How to start looking for a 2016?

Hey all. New to the forum and new to the whole truck-buying experience. Anybody have any tips or suggestions on where to start with regards to research for a 2016 Taco? Since I'm in the Southeast region, it looks like there's no tool that lets me build my own, so any suggestions on places to find extensive info on trims and features would be most appreciated as well.

And again, general tips are welcome too, as this whole process is entirely new to me. I'm trying to go into this whole process as educated as possible. Thanks in advance.

 

Welcome. To really help, I think you need to define what you want to do with your truck and what you like.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld mr OftHated! I can't be of much help but I was just on this site with my husband this morning !

http://www.toyota.com/Tacoma/?srchid=sem|google|Truck_Tacoma|Dummy_BuildYour#!/build

 

Good point. Here's what I know I want:

• Double cab
• Backup camera (which seems pretty standard)
• Keyless/push-button start
• Bluetooth (also seems pretty standard)
• Auto transmission
• Magnetic Gray Metallic (color)

Anything else is just icing on the cake. I'm probably more into the "techy" features than going off-road, but even that's not a must. Thanks!

 

Here's a thread about how to get a better price through Costco. It seems there is tons of info in the third gen section of the site.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/costco-auto-buying-service-on-a-3rd-gen.391665/

 

Toyota website will let you build your own. Just go to Toyota.com. The home page will have a "Build your own" feature, as well as a place to enter your zip code to find your nearest dealer.

 

I tried, but it shoots me to the Southeast Toyota site, which doesn't have a build feature. I guess I could use a different zip, but I'm guessing that would impact the price.

 

That is helpful. I have a 2015 sport. I liked the look and will built toward improved off road capability as I can.

The off-road is more purpose built for just that but can be built out with any whistle or bell you want if you don't mind modding.

I know there is a premium package now, but know little about it.

I recommend reading through the 3rd gen section and have a conversations with actual 3rd genners.

Good luck! (And good choice on the MGM).

 

Good info and advice. Thanks!

 

I guess what you need to decide now is if you want a long bed (6 ft) or a short bed (5ft).

If you're looking into the TRD models you also need to decide if you want the sport trim package or the offroad package.

 

Yeah, I was hoping to get some advice there too. Obviously the long bed is, well, longer - but is there any other advantage/disadvantage for the long bed vs. the short bed? I'm guessing that extra foot adds length to the truck, but how noticeable is that when parking/etc.?

 

SE Toyota stinks. With that out of the way...........

I'd get a list of dealers within a 100 mile radius of your location, develop a list of what you want (True Car, Costco, something like that) in detail, and email the internet sales of each individually.

Tell them you want their very best no haggle price, and to assume you either pay cash or have pre approved financing with no trade. If they come in at or below a TrueCar or other credible online price source, you now know where to start working a deal.

IF you have a trade, they'll have to see if of course. And you won't like the number you get very much, because they've already taken slop out of the price since you said cash/preapproved. But at least you know what you are 'really' getting, and can decide to sell it yourself if you wish.

You won't hear from most of them. Some will respond with "I'm Joe, call me for an appointment". Some will respond with MSRP. If you're lucky, you'll get one or two that will do what you ask and offer a reasonable number.

 

Where are you located? I'm in Kentucky, and I just get the main website...I just built a truck on there for the fun of it...try 42633 for the zip and that should work
If nothing else, you can get an idea,,,

 

Using another zip code than your own is pointless if you understand how the website works.

Go to a dealer and sit in a chair. They will show you whatever features you're able to see.

 

Yeah the SET website is the epitome if annoying. Well once I figure out what I want, I'll see about giving this method a try. Thanks!

 

This is what I'm trying to avoid, but I might have to since I have no idea what I'm doing on their website (which is probably intentional).

 

If you try the different zip code idea, at least you can get a rough idea of what you are looking for. I just went on using my old florida code, and I see what you mean about SET site being a pain!

 

cars.com is a good place to look. I found my truck on there.

 

Yeah it's brutal. And I'm going to give it a try. I guess it'll at least give me some idea.

 

FYI, I just built a 2016 SRT Sport 4 doorV6 long wheelbase with some additional accessories, more for comfort then off-roading, and it was $40, 600 in Mag Grey.