Help a newb buy a Tacoma

Hi folks. I've been shopping for a truck for a little while now, and was thinking I'd be going with a full size Ford, but my son has convinced me to look at Tacomas, and I've got to admit, I really like what I'm seeing (haven't test driven any yet). I've got a few questions if you all don't mind....

I'm thinking I'm going to end up in a 2012 - 2014 Tacoma with hopefully less than 100K on it. I'm dead set on the double cab, and am thinking I'd like a long bed. I don't NEED 4x4, but I'd take it if the price was right. The prerunners look appealing to me. I'd prefer a V6.

I know there's a tow package available. How can I tell if a truck had the tow package ?(assuming the window sticker isn't available.)

What's the bed made of? I read something about a composite inner bed with metal fenders. Is this as durable as an all metal bed? I figure it must be but I'd like to get some confirmation.

I've been reading on the forum as a guest, and have seen the issue with the secondary air injection pump and check valve. I think I understand this, but are there any other gotcha's to look out for?

That's all I can think of now. I really appreciate you all taking time to answer my questions.

Edited to add: oh yeah one other thing... do these trucks really last to 300k miles with mostly just routine maintenance?

 

welcome to tw. the bed is a composite fiberglass tougher then hell. I've put mine through a lot. these trucks will run forever with proper maintenance

 

if you could find you a 2012-2015 with less than 100 miles youll be hot to trot
welcome to tacoma world by the way!

 

This is only an issue because a FEW people on tacomaworld MADE it a big issue. It shouldnt concern you.

 

I would agree that Ford has historically made the best overall truck of US car companies. However, I chose my first Tacoma a week ago based on the success that we've had with our Sequoia, a Prius that we had and a 4 runner that we had years ago.

The best Ford truck would be one with a straight 6 and I don't even know if they make those anymore. Other than those, the Toyota will outlast the Ford about 2:1.

 

First of all... why did you want a full size?

If you want or need a full size you in all likelyhood will be dissapointed with a Tacoma. Its towing and hauling abilities are substantially less (without spending thousands to modify).

I have a '13 TRD Sport double cab long bed. If you use a truck at all like a truck go with the long bed. I have no idea how people are happy with a short bed (even on a full size).

I got my truck as #1 a fun toy #2 a daily driver and #3 to see if I really needed my F250 beast. The Taco confirmed my life will never be complete without a full size. The payload capacity and size is just not there. And I wouldn't tow anything more than a 5x8 trailer with a couch with it.

The Taco is my cool hunting rig and serves the daily driver purpose very well.

There is no promise how long a truck will last. Some of the new 3rd generation Tacomas have had major trans and engine failures under 20k miles. Some people here have over 400k mikes on theres.

You act like you a shocked a vehicle can make it 300k without major repairs. By any chance did you previously own Dodges? Because outside of Jeep/Chrystler/Dodge 300k is pretty standard of all vehicles.

My F250 is 15 years old and over 205k miles. Ive taken the Tacoma in 5 times for issues. I've never had to take my Ford to the dealer. Only repair was a steering pump.

Get the Taco if you don't need/want a full size. But go with the long bed!

 

Amen to that!

 

i have a 2015 with a 6" lift, running 35" super swampers with stock gearing and i haul a 6x12 trailer with 1 sometimes 2 fourwheelers on it just about every weekend during hunting season with absolutely no trouble at all.
i think the guy who posted this thread is just an ordinary guy like the rest of us who's looking at buying himself a tacoma for a daily driver

also, i believe the towing package consists of a receiver hitch, a transmission cooler (looks like smaller radiator in front of actual radiator), and i THINK a different alternator

 

PackCon: I did own a Dodge - Got a 2000 Dodge Durango and then a few years later bought another (2 at the same time) 2003... both bought new. The 2003 left with my ex (buh-bye! Whew!) and I kept the 2000. Once it hit about 170K miles it was like a terrorist just ready to leave me stranded on the side of the road at a moment's notice, and it did.

As for the full size truck question... I've been reconsidering that. I thought I'd need one but I really can see me hauling drywall sheets once or twice in the truck's life. Other than that there will be a lot of hardwood flooring hauling, junk hauling and other materials hauling along with landscaping materials. The truck definitely will be used as a truck, but not every day and not even every weekend. I'm definitely MUCH more interested in the long bed.

One question I have - for a double cab, is there enough leg room in the back for my 5'5" (step)daughter to ride comfortably for a couple hours at a time every once in a while? My dog won't care about legroom, but she'll ride more than my daughter.

Thanks everyone for the responses... I really appreciate it!

 

I frequently road trip with me and 3 other guys. Our two trip distances are 2.5 hours and 5 hours. I am only allowed to bring my Taco if we are doing the 2.5 hour trip, but not the 5 hour.

The two hour trip sucks too. Its a tight squeeze. The two that sit in the back are 5'8" and 5'10".

 

Radiator should be 130amp if full tow package is installed.

 

To counter this, I absolutely love the amount of space a double cab has in the back seats. I have gone on multiple 3+ hr drives with 6 ft+ friends and they have never complained.

 

Yup agreed. Sitting in the back of our DC's for longer then 2 hours is a form of torture if you are over 6ft.