• Welcome to Tacoma3G.com, a free resource for 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma owners!

    This website is the passion-project of a USMC veteran/mechanic, @Tyler. I created Tacoma3G.com to share my knowledge of this subject with others and to provide like-minded folks with a comfortable space to ask questions and create 'build threads' within our Tacoma Forums. Now, if the format of this website is confusing to navigate for you, or if you're interested in my full mission and T3G's history, check out the Help and About pages.

Why did you choose the Tacoma?

Hello Taco Owners: I purchased my new 2019 Taco TRD Sport to replace my original 2004 Taco SR5. My 2004 has been the best vehicle that I've ever owned in terms of "trouble free" and dependability. It just made sense for me to get another Taco. This 3rd Gen definitely feels and drives much better. The wider wheel base feels more like a truck to me.

I'm very happy and excited to get back into another Taco.

Congrats on the new taco!
 
I previously was driving a '15 Tundra when I was still living in apartments in Houston, moving from complex to complex nearly every year because rent goes sky high as soon as your year is up... I got a new job offer that moved me back home to the Dallas area, settled in a house, and really did not have any need for a big truck anymore, but I knew I wanted to continue having a truck.

I test drove a Colorado when I shopped for my Tundra and really wasn't impressed, so I stuck with the Toyota family and got my Taco. As with most people here, reliability, resale value, etc were major decision factors. But also knowing how big a community Tacos have makes it worth it to me - there's a big knowledge base.
 
When my old frontier finally shit out on me, I was tired of constantly buying useful vehicles. Knew I wanted to stay in the midsize pickup range, as I was hauling, but not enough to warrant a full size. Also, living in an dense suburban/urban area, I needed a vehicle that could fit yet still love and go offroading. At the time there were only 4 midsize pickups, the frontier (which the 2016 looked identical to my 05), the GM twins and the Tacoma. Fell in love with the aggressive styling and color selection, and after one test drive, knew it was the best out of all four. While the T4R nearly won me over as well, the taco was the final decision. Just after 3 years, no regrets, and havent looked back!
 
When my old frontier finally shit out on me, I was tired of constantly buying useful vehicles. Knew I wanted to stay in the midsize pickup range, as I was hauling, but not enough to warrant a full size. Also, living in an dense suburban/urban area, I needed a vehicle that could fit yet still love and go offroading. At the time there were only 4 midsize pickups, the frontier (which the 2016 looked identical to my 05), the GM twins and the Tacoma. Fell in love with the aggressive styling and color selection, and after one test drive, knew it was the best out of all four. While the T4R nearly won me over as well, the taco was the final decision. Just after 3 years, no regrets, and havent looked back!

Excellent, glad to hear you have had good experiences with the Tacoma!
 
I’ve liked Tacomas for a while, but never really considered buying one. Not sure why. I knew Toyota’s, in general, were reliable and knew Tacoma’s had great resale.
A few years ago, my wife decided she wanted a new SUV. She was interested in a Highlander, so I went with her to the Toyota dealer. While we were walking around the lot, a Tacoma caught my eye. This was the end of 2016 and I didn’t even know there was a “3rd gen” that had already been out for a year.
Fast forward a few months.
I’d joined Tacomaworld and had been doing a lot of reading. Seemed like you could do anything with these truck (mod wise), so availability of aftermarket “stuff” was another reason I wanted a Tacoma.
When I was younger, all I’d ever had were manuals and I was really wanting another one. Being able to get a Tacoma with a MT was again another reason for me to choose this truck.

Finally found “the one”.
30FDF436-A222-42D7-9FC3-A6C48203D601.jpeg


It was 600 miles away, but the price was right. Sent a few emails, made a few phone calls, and a few days later they delivered it to my house.

Now the truck is not only a daily driver, but a trail toy too. It’s become a hobby.
D4D40332-6A99-4C4E-87FF-CBD26458C24F.jpeg


I’ve made a bunch of Jeep friends. They actually don’t give me too much shit for having a Tacoma, lol.

7EC2873A-7C3E-4470-A006-FA726273B85D.jpeg


My daughter loves to go camping and wheeling. I wanted her to learn how to drive a manual, so last year I taught her how to drive it.

E5C43B1D-35FC-449E-84F1-0E0CC97BB6DC.jpeg


She said it’s going to be her truck when she gets her license.
(Yeah, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there)

C6CF2759-472C-4FA2-9B3F-BD277C094396.png


We’ve done all kinds of cool shit made some great memories that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t bought this truck.
I think I made the right decision.

543A62BC-A473-417D-9F3A-004F5C284150.jpeg





TLDR;
Reliability
Resale
Availability of aftermarket parts
Manual transmission
Oh, and they look pretty bad ass. ;)
 
I’ve liked Tacomas for a while, but never really considered buying one. Not sure why. I knew Toyota’s, in general, were reliable and knew Tacoma’s had great resale.
A few years ago, my wife decided she wanted a new SUV. She was interested in a Highlander, so I went with her to the Toyota dealer. While we were walking around the lot, a Tacoma caught my eye. This was the end of 2016 and I didn’t even know there was a “3rd gen” that had already been out for a year.
Fast forward a few months.
I’d joined Tacomaworld and had been doing a lot of reading. Seemed like you could do anything with these truck (mod wise), so availability of aftermarket “stuff” was another reason I wanted a Tacoma.
When I was younger, all I’d ever had were manuals and I was really wanting another one. Being able to get a Tacoma with a MT was again another reason for me to choose this truck.

Finally found “the one”.
30FDF436-A222-42D7-9FC3-A6C48203D601.jpeg


It was 600 miles away, but the price was right. Sent a few emails, made a few phone calls, and a few days later they delivered it to my house.

Now the truck is not only a daily driver, but a trail toy too. It’s become a hobby.
D4D40332-6A99-4C4E-87FF-CBD26458C24F.jpeg


I’ve made a bunch of Jeep friends. They actually don’t give me too much shit for having a Tacoma, lol.

7EC2873A-7C3E-4470-A006-FA726273B85D.jpeg


My daughter loves to go camping and wheeling. I wanted her to learn how to drive a manual, so last year I taught her how to drive it.

E5C43B1D-35FC-449E-84F1-0E0CC97BB6DC.jpeg


She said it’s going to be her truck when she gets her license.
(Yeah, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there)

C6CF2759-472C-4FA2-9B3F-BD277C094396.png


We’ve done all kinds of cool shit made some great memories that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t bought this truck.
I think I made the right decision.

543A62BC-A473-417D-9F3A-004F5C284150.jpeg





TLDR;
Reliability
Resale
Availability of aftermarket parts
Manual transmission
Oh, and they look pretty bad ass. ;)


So awesome, teaching them young and keeping the manual alive!

Keep on enjoying that thing it looks great ?
 
I’ve liked Tacomas for a while, but never really considered buying one. Not sure why. I knew Toyota’s, in general, were reliable and knew Tacoma’s had great resale.
A few years ago, my wife decided she wanted a new SUV. She was interested in a Highlander, so I went with her to the Toyota dealer. While we were walking around the lot, a Tacoma caught my eye. This was the end of 2016 and I didn’t even know there was a “3rd gen” that had already been out for a year.
Fast forward a few months.
I’d joined Tacomaworld and had been doing a lot of reading. Seemed like you could do anything with these truck (mod wise), so availability of aftermarket “stuff” was another reason I wanted a Tacoma.
When I was younger, all I’d ever had were manuals and I was really wanting another one. Being able to get a Tacoma with a MT was again another reason for me to choose this truck.

Finally found “the one”.
30FDF436-A222-42D7-9FC3-A6C48203D601.jpeg


It was 600 miles away, but the price was right. Sent a few emails, made a few phone calls, and a few days later they delivered it to my house.

Now the truck is not only a daily driver, but a trail toy too. It’s become a hobby.
D4D40332-6A99-4C4E-87FF-CBD26458C24F.jpeg


I’ve made a bunch of Jeep friends. They actually don’t give me too much shit for having a Tacoma, lol.

7EC2873A-7C3E-4470-A006-FA726273B85D.jpeg


My daughter loves to go camping and wheeling. I wanted her to learn how to drive a manual, so last year I taught her how to drive it.

E5C43B1D-35FC-449E-84F1-0E0CC97BB6DC.jpeg


She said it’s going to be her truck when she gets her license.
(Yeah, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there)

C6CF2759-472C-4FA2-9B3F-BD277C094396.png


We’ve done all kinds of cool shit made some great memories that wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t bought this truck.
I think I made the right decision.

543A62BC-A473-417D-9F3A-004F5C284150.jpeg





TLDR;
Reliability
Resale
Availability of aftermarket parts
Manual transmission
Oh, and they look pretty bad ass. ;)

Agreed ❗Reliability, resale, availability of aftermarket parts, MT & blazing ?❗
 
There are a few reasons I went with the Tacoma. First I knew I wanted a truck. But at the time I was really looking I was driving to Staten Island for work and parking for 2 weeks. Well i then left that job but still do lots of highway and set myself on the convenience of the smaller truck. I looked at the diesel Colorado and wasn’t really a fan. Scrolling through marketplace I saw the resale value of the Tacoma. I went to the dealership and the incentives brought it down to almost 30 from the 38 sticker price before trade. Then the dealership offered me the highest for my trade. I work offshore so put about 6k miles on a year and they didn’t try to push a lease like most other dealerships. Also my dad has a tundra which was pretty decent. So I went with the off-road package because I spend some time at friends cabins in the woods of Maine and still get 25mpg on the highway. All in all one year later and 6500 miles I’ve added rock sliders and that’s about it. I love the look and can see the Tacoma being a lifelong truck.
 
There are a few reasons I went with the Tacoma. First I knew I wanted a truck. But at the time I was really looking I was driving to Staten Island for work and parking for 2 weeks. Well i then left that job but still do lots of highway and set myself on the convenience of the smaller truck. I looked at the diesel Colorado and wasn’t really a fan. Scrolling through marketplace I saw the resale value of the Tacoma. I went to the dealership and the incentives brought it down to almost 30 from the 38 sticker price before trade. Then the dealership offered me the highest for my trade. I work offshore so put about 6k miles on a year and they didn’t try to push a lease like most other dealerships. Also my dad has a tundra which was pretty decent. So I went with the off-road package because I spend some time at friends cabins in the woods of Maine and still get 25mpg on the highway. All in all one year later and 6500 miles I’ve added rock sliders and that’s about it. I love the look and can see the Tacoma being a lifelong truck.

Nice, that’s what it’s all about. The Tacoma has become my favorite.
 
I've been wanting a Toyota truck all this time but my parents gave me their 88 Camry, I asked for 95 Civic hatchback but bought me 97 Corolla instead, bought 2006 Corolla Xrs when I I'm able to afford, my brother went out in overseas ended up giving me his 89 Celica GT.

This time it was time to buy a truck, I did some research before buying. I ended up looking at Toyota more than others. Saw this nice looking Tacoma. That's how I got my 2019 TRD Sport 4x4. And I love it. Learning about trucks and all.
 
It was time to let my 80 series Land Cruiser go. I wanted the pickup bed because muddy gear in the back of an SUV is a hassle. My company has a 2007 TRD OR 4dr 6spd and I have seen it go through holy hell. I have seen it perform off road. I have driven it for long distances and it's a good truck. The real shortcoming is that it's geared too high for technical terrain. When I found out about Marlin Crawler's TacoBox, I was committed. So, I went and found a 6-speed TRD OR and bought it. I had a build planned the day I wrote the check for the new truck. The only disappointment so far is Marlin Crawler. They were hyping their TacoBox for the 3rd Gens and I tried to order one right away. Unfortunately, it's vaporware at this point. The version for manual transmission is not on the market. I am very bummed.
 
I've been wanting a Toyota truck all this time but my parents gave me their 88 Camry, I asked for 95 Civic hatchback but bought me 97 Corolla instead, bought 2006 Corolla Xrs when I I'm able to afford, my brother went out in overseas ended up giving me his 89 Celica GT.

This time it was time to buy a truck, I did some research before buying. I ended up looking at Toyota more than others. Saw this nice looking Tacoma. That's how I got my 2019 TRD Sport 4x4. And I love it. Learning about trucks and all.

That’s awesome. My first toyota and I think it’s the best truck I’ve had!
 
It was time to let my 80 series Land Cruiser go. I wanted the pickup bed because muddy gear in the back of an SUV is a hassle. My company has a 2007 TRD OR 4dr 6spd and I have seen it go through holy hell. I have seen it perform off road. I have driven it for long distances and it's a good truck. The real shortcoming is that it's geared too high for technical terrain. When I found out about Marlin Crawler's TacoBox, I was committed. So, I went and found a 6-speed TRD OR and bought it. I had a build planned the day I wrote the check for the new truck. The only disappointment so far is Marlin Crawler. They were hyping their TacoBox for the 3rd Gens and I tried to order one right away. Unfortunately, it's vaporware at this point. The version for manual transmission is not on the market. I am very bummed.

It is upsetting but they have been talking that their close on fixing it, last I read on a post. Hopefully they come through for you. Like I said before, I’m still waiting on mine. They emailed me and said mid June it would ship ?
 
Really agree with everyone mentioning the styling looking badass.

The 3rd gen already has an advantage over its competitors because it is a Tacoma. But besides that, it is one of the coolest looking trucks on the road. The Colorado and Ranger are :sick: and even the bigger trucks like the Silverado and Titan are ugly (IMO). But the 3rd gen Taco just looks right.

I could get down with a RAM tho.
 
Had Toyota in college and always wanted a one since, but didn't have the cash. Had a 93 and 03 Frontier offroad with 199,00 and 280,000 miles, respectively and no complaints, but they changed the body style in 05 to much wimpier version and never liked them since. Went back to Tacoma last year and love my new truck.
 
I’ve been driving Cherokees, seems like forever, and my last one died and rotted away. I wanted a midsized truck and the Tacoma fit the bill with dependability and aftermarket support. I don’t regret my purchase and it’s a blast to drive.
 
I've wanted a Toyota 4x4 pickup since I turned 16 years old in 1982. Don't know why I never did it. Aways found something different for many reasons. Three years ago I retired from my career, and now work more for fun as an automotive technician. Since I can say without a doubt that Tacomas are the best built most reliable truck on the market. At the end of May, I finally purchased my dream vehicle. A 2019 Cenment Tacoma TRD 4x4 Sport.
 
Used to have trucks before I moved into the downtown city area. Once we moved out back to the burbs i knew i wanted to get another truck. Have always known i'd buy a toyota for reliability and resale. Originally though i was set on getting a Tundra. After going to the dealership i fell in love with the Tacoma and love to have a midsize truck that i can commute in and park easily in the city (still drive and work in the city every day).

Conversely the gas mileage was a big plus too for the Tacoma over the Tundra, albeit with a lift + bigger tires its probably somewhat comparable now to the Tundra (maybe slightly better). I still think in a few years i'll have to upgrade to the fullsize since a second child on the way (no way to easily fit 2 car seats int he back) but right now i love this truck.
 
Reviving an old thread. Did anyone shop around with the other midsize trucks? What was the selling factor of the Tacoma for you? (Seems a common reliability/resale theme)
 
Reviving an old thread. Did anyone shop around with the other midsize trucks? What was the selling factor of the Tacoma for you? (Seems a common reliability/resale theme)
The commons are toyotas have great resale whether that's private or dealer ship, , there more reliable then most no one is perfect but they have alot less issues then most , and alot less tsb bulletins. When the 3rd gen came out there was nothing else anyways ranger and dakota were discontinued until recent , Colorado and canyons were put off for a bit , and the ridgeline:cautious: well that's its own story, Tacoma never went for the gold they kept it simple functional and working just the like the 4runner ,yes they have there corks but they work. And that's what drew me to Toyota.
 
Reviving an old thread. Did anyone shop around with the other midsize trucks? What was the selling factor of the Tacoma for you? (Seems a common reliability/resale theme)

I did not. I have had rangers, 1 Dakota and was never impressed with them. Rangers were too small and dakotas are totally unreliable. These were the old models though.

I only went to look at the Tacomas, after seen one on the road. I knew that’s what I wanted after going to the dealership.
 
Reviving an old thread. Did anyone shop around with the other midsize trucks? What was the selling factor of the Tacoma for you? (Seems a common reliability/resale theme)
I test drove the diesel Colorado. Thing was badass but I realistically didn’t need a diesel. Settled on the Tacoma because I put around 6k miles a year and I figured 1 it would last me a really long time putting that few miles on it. 2 resale value of in a couple years I want to trade up for something else. I didnt need a full-size truck because I used to drive a lot and parking was tight at work. Also my dad had a Tundra so if I needed anything big I could just use that.
 
My first car when I was16 yrs old was a 93 Toyota pickup 4x4 (in 1996). I absolutely loved that truck and went off-roading all the time and finally rolled it less two years later. Since then I’ve had many vehicles including a 92, a 99 and 2000 Toyota 4x4s. Now married and have a 2 little girls I thought I needed the big diesel so I bought a brand new ‘17 megacab cummins Limited (75k truck) and I thought it was my dream truck. I loved it and drove it for 2 1/2 years and recently my wife did early retirement..so even though I could still afford it, I began to despise it. It was HUGE and road like crap as a 3/4 ton does. Terrible to park and get around and expensive in every single way. I was done with it and had about 10k in equity in it when I went to look at third gen Tacoma’s. I had never owed a third gen( or a second gen for that matter) but my roots were with Toyota trucks. I freakin love the third gen looks and interior. Since I do take my kids, and customers in it, I appreciate the larger size of the third gens over my old tacos..but they don’t need to get any bigger either. Toyota trucks, Tacoma’s in particular, are my favorite of all trucks plain and simple. I also own a ‘14 tundra sr5 crew 4x4 I’ve beat on for the last five years and we kept it for my wife to take kids to beach basically. Anyhow, I feel back at home in my Tacoma. Probably always own one.
 
I chose my Tacoma for a thousands different reasons, today it was because I was out on Assateauge National Seashore.
 

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