Toyota Tacoma 3rd Gen

The 3rd-gen Tacoma (2016–2023) is the resale king of midsize trucks — a 2020 still commands 78% of its original sticker in 2026. The cult following on TacomaWorld means every problem is documented within weeks. If you're shopping one, the date that matters is 2018 — Toyota corrected the piston ring oil consumption issue from 2016–2017, and the worst of the automatic transmission calibration drama had been addressed via TSBs.

The engine pick: 3.5L V6 2GR-FKS powers everything worth buying — TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, Sport V6, SR5 V6. 278 hp, D-4ST dual injection (port + direct — reduces carbon buildup), strong tow rating (6,800 lb max). The 2018+ revision addressed the early ring issue. With 5,000-mile oil changes (not Toyota's 10,000-mile "oil life" interval — that's too long for a DI engine), these reach 200k+ miles. The 2.7L 4-cyl 2TR-FE is the overlooked budget pick — cast iron block, port injection, bulletproof to 250,000+ miles. Gutless above 60 MPH, not for towing, but zero complaint history.

The biggest money issue: timing cover oil leak on the 2GR-FKS. Factory sealant fails between 60,000–100,000 miles. On a 4x4, the repair requires pulling the differential or dropping the engine — 11+ shop hours, $2,400–$4,400. Toyota has not extended warranty coverage (Lexus RX owners with the same engine got an extension; Tacoma owners did not).

The "Tacoma Lurch" on the 6-speed automatic (AC60F) was the generation's defining complaint — 563 complaints on the 2016 alone, highest per-year in Tacoma history. Park-to-drive delay, gear hunting at 35–43 MPH and 65–70 MPH. TSB T-SB-0062-18 reprogram helps but doesn't eliminate it. Driveline vibration on deceleration 10–30 MPH (TSB T-SB-0124-20) is the second transmission story — only applies to stock-height automatics. The 6-speed manual has its own weakness: 3rd-to-4th gear synchro wear, especially with towing or spirited driving, grinding reported as early as 54,000 miles.

Frame rust: the famous $3.4 billion Toyota settlement covers 2005–2010 Tacomas only. The 3rd gen uses a redesigned frame with improved corrosion protection and is not part of that settlement. That said, any 3rd gen from the Rust Belt deserves a full undercarriage inspection — exhaust, brake lines, fuel lines, and leaf spring perches corrode like any truck in salt country.

Other documented issues: rear differential oil leak (recall 16V-598, 2016–2017) — gasket failure, diff seizes if fluid runs low. Plastic coolant crossover pipe cracks at 80k–120k ($150–$400 but catastrophic if ignored). Rodent-chewed soy wiring — average repair $2,800. Rear axle shaft recall (2022–2023, ~381,000 trucks) — welding debris loosens axle nut.

2026 market: 2016 TRD Off-Road V6 4x4 ~$21,700–$23,400. 2020 ~$28,500–$32,000. 2023 ~$33,000–$37,000 (last year before 4th gen redesign). Depreciation: 22% over 5 years — one of the slowest in the US. Insider pick: 2018 or 2019 TRD Off-Road V6 4x4 automatic, 60,000–90,000 miles — piston rings corrected, driveline TSB likely applied, sharpest depreciation behind you. For the budget buyer: Access Cab 2TR-FE 4-cyl trucks are dramatically cheaper with near-zero complaint history.