Should my girlfriend buy a 2016 Tacoma 4x4 DC?

Does she NEED a truck?

 

What does need have to do with it? If that was a prerequisite, there would be a lot less sales of pickup trucks in the US.
Just kidding......

 

Thanks for the feedback....I would never tell anyone to buy a truck just because I want them to have one. She is an outdoorsy, hiker, camper, climber, biker etc. The only vehicle she has ever owned is the Subaru Outback. It's been a decent car but she is over it. Low clearance, not that great on mpg (might as well have a truck) and not a lot of space for car camping. Like I said in my previous post, we are wildland firefighters and our jobs are seasonal so in the off-season we move around and travel a lot. Her stuff barely fits in her Subaru. She wants a Tacoma so she can fit all of her camping/climbing/biking gear in the truck, use it for occasional off roading and car camping. Also, in Wyoming it's a good idea to have a 4x4. In the wildland firefighter community it seems like everyone we work with has a Tacoma so she is familiar with Toyota Trucks. It's her idea, I'm just here for support.

 

Yeah, I agree that the price seems a little steep but I'm trying to focus on other issues I've heard about the truck.

 

This.

NEED is not a concern for a lot of people.

My neighbor has a decked out green Wrangler Unlimited.

Guess what his wife has?

A decked out green Wrangler Unlimited, though it is a different shade of green.

I tease him that it's so he'll always have a green Wrangler to drive when one is in the shop

 

that is really all that matters- most people here like their 3rd gens, test drive it and talk to other owners. And get a better deal if possible- good luck!

 

Some have issues some don't, I for one only have one issue the Howling Diff but am Confident Toyota will make it right. Otherwise I'm very impressed and Happy with the truck...

 

Absolutely. Thanks for all the replies.

 

That's funny, but Yes, she doesn't have to have a need for it necessarily but you said you already have a Tundra though.

 

Well in that case, sounds like it might be a good fit for her.

 

The Tundra is my truck, not her truck.

 

Test drive the thing and see if the shift logic bothers her. I bet the 2016 Taco shifts better than the Outback, if my 2011 Impreza is anything to go by...

Note there are no major mechanical changes in 2017 and none expected in 2018. If Toyota develops further revised transmission algorithms, it would just be another ECM software flash (i.e. retrofitable).

 

I would have no problem recommending the vehicle. Shifting lethargy or not. I agree with what others have said though and wouldn't pay 33k for it. If you can get the price down a bit, then I'd say go for it. I'm assuming this would be a daily driver to haul stuff...not planning on rock crawling etc? Just wondering if an OR would be more suitable is all.

 

The only difference between the Tacoma and Outback is drivability. our Forester is a pleasure to drive always, and in heavy rain and snow, it navigates the roads more "effortlessly". Full time all wheel is just better for my wife- since she doesn't have to do anything. And that little 4 cylinder. engine has some nice pickup.
Sounds like the DCLB is a better option for your girlfriend though.

 

First things first... it can't be a Limited and a TRD Sport at the same time. It's not a Limited. It's a TRD Sport.
Don't expect improvements in the years to come. It is what it is. If you aren't okay with the feedback now you aren't going to be okay with the feedback in a couple years.
Explore a manual transmission. It's really the only way to go in a 3rd gen Taco. Learning is easy.
Go drive one and see if she likes it.

Don't recommend buying one, recommend test driving one. Then go from there.

 

Don't make decisions for your girlfriend especially if you want to keep her. Especially don't make decisions for a wife as you still have to live with her. You don't want to be a contributor when things go wrong. She's a fire fighter she knows how to pull up her own pants and make life and death decisions. I'm sure she can handle this. As for a Used 1 year old Tacoma on a lot don't run up to look at it, run away. There is a reason it is there. Wait until the 3 year old lease's come up you will have better odds in your favor.

 

It has a chrome limited badge on it. It's my understanding that that package includes heated seats and navigation.

 

Either previous owner or one of the dealerships put the Limited badge on it but regardless its not a Limited. There is no Limited package. Only the Limited trim which has leather and 18" wheels. Heated seats and navigation come in the Premium and Technology package which is an option on the TRD Sport

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-tacoma-model-package-option-costs-master-list.388345/

 

Yeah, she can handle it. Not trying to make decisions for her...but as someone who has owned 5 Toyota trucks I'm just trying to help her out and give her as much information as I can. It's her money and her decision.

 

Okay, yeah it looks like it has leather seats as well but not sure about the size of the rims.