Considering a 2012+ Tacoma - advice please

Hi all.

First off, a bit of car history: 1992 Acura Integra LS auto -> 2004 Honda Accord EXL 5MT -> 2005 BMW 330Ci ZHP 6MT -> 2006 Mercedes C230 6MT -> 2007 BMW 335i 6MT -> 2006 Mercedes ML350 auto (current). In the same timespan I've also had six motorcycles, but am currently bike-free, and don't foresee needing to haul bikes any time soon.

Current ML is showing some reliability issues and I'm considering trading it in for a 2012-2014 Tacoma. I have a big German Shepherd (and plan to get a second one), so having a lot of room is important - this led to me test driving numerous 2013+ RAM 1500s over the last few days, but the potential for reliability and quality issues has pushed me away from them.

Today I test drove a 2013 Tacoma TRD Sport Crew Cab, 6MT, with only 25,000 km (16,000 miles) on the odometer. The rear seats were quite a bit smaller than the RAM, and possibly even smaller than my ML, but it could work. The driver's seat was surprisingly comfortable. My main concerns were as follows:

- the 4.0L V6 was slow as hell; I had to floor it to get any action, and the RPMs were so slow to climb; although I was able to rev match quite nicely on the downshifts
- there was a lot of cabin noise; definitely lots of engine noise when accelerating, but also lots of wind (and possibly tire) noise;

Is this normal? The V6 is less powerful than the 3.5L one in my ML, but I wouldn't have expected to feel this much of a difference (the ML isn't fast by any means). My Toyota-mechanic buddy is suggesting trying the auto - says it's much more responsive. Thoughts?

And the noise was drastically worse than my ML. I felt like I was in a much, much older vehicle. Do you all insulate your cabins or live with it? Does insulating make much of a difference?

What options/packages should I look for, or avoid? I don't do any serious wheeling, but do occasionally go off road in my ML (have surprised more than one crowd of lifted FERD F-TEENTHOUSAND trucks with what the ML can do), and would do the same in the Tacoma. Primarily though, it's a dog hauler, so comfort and power for the street is of primary importance.

Non-negotiable must haves:
- 4x4
- crew cab
- backup camera
- the double-din entertainment unit
- heated seats
- locking diffs

I would also strongly prefer leather seats, but could get the cloth seats recovered in leather after purchase for extra cost (worst case). Do these trucks even have power seats? I haven't seen any from what we have for sale on the local Craigslist.

All advice/opinions/suggestions would be very appreciated.

 

Thanks, Rock Lobster.

I've definitely seen some OffRoad models around here, but I'm not sure about DCSB. Will look into that.

 

If I get a TRD Sport, am I correct in assuming that adding a locker will be straightforward?

Asking because (based on what I'm reading on this forum) it sounds like the Sport is a much better day to day driver (more comfortable), and the biggest advantage of the OR is the locker. So I want the best of both worlds!

 

Gotcha. Thanks.

Just did a quick search and it looks like the ARB, air compressor and everything else can be had for under $1500, so that's a reasonable mod IMO.

 

Toyota has a history of producing vehicles that are slugs, particularly so their truck line ups. (Excluding the Tundra's 390HP V8) This truck is no exemption to the rule. The reason their powertrains last forever is because they have no outstanding power to back them up so they can handle the hell you give them for the next 500,000 miles no problem and by that time you just barely "broke it in." If you want a Tacoma and power in the same sentence be prepared to purchase one and a supercharger for it to get any sort of viable power out it. It's how the trucks ahould hd came out from the factory but I digress. The problem amplifies the moment you start adding armor to the truck (extra weight). So take it for what it is, but if you want power straight from the factory, get a Tundra, but be prepared for the huge heft that they have.

 

Not a fan of Tundras, truth be told.

I did read about the superchargers in a 2013 Tacoma brochure. Not sure how that affects warranty (if I were to get a reasonably new model w/ existing factory warranty), but the promise of ~60 extra HP and ft/lb of torque does sound appealing.

It would be awesome to drive one with a supercharger to get a feel for it. Especially one that had sound proofing materials installed in/around the cabin. Anyone in the lower mainland of British Columbia have a truck like this? How about a case of beer for ten minutes of your time?

 

Supercharger is on its way out of continuation. As Toyota is pulling blowers off of their TRD lineup for all vehicles. If you want a Tacoma that is supercharged, better jump on one soon, because once they are gone, they are gone! I personally love my newly blown 2012 Tacoma now. So much more power than before and all the extra armor weight is no longer even a factor.

 

BMW .. Mercedes .. BMW .. Mercedes .. Tacoma, you shouldn't expect it to haul ass after being in higher performance cars like you have been.

 

I wouldn't call the C230 or the current ML350 performance cars. Heck, even the 2005 330i ZHP, while an amazing car in its own right (major seller's regrets with that one), wasn't fast by any means. The 335i hauled ass, but that's about it. I was just surprised that a larger displacement V6 than is in my ML350 felt so much slower.

I realized that the new 2016 Tacoma should be on sale in a few months, so I think at this point it makes sense to hold out for the new model - I love the new interior and exterior looks, so I think that's the way I'll go. Appreciate everyone's input! As Aaaanold says, "I'll be back."