Thinking of buying....

Trying to decided on what to get.

Its down to a

2016 Tacoma
or
one of the GM twins

hate the look of the frontier. That one is out

I have a few rent houses (so I do haul stuff from time to time), live in the south (none to very little snow, no need for 4x4, I dont do any "off-road" stuff), looking to start a family soon (crew cab is a must), haul a trailer with a light load about 3 to 4 times a year.

I am really looking for something that is a "car", rides smooth, with nice amenities.

Any thoughts?

 

If you don't plan on keeping it long, go GM twins. The taco is more of a truck, def not a car ride, and is based to more of an OffRoad truck. You want a car ride and don't OffRoad, so....

But test drive both. You might be surprised in what you like.

 

The twins are nice - I test drove three different Canyons - but they all had serious quality issues. My TRD Sport 4x2 long bed is much nicer than the higher trimmed Canyon I was looking at and drives very well.

 

Coming to a Tacoma forum will undoubtedly get you a biased answer from most people. I drove all three and didn't like the Canyon or the Colorado. The Colorado was rough on my back and the premium seats weren't premium. I didn't like the interior other than the entertainment system but the diesel engine was nice. Not for me. The Canyon was a re-skin of the Colorado with a better interior. Didn't seem to hurt my back at all but the instrument cluster was ugly and required a key instead of a push button to start. Having had three push button vehicles in the last 6 years, I won't go back unless it's a classic car. Canyon has a better overall V6 engine but both are so close it doesn't really matter in my opinion. Toyota is known to be bulletproof, the new Canyon/Colorado is just that, new. The other thing about both that bothered me was no dual-zone climate control, that is also a must.

I prefer the Tacoma, obviously, since I own one. The limited edition softex seats don't hurt my bad back and neck and at the same time is comfortable. I didn't need the off-road variant that many buy, all I wanted was a 4x4 with all the bells and whistles so the Limited was my choice. Just need 4 wheel drive for gun range days, work around the property, and the occasional downpour here in Texas, which we got a lot of last year. Doublecab is nice and kids will fit fine in the back. The V6 can haul and tow for your needs.

 

Thanks for the reply, I have driven them both. The canyon I drove did ride much smoother. I dont think anyone can argue that. But things can be done to make the tacoma ride better too.

I am just torn right down the middle. I like both about equally. The twins just seem to offer a bit more for the money. I do plan on keeping for at least 4 or 5 years. Honestly I am not too worried about "reliability". Even toyota's dont hold up if you dont take care of it. Any new vehicle even Kia makes a long lasting vehicle if you take care of it.

 

A RAV-4 would be right up your alley! Honestly go drive each one and see what trips your fancy. I will tell you that Tacomas hold their value and resale is high.

 

Then Tacoma, hands down the superior resale value.

 

Just curious, why not go full size?

 

Thanks for the reply!! I know I would get "biased" thoughts. I posted one on a chevy forum too. I am pretty good at eliminating the fluff... lol

I had the exact opposite reaction on seats. But I did drive both low end models.

I do agree, the interior does look better on the Tacoma, with the exception of the cloth areas. That I dont like at all.

 

The softex are excellent. Some on here don't like them, I personally do. It's also a dealer install if you want them swapped out since other trims don't come with them.

 

I just went through this decision this past weekend. I drove both back to back for a couple hours each and I brought the Tacoma home. It may have a truck feel to it but the 2016 is quieter and more comfortable than i expected really. Drive them both, Toyota was the only dealership that said, take it home, look at it in your driveway, sleep in it, just let us know tomorrow. It wasn't even the color I wanted and yet I kept it.

 

I dont know that there will be much difference in 5 years on resale value. Yes, the tacoma will have better resale value, not arguing that. But, whats the difference? like around 2k? if I have to spend that much to make it a smoother ride then isnt it a wash?

 

Mainly because I want it to fit in the garage. lol

Also, I haven't driven that large of vehicles. I still live in a "big" city. I want that ease of parking too. I want it all!!! lol

 

4Runner

 

I've enjoyed my Taco so far, and have always liked them in the past, but could never justify buying one for my personal needs. I still can't justify it, but I've wanted it for so long that I just said it was time to get one, so I did!

The history of the truck as far as reliability and the resale for sure help knowing that if down the road I want to swap out, I won't lose my shirt on it.

I like toys as well, so the 3rd gen is why I held out also over getting a 2nd gen. Loved the TRD in both, but the current one just spoke to me that right way.

Good luck on your choice!! Let us know what you do.

 

My DCLB rides at least as well as the short bed Canyon, fits more in the back, doesn't have visible bed welds that have to get covered up by Rhinoliner, gets the same mileage, is just as quiet, can't be hacked, and didn't depreciate $4K when I drove it off the lot.

Drive 'em all and make a decision.

 

Only problem with a 4runner is hauling something big won't happen which is probably why he wants a truck. Refrigerators, washer/dryer, or anything tall isn't happening.

 

Thanks, exactly..... ... That being said, I am trying to talk my wife into getting the 4runner.

 

Why not just buy a car? you can tow a light trailer with just about anything lol

 

I was also considering the twins versus 2016 Tacoma. I had an '11 Tacoma before trading mine in. What pushed me into another Tacoma is the fact that they weren't priced much different, but I preferred the way the Tacoma looks inside way better. The Twins just looks like a cheap econo car to me. That's personal though. What really matters is resale. I believe you'll get more than 2k above one of the twins 5 years from now. These things hold their value pretty good compared to Chevy or GMC.