Going to test drive a Tacoma off road tomorrow. Couple questions

I have been looking at a tundra (gas hog) 4runner and a Tacoma. Ive pretty much dropped the tundra off the list. And my wife has a 4runner already so we can use that when needed

I was reading on a 4runner forum about the Tacoma have crap for power but then someone chimed in and said there is a switch that most people don't push. Looking for more details one this. Is there a "sport" mode like some cars have?

Also, what would be a realistic price to pay for a 2018 off road with push button start and climate control?

The one im driving tomorrow I won't buy because I hate the color. But I have only sat in a 3rd Gen and haven't driven one yet

I also don't see any reason to hold out for a 2019, im not seeing any differences

 

The button is ECT.. it doesn’t solve the lack of power.

 

The ECT button changes the shift points so the truck holds gears longer. The "Sport" mode allows you to control the shifting like many other autos have. There is not a magic button to make this truck go "Fast". It is a truck! The engine produces its power above 3000rpms. Make sure you run the truck into the power range during your test drive. To answer your question about how much should you pay... Check the thread "How much did you pay for your 2018 tacoma". Lots of info and an excel spreadsheet to compare apples to apples.

 

Just to clear things up before OP goes and buys one. S mode is not a shifter, but rather a limiter. It's used for things like towing, where you want to limit the highest gear.

 

ECT button; can't recall what the initials stand for. It provides a little more pedal response, and tightens up the torque converter. At least that's my take. It's not a 'sport button', more like a 'help with towing and grade' button. I used to use it regularly for the additional performance, but I added the OVTune found here on TW and it's made a world of difference. Waiting now for version 1.05 to drop anytime.

The engine has power, it's just at the higher rpms so it's weird to push a truck engine that high regularly. It just doesn't 'feel right'.... though it'll scoot if you're not afraid of the skinny pedal and the rpm noise from a middling V6.

New 2018 OR with climate? I'm assuming DCSB? I'm guessing $35-$37k? I paid right at $35k (12% off MSRP I think?) for my OR without climate in December, but it did have tech (not premium) which I like. I've grown to like the backup camera and blind spot monitoring. Not for what's behind me... but what's really nice is when backing out next to a panel van or suburban, you can check your camera and 'see both ways' behind you due to the 170 degree camera. That's pretty nice actually.

If you like Inferno... get it now. No more Inferno for 2019 and beyond. If you don't like the safety nannies like adaptive cruise control and auto braking, look for a 2017 if you can find one still. 2018 and on all have that. Be aware that push to start has keyless entry.... wait for it... wait.... for the driver's door only. So, you'll be pulling that fob out to open the door for your significant other. Unless of course, you spend about $150 and an hour of wiring time. You can add a driver's side door handle to the passenger door (reversible) and wire it in. Best mod I've done to the truck so far. By far.

 

Test drive the heck out of it -- then decide if it is for you -- all you will get here on this website is personal opinions - both positive and negative. If need be -- drive it for a longer test -- if the dealers says no -- tell them bye-bye -- they will probably let you drive it longer -if they want the sale

 

Definitely get an extended or overnight test drive, also make sure you drive on a variety of different roads.

 

You can set the keyless entry to unlock all the doors. I can't remember exactly how I did it but it is in the manual.

 

X2.

I test drove 6 different trucks. 3 auto 3 manual. Both sport and off road. Over a couple months span. Helped me avoid one with a bad gearbox (mt).

I'd also mix it up with other mfgs the day you test drive to help you decide if the Tacoma is right for you.

 

Toyota produced videos on YouTube state and demonstrate otherwise.

Toyota calls it Sport Mode and shows that it’s a sequential shift automatic transmission that can be shifted manually up (+) or down (-) with either the console shifter and/or the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters if the vehicle is so equipped.

Try it out. Kind of like a manual, except without the clutch.
I’ve owned several manual transmission vehicles.

 

I have tried it out, and it isn’t like a manual shifter. If it was, why does it go to S4 right off the bat?

I had a Jetta with DSG. That was a “manual like” shifter.

 

ECT has been around since AT LEAST the 80's
It's nothing new, it's not magic, it's not adding power, it doesn't make the truck faster.

It's as new as spoilers on a front wheel drive car.

 

Quick google search..... im not even gunna watch it


https://youtu.be/Qe-4q0MGQak

 

If you can manage one, you might consider a manual transmission. Removes the unloved auto transmission from the equation and allows you to keep your RPMs up in your power band.

Also, who doesn’t like shifting their own gears?

 

Most second gen owners with the stock 6 speed who drive hard..... Especially xrunner owners. Weak transmissions and rev hang.
Iirc ucon and x1 stopped the rev hang but it's still a weak trans.
Nothing to do with 3rd gens, but it answered your question.

 

Get the MT - I love me el trucko and enjoy driving it daily. Overall, I highly recommend the Tacoma, great reliable family truck that get shit done

 

The manual is a much better driving experience. I’ve had a MT and AT turd gen.

Are you referring to this video? It’s just a gear limiter. It will not initiate a shift, you can only tell the computer that it is OK to shift, the computer will still decide when to shift.

 

The 3rd Gens have power they just respond like they don’t. The Sport button changes nothing.

The manual transmission drives no different.

 

4x4 civics

 

And I assume you have driven one? Cause I drove a 2015 Sport w/ ~30,000 then a 2017 Sport MT's back to back the '17 was hands down smoother, felt faster, A LOT more responsive and overall I made the better choice. I would have been bummed if I choose to save a few grand on the 2015. This was in Dec 2016.