Potential new owner debating what to buy

Have you had a chance to test drive some Tacoma's?

 

I've been on three test drives now. The first was with a TRD OR with the automatic which seemed fine for driving around town. The drive was only for a few miles, so I wasn't able to get up into the foothills to see how it would perform on grades at altitude. Even in my short drive around town, I could see the difference in shift logic when using the ECT option.

The last two drives were in two different TRD Sports with the manual; this past Saturday being the most recent test drive. The second drive in the manual confirmed that I really do like it. While the shifter has a longer throw than I'm used to, it still has a nice direct shift and the clutch was easy to modulate. Aside from the transmissions, I also noticed the slightly stiffer suspension difference between the Sport and Off Road. So, I am now working on an order for a TRD OR with the manual. The order will take a while, however the nice thing is getting exactly what I want. It seems most of the trucks on the dealer lots are loaded with accessories like the tonneau cover, side steps, and all weather floor mats.

 

I ended up Ordering a Manual Off Road too, its been a couple Months since I ordered and is scheduled to be built at the end of February and at my Dealership at the end of March.

 

Wow, so it looks like I've got about a 4 month wait then.

 

Congrats on your decision.

Agreed on the BS accessories added. I assume that's how they get an extra cut by selling you all those port installed accessories already installed.

 

They explained to me how the factory works as they only build 1 configuration at a time for a set period of time and then change to a different configuration. It really depends when you place the order as you may even catch the cycle that mine is being built in

 

I made the switch from a WRX to a Tacoma and I have no regrets. My WRX was modified and pretty fast, the passing power is basically all I miss.

 

really? funny, i don't miss the power at all. i miss the tossability. well, a bit. i've done some good work to get my truck pretty fun, and it is. just not quite as tossable as my R32 was. i modified the chassis and suspension to the gills and that thing would stick to the road like hot glue. actually, having these hardass E tires on the Taco makes for some pretty fun driving as well in a different way!

 

... keep in mind the Tonneau cover is required to be factory installed as it has the attaching pins built into the bed. There are aftermarket solutions, but if you want an OEM tri-fold it isn't as simple as adding in after the fact like mud flaps or all weather mats. Same with the tow package, if you know you want them it is better to get them up front and they both come included on the Tech Package anyway.

I didn't do a "build your own" per say, I requested exactly what I wanted and the dealer I was working with (off TrueCar) found that exact vehicle being allocated a couple weeks out to another dealer in their trade radius and he locked it in - it still delivered to that dealer, but same day it was PDI'd and picked up by the dealer I purchased from I just had to wait for it to show up to it's original destination, and it sat in a local port through the holidays causing some extra delay which kinda sucked... because of anticipation.

Cool process all in all. With the "Tech Package" I ended up mostly getting features I did want but didn't necessarily want to pay for like heated seats and moonroof, but also lumped in blind spot mirrors which I could personally give a crap about.

 

From what I'm being told, the Honda Ridgeline has the passing power. coworkers told me so.

 

You had an R32? And it was legal in the States? That can only mean Motorex. Why would you ever get rid of that?

 

VW also has a R32...

 

We don't speak about VW 'round here boy.

Dem's a cheatin' company!

 

LOL... damn....
Tell us St.Germain! Mr.sixtwotwo is dying to know!

 

Thanks for the insight. Hopefully I can catch that same cycle.

 

No problem, mine is currently scheduled to be built on Feb 28.

 

I'm sure I'll miss the boost at times too, but the taco will be a different type of fun. Seems there are quite a few former WRX and STI owners around here.

 

That is a good point about the tonneau being factory installed. For me, it's not a big deal whether I have it or not. The tow package is definitely a no brainer. It is possible to get the tow package and premium and tech without the tonneau, however it sounds like that is a rare combination. I agree with some of the stuff included on the premium and tech package. The heated seats and moonroof are the features I want. The rear traffic alert and blind spot monitor are things I would never order as individual options.

 

For the Manual Transmission there are 2 different Premium and Tech Packages, 1 is the regular version and I think the other is called P&T Plus Options which has that Cover and some other crap, pretty much just a way to drive the cost up!

 

My 2002 WRX spun a rod bearing, dropped about $1300 for a used and rebuilt longblock, sold it a few months later and was soon looking for another used AWD/4x4 vehicle. I found myself looking at another WRX, Forester XT, Wrangler, and Tacoma. I do admit I miss hearing that turbo spool but I regret nothing. I picked up a 2006 Tacoma double cab, short bed, with A/T. I'll have my truck paid off in 3 years with regular payments, but with this new job hopefully it'll be earlier and I am now finding myself looking at finally being able to purchase a brand vehicle which will either be a Tundra or a new Tacoma. I do enjoy fishing a LOT, camping has just been added to that list, and hunting will be added soon as well, with those three activities having a pick up has made things a lot more easier and enjoyable. It was quite interesting fitting 8 foot one piece fishing rods inside the WRX and even more interesting getting a 12 footer in there. I do plan on getting another WRX when the money is there. I plan on having the truck for camping, trails, fishing and the like and the WRX for quick day trips. Also the wife really enjoys the WRX over a truck.

Also you are correct, I also know a few former WRX and STI owners who now have Tacomas and 4Runners and one thing some of them took some time to realize was Subaru's AWD system is a bit different to Toyota's PART TIME 4HI and 4LO modes so make sure you do a little reading on that if you have already and hope you enjoy the new ride!