Taco vs. Tundra

Tacoma

 

my 09 taco dc gets 22.8 mpg .

 

Why are we discussing a Tundra anyway?

 

I think we're wearing the same shoes right now.... You're just a little ahead of me.

It'll probably be best to save some money and kill off my student loans. Pharmacists make a decent living so affording the Tundra wont be an issue. But perhaps to get off to the right start, a Tacoma is right for me.

I mean, who am I kidding??? I don't own my jetski or snowmobile yet.... so there's no need for a massive truck. But the tacoma can apparently tow toys very well. I don't even own a house yet, so I wont need the tundra for hauling too much (will it fit appliances though???)

 

I loved the tundra until the new body style too domestic (ford) looking but you can't go wrong with a tacoma 1st or 2nd gen IMO

 

I went back-and-forth before buying my truck but decided the Tacoma would do everything I needed.

My ego wanted the Tundra but there was no tangible reason for me to buy it.

 

i dont think you can get tundras in a manual anymore... can you?

 

LOL

I bought a Access Cab 09 TRD Off Road...I knew I wanted the DC...but I went with the Access Cab





So then a short time later (Months) I bought the Double Cab...loved the access cab but not enough room..

 

It all depends on what your needs really are. I bought a double cab Tacoma because I need to haul my family and occasionally mulch, lawn mower, furniture etc... I like the looks of the Access Cab Tacoma and extra bedspace, but on a daily basis, I needed the interior space more.

Gas mileage was another thing for me. I'd rather get 18 mpg running around town vs. 13.

If you haul a lot in the bed, get the bigger bed. If you pull trailers etc... you will be happier with more hp.

 

as many here have said... do the tacoma for a few years. If your needs change - then change the truck. Crazy resale value on the tacoma - so very much worth the fun you'll have!

 

I'm not a fan of the Tundra. Dealer up the street has a 4 door longbed, besides it being long as hell, it just looks ugly and sits low. Double cab taco all day.

 

I did not read through all the replies, in your pro/con list you did not mention Depreciation.

The tundra depreciates at a higher rate than the Tacoma. Once you factor in lower depreciation on a less expensive truck the Tacoma becomes the obvious choice. Not to mention better mileage, lower maintenance costs.

 

For a daily driver that also sees "truck" duty (towing reasonable loads, some off roading, hauling stuff, etc.) I honestly think that the Taco is about perfect. The ONLY reason I'd ever step back up to a 1/2 ton is if I NEEDED the extra towing capacity. Other than that, I don't see any compelling reason to get back into one. They cost more to run and maintain, they are more expensive, they are a PITA around town and in parking lots and they've just plain gotten obese. They are basically the same as what a 1 ton was a decade ago, which IMHO, is just ridiculous for a daily driver.

 

Thanks for the input guys! It's really a much easier decision for me now.

A Tundra is just overkill for me. Living in an apartment for the next few years, I doubt I'll need the bigger Tundra.

The tacoma is the truck for me... and it's all-the-more appealing with an available supercharger ( ).




Now my hardest decision is Double or Access Cab.

My coworker has an Access Cab, and swears by it. He says it's perfect: The bed is just the right size (any smaller and he'd be unhappy), and the Rear seat is great for his needs: Some storage, his Lab (50lbs), and he even occasionally brings friends around with it (one trip was 3 hours north for some skiing... and there wasn't a complaint about comfort)



I'm hoping this winter's auto show has an access cab and a double cab on hand. The toyota dealers around here are very aggressive. The second you step foot in their driveway you're hounded by salesmen. Even when you ask for some space, they hound you.... One dealership wont even let you into the back lot (where the cars are held) without being escorted by a salesman.



As for buying used: I want new. I have bad luck with vehicles as it is, and I'm looking for the full warranty. While I know I can save some money buying used, I prefer knowing my truck wasn't beat up or uncared for by its last owners. Plus, if the resale value is as great as you complain, it doesn't seem to make much sense if you can afford to buy new!

 

I can't speak for the bikes & snowboards, but one nice aspect of the DC is that once you fold down the rear seats, you have a lot more interior (lockable) storage than the AC which cames in handy once the tailgating is done and you're in the game. The AC LB is essentially the same truck as the DC SB, you're just swapping cab for bed space. To me, the DC gives you the best flexibility for both people and cargo. Yeah, sometimes you can't haul everything you'd like in the bed, so get a bed extender. And if that can't cut it, buy or rent a trailer. Heck, go rent a 3/4 ton for a day for the real big stuff. The key is to identify what you're going to be doing with it 80-90% of the time and come up plan B for the other 10-20%.

 

I have the Tacoma AC and in the summer regularly haul my two kayaks around. As you can see they fit pretty well with very little overhang. (The kayaks are 10'.)

 

I got a used certified DC 6' bed recently, I had come from a Toyota Sienna minivan and worn-out Dodge Dakota Access Cab, 6' bed. (Family and Work vehicle, respectively) We had to downsize, wanted passenger room, and I couldn't see having a lumber rack in a short bed. (Can you say "Teeter-Totter"?) So far I'm liking it, but it is a bit long sometimes, Wheelbase-wise. For multi-purposes, I think it is good for me and my wife, and sometimes grandkids or friends. Yes, it looks a bit funny, but then I ride in it, don't spend much time watching it go by! And unless spectators want to make my payments, let them opine and look elsewhere.
Also, just had a short AAL put in, (Too late for free TSB, and prior owner didn't get it) makes MUCH difference in loadhauling and trailertowing. Before 500 lbs would be banging the frame over potholes and speedbumps, not now, still have to test the full capacity.

 

the reason I went to taco was long bed and manual shift, Taco is a go anywhere any time. The Tundra was out of price range and did not have the options I wanted. I have been offered more for this taco than I paid for it, including from the dealer, which really surprised me. This Taco is far superior to the jeep I had before in every aspect.

 

Tundra's don't come in manual transmission