Help me decide what Tacoma to buy

New member here (but I have been reading various threads), I’ve 95% decided that a Tacoma is the right next vehicle for me, looking for some help in removing that last 5% “maybe” and deciding on exactly which model/options to get.

Important requirements:

• Will be used for camping roadtrips. I want to get a snugtop, and build a storage/bed platform in there. I’m 6ft, so looking to get a long bed. [aside: snugtop seems like the most flexible topper, and I’ve read they can be relatively easily removed and reinstalled, which is something I’ll want to do for truck bed access at times. Other opinions welcome] Longer term, I might consider a four-wheel camper, and don’t want to lock myself out of that option.
• Will sometimes be used for transport of 3+ adults (including for some of those longer roadtrips), so thinking double cab is also a must have.
• Will probably do 95% of it’s miles on pavement, but I do travel on some rough dirt roads at times, and will be used in snow a lot as well, so 4x4.
• Occasional hauling loads (e.g. firewood)
• Reliable. I’m hoping to get 15+ years/200k miles out of a new vehicle.
• Reasonably comfortable driving, especially over longer trips.

Nice features to have, but not absolutely vital (general list: some of these not available on Tacoma :-( ):

• Android auto
• Heated seats (cold climate)
• Heated steering wheel (as above)
• Most recent safety features, e.g. backup proximity sensors, blind spot monitoring, etc.
• DRL
• Dynamic cruise control
• Roof rack
• Smart key/push button start
• TPMS with individual tire identification
• More off-road capabilities (I don't *need* them, but sometimes I *want* them)

Non-requirements:

• Function over form. Don’t really care how it looks.
• No intention to tow anything heavy.
• Anything not mentioned above

Onto the questions and choices:

• Which trim/model? Given double-cab/long bed, that restricts to SR5, Sport and Off-road. The (important to me) differences between these are, as far as I can tell:
  • MSRP Price ($35,190 for SR5, $37,845 for off-road, $37,875 for sport; latter two are configured with technology package)
  • Lack of BSM, etc with SR5 (all the stuff you get with technology package on the other two)
  • Suspension, which will affect handling/comfort
  • Smart key for Off-road and Sport.
  • The additional off road tech, locking diff etc. in the Off-road
  • Size of the front console screen (smaller in the SR5)

It’s pretty clear that the Off-road dominates the Sport for my purposes. I think the additional features with the Off-road are worth it vs the SR5 as well. We (wife and I) would take the 3 for a test drive though to compare handling/suspension to see if that swayed things one way or another, but unless it’s really noticeable I think the Off-road will be it.​

• Premium package: while I would really like the heated seats, and some of the other parts of the package would be nice (moonroof), I’m not willing to pay an extra ~3K for it. I’ll probably look into something like the solution described here.
• Accessories:
  • My wife may want steps: any reasons to prefer one type over another?
  • All-weather floor liners and door sill protection might be good. Worthwhile?
  • Roof rack? Trying to decide if I should go with factory installed, or get the Yakima rack systems (compatible with my existing racks), which would actually be cheaper. Doesn't look like the Tacoma comes with raised side rails by default?
• Miscellaneous:
  • Looking at my list of requirements, the biggest unaddressed one is the android auto. I see Toyota just announced that that will be coming sometime, but I don’t see it will help me. I might consider a replacement head unit at some point in the future, but for now it’ll be dash mounted phone holder.
  • Right now there is a $1000 cash-back on 2018 models. Any reason to prefer 2019? I'm not actually in a rush, anytime in the next 6-8 months will probably work for me.
  • I’ll be wanting winter tires, and was planning on getting a separate set of rims. Buy from dealer or elsewhere?
  • Any other buying hints? I bought my last vehicle through the Costco program, which worked well. Anybody done this for Tacomas?

TIA for any advice!

 

Son, your post is longer than the Constitution. You’ve obviously decided that you want a DCLB OR. Go buy it.

 

Do you lay out your socks for each day of the week?

 

Biggest changes for '19 will be at the SR, SR5 levels. More color options, tinted back window and an extra package or two. No reason to wait for '19 unless you want that trim. For the TRD sport/off road no need to wait unless you want Cavalry Blue.

 

Off Road with Tech pkg is probably what you want. Skip the premium. You’re 6’. You don’t need a sunroof taking up headroom.

But if I were you, I’d forego all the tech and get an SR5 LB. Use the money saved for the shell.

Go for ‘18’s. No difference from 19’s and you get better financing and pricing.

 

F250

 

Dude, if you want to haul 3+ adults for any distance, don't buy a Tacoma. It's fine for four adults for a 10-15 minute ride across town. Otherwise, the back seaters will be uncomfortable and cramped. You need a full size or a 4Runner. When I need to haul four adults for work for any distance, I rent a Suburban. Don't con yourself.

 

4runner with rtt

 

My thoughts exactly. F150 gets better mileage and fits adults. And has torque.

 

Tundra

 

3 people on longer trips could be snug. When we do our 10 day trips, the bed is well packed , as well as the majority of the rear row. Albeit, I've got a short bed.

Maybe a 4r and get a yard trailer for the house stuff and firewood ?

 

Thanks for all the details. I’ve owned a ton of new cars over the years and I used to analyze (read over analyze) my needs kind of like you are doing now. TBH, I really think you are over analyzing this, just like I did many years ago. You’ve decided that you want a truck so go find one you like that comes as close to meeting your needs and wants as possible and buy it. I used to literally get paralyzed for months because I would analyze things to death before buying and even then, I wouldn’t always make perfect buying choices.

FWIW, like many others on here, I’ve owned a few Tacos. My last two were long beds. Why? Well, I like the way they look and ride better than the short beds. But, my next one might be a short bed because they are easier to maneuver on the trail. I personally wish Toyota made a “tweener” bed, perfectly splitting the difference between the short and long beds, but that’ll never happen. My second gen was a Sport trim and my current truck is an OR. I greatly prefer the softer ride of the OR and it meets my wheeling needs better. It sounds like any trim would meet your needs because you don’t plan on wheeling as much as some do, so that opens up a lot of doors for you. I say buy the trim that is in your price range and decide if you like the softer ride of the OR or the firmer ride of the Sport. Or, maybe the Goldilocks SR5. I’d get the OR, but that’s just me.

As far as Android auto, don’t hold your breath. Toyota is notoriously slow to change. The 19s do not have it. Don’t get caught up in the “maybe next year” game or else you’ll find yourself waiting for those coveted power seats too. Or, maybe disc brakes? The list goes on. Entune is OK at best but it gets the job done. Heck, most infotainment systems are glitchy. Entune meets my needs but I’d prefer CarPlay. But, we don’t have it so if a Taco is what you want, this is a moot point.

I’m not a fan of the factory roof rack, but many are. I think this is a personal choice. If the factory rack meets your needs and you like it, then I say get it. I’d much rather have Toyota have to warranty something where holes are drilled in my roof then have to rely on a third party telling me I screwed up the install (because I probably would).

If you don’t wheel much the predator steps actually look decent and they are OK for those height challenged spouses. I don’t want any steps because I’ve found that they get in the way more than they help. I transfer straight over into my seats perfectly and don’t want something in my way. If I do anything it will be sliders. Again, so much of this is personal choice, one that you will need to make based on your needs and wants. This will be your truck so just go out and buy what you want!

Best of luck and be sure and post up some pics of your new ride.

 

Enjoy your OR.

 

Take those folks you intend to put in the back seat for a test drive and see if they are comfortable with it. My guess will be no for a long drive. Also, unless they raised their option prices, I don't think the Premium package, by itself, is $3K. On my 18, the Tech ($770) and Premium ($1920) was about $2690. On those cold days, you might miss the heated seats...just sayin!

 

Budget , budget , budget.
All depends what you can afford , what payment you are comfortable with.

 

i wish toyota would get rid of that 1 foot space between the bumper and radiator
and use that in the bed. now the short bed could be a long bed and the truck would
have same over all length

 

Today I read an article that Toyota is rumored to have made a deal with google to implement android auto. I would wait a year to see if this comes true since it was on your list, unless you're in need of a car now.

 

I'll split it with ya - 6" in the backseat and 6" in the bed. I'd be happy with that.

 

For '18 I had to get the "Premium" package in my OR if I wanted heated seats-- which also meant leather, sunroof, dual climate control... and was much harder to find on a lot.

The sunroof also robs you of a couple inches of headroom. I'm 5'10" and so is my wife, so no problems there. But if we were taller, maybe an issue.

After buying a canopy and building a sleeping platform I just found out that the composite bed likes to flex and push the bed sides out! Just dropped another $100 on reinforcement plates because that's cheaper than paranoia, I guess. That's how owning this truck is so far: never realized how many customizations I'd be making right off the bat . Every other vehicle I've owned has stayed more or less bone stock until I got rid of it.

 

As someone also in the market for a Tacoma and thats been evaluating options for almost two years, your lack of any mention of a budget really undoes the rest of your thought process.

I looked at the Off Road as well. Thought a DCLB OR would be everything I'd need.

Then I got wise to my budget, realized I'd never use the bigger back seat all that often, didn't even need the V6.

I think an SR AC 4x4 would be perfect since I need bed space for work and sleeping my 6ft frame. I dont have any plans to tow anything more than the I4 can handle. Like the projected reliability of the 2.7 and figure that a small backseat will encourage others to get their own vehicle.

So determine your budget FIRST and then your truck will decide itself.