looking at toyota

i have owned trucks of every make and model but never owned a toyota. i have driven some old 90's first gens that my employer owns but they seemed like total dogs on the gas pedal. i had driven in a friends 4cyl last gen and it seemed to have decent power, nothing like the last gen 4cyl i drove around.

i am looking to get rid of my f150 and get a 4cyl base model tacoma to drive around for work. i do a lot of driving in and around L.A. how are the base model trucks? are they gutless or ..? just looking for some general input/opinions from guys who already own a tacoma. thanks guys

 

Pretty gutless with an auto, a little more spirited with a manual.

I don't think I'd want one for a commuter, but that's just me. Bought my truck new in 2013 and have 43k on it. No real complaints except a massive lack of power at altitude (like going to Tahoe), other than that, did good on the MPGs and keeps me comfy enough.

 

here's my 2012 base.


i have to say the toyota tacoma will hold its own.

 

I thought long and hard about this before I made my decision. I was looking for a base model 4 cylinder since it would be the cheapest. I didn't want to go up in car payments. The 4 cylinder looks and drives just like the v6 model but with much less power. I weighed the 4 cylinder and the v6 and the difference in power is very noticeable. I did drive the 4 cylinder automatic since the dealership did not have a manual. If you go with the 4 cylinder...get the manual... even if you have to get it ordered. The automatic is very gutless. On another note... I love my 2015 v6 SR5 Prerunner. I have no complaints and I have towed some heavy loads with it also. Oh... and by the way... the dealership was able to get the price of my v6 SR5 Prerunner down to less than what they would have been able to do the 4 cylinder base model for. Dont ask me how.... I think it was the color of my truck that did it. The only way they did it was if I went with the Pyrite Mica. Below are the pictures of the trucks I debated on for quite a while.