I love the Tacoma, but...

but I'm having a hard time justifying buying a Tacoma vs a full size (F-150 or Tundra).

First of all, I love the site. I've been lurking for a while.

My story - I plan on buying a truck (probably certified used) within a year. When I look at the taco, my heart says "get one, that is the perfect truck." But when I compare specs, it makes more sense to buy a full size. I would buy a double cab taco or an extended cab full size. The truck will be an "extra" vehicle. So I'm not worried about the gas mileage difference, though there is not much of a difference anyway. I will mostly use the truck for camping, hunting, hauling firewood, hauling lumber, ski trip vehicle, hunting trip vehicle. And hopefully in a few years I will be towing a ski boat too.

The only advantage I see with the taco is that it might be a little better off-road and on the trail due to its smaller size.

Slightly used/certified cost actually favors full size.

Tell me why I should get the Tacoma.

Are they as bulletproof as their reputation suggests?

Thanks

 

The 2-3 year old certified pre-owned of other trucks are less because they depreciate way faster than a Tacoma. Not that I plan to ever sell mine, but amazing resale value is part of why I felt good investing in one.

 

I am pretty amazed by the resale value. But I plan on keeping it for a long time, probably at least 10 years. So resale value isn't a huge priority.

 

You need to buy what suits your needs.

 

I bought my Tacoma because I specifically wanted a small, economical, 4wd truck to cover smaller tasks that my bigger truck isn't needed for. I bought a 4wd regular cab for $21k OTD. It's basic, reliable, fun to drive, and for what I use it for (DD, farm use, etc.) I really like it. But I could never justify paying $30k+ for a Taco. The same money will buy a fullsize with more power, more room, better towing and hauling, and nearly the same MPG.

And don't let people preach the Toyota reliabilty thing to you. All manufacturers can and do have problems occasionally. A well cared for vehicle will give years of service regardless of brand.

 

Like others said the resale value is there, why? I have no idea. My best friend has a 2014 f150 and has had no problems. And the interior is much nicer.

 

You got that right. The Tundra absolutely sucks in the trails! I hate running mine in the trails. The Tacoma is the winner there.

The Tundra wins on the highway or pulling a serious trailer. There is no such thing as the perfect truck, but I do seem to take the Tacoma more often when I have the choice of trucks.

BTW if the wife is not good at using mirrors, she will hate the Tundra. Mine won't drive it.

 

this. They hold their value insanely well. Im not selling mine, but Its a nice feeling knowing you can get a big chunk of your money back at anytime if you fall into hard times. And there will always be somebody who wants to buy it.

 

Also, this article may convince you. Please read. I think you'll highly enjoy it. I got it from TW quite some time ago. http://www.badassoftheweek.com/index.cgi?id=364288832201

 

And heres the link to the thank you letter that the special forces guys wrote to toyota.http://toyotadriverseat.com/product...oma-grace-under-fire.htm#sthash.pckQn8HI.dpuf

 

FALSE!!! It seems obvious that you have no experience with owning a Dodge, GM, or Ford truck. I have. These manufacturers make their service dept your 2nd home. After owning 2 Tacomas the past 13 years I will attest that I have never owned a more reliable vehicle.

 

Uh, actually, I've owned all of those. Currently own a Ford ('13 F-150 5.0) and a Dodge ('03 2500 CTD) and have owned dozens of others over the years (nature of my work). I've never had a major issue with any of them and most of these trucks are used for work, towing regularly.

In fact, the single most unreliable vehicle I've ever had was a probably a '92 Toyota Pickup. But it doesn't make me lump Toyota in a group and label it "unreliable". I understand that it was just one of millions.

Let me clarify, I wasn't saying the Tacoma is unreliable, just that other brands can be (and are, with everything else equal) just as reliable.

 

you should know better than to say anything nice about other brands on here..

 

To address the OP's remarks, it you can't justify one, don't buy one. If you're leaning toward the full size based on specs, you should probably buy a full size as that will best fit your needs. The Tacoma will never grow, and that smaller size is a compromise you're going to have to live with for the duration of ownership. You should really look at the tow rating and ask yourself how far you might be towing that ski boat in a few years. Five miles down flat side roads to the local lake? It probably won't be a problem for most ski boats. Fifty miles over a pass on the highway? I'd personally rather have something bigger. Also, are you really going to want to have to decide what size of boat you want based on the tow rating of a truck you don't yet own?

I love mine and won't sell it any time soon, but people who brag about "Legendary" reliability and say a Toyota will run until it's a pile of rust flakes watched too many commercials in the 1980's. It needs to be maintained, like anything. However, the statement that other brands are just as reliable flies in the face of the facts. When looking at large numbers over time Toyota does tend to edge out the competition (check Consumer Reports, tradeinqualityindex.com, etc.). Basically a 20 minute google search will give an astute buyer some good information. They aren't "bulletproof," but would I trust mine 50 miles down a trail at dusk, in the rain or snow? Absolutely.

 

You are the exception not the rule. Go to trudelta.com and look at the actual owner repairs reported on these trucks. I have my own experience with these vehicles to justify my comments. Trudelta.com confirms it. The Tacoma has been the most reliable truck I have owned in over 45 years of new vehicle ownership.
Btw..the most unreliable truck I have owned was a 94 Chevy S10. The engine was replaced twice under warrantee, the transmission went after 60k miles. Sold it for practically nothing and bought my first new Tacoma. This was the end of constant repairs.

 

I purchased my 2015 Tacoma DCSB purely for its looks. The only research I did was what others were paying. This is my 1st Toyota and I am very pleased with it.
P.s. I think overall the 15 looks better than the new 16

 

I know. What can I say, I'm a glutton for punishment I guess.

 

Thanks, but no need. My own experience justifies my comments and confirms everything I need to know. Maybe I just take better care of my things? Or I'm just lucky? Either way, no big deal.

Carry on!

 

Same boat here. Waited for the 2016 bought a 2015 trd sport after I saw the 2016 in person.

 

Been there done that with the Tundra.
It is a great truck, but it is beast out in the woods.
Try turning that sucker around on a small fire road or a packed ski resort parking lot.
You will crush small cars & children (joking) if you are not careful ...
I've owned a Toyota truck of some sort since 1987.
Reliability by far nods to the Tacoma with the exception of their crappy frames & saggy rear springs.
Even then, Toyota steps up and takes care of it.
If you do a tad bit of maintenance, ie. treat frame, wash regularly, add a leaf, do the TSB, it keeps it more at bay.
In all the years of owning one, it has not failed me exception due to my bonehead activities.
So since you are shopping early, take your time and drive a lot of trucks.
Only you have to live with your decision, good luck