Purchasing a Tacoma

Hey guys!

I'm looking to purchase a Tacoma but it's been tough and a bit frustrating. The dealers here are pretty terrible and we just purchased a Corolla from the one that's most decent but when I've tried to purchase a truck they hardly have any stock and zero follow through. I haven't been able to see them in person and building them online the options don't seem to match the actual trucks.

The bumper colors, interior colors etc didn't match Toyota.com

Also I wasn't sure if the 4 cyl is worth getting or will the truck struggle for simple day to day/freeway driving? In general I won't be hauling anything crazy so I plan to stick with a 4x2. Also ideally I'd like remote start and I haven't had the chance to hear or check out what the speaker/stereo options are. I just wish I could check out each model, to compare to one another in person. I've been looking at the SR, SR5 and Sport. Thanks guys!

 

Welcome! I had a 2008 2.7 and it was a great engine, but it was underpowered getting on the freeway. I now have a 14 V6 and have no regrets. The gas mileage drop was only about 2 mpg. I think the new 3.5 does even better in mpgs.

 

Thank you for that, I know trucks aren't the best at mpgs so I wasn't sure if it was worth it long term. If I would kick myself if it's dragging on the fwy! lol I currently have a Scion so I'm sure it'll end up being quite a bit of an adjustment for gas.

 

If most of your driving is on flatland get a 4, if it’s hilly get a 6 and welcome to TW !

 

Hi welcome to the forum. Just looking round the forum, the gen 2, 6 cylinders go upwards 600,000mi. I'd say go for that and never look back. The trucks are really reliable. Not sure where you're located, but I made sure I got one (2015) with the towing package, it has more torque (gearing) as well as an upgraded transmission cooler. The cooler will help with longevity.

Not sure if you're set on the Gen 3 (2016+) or not, but read up on each one. Best bet is probably find a low mileage 2015 with the v6 and just never worry about it again. These trucks hold their value and tons of aftermarket parts and How-tos online for DIY Maintenance.

Good luck out there and please let us know what you end up with.

 

Welcome to TW! Happy hunting!

 

Thanks so much! I'm in Fresno California. I'm trying to decide between the 17 & 18 and which model in general but I don't see too many differences between the years other than some color options. I did read there was possible issues with the transmission on the 17's, not sure if it was a big deal or just a few with issues. I'll definitely look into the towing package!!

 

You wont be happy with the 4 banger, get a 6.

 

Yeah, Here in Houston I make sure my cooling is on point. If you're in stop and go traffic a lot it might be beneficial.

Some Options I wish my 2015 had that the 2016+ have.

• Projector Headlights
• Onboard Computer (MPG, Tire Pressure, etc.) I had to buy a scanguage 2)
• Easy Down Tailgate
• LEDs in Bed
• Better MPGs (I used to drive a diesel jetta pulling down 65mpg)
• CRAWL Control (4x4)

I didn't think the features the gen 3 had compared to the TRD Off road I got, were worth the extra $10,000+. I also went to emailed two different sales reps at two different dealerships about Tacomas on a Friday, then went and looked for the trucks they had in stock the next day and they were already sold. So I know the search is tough, but just be patient. You'll know it when you find it.

The gen2s are faster if thats something you're into, and have a bullet-proof proven drivetrain and engine. I'm not sure who has the highest miles in a gen3s yet. I can personally say that after a long day of drinking and being de-hydrated I went to do an oil change but accidentally removed all my transmission fluid, and then put an extra 5.5Q of oil in the engine and the truck is still fine. I drove 6 miles and noticed a shutter and the tranny slipping and then went home and looked at the color of the fluid I drained.

A very embarrassing moment I might add... but I immediately corrected and still the truck runs perfectly. Can't speak highly enough of mine.

 

I see so many oldies but goodies still on the road and even for a used one they have a decent sticker price. I have a 67 Chevy I'm slowly restoring and despite loving Chevy I'm set on getting a Tacoma. I don't believe the S has the onboard computer but the S5 and up does and that makes me lean towards the S5/Sport. It sounds like they are forgiving trucks, I'm glad it didn't give you any trouble. Certainly a learning experience!

I'm happy to wait and make sure I'm making a knowledgeable decision, just wish customer service was better these days!

 

Drive samples of both under the conditions you normally drive.

My 2.7 five lug suits me just fine.

But if I lived elsewhere with different usages, I'd have opted for a 4.0.

 

Hopefully they'll have some in stock so I can drive them, I think that alone would certainly help me making a decision despite MPGs etc.

 

I feel that the v6 is already slow to a 4cyl would drive me crazy.

Try to get locked in pricing online or by phone so you don't waste your time. Dealership experiences are usually more painful than smooth.

 

When we bought our Corolla last month, I mentioned a truck in the future they acted as though there was zero wiggle room. I locked in a price for the Corolla at another dealership over the phone with management. We got off the phone, went straight over and they showed us the car but when we sat down to do paperwork, they tried to say it was for a model lower and less options. Horrible experience with them and they were extremely condescending.

 

That bait and switch thing and dealer's bad attitude is why many feel that they always get a bad deal. It's like lose - win vs win-win as it should be.

I bought my Taco online at first then made a few calls. In fact I never went to the dealership. I did everything online/phone and the salesguy delivered it 60 miles to me.

The only advice I would add so this doesn't happen to you again is to get the price and the VIN of that car so they can't play you. Watch out for that finance guy and the extras they try to push too. They're the worse salesguys.

 

Yes! Had that happen to me twice before and by the second time I learned my lesson and asked for the VIN. Couldn't get it so I took my deposit and purchased elsewhere. I always feel the deal has to work for both of us so why make it worse to where I won't buy at all. Not worth the games they play instead of a loyal customer who's buying 2 cars in a couple months.

I didn't think to do it all online but I'll have to check it out, sounds like you had a good experience!

 

agree. thats what i did- 2015 Gen 2. seems like there may be some bumps to smooth out with the gen 3- i would have NO idea what the reality is but seems to be some gen 3 complaints- do some research to see if any fact behind it.

 

And Welcome To TW!