How to start looking for a 2016?

I'll take a look - thanks!

 

Just go to your local toyota dealership and see what they have on the lot. I also had a certain color in mind, but they only had a silver on the lot, and I loved it, so seeing might change you mind I got the sport model, which has everything that you listed. If your waiting on a certain color, it may take some time to get it. i also have a sunroof, if a sunroof is what you like. Talk to salesman, I'm sure they will give you a good idea of what you can get and how long it will take. Good luck!!!

 

No.

That isn't how the website works.

 

That is actually quite the debate on these forums. You'll find lots of threads debating the pros and cons of each and guys that swear by short beds and guys that swear by long beds.

It really comes down to how you plan on using your truck. For those that say a long bed is hard to park or drive in the city they just need to learn how to drive and park their truck. I have a double cab long box (DCLB) and I never have an issue parking. The backup camera that comes standard these days makes it a breeze.

The main difference between the DCLB and DCSB is the turning radius and the "break over angle". The DCSB has a better break over angle and will less likely get high centered offroad.

Also, up untill the new 2016 3rd gens the truck wasn't available in the "offroad package" in anything other than the DCSB or the access cab. Toyota has now made the DCLB available with the offroad package.

Unless you plan on doing some serious off-roading the difference between the two isn't going to make much of a difference. If you plan on doing a lot of off-roading then go with a short bed. If you want to haul more stuff and be able to sleep in the back if you get a canopy for camping then go for a long bed.

 

The tech package is great. @DCSBFTMFW is right about getting to the dealership. Find a large one that has an inventory manager with access to the build database and can manage their own allocations. If there isn't anything readily available in the region that they can find, they can change an allocation order that matches exactly what you want. Worked for me, plus a 13 week build wait.

This is an especially useful strategy for acquiring a DCLB TRD version with tech and towing. Those are unicorns, and Toyota doesn't make very many.

If you were in Texas, I'd introduce you to my guy.

Good luck!

 

I started by doing months of research, literally. I just ordered my 9th Tacoma since 99, so I'm pretty familiar with what its all about. Figure out EXACTLY what you want. Chances are, you will be waiting for it so you might as well get it the way you want it, especially with the price of these things. Next, Start shopping EARLY. It can be a slow process, and when you rush you can make BIG mistakes. Start by sending e-mails to dealers say within 100 miles of where you live. Tell THEM what you are willing to pay and/or want for your trade. IF they are agreeable, pay them a visit. This saves a lot of time vs. running to multiple dealers. I offered $500 over invoice and asked for KBB Very Good Condition Value on my trade. First dealer I emailed agreed to my terms, I paid them a visit a week later to have my trade formally appraised and then gave them a $500 deposit. 3 weeks later they changed an allocation to my exact specs and the order was placed. Now the wait. I was told 8 to 12 weeks, but according to my temp. VIN, My truck will be built in the 4th week of 2016. Good Luck!

 

I just purchased my 2016 TRD Off-road a few weeks ago and I had many of the same questions you have. Since this was my first Toyota I'd ever purchased I cast a broad net inquiring for the model I wanted at 10 regional dealerships. I learned pretty quickly which ones wanted to play games and waste time. The biggest thing I learned his how Toyota does "factory" installed accessories, "port" installed accessories, and "dealer" installed accessories. Its a pretty different system than I was used to with other brands.

Like others have said, spend some time on Toyota's website and look at the different features you want. Go test drive a few at a local dealership. If you want a TRD Off-road, brace yourself for shenanigans and game playing. I can't tell you how many dealerships claimed to have one, but instead it was just in a "pool" of vehicles available. For the one I ultimately bought, I negotiated entirely over the phone and email. Even got a proof of life from them just to make sure I wasn't negotiating on a mythical vehicle.

I am really glad I bought mine. I really love it.

 

Another good web site to check out is CarsGurus. It checks dealer inventory (color, options etc). Some listings will still be vehicles that are being built and not on the lot yet.

http://www.cargurus.com/

 

Gorgeous pic of an even more gorgeous truck. Almost makes me want to consider the silver.

 

This is what I needed to hear. I think I'd be fine with the short bed, but I guess I just need to drive both and see how they feel. Thanks so much!

 

Yeah, may be necessary for me - I just hate the wait, but I think most people would say it's worth it to get what you want.

 

Thanks! Good to hear from somebody who's going through it as well. Good luck with the new ride!

 

Yeah, Toyota does seem to be a different beast when it comes to this stuff, but thanks for the advice.

 

Nice website, and seemingly easier than Southeast Toyota's too. Thanks.

 

I test drove a 2015 short bed but decided on getting a long bed. I find the long bed has a little less bounce to it on rougher roads and over speed bumps. It isn't any harder to park, either, thanks to the camera. I park next to full size trucks at work, and we stick out the same distance.