Do I really NEED a Tacoma?

I'm looking at buying a used Tacoma and use it as a daily driver and to haul the kids around and commute to work primarily.

I find many times that the convenience of a truck is lacking to complete the family fleet (My wife drives an SUV).

Then again, would a 4Runner be a better option? We are an active family who tends to go outdoors often and also have two medium sized dogs.

Anyone else had this conundrum? Thanks in advance for any comments

 

The question is do you like to go off roading? Do you haul some big items that will fit in the back of your bed? Did you ever haul anything sticky?

 

Want is probably the better question. I knew mine would be provide fuel economy, less passenger room, and a stiffer riding than many other options - but I wanted it. Probably didn't need it in any kind of functional way, but i needed it more than i needed the other options. Get what you want - your dogs will be happy either way.

 

Sounds like choosing between a 4 runner and taco is where the rubber meets the road.

You already have one SUV, but what can a taco do for you that a second SUV can't?

 

You just described me to a "T". Don't NEED a truck, but it does everything you described above and has been invaluable to haul sod, dirt, lumber, a water heater, and a professional carpet cleaning rig. I'm looking forward to using the tow package I got, too. I don't regret my truck purchase for a moment. I don't think you would either!

 

If you get the truck it will sit most of the times for family outings just not enough room for the kids and Dogs and the wife.

If your not planning to haul stuff yourself funny how all your truck less friends now want to be your best buddies .

If you really need to haul things get a small trailer . and a 4Runner

Myself I always haul things with my Tacoma if not I just drive the 4Runner.

 

I don't need a truck, however I took about 15 trips of tree trimmings to the dump this past year. Wouldn't do that in a SUV. I did see one guy in old Caravan jammed with brush.

 

Unless you get a crew cab and would be willing to put a cap in back to put the dogs in, I would just get a utility trailer with a 4 runner.

 

No. No. You're welcome.

 

It sounds like a Tacoma is not for you.

 

I have entertained this idea but on these postage stamp suburban lots, I have zero space to store a trailer

 

Get yourself a good, used taco with a camper shell.

 

Exactly, you can turn a truck into an suv but you can't turn a suv into a truck.

 

I think the shell is going to be the way to go here. If I have to haul something large that exceeds the height of the canopy, I could always rent a trailer.

 

There is always the soft top option, comes off fast and easy when needed.

 

We traded our SUV in for a truck as the SUV just didn't meet the versatility of our wants. We do miss the ability to stuff 4 adults and two kids into a single vehicle when friends or family visit, but that is less than 5% of our use

 

Double cab is plenty of room for 2 kids, 3 I don't know. 2 dogs under the cap with plenty of room for gear. Roof rack for extra storage. Tacoma fits my family perfect. 2 dogs in the back of a 4runner doesn't leave much room for gear besides the roof.

 

Even if you get a cap, just remember that the truck bed isn't heated, and that can make a big difference in our climate, especially if you want to travel with the dogs back there in the winter.

 

True, mine came with fur coats though doesn't get much below freezing to often where I live, mostly just to keep them dry.

 

Nope. This, The Toyota Tacoma, is not the vehicle you're looking for.