Advice for newb looking to purchase a new Tacoma?

Hello everyone. My GF and I are currently living in Fort Nelson, BC, Canada which means lots of wilderness and even more winter. My trusty 2003 Toyota Matrix XRS just wasn't designed to handle these conditions so we have decided to purchase a new truck. I am looking at getting a 2010 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab V6 with the TRD Offroad package. All the reviews I've read suggest that this is an excellent small truck and the price is just within our budget. Is there anything that I, as a prospective buyer, should be aware of with regards to this truck? Any issues to look out for or things that I should consider replacing sooner rather than later? Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Welcome to TW! The stock tires are no good in snow .

 

Thanks, I'd assumed as much. I would be replacing them with Nokian WRG2 or Hakkapeliitta R tires.

 

I put studded winter tires on mine and it's like driving a tank out here in New Brunswick. We just got hit with a bad storm and I have no trouble getting around.

Cheers!

 

Oh and just in case anyone was wondering, this is where Fort Nelson is: http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=q&sour...801651,-122.35199&spn=22.754412,86.044922&z=4. If you zoom in on Google Maps, you'll see the town is surrounded by a whole lot of... nothing! And that nothing includes roads which is why I am looking at a truck.

 

Welcome! The only thing that annoys me is the rear suspension on bumpy roads or carrying anything heavy. There is a TSB for upgraded spring packs which supposedly helps so you may want to see if you can work that into the deal before you drive it off the lot.

 

Sounds like you would be very happy with a Tacoma. I've had 6 trucks and 3 of them have been a Tacoma (I keep coming back to them for some reason ). Perfect size for driving everyday, very reliable and the resale value speaks for itself. As long as you're not planning on pulling huge loads you'll be happy with that truck.

 

G2's are good but i would go with the Hakka R's or if you can, go with the hakka 5's. Those things are insane on ice and snow.

 

If there is a TSB, would the issue not be fixed before the dealer sold the truck? Or are they not required to do that? Thanks for the heads up though, I'll make sure to ask about it.

 

No they haven't been doing it before it is sold. They are waiting for the customer to bring it back and complain that the bed hit the bump stops under a small load...probably anything over 6-700 lbs.

I thought I remember the Canadian trucks had the 4 leaf pack. Either way it is easy to tell. When you go look at your new truck count the rear leaf springs. If there are three you need the tsb, if there are four you are good to go!

With the OR package, they will just replace the rear springs and get an alignment. If you are planning on adding any lift to the front like the billies 5100's or coilovers do it first then take the truck in for the tsb and you can get an alignment for free...because if you change the front shocks you will have to have an alignment regardless.

Hope this helps, and welcome to TW!

 

sounds like a good truck. Welcome to TW.

 

Hendooman pretty much said it. A TSB is not a recall so the dealers are not required to do the upgrade or even tell the customer about it. It has to be a specific complaint about a "harsh ride" over bumpy road and/or under heavy load. Just count the leafs when your looking at the trucks. Good advice about waiting if you plan to lift the front.

 

Welcome to TW!
I've never heard of those tires you mentioned so I looked them up...Those are car tires, not really close to the correct size for a truck.

 

You buying there in Nelson, whitehorse or south?

 

Welcome and by no means is the 2nd gen a "small" truck! You're gonna love it!

 

You'll enjoy whatever Tacoma you buy.

My only advice is the same I give to anybody (and follow myself)... why not consider saving a few thousand bucks and trying to find a slighly used truck? Let the first guy take the major depreciation hit driving off the lot.

 

Like everyone said, the tires and leaf springs are all I'd look out for. Personally, I wouldn't sign until they swapped the 3pack over for the 4 pack of leaves as the 09 and 10 are not listed on the TSB yet.

 

I have to disagree with buying used! GO NEW...there is only a 2-3 kdifference, and if your spending 23K on a truck, IMO. it's very damn close to spending 25K....and the comfort of being the ONLY driver is worth it!

 

These are the tires I was referring to: http://www.nokiantires.com/product-group?group=2.01

I was going to get them locally at Kal Tire since they have wicked customer service.