What to know before buying a Tacoma?

Hello all, first post and new member here.

I am looking into a buying a new Tacoma (saving up now). What mistakes did you make when buying yours? Any options you say are totally worth it?

I won't purchase a vehicle unless it has a standard transmission. I am hoping for 4x4 however if the deal is good enough will sacrifice.

Looking for a single or extended cab, double cab a little too big, however pending deal will do it.

How sluggish is the 4cyl? I drive a 2.3l mazda pickup and it's a turd. I pull a 16' aluminum boat however want a bigger truck to tow a bigger boat.

MPG seems to be pretty close on highway, really different around town (my commute is mixed).

 

Don't sacrifice 4x4

Get a V6

MPG sucks no matter what you do. If your going to be towing..expect 11 mpg

Once lifted, while driving, the passenger seat vibrates but settles down if someone is sitting there.

 

I got a '11 4x4 AC 2.7L 5 speed and love it.
Defiantly get the AC if you are tall (I'm 6'3" and am finally comfortable in my 4th Toyota since first 3 were RC) or want extra room in cab.
How often & how far do you tow?
On the trails I have never been unable to go where the V6s went (sometimes unwilling since I have no trail armor yet) and have even plowed virgin snow up a mountain for some V6s.

 

Yeah, I won't sacrifice 4x4 unless I get a KILLER deal.

I really want the v6, however be a while before I get a new boat.

I won't lift it, little nicer exhaust and maybe an intake that's it

 

4 cylinder is sometimes a turd, on rolling hills especially....it is serviceable for a fleet/construction vehicle but not a funtime towing

get a 4x4 it is better all around in a dozen ways. but hey a 2wd with autoLSD can go places

keep an eye on the TSB's that exist for your year...and if anything at all feels
like a symptom on the TSB list, go get it resolved

you can get 21mpg out of any tacoma but it is all about foot pressure...drive sloppy and
you can get 16 where others get 21

 

6th gear only knocks rpms down about 200.. That being said, I love "granny low" 1st gear. Manual trans all the way for me. Now, wheel bearings go around 70,000 miles, and my fan ticks like crazy on low. Other than these minor annoyances, great truck.
Welcome! Awesome site. Lot's of help available, just try to use the search before you ask... (Someone inevitably will tell you to)

 

My current tow commute is about 4 miles, however with a bigger boat it may become longer.

Currently the 4cyl is more than enough. I'm just wondering if it's worth re-investing when I get a new boat

I know it's my choice, just want to hear peoples opinions.

edit:
Geez $6k for a v-6!!! man that's a lot

 

I love the v6, 4X4 and sport seats.
The access cab has little room for real people in back.
I probably should have gone with 4 doors.
The tires that come with it are crap. So is the stereo. Plan on replacing them in the future.
The headlights are awsome. Get the adapter to move the rear view mirror up out of your line of sight. He sells it on this forum.
The tailgate is flimsy. DONT put a lot of weight on it unless you add steel reinforcement.
The extended warranty is not worth the price, and their quality is very good already.

 

Yeah, I'm hoping to find a manual transmission truck on a lot and play the numbers game.

 

The warranty is worth the price based on how cheaply you can get it for, so definitely a debatable topic. Sometimes you get the warranty and never have to use it, other times you wish you had it.

 

buy a V6 4x4 SR5 double cab with the towing package.

best value in the Tacoma market. and great resale/trade value.

 

My mistake I made when buying my first Tacoma: I didn't get the V-6 4x4. The truck was awesome and the only reason I got rid of it was to upgrade to the V-6 and 4x4. Had I spent a little more money several years ago I would still be driving the same truck.

Take your time researching options, checking the trucks out at dealerships and identifying exactly what you need/want. These things will last a long time and you might as well spend a little more up front to get what you need/want so you are not regretting it later.

 

I purchased a prerunner(2wd) for the milage. I should have gotten a pre-runner with a Locker so I could off road alittle. I love my truck though. I got a slightly used 2012 dc prerunner TRD long bed 4 months old with 4,000 miles on it.