Yep I'd buy again.. I'm a 3.5 V6 and have owned for 6.5 years. Have 120k trouble free miles (~18k miles of that towing a camper.) Add another 8k miles not reported on the odometer of being towed behind a motorhome.

The 3.5 is a good motor with reasonable power. The 2.7 is nearly indestructible although could be perceived as underpowered by many (probably close to your 2nd gen 4 runner.)

 

Pros: stylish, reliable, 2018 model with some safety-tech without being annoying (saved me from at least one collision).

Cons: stock seats are uncomfortable and require either seat jackers or the automatic seats (newer 3rd gen). Acceleration is slightly less than the typical grocery getter.