Hopefully a new taco owner in the very near future... advice?

Hello TW,

I have wanted a Tacoma since I was 16 (34 now), and likely will finally pull the trigger on one this week.

After searching for a couple of months, I have narrowed it down to just a few. A few things about my desired truck: strongly prefer 2015, low miles, CPO, DCSB, 4x4, TRD. I lean more towards the Sport vs the OR for the cosmetics. 95% of my driving will be on pavement, with any offroad driving related to finding fishing spots mainly (i.e. no serious offroading planned).

My top choice currently is this '15 TRD Sport with 25k, JBL, and super clean. I am really excited about this truck overall. Do you think this is a reasonable deal? This is a dealership that promotes "no haggling pricing" so not sure if there is any wiggle room. However, funny to me, the window sticker price is $800 higher than the "Internet price" so maybe there is some room. https://www.flowtoyotaofstatesville...a-Tacoma-092150870a0e0adf2fbff86408a5c18d.htm

Other options include this '15 OR with 32k (same dealership) https://www.flowtoyotaofstatesville...a-Tacoma-a36365330a0e0adf2bd1b787ece22c3d.htm

Or this '15 OR with 10k (same price as the Sport with 25k) https://www.moderntoyotaofboone.com...a-Tacoma-2ed4d3b30a0e0ae77e83f02412acc6e5.htm

Any thoughts? Anything I should look for specifically? I guess the OR with 10k is technically the best deal, but I sure like the Sport with 25k, JBL, etc.

After any purchase I will look to get some running boards (suggestions?), truxedo cover, and lock for the tailgate asap.

Thanks for your thoughts!

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Edit 4/9/18:


Well, I am still in the hunt. Both the black sport w/ JBL and the MGM off-road sold.


The '15 Silver off-road w/ ~32k is still available, but is now priced at $26,999. Tempting at that price, but silver is not my favorite (particularly with non-color matched handles and mirrors).


https://www.flowtoyotaofstatesville...a-Tacoma-a36365330a0e0adf2bd1b787ece22c3d.htm


Also came across this '16 Limited w/ ~31k for $31,000. I might drive and look at it tomorrow, although it seems too good to be true. Any thoughts?


https://www.toyotaofnorthcharlotte....a-Tacoma-c4d8b6910a0e0ae850a0a411da3f18e9.htm

 

Guess its my ad blocker? couldn't get the links to work. How much is the '15 TRD sport you like?

 

I vote for the 15' MGM with 10k. Just cause of the lockers and low miles. Also a little better ride quality than a sport.

 

Welcome! They both look good, low miles and clean. Can’t go wrong, get what you like!

 

Great choices man. Pick the color you like. Theyre great trucks!

 

I vote you get the TRD OR with 10k miles, and spend a little extra on a hood swap if you like the look of the scoop. Then it would look pretty much the same as the sport.

 

I agree OR 10k you can get a better system later on down the road.

 

Welcome aboard. Kinda partial to the MGM myself but I bought the long bed

 

Get the best condition off-road 4x4 you can afford without having to make huge payments. You will want to “personalize” it and there would be nothing more depressing than realizing you could have and should have bought one in the first place. Also, buy private party and you will get so much more truck for your money. Worth it even if you have to get a used car loan to buy it, but if so, go to a credit union, you may qualify for a lower interest loan over other bank offers!

 

I have a 2015 Sport but in your case I would get the OR with 10k. I get you like the color matching but I would take the low miles and locker over the skewp and pretty bumper any time. Regardless that it will be mostly a pavement queen (as is mine) the only reason I got the sport over the OR is I wanted the long bed and double cab, only available in the Sport in ‘15. I wouldn’t get another black vehicle either - but that’s just me from previous experience. Good luck!

 

$29,500

 

Thanks to all for the responses. It is a tough choice. Would it make a difference to say that, beyond the minor mods mentioned above, I wouldn't be doing much to it in the near future? That is, I would like to have a ride with upgrades I don't have to do (i.e. JBL). I could not see myself changing the suspension, etc., maybe ever. Two kids under three will prevent much of that from happening!

I agree the logical choice is the OR, mainly for the miles (basically a new truck!). And I like the MGM slightly better than black. But for some reason I really like that sport!

 

Thanks, got to links with my laptop.
Both my taco's have been sport models with long beds. But I agree that the shorter wheel base, rear locker OR model has some off road advantages. Better handling etc.
Sport model looks nice though!
Good luck with your decision!

 

MGM TRD OR; I went with black and it literally shows every nick, scratch, piece of road dust, etc. Doesn't matter how many times you wash and wax, black just shows everything! All of the trucks are in the normal price range for '15 Tacos. Unfortunately, prices on those trucks are high because its the last year model, and a lot of problems with the the 3rd Gens, have driven the 2nd Gen pricing up. No worries, because the Taco is one of the highest, if not the highest, resale trucks you can own. You mentioned you have two toddlers; I would make sure you take them and their carseats when you test drive the truck, Im just finding out that two car seats in the back of my Taco is a VERY tight fit, and requires me to put both front seats forward of where I usually keep them. Anyways, good luck, you can't really go wrong with the Taco, and they are such reliable and long lasting trucks that your 3 year old will be able to inherit it from you when they turn 16 !

 

even though they say it's no haggle there is always wiggle room especially if your trading in another vehicle. As someone who used to sell cars at a "no haggle dealership" I know they have wiggle room hence the difference in internet price. In all honesty it's a gimmick to get you in the mindset of paying what they want for it. Never tell them what you want to pay or what your current payments are. Just say you want the best deal they can give and if they don't you may have to walk away. In most cases they will call you back to make a deal. Also see how long the truck has been on the lot, most dealerships have a time frame to move the cars on the lot and that can be a bargaining chip in your favor. These trucks are popular here in western NC so good luck a lot of people over pay for them

 

If it was one of these 3, for sure the OR with 10k miles. From a financial view, compare rates of a used versus new auto loan if your financing. Might be worth looking at new, your talking already dropping 30k for a good used ride.

 

I like the Sport because I hate chrome ---- but you do need to understand black is the worst color to ever own. Paint shows scratches like none other.

Silver is the second worst color to get LOL paint matching is a complete nightmare if you ever get any paint damage or get into an accident and have to get it repaired. I won't own a silver vehicle for this reason (or black).

If I had to put color aside, I'd go with the Sport.

 

Pretty much what I got my 2017 SR v6 4x4 dcsb for, I couldn't justify used when I was looking because at most 2-3 yr old trucks were only 3 grand cheaper, there was a 2016 off road with 16k priced at 33k at dealership I bought mine from. As someone else said might look at new may only be couple grand more.

 

Dude that '15 with 10k miles is $30k! For 4 grand more you could be into a brand new '17!

 

My reasons for not buying new/newer are:

- $29/30k is already the top end of my budget. I went into this wanting to spend 25k, and have slowly crept up as I have realized I want to minimize miles as much as possible (<40k)
- I will be financing a small portion of the overall purchase, and that will be paid off in a year, two at most. So I am not super worried about the few % points difference between financing new vs. used
- Generally speaking I could get a 16/17 SR or SR5 in the same price range I am looking at, but my heart is set on TRD. See my earlier post about not being able to mod much after purchasing. A newer TRD OR with really low (or no) miles is a lot closer to 35 than 30, well above budget.
- I understand that enthusiasts (like those on this site!) like the 2G much better than the 3G anyway. Hence the closeness in price between a newer 2G and all 3G vehicles.

Let me know if I am missing anything obvious here. The main factor is not getting into "price creep." Sure, 33 is close to 30, and 35 is close to 33, but none are close to the 25k I started at! I measure purchases like this in total purchase price, not monthly payment.

Thanks for all the responses so far! Leaning more towards the OR w/ 10k now. Basically a new truck as far as I am concerned. Decisions, decisions....