I want a Taco - this seems like a great place to be

First post, looking for my first Tacoma. I've been researching for a bit now and keep coming back to the X-Runner, though I'm open to opinions from this knowledgable crowd based on my considerations below. I'm pretty decided on a manual transmission, although I have yet to drive a V6 with MT.

My other qualifiers for a Tacoma are a

• lower bed (though not aftermarket lowered) - I want to get my motorcycle in and out relatively easier, and every inch makes a difference.
• relatively few miles ~>50,000
• lived in a dry state most of the time, for rust considerations
• prefer the blue, and not keen on black or white; red isn't my favorite...but red and blacks are what tend to be available recently.
• 2013 / 2014 would be ideal

I regularly check in on the various car searching sites, but things move fast. If anyone sees something that sits in this range, and doesn't grab it for themselves, I'd appreciate the tip.

There's one decent looking one a few hours from me, but I'm wary of the accident history showing on it's record, and that it's been listed for well over a month. My attempts to inquire about the vehicle didn't leave me with a great impression of the dealership, and heading for a test drive is nearly a day-long commitment, which seems a lot considering my gut feeling on it. http://www.bigstarford.com/used/Toyota/2013-Toyota-Tacoma-6ea8155a0a0e0a6b3b5b9d25e615a7a7.htm

I've only driven a couple around so far(2009 automatic V6 Prerunner, double cab - loved it; 2010 manual 2.7 4Cyl, access cab - felt too sluggish, though the clutch was smooth), so I'm still learning what I like. Any tips are appreciated!

 

Welcome. If your looking for interior space too, gonna have to forget about the X-Runner, only AC. I'm just judging by what you said about the DC of how you loved it (size wise). If you're really set on a manual, you should test drive whatever you are going to purchase. From what I've read, heard, and felt myself, the 1GR and 2nd gen MT don't mix too well, but that's me. IMHO getting a stock DCLB prerruner or 4x4 (if you ever plan to off-road) would be best bet. The truck is pretty low to begin with (compared to a full size) With the added weight of the motorcycle I would suggest though putting bags on to level it out during transport. As long as you keep stock tire and wheel size (you can change them out for something more appealing and still keep the same size) shouldn't be too hard to transport with some ramps. I would think a nice sized sports bike would fit fine, but it maybe a different story with a Harley. What do you ride?

 

Thanks for the info. I hadn't yet heard about the MT complaints on the 1GR. All my previous cars have been MT, but I know the experience will be different in a Tacoma, and definitely a good reason to find one I can test. The responsiveness and smoothness of the Prerunner's engine is what I appreciated; I'm not too concerned with the larger interior space. It's usually just me, maybe the girlfriend and the dog, riding around. I'm usually on my motorcycle, but for crap weather or lugging bigger items around, I'm getting rid of my '05 Honda Civic. I'm not a big off-roader, although I've certainly taken my Civic to places which it wasn't meant to drive.

I ride a 2014 Zero DS; end-to-end it's around 7' and 400 lbs. It's my second Zero, and now I can't imagine switching back to a gas bike except for longer trips.

Right now I think I'm between a Prerunner and the X-Runner; neither stay available long, here in Austin at least. I'll be open to buying out-of-state once I get behind the wheel of a few more and finding that right fit.

 

Awesome to hear. Finally someone's riding Zero. I tested one a couple years ago when they first came out, they did a group test ride out here in Vegas. Haven't purchased one yet because I've been waiting for the industry to get bigger but it's very close. Just FYI 2nd gen Tacoma's only come with 2 engines, 4.0 V6 (1GR) or 2.7 I4. The prerunner is just the designation of a 2wd Tacoma. SR5 I believe is the lowest "package" you can get behind sport and offroad (Don't quote me lol, my 07 is an SR5 Prerunner with the 1GR.) They changed designations and names of packages over the years. The Prerunner is a 6 lug hub just like 4x4's while the X-runner is 5 lug like a base base model, but just because they lose a lug doesn't mean they can't be beat to shit and still treat you well for years to come. As long as you take care of either the X-runner or Prerunner you plan on getting, you'll be happy either way. Even if you aren't going 4x4, the prerunner still gives you the clearance to go over simple things you'll encounter on a daily basis. The X-runner is specifically made for the streets.