Just test drove 2018 TRD OFF Road

Howdy all,

First time poster from Orlando Florida. Current owner of a 2016 Jeep Wrangler looking to trade in for a 2018 TRD Off Road.

Anyways, I test drove one tonight and I was really impressed. After reading all the negative talk on the web about the cabin size and transmission issues I had lowered my expectations but I was thoroughly impressed. I did a long test drive both on highway and city for about 40 minutes. I didn’t notice the vehicle hunting for gears at all. It was really smooth. Maybe it’s because I’m coming from a Jeep but I found the ride nice. I’m 6”2 so the seating wasn’t perfect but I had a 2008 FJ Crusier TT before my Wrangler so I’m used to sitting on the floor. I guess I could see that bothering some people. My wife was comfortable in the back seat. I sat back there too and wasn’t crammed.

My question is are all these horror stories about the transmission blown out of proportion?

I’m gonna work on numbers at the dealer tomorrow but they’re at $35,780 before tax tags and title. They said there isn’t much wiggle room. I know I can do better but was wondering what is a good number to shoot for on a new TRD Off Road double cab?

Also I have to decide between silver and white. I’m leaving silver but my wife likes white. Big decisions.

 

Simply put, yes, they are. You'd be surprised how many people on here don't know how to drive an automatic. For those people, I'd suggest they just stick with a manual to keep it simple.

 

That’s what I’ve figured. It was just strange because when I started the test drive I was really looking to nitpick the shifting and acceleration but nothing seemed bad to me. I was really mashing the pedal to.

 

Mashing the pedal is the key. The engine likes high rpms, so that's how you need to drive it.

 

I found my 2017 OR a little sluggish at first but I’m around 4,500 miles and have started to lay into it and it is more responsive than it used to be. They say the tranny learns your driving habits and mine is starting to drive like my 2nd gens did.

 

I test drove a 16 and a 17, didn't buy because of the shifting. Read they did a TSB on the transmission and purchased in 18 after really liking how it drove. It's absolutely different. You'll see a lot of people making comments on their experience before the ECU flash. 16s and 17s can get the same ECU flash, however a lot of transmissions were underfilled with fluid, which attributed to some of the negative you are reading as well. 18s are great trucks. That's probably why they are breaking sales record's. Go get yourself a new truck and enjoy!

 

This is very helpful! Thank you. I will keep everyone updated on the purchase. I figured by now it would be a good time to buy now that the kinks are worked out.

 

Welcome to TW...Toyota has had a lot of issues now and in the past. Having said that at least Toyota stands behind their trucks which is why I’m on my 4th Tacoma. The thing I can’t figure out is why all the frame issues,you would think they would have figured it out after the first 10 or 15 years. Toyota actually bought my 2000 X-tra cab back from me in 2010 so no complaints here.

 

I've been thinking of getting a new one myself, but if I keep my like new 13 and get a Harley, I'll save money.

 

Pretty much all of the problems you see on this site (and any other forum) are overblown.

 

$35780 doesn't sound too bad for a OR.

 

I say get the Harley.

I think I can do better. We just skimmed over numbers Lightly today.

 

I've no complaints at all on my '17 OR. Mine was built late in the year so maybe they had ironed out the kinks by then. I honestly don't even notice when it shifts. I just get in and go with a big smile.

 

Me? I’d get the white one. Your wife wants white. You’ve been outvoted Pics of it in your driveway, please and welcome to TW!

 

I've had a 00, 08, 11, 15, 16 and 17 Tacoma, you can't go wrong with these trucks all have served me well (especially the 2000 with 232k in college) each had one weird thing here or there but overall most reliable vehicles I've ever owned. And yes when the 3rd gen first came out there was so much griping, complaining, finding an excuse to just hate it and justification for it to be a turd, its proven otherwise, you'll be more than fine and happy you made the switch. Price sounds great too depending on options. Congrats and welcome to the club, hide the wallet.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

It's a shell and pea game.

You have to take 2 shells (trade & financing) off the table to find the pea (real price)

Get that number right, THEN talk about the others.

If they then still give you a high number on your trade, you'll know you're still paying too much.

Know what the other financing options out there are, like a CU. Remember the payment isn't the goal (they'll make that the goal) the total cost is the goal.

And be ready to politely rise and walk out. It's your greatest leverage.

 

Just picked her up today. MSRP $37,419 got 4K off MSRP so 33,419 and they threw in all weather mats.

 

Good deal! Enjoy!