Which Tacoma to buy

I have the offroad, I really like it.

 

You're never going to find something that is "perfect," but considering mileage/warranty/capabilities/price, the OR is the better buy.

I struggled with what to buy when I was looking, and ended up with a low mileage (certified used) '14 OR. For the first month after buying it, wasn't sure if I made the correct decision, but now (after 9 months) I absolutely love it! It's not perfect, but I wouldn't trade it.

 

I just recommend taking your time, brotherman.

 

I like the look more of the sports too. My dad had a super white double cab short bed sport. It's why I got into Tacomas and the color white. I just wanted the locker in the TRD off road though. You can always add a better locker/lockers later if you want.

 

You can always trade for a skewped hood, too

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/400-000-miles.404359/

 

It was a hypothetical. I sold my last sr5 at 220k for $5k. Whatever.

 

Paid 30,400 before tags/ tax/ fee for my 2015 DBLE Cab long bed 4x4. MSRP was like 34,100.
Use true car and go from dealer to dealer with the lowest competiitve true car price and they will literally take a loss just so they can stay competitive. Also be willing to drive out of state. Just dont give in at the dealership and walk away if the numbers dont sound right. Always remember you have the money which the dealership wants. Just keep milking them. Oh and I got an auto start thrown in the deal.
I absolutely adore my Tacoma and have 0 regrets about buying one. Almost got a tundra instead due to the small price difference, but I know I made the right choice. Good Luck!!!

 

Everyone has different wants and needs.
I like long beds, but I buy trucks to use as trucks (who woulda thought?). I don't like short beds and am used to a full size.

You mention a son. I perdonally would not consider a double cab Tacoma a family car. At least I can barely find room enough for my shit and I car pool with two others regularly. The back seats might work out for a very small child but kids grow up fast. The Tundra is better for family driving and camping if you ask me.

I'd go Sport. I like the long bed all the sport features and heated leather seats are sweet! If you need a family vehicle, I'd think twice about a Taco.

 

Thanks for all of the input everyone, my insurance has finally come through with my tundra being a total loss. They are giving me $9980 for my 185,000 mile 2006 that I paid $14,000 for five years ago when it had 120,000 miles. I feel like I did well, I bet I couldn't have gotten that as a trade in.

On Saturday Im definitely going to be buying a Tacoma. I just don't know which one.

Im wondering what people think about toyota certified vs non certified.

 

Check out my review. Everything about the Trd sport suits me well since I don't do much off-roading. If you have any specific questions let me know.

 

What does certified include?

My wife's VW TDI we bought certified with it having 37ish - and that meant another 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper warranty. I think we paid $1k more than we would have if it wasn't certified? I'd have to go back over the paperwork to be sure. However, for me it just happened to be certified - I wasn't seeking it out. The extra protection is nice, I guess, but only as long as you're not paying more than you would pay for a normal coverage contract.

 

just my two cents- why don't you consider a 2016? If you are gonna drop 28K+ get new, especially with it being a new model. When I was shopping around for a used 2012 TRD Sport DCLB all the one's I wanted in So Cal where almost same price range as my new 2013. As we all know the Taco is the best selling truck and retains its resale value like a mother! I went in with about 9K as a down and worked the hell out of my dealer. Took my 3 days to get it, but I made them throw in the Toyota bed extender and pop lock (tail gate) lock installed at no added cost. Even if you don't have a big down or nothing- you can work them! I have purchased 5 new cars ( helping my wife/parents hustle the dealer). I use to work for a big motorcycle OEM corp office ( one of the 4 Japanese OEMS)- I was in the motorcycle R&D division- I had many friends on the sales side- DSM's and I worked at one time for the national sales manager. So i saw how big dealers are about CSI scores and pushing numbers and getting kick backs/ incentives from the OEM on every sale. Obviously they are not gonna give you the vehicle- but they will be dammed if they lose the sale to another dealer!

For my last two trucks I bought new and my wife's VW- I always did my HW. Before I walked into a dealer, I was already pre approved with my credit union. This gave me the upper hand in dealing with the dealer. I would tell them what vehicle i want/ color and trim package and give my price. I would also tell them I have the money to back it up and dont need to waste time getting approved! And if you cant give me that deal ill go to next dealer and buy from them. This strategy has worked hands down, saved me thousands and even had extra things/ trim packages added at no cost! Money talks- and this way you dont have to worry about getting approved/ haggling etc. Only one time did i decided to finance with the dealer- only because interest rate was lower. Used this logic on my wife's VW last year- sale took us 35 min tops. Saw car/ test drove- made deal!

Ex- My parents bought a 06 Acura TL new -with my help. The car was going for like 35-36K in 2006. We offered 31,500 OTD . Salesman laughed- so while he was telling my parents how ridiculous our offer was, I called competitive Acura dealer down the freeway- told him situation and what model/ color we wanted. Within 10 min deal was made and picked up new car at other dealer for 31,500 OTD! Best thing out of this, my mom takes car to dealer that pissed us away for service and saw salesman when she had 1st service. Sorry for long rant- just know you always have the upper hand when dealing with the dealer! Yes- you might not get the vehicle that day- might be some work but so worth it in long run! Like said- I walked out on my selling dealer 3 times in 2 days before they caved and the salesman called me. Not trying to bad mouth any salesman or dealers or offend anyone that works at a dealer. I have had great exp with salesman as well. I just know dealers are always looking to push numbers so use that logic to your advantage!

 

Another thought is to ask for the dealer to install leather seats in the '15 if you really want leather. That's the last thing I did when I was buying my CPO '13 DCSB TRD OR a couple of weeks ago. I'm getting them installed next Wednesday (not heated tho). Sometimes they're more likely to throw something in rather than come down on price at the end.

Good luck!

PS
I traded by '06 Tundra SR5 2WD Dcab w/186k miles and got $5000. So yes you're insurance settlement was great. Was that truck 4WD?

 

I appreciate the input regarding a 2016 I'm just not ready to move into an unproven truck.. My best friend is a toyota master mechanic and he recommended staying away from them soley based on the changes and the fact that the 2nd generation has such a good reputation. I get why people would want a 2016 it's just not for me..

Also I think buying a certified used 2015 with low mileage is a better deal than buying new. The certified warenty gives the truck the limited powertrain coverage for 7 years from date of original sale or 100,000 miles. What ever comes first. So a 2015 can have powertrain coverage through 2022. Sounds good to me..

My tundra was a 2006 access cab TRD 4x4. I loved that truck and I'm sure I will miss it. They are the perfect size and get about the same gas mileage as the Tacoma's.. That being said Im excited for the Tacoma.

Will be out shopping tomorrow.
I've narrowed it down to a couple 2015 TRD sport long beds with 6,000 miles. And a 2015 TRD off rd with 2000 miles. The 2012 is off the list as it turns out it can't be certified as it is a Canadian. Apparently Canadians can't be trusted.

 

Well said- in that case you wont be disappointed with the TRD sport long bed. I have 2013 TRD Sport long bed and love the heck out of it! I get so many complements. I just added a leveling kit and 32's and rims and I'm so happy with how it turned out! Great truck- good luck on future purchase man!

 

I vote for the Off Road. It's newer, 41,000 less miles, and only $3k price difference. Also I've owned both a Sport and Off Road and I prefer the Off Road.

 

Damn man, I bought my '15 before the gen 3's came out (September) brand new (52 miles) for 33,189. I can't believe they're asking that much now.

Edit: trd or dc with tow package (not sure if that's standard or not)

 

The dealer is knocking $30 off of the price?.... Is that ad some kind of a joke?



Dealership: Berlin City Toyota of Portland

2012 Toyota TACOMA DoubleCab
Rating: 3.88 (11) Reviews Edmunds.com

• Market Price:$28,700
• Dealer Discount:-$30
• Sale Price:$28,670
• *Inventory Changes Daily
• Buy Me!

 

I don't know what that add is about. I sat down with the sales manager and he took $500 off the price and wasn't going to go any more. He let me walk instead coming off the price when I found out it couldn't be certified due to originating in Canada. They must be into it deep, it is a super nice truck and very clean. I love the heated leather seats.. Oh well, it can be someone else's problem.