New to the brand

Hi Everyone,

Jeremy here from west Michigan. I've only owned Volvos and Jeeps my entire adult life. Last two daily drivers were an '06 Rubicon and lastly a 2012. Really like the Jeep, like it's utility, don't like the 16mpgs. So not really looking (but always have my eye open), a co worker drives an 08 SR5 ext cab and seem to like it. A friend from high school has had two (both older, I can tell what you what year, I always refer to them as the 'smaller style' Tacoma) and loved them both. Her boyfriend had tried to kill it wheeling several times and it always seemed to roll out of the trails running.
So, I've been thinking about going to a '17 or '18 Tacoma. Four door. But here is where I'd like your guy's opinions and knowledge to school me. I've driven two from the dealer and like them thus far, and coming from a Rubicon, my initial reaction was to get a Pro, but it appears that I'm spending $5K on LED fog lights, some embroidery and FOX shocks. So I've been leaning towards the Off-Road trim. Any pros or cons I should know about that one from another world wouldn't know? Toyota says they all get about 19/24, is that what everyone seems to be getting? Towing isn't great, but I don't tow a lot.
Finally, are they still hard to kill? If I drop $32-36K on a YOTA, I'd like to know it'll get me 200,000. And I use my 4x4s. Usually off road. As well as a daily driver getting 16-18K miles/yr.
Anyway, just looking for overall opinions on owner satisfaction, overall durability, long term maintenance issues, etc.

Thanks all!

 

Jeeps are cool and capable. Tacomas are know for reliability and many people think are a fit for a daily driver situation. Good luck with your decision and welcome to the site.

 

I'm just gonna throw this out there, get a MT. "IF" I ever get rid of my 2nd gen I will only get a MT.

 

If you get a 3rd gen try to get a manual. Or really test drive the auto for a full day. If it was me I would look for a low mileage 2013-2015. Proven rig for over 10 years.

 

Are you guys recommending the MT because I wheel a fair bit? Or because there are known issues with the AT?
I've been leaning towards the AT cause the better half can't drive a MT.

 

Welcome to TW! I have not driven a third gen, so I can't give you any advise, but my 2 second gen trucks have been great vehicles and I'm planning on keeping my current 2014 for a very long time.

 

Mainly due to the drivablilty of the auto. Some can live with it and some hate it. Most live with it because you kinda have to when your in a good $30k on a vehicle.

 

Welcome! The Pro is a great truck if your planning on leaving the suspension stock. If your like to build vehicles the Off-road model would be a better option.