Any former 3rd Gen Tacoma owners here? Thinking about switching.

x2. This guy said it all, with the exception of still having the taco.

 

I thought I’d have a Tacoma for ever. Can’t keep track of how many I’ve had of all generations!
Most recently I had a 2020 Tacoma then a 2022 army green Tacoma. Dealer offered me more money than I originally paid in 2022 plus a huge discount on a new 2024 tundra so it was a no brainer for me.

I loved the Tacoma but the Tundra feels way better with loads of space. I don’t think I can ever go back.

 

I came to the 2023 Tundra from a 2009 Tacoma that I just loved. I needed a newer vehicle for road trips and I probably would have got a 4th gen Tacoma if they had been available in Jan 2023. But they weren't, so Tundra. The Tundra is light years more powerful, comfortable and capable than my trusty Tacoma and gets the same MPG. I suspect that the new Tacomas would also be a huge upgrade from any 2nd or 3rd gen Tacoma. I do like my Tundra and it has been trouble free, but if it is your daily driver and you need to go to grocery stores, doctor's appts and such parking can be tricky. Sure, if there are big lots you can park out away from the rabble, but if not, you are screwed. Not that you can't fit into any spot, it's just that the clearances will be small enough to set yourself up for door dings and worse things like your careless neighbor rubbing your bumper coming or going.

 

Driving a full size truck, you kinda gotta be prepared about parking due to size.
Even in my work place garage, we scout out the places where space is wider and avoid the tight spaces.
It's about being aware of your own size (truck, not you) and work accordingly.
I have parked downtown all the times and have yet to ding my truck, but that failed when my kids decided to exit the truck SWAT style and there goes the door.....

 

Of course, that's what I said. In my case I get my GF to drive anytime we go somewhere with tight parking, or an unknown parking situation. But sometimes you might find you have no options. Just the way it has to be.

 

I am a dick.....
If you have a Chinatown or anywhere with over 50% Asian population, you will find that parking is, eh, slim at best.
I just park full, within the lines and all that, and funny thing: most Asians, especially older gens, they are afraid to park next to you, I end up with space on both sides....

 

'84 PU, '85 4Runner (Built), '78FJ40 (Built), '90 4Runner, '96 T100, '99 Tacoma, '99 4Runner (Built, Favorite, but worn out after over a quarter million miles), '96 FZJ80 (Built), '21 Tacoma Offroad, '24 Tundra Limited Hybrid (current); all MT except the 80 and the Tundra. Tacomas are much more nimble offroad, I think you can still get the MT. Tundras are bigger, lumber more offroad, will get more pinstriping. Taking a spouse and 3 growing kids you'll need a Tundra.

 

In that scenario you are just lucky they don't box you in front and back so you get to sleep in your truck.

 

I know, like I said, just weird that I usually find no cars on either side, or just one side, but on the very edge of the other side....
I did drive Taco (4 banger) for work for maybe 3 or 4 years? It was ok, slow (due to very heavy load bed with work equipment), but gets the work done.
I like how nimble it is, but yea, when you ask for kids and space and all that, Tundra is the only logic decision.

 

I just upgraded from my 2022 Tacoma Off-Road to a 2023 Tundra TRD Pro, and I couldn’t be happier. While the Tacoma felt too small, underpowered, and cramped—especially in terms of legroom—the Tundra is a game-changer. From the moment I drove it home, I never looked back. It’s superior in every way: size, technology, comfort (particularly the driving position), and to top it off, it even gets better MPG!

 

I just park in 2 spots ……..

 

We went from a 2021 Tacoma Off Road to a 2025 Tundra Platinum 6.5’ bed. We loved the Taco, but the ride was harsh unladen, and we needed more load capacity in the back, long with real back seats. The Taco was fabulous otherwise, 6spd manual.

The Tundra rides fantastically and other than the crap mpg is a great truck. Powerful, and full of bells & whizzers. I love the big infoscreen, too.

 

Not a Taco, but 2005 Toyota Sienna. Same Towing Capacity as a 05 Taco... It struggled pulling a trailer with a light load. It was great at moving stuff because with the seats pulled out, it acted like a 9 foot bed.

 

I came from a 2017 TRD ORDC, and I never thought I could love a truck more than my Inferno. Life happened, and I needed to go bigger. We picked up my 2024 SR5 TRD ORCM roughly a year ago. The truck is leaps and bounds better. It was like falling in love all over again. The ride quality alone is worth the upgrade. The Taco handled like, well, a truck. The Tundra is smooth, and handles like anything but a truck. I have absolutely zero regrets.

 

Had a 2016 DC TRD OR AT BBP. Added a Magnuson SC with a YotaWerx Tune. Made that Taco so nice. Wanted something with a little bigger for pulling my camper. Went to a '23 SR5 CM Tundra. Amazing truck and impressive in every measure. Catching pre-Gen3 Tundra owner's shit just like I did from pre-Gen3 Tacoma owner's. Funny that I (we) see them all the time in the "rear view mirror."

 

I came from my 17 Tacoma OR to the 25 Platinum OR Tundra.

It's like they're not even from the same planet. I loved my Taco, but yeah...

 

I actually don't mind having both Tundra and Taco. Tundra is a family truck, whereas the Taco is more for one or two people ride.
Turbo/SC the Tundra for that extra pull juice when pulling heavy, but SC or turbo the Taco is straight up fun....

Now, my driveway and bank account disagree with the above statement.