Funny thing... That happened to me recently, and I was really unsure of what to do. Also, volcano lairs are structurally unstable and really poor choices for evildoing... Anyway, great review! I like your style!
Thank you! And I know, why would bad guys keep making volcano lairs? Maybe they just saw James Bond movies and they all wanted Volcano lairs because they do look totally rad. I can only imagine the nightmare the building code guy must have to go through to make sure the volcano is up to code.
I like my '11 trd off road. Nothing fancy, just simple and reliable. I like the smaller size of the 2nd gen. My favorite toy is the one in back to the future hands down.
Love my 2015. Had an ‘07 and a 2010 as well. Drove a 3rd Gen and thanked the good lord above I own the last year of the best generation Tacoma…2nd Gen all day long
I’ve had Toyota trucks since 1995, and this 2015 2 gen is the best so far. The engine and transmission are superior, extremely quite and when you accelerate it just goes, no lagging looking for gears. Plus I love the look with a 3” suspension lift. I have buddies with 3rd generations and I’ll just say, I’ll stick with mine, even if I were offered a new one. That says a lot!
@@tractordave9300 traded my 2012 in on my 2020. Loved that 2012. With that being said, my 2020 is a better truck. No transmission issues at all and plenty of power
John Richards thank you, I really really had fun with this video because this is one of the trucks I’m most passionate about. I think Ram and GMC are my other favorite brands to do videos on.
Great comparison. I thought about a new Tacoma but found a clean low mileage 2012 which suits my needs. Tech is great but nothing that your smart phone can’t provide.
I too recently bought a one owner 2012 TRD sport low mileage in manual transmission and I absolutely love it, I think I'd rather have the simplicity of a 2012 than a technically filled 2019-2020, 👍
I own a 2nd gen on purpose...I bought it new in 2015 and I could have had the new 3rd Gen 2016...but as soon as I found out it had a new "improved " 6 speed automatic transmission ... I said no thanks ... and I was right... lots of issues with it, even in 2020.... the second problem is the new Oil filter and element filter instead of the easy to change screw on canister oil filter of the 2nd gen and it is up high by the battery...so easy.. ... Toyota changed it to get more people into the dealerships for an oil change, I guess... shitty policy for the consumer.. the third problem is a shorter box length ...it is way too short compared to 2nd Gen box
I have a 2005 Taco TRD 4- door that I bought new, 10 months ago I bought a 2019. I didn’t trade 2005, don’t care what they would have gave me it has cost me nothing but tires, battery, brakes, muffler and doesn’t burn a drop of oil. It will go to my son in 3 years when he starts driving. As long as they keep making Tacos that quality I will own one!
I like both vehicles but I like the 2nd gen a little better because it actually has a truck engine. 3rd gen Tacoma engines are in some cars. A truck engine should have more torque than hp.
This was a good comparison. I’d say the suspension difference you feel is likely due to age, and due to the Bilstein shocks on the 2nd gen TRD trim vs your SR5 trim that has a standard suspension. I’m also surprised you didn’t mention a better throttle response or low end torque in the 2nd gen vs yours.. it’s something I noticed within 2 minutes of driving my buddies third gen and comparing to mine.
I have a 2012 TRD Sport V6 4x4 Spruce Green with a gold pearlescent coat. Love it shes a beast on and off road. And she kicks ass in drag races. The payload is 6800 lbs for both 2nd and 3rd gen models equipped with the V6. A 4 banger is 3500 pounds. 2nd gen all the way baby
The 2nd gen is actually the faster of the two with the v6, not that its neck snapping performance. My 2007 base access cab 4x4 also has the 6 speed manual.
I love my 4.0 2nd gen. Feels more powerful to drive. 234000 miles and she runs like a champ. My friends has the 3rd driving it feels sluggish. Not hating I love my tacoma just from mine and his experience.
Yes sir I agree. I have raced 3 different 3rd gens with my 07 prerunner with 190k miles and it out launched each one by 3 to 4 cars. I have a ebay intake and borla cat back installed. Everything else is stock.
I scooted passed a 3rd gen with my 09 trd sport. Maybe in new trucks, the pedal is restricted 😅. 3rd gen owners don't usually like scratches anyway. All I hear is the transmission sucks and they stop starting around 40k miles due to battery problems. I have a DCLB. Dude has a DCSB 3rd gen. 2nd gen is more of a hotrod. 3rd gen is a gas saver. 2nd gen factors in a good aerodynamic effect also. And less weight in interior buLL $#!7
I have a red 2015 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4WD with the towing package. Great truck so far, looks good everywhere it goes. I personally like the 2nd gen slightly more, nothing against the 3rd gens though. All generations are great. The 2nd generation Tacomas are a great middle-ground between the old-school classic trucks in the 90’s, as well as being modern enough to have some creature comforts like a backup camera, etc.
Great video! Thanks for making this kind of comparison. Definitely gonna buy a 2nd gen. I had a first gen and loved the simplicity. Have a 4th gen 4Runner and love the 4.0 v6! No it ain't fast, but the torque is more than adequate for the trails and traveling I do. My 4runner is the first year for the 4.0 and has 240,000 miles right now. They are tried and true as far as reliability goes. Love the look of the 3rd gen taco, but for low tech and proven power train, I'm going with the 2nd gen. Thanks again for the great video!
I was very fortunate that my friend was kind enough to sell me his 2006 TRD D cab with fairly low mileage for a song and a dance. I have nothing against the 3rd but being an old school guy I like how the 2nd gen feels like a truck with the basic features to make it luxuriously enough without going overboard for my taste. I like starting it with a physical key and that it doesn't shut off at a stop light. Since my friend is a tech guy, he did swapped out the old stereo system with a Sony with car play and a bigger screen. The Gen 3 and the new Gen 4 look like great trucks to own but I'm guessing that if you're an old school gen-xer like me, you'd be very happy with with the older generations. It feels great cruising it down the road playing my ancient L7, Nirvana, STP, Spudgarden and Pixie albums just as much as it must feel good for a millenial guy cruising his Imagine Dragon album in his gen 3 taco. But the best feature of my truck over buying a new one is that I got an awesome truck for a deal and it's paid in full leaving me extra dinero to buy cool things like extra lights and a bull bar. LOL! No matter what gen you get, you cant go wrong getting a Taco sny gen!!! 😃👍
For excellent customizing platform: these two trucks, offer different advantages IMO. Aesthetically gen 3 has more options and can look amazing! However, the engine and transmission goes to the Gen 2. Example: for my Gen 2 4.0 Auto, I've added a Magnuson Super Charger with 6" BDS Fox suspension, and 35s, the truck did not require re-gear to hold overdrive on the highway, (almost no hunting at all) due to 5 speed auto trans, before SCharger was added.. and after the SC was added holds 5th even on hills or wind. The Gen 3 auto transmission does not like oversized tires!! May not even shift into 5th or 6th on the highway with revs above 3500!! Will almost require a re-gear with 33s or 35s. Also, if stepping up to SCharger, a NEW Magnuson SC for Gen 3 gives more HP than same set up with Gen 2, but Gen 2 with SC gives MUCH more torque ...and torque is everything IMO. Also, Gen 3, uses direct fuel injection vs traditional port injection Gen 2. This could potentially be a problem for longevity for Gen 3 as DFI engines in other brands have been wearing prematurely. Hopefully not with Toyota.
2015! Last year of the 2nd gen. They really got everything right with it. Except the scratchy cloth seats. Oh and the windshield wiper speeds...its all or nothing for speeds
I've been researching this. Foglights, cruise control and intermittent wipers are all pre wired. Plug and play. Manual transmission requires a clutch switch.
I didn't read every comment, so maybe someone already mentioned this. You should never use cruise control while towing unless you have a full-size tow vehicle with plenty of power. Modern vehicle control systems tie engine, transmission and cruise control together along with all of the technology made to create fuel efficiency. Forcing the vehicle to operate outside of its parameters is a great way to break something. Keep doing that and you are looking at a $5000 transmission replacement bill. Also, when you try to go 65mph, you are pushing that little engine. Turn off the cruise and slow down a little. The truck will appreciate it.
I would pick the 2012 less shit to break, and has better suspension. Also more torque. But 2016 and newer have more horsepower. But I also own both. I have a 09 4 banger and the other is a 2017 6 cylinder. And I’m gonna say even tho it’s a 4 banger it’s tougher than the 6 cylinder and has a stronger clutch and gearbox both are manual. Toyota Tacoma’s got softer. And the newer Tacoma’s have way softer suspensions. Almost too soft. Gotta watch your speed cuz they can’t take those dips and turns as well.
I'm now very glad I purchased my 2018 Toyota Tacoma as compared to the 2019 Tacoma model while I was negotiating price at the time. The 2019 Toyota I was interested was cement gray (which I primarily wanted). But successfully negotiating the lower price, the salesman told me the 2018 model would be the one they were willing to give me with the lower price. Low and behold I have lower storage compartments on both sides. I'm now glad I own the 2018 Tacoma model. The 2019 model has integrated GPS which the 2018 model does not have. But I didn't care at all for that option. As for my 2018 model I drive, I can't complain at all. So far, it's been very good to me and for the first time, it's a vehicle I absolutely wanted. Prior vehicles I owned were more like vehicles I needed for transportation. I was content to have a vehicle in the past, but never absolutely happy to drive it.
Toyota truck fan boy here from my first Short Bed (undergrad studies )1980, and then my 1984 Long Bed (got married with that truck). Raised 2 kids and back with a 2007 Taco that has over 275K miles, and the original clutch was just replaced by my owner /son. I bought myself a 2010 SR5 and drove it for 3 years as a daily driver. Latest and 5th Taco is a 2017 TRD OffRoad....loving every one of them. Life is good. Once that 2017’s 4 year lease is up, I’m buying it up and ‘selling’ it to my Red Seal Mechanic son (who currently owns the 2007 Access Cab Taco). He gets the benefit of the buyout; well at least he gets first dibs on it. Life is good. Stay strong and stay safe, my Taco homies! Cheers
The 3.5 is a useless gutless turd sack unless the rpm is above 3850 rpm. This is a truck. You need power/torque down low (4.0 1 Gr-FE) And the transmission constantly hunting in the 3rd gen is truly obnoxious. Toyota really screwed themselves on the redesign. Tacoma was always the go to in this segment so not a good idea to mess with success. The 3.5 is a car engine and has no business being mounted in a mid size truck.
If you like all the fancy comfort bs you want the 3rd gen. If you want a bullet proof truck that doesn't look like Clifford the big red dog get the 2nd gen.
The 2nd gen has a better torque curve and better max torque. It ends up being a full second faster to 60mph or 100kph, test after test after test. Furthermore, this is far more evident when towing. I have towed the same 3-ton trailer over the same roads with both trucks here throughout the hills/mountains of WV, and the older 2nd gen Tacoma is leaps and bounds better. Even friends that wanted to argue about that topic noticed it quite clearly after actually towing with both. The difference is not subtle; it's quite obvious. The 2nd gen holds gears longer before downshifting even at mid to low RPMs and loses less speed up mountains despite that. Granted, neither is a V8, but the old 4.0 liter engine feels (subjectively) and performs (objectively) a lot closer to a V8 than the newer 3.5 whether empty or heavily loaded. Somehow that 3.5 is the perfect engine for everything else (for my wife's 2011 Rav4 V6 awd for example), but not for a truck. This engine choice for the third generation was a bad one. If I were to be the one choosing, I'd either add a turbo/supercharger, or go with the stronger 4 liter engine that was in the 4-Runner. In terms of off-road performance, the 2nd gen went up an RTI ramp higher before a tire lifted off the ground; both trucks were TRD Off-Road. There are many other nuances that make the 2nd gen better for truck people too. Just an odd but very much appreciated example: sometime when you have a chance, look at the location of the oil filter for both engines. 4L right in front of you, on top with a spill cup and capped drain; clean and easy access. 3.5L, messy multi-part housing underneath. If you're looking to get a Tacoma, get a 2nd gen. 3rd gen is nice, don't get me wrong, but if you're using a truck as a truck, get the 2nd gen.
@@sholland42 Honestly, the truck does fine even well above max tow if you have good trailer brakes, but I can't recommend breaking the law. Make sure you have the factory tow package, as retrofit kits and parts aren't rated as strong. My factory installed tow package is rated at 6800 pounds while every aftermarket part I have found has been limited to 5000 pounds. This truck of mine is now 13 years old with high mileage and I just yesterday towed tons of railroad ties yesterday without issue (on a trailer that's already 2600+ pounds empty), and again it was through winding hilly WV mountains since I live in a small enough town where I have to drive pretty far to find anything as specific as railroad ties. Another benefit to 2nd gen is that since it's older, you're more likely to do harder work faster and more efficiently without worrying about creating an imperfection when the truck gets a bump or bruise. But that's a psychological benefit, not a quality or function benefit.
2.5 gen ftw. Just cracked 150k on my 14 sport and i currently have a 23 sr5 as a rental for a few weeks while toyota paints my truck for free, because super white. I miss my truck, the 3rd gen drives like a lifted camry
@@AlphaShark Toyota has a warranty enhancement for a lot of models for super white and blizzard white pearl, I complained enough that they are covering it under warranty. They have already painted my passenger side doors 2 years ago and now my fenders, hood and gas door are peeling.
Awesome video bro!!! Nice comparison. Taco for life. I have a 2010 Tacoma TRD off-road D-4D 4 cylinder turbo diesel, my towing capability is 8,000 pounds and payload is 1,700 pounds. 26-28 city/32-36 hwy MPG!!
I have a 2003 V6 sr5 4x4 and the towing capacity is 5000. Hard to believe the 2012 would be less. My 03 I bought new has 93000 miles on it and other than normal maintenance nothing has ever gone wrong. One comment all gauges should be black numbers on white background. Look the best any easiest to read. Also I like that feel of driving a truck not an SUV (car). Thanks for the review but will keep my 03.
2nd taco for me ,overall more rugid old school style not into to much technology wich tends to give more problems, simple has always been much better less problems.
Great video man! But my 2015 TRD Sport 4wd has a tailgate lock that works with the remote and it's centralized with the rest of the doors. Maybe it was an extra upgrade from dealer 🤔
My 2007 base has a manual key lock. Means nothing because it could have been added by a previous owner and its rusted stuck since I bought it. Would be simple to replace but I may pursue aftermarket options. No cover or topper so I have no need to lock it currently.
How does interior space - cab head room, leg room, compare between the two generations with similar (non-power) seating?? The 2nd gen does look like a smaller overall vehicle.
241,000, mi on my 2015. The only thing I've changed is the carrier bearing, u-joints, alternator and headlights.(Just for preference) Still runs like a dream. Second gen all the way.
2nd gen all day. I've tested driven 4 3rd gen tacomas and got one as a rental when the wife's car was in shop. The 3rd gens are just unpleasant to drive hard. If u are a conservative driver u might not notice it but the 3rs gens transmission frequently gear searchs.
True to a point! My 3rd gen does gear hunt (it's a 2019), but they fixed this issue for the 2020 model year, I've driven multiple 2020 and 2021 Tacoma's, and the drive is much smoother.
One huge difference is that the 2nd gens have a boxed frame vs a C frame on the 3rd gens. The box frame is stronger but since it is enclosed it is also more susceptible to rust. Anyone who knows the history of the 2nd gens knows this was a very big problem that Toyota had to fix by recalling and replacing the frames on many of those trucks. The real problem was the steel and steel treatments used in the manufacture of the frames, and the company that produced those frames, I believe, ended up going out of business. Just a side note; the regular cab frames were built by a different company and were not known to suffer from the same problem. The C frame in the 3rd gen is a reaction to that previous issue. By having one side of the frame open, the structure is less likely to hold moisture and therefore better able to dry out reducing the likelihood of rust. However, the C frame is less rigid and more prone to flexing.
You are thinking of the pre Tacoma and the first gen Tacoma’s had a fully boxed frame front to rear. They had their issues but not to have a full on recall with frame rust. The second and third generation both have a partial boxed frame in the front starting under the front seats and all the way to the front bumper mounts. Both also from all that I’ve seen have a double C channel for most of the frame. That’s where the rust issues were the biggest issues.
My 2012 single cab has no electric windows, no key fob, no cruise control, no intermittent wipers, no carpet, no automatic transmission, no extra cab, no tailgate actuator to break, and two less cylinders to break.
I have a 1980 and swapped a 22R into. it. I have an 83 Long bed 22R. Got rid of my 2007 Tacoma 4.0 and got a 2017 TRD Sport. Oh and a 2015 Tundra CrewMax. All 4X4. I love all of them, but I kinda miss that 4.0 V6.
With Overland torque tune the 3rd gen wins easily. Just as much power and way better fuel economy. I have been getting over 24 mpg doing 80-85mph in my 23 V6 4wd SR5. You would never get that in the 2nd gen. 3rd gen looks better and the interior is nicer. The 2nd gen is slightly more reliable but I have seen several of both gens with 300k+ miles before needing major repairs. They should have made the 4.0 direct and port injected and mated it to the 6 speed auto. That would have been something!
For your 3rd Gen SR5: Payload: 1175 lbs Tow Capacity: 6400 lbs For the 2nd Gen Sport, LB: Payload: 1215 lbs Tow Capacity: 6300 lbs (6400 for short bed) This is taken from the trucks’ brochures and assuming the Tow Package is added.
@@nystate_ofmind_ Easiest way is to check two things. One is that you have a tow hitch at the rear. Second is that you have the transmission oil cooler at the front. It's like a small black radiator in front, behind the grille on the lower side.
Both have their pros and cons, but statistically the 2nd gen is more popular since they’ve been around longer and were made for more model years than the 3rd gen. 2005-2015 (10) 2016-2023 (7)
if you can get past this in your face grille Toyota is forcing on us with the Taco and Tundra, the newer models may be cool but I can't past the English bulldog look
Thank goodness for this video. I just escaped an even villain’s layer but have to escape the volcano that’s about to erupt but these are the only two vehicles in his garage. I think I have enough time to watch this video so wish me luck guys.
I had the unique opportunity to drive a 2018 for 8 weeks while my 2007 was having a frame replacement. I couldn't wait to get my 07 back. The 18 trans was irritating.
@@zebbossi7847 I have a new frame so that issue is solved and zero transmission problems on my 07. It was irritating of going through the aggravation of a frame replacement but my truck is now virtually new. Toyota stood behind their product in a way no US company would have.
I must admit, I never owned a generation 2 or even drove one. I never owned a Toyota until I bought my '18 Tacoma Sport. Admittedly, I don't put many miles on a vehicle, and only have 23000 on this and it's just shy of three years old, but I love it. Hopefully I won't encounter any transmission issues as I've read here, but maybe it's because I don't have a cross reference to compare to my truck as far as torque response goes. I do know Toyota builds a great vehicle and it should last me a good long time. I've never had a vehicle for more than 65 or seventy thousand miles before trade or selling, so it should be okay. Thanks for all the interesting input.
I had a 2019 sport, now I have a 2009 sr5. I don’t understand why they took away the cubbies in the 2019. They have 1 small cubbie in the bed of the 2019, two big ones in 2009. Why? I like the look of the 3rd gen, but I can’t stand 5’ beds. I also think it makes the truck overall look weird.
pround owner of a 2013 trdsport pre-runner v6 and i love it, i will drive it to the ground, already a rebiuld title thanks to an idi*t but still running strong!
I keep getting told by toyota that the tacomas before 2016 are the best. After that they kept getting transmission failure cause toyota keeps focusing on tech side of things
3rd gen was dead reliable with both motors and the 3.5 was significantly better on fuel than the 4.0 in exchange for some low end torque. My conclusion is they are both bulletproof. The only thing they both suck at is their automatic transmissions that just love to hunt gears.
Ive got a 2nd gen single cab 4x4. It's slower than watching paint dry. Still wouldn't trade it for the world. It is so small that i refer to it as a Miata with 4 low 😂
As an owner of a 2015 and 2017 SR5 Tacomas I can honestly say the 2017 is leaps better in seat comfort, interestingly enough there’s enough space that I can even fit in the back rows with less issues compared to the 2015, and overall is just more visually pleasing and truckier than the ‘15. Reliability is a no factor since both trucks are as bulletproof as they come with regular maintenance.
All I can say my 4th gen tacoma is the best. is a 2030, I get it 6 years a go and is been the best truck I ever had. no problems at all, everything is invisible you can’t see nothing wrong with it😂
Bro, if youre gonna do both the double cab then at least get a short box for the 2012 one. In my opinion, the double cab with the long box is pretty ugly for midsize trucks
