• 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.

Top Questions About 3rd Gen Tacoma's

Smitty

6️⃣ Aficionado
Joined
Apr 5, 2022
Messages
542
Reaction score
935
Age
21
Location
SE Connecticut
2017 TRD OR AC Auto
Blazing Blue Pearl
Feel like I've been answering these questions a bit too much, so I'm making this so myself and other people can show others and same time :)


1. How long does a Tacoma last?
Toyota says around 300K miles, or up to roughly 11-12 years. I say that's wrong. I know somebody with a 2016, bought it brand new with like 4 miles, who's about to break 400K miles and it runs just like when he got it! It all depends how you treat your Taco and how well you take care of it.


2. What are the common Tacoma issues?
Personally, I can't really find any common mechanical issues. However, depending on where you live of course, the most common issue I see up here in New England is frame rust. I know they did a recall on most 3rd gens and got it fixed, but as long as you clean and take care of it you shouldn't ever have any issues!


3. What's the difference between and SR and a TRD?
I've explained the difference between the different Tacoma's here in this thread and the question about 4x4 Emblems too! Before you ask what TRD stands for, it is short for Toyota Racing Development, and SR means Sport Rally, SR5 means Sport Rally 5 Speed.


4. Why should I buy a Tacoma? Which one should I buy?
A 2 in 1 question here. Easy answers. First part, you should buy a Tacoma because they're just more reliable than other trucks. They are a great truck for a great price, and you can join this amazing Taco community too! It can be a great daily, and/or a great off road truck too! For the second part, that's really up to your price range and what you prefer. I honestly prefer the TRD Sport or Off Road. They are basically the same, just slightly different stock options.


5. How fast can a Tacoma go?
Well... for legal reasons, I "cannot confirm" that a stock Tacoma tops out at around 112-115 due to the vehicle governor. For a truck, these things are pretty quick and have some "get up and go" to them for sure!


6. What mods can I do to a Tacoma?
Oh boy... The things you can do to mod or upgrade a Tacoma and make it look 10 times better are endless! From anywhere to lightbars, pods, lifts, wheels, roof racks, etc. Most commonly I see done to Tacoma's are roof racks with lights, bumper light bar, new bumpers, 2" lift, bigger and nicer wheels, ditch lights, new headlight assemblies, and tail lights. Check out people's build threads on here to get a good look at some really nice builds to get yourself an idea of what you would want!






Please, if you have anymore questions feel free to ask here! Anytime I update this list I will bump the thread too in case people have had a question in the back of their minds and just haven't asked or something :) I really hope all this information I have provided is useful, I mainly got the facts and knowledge I know from my friend who's actually a Toyota technician and online.
 
I'm not aware of a recall having been issued for the 3rd gen in regards to frame rust. Pretty sure it was for 1st and 2nd Gen vehicles primarily and ended during 3rd gen production. And these trucks are slow as shit. I love my truck but "get up and go" is generous. Im just happy it can get out of it's own way. Not to mention the shift points in the trans lead everyone to either regear or tune their truck. These trucks are awesome and I love your enthusiasm but let's not sugar coat and make sure we post accurate info for anyone searching.
 
Last edited:
I'm not aware of a recall having been issued for the 3rd gen in regards to frame rust. Pretty sure it was for 1st and 2nd Gen vehicles primarily and ended during 3rd gen production. And these trucks are slow as shit. I love my truck but "get up and go" is generous. Im just happy it can get out of it's own way. Not to mention the shift points in the trans lead everyone to either regear or tune their truck. These trucks are awesome and I love your enthusiasm but let's not sugar coat and make sure we post accurate info for anyone searching.
Just going off of what I know :) The dealer told me about the frame recall before I bought the truck, I guess it's more a New England thing or something honestly I have no idea
 
Sounds like you spend more time answering questions on TW or Facebook.

You should answer things like:

What size tire fits?

How much lift will I get?

Q: What size tire fits?
A: Whatever tire your budget and grinder/welding skills can handle.

Q: How much lift will I get?
A: All of them.
 
Just going off of what I know :) The dealer told me about the frame recall before I bought the truck, I guess it's more a New England thing or something honestly I have no idea

There is a frame inspection campaign for 16-17 tacos living in areas that roads are salted. If everything checks out they coat the frame with some smelly shit that’s supposed to prevent rust.

I’m getting it done today.
 
There is a frame inspection campaign for 16-17 tacos living in areas that roads are salted. If everything checks out they coat the frame with some smelly shit that’s supposed to prevent rust.

I’m getting it done today.
Smelly shit will probably prevent a lot of stuff.
 
Smelly shit will probably prevent a lot of stuff.
The loaner is kinda shitty

C56A9774-040D-45B2-9AF8-0B48DB78C3E3.jpeg
 
Back
Top