getting into a tacoma, from an audi coupe?

Hi everyone. Long time reader and I've enjoyed the forums for about a year now as I've been pondering a tacoma.

Wondering if others on the forum have made the jump from a sports coupe/sedan to the tacoma and their thoughts on the transition. I would only use it for commuting, light off roading/hauling, and need 4x4 for the winters. The combo of the great looks, reliability, resale value, and reasonable price point is very attractive.

I've test driven automatic and manual tacoma TRD sports/off roads and liked them but they have been short rides, and hard to tell if I am missing anything before I take the plunge..

Thanks all.

 

I traded my evo x for the Tacoma. Two things to remember especially in winter, you are now on a rear wheel drive vehicle/part-time 4wd and braking early.

 

The MT is great fun but won’t zip you around corners like a sports car.

I came over from WRXs and Mustangs. Love the utility of the truck and super fun to drive the stick because it’s “trucky” but some day I’ll get a fast whip again in addition to the truck. This thing’s a keeper.

No vehicle can be everything. The MT Tacoma is pretty close though.

 

The real question is can you slow down and accept the fact that your Tacoma will never accelerate or handle like your Audi? The Tacoma is much more versatile than a car could ever be, and will get you to a much more remote place.

Personally I have been daily driving Tacoma's for about 5 years and also have project BMW's for summer time fun. Can you live with one or the other?

One thing for sure is that you will have more time to explore/have fun in the Tacoma, rather then wrenching/working overtime to pay for the Audi repairs. Like @doublethebass said, get he MT and you still get to keep some of the driving experience.

Also, consider the resale value on these trucks. Even if you change your mind in 2-3 years and you want to get back into a car you shouldn't lose to much in depreciation.

 

I went from a 2012 twin turbo 535i to a 2017 trd off road...really can’t compare the two except to say the Toyota is much cheaper to own and operate....and I do miss driving that car like I stole it too bad I blew the head gasket from turning up the boost.

 

I went from a BMW 750 LI to my Tacoma and do not miss the BMW at all.

 

Apples and Oranges. Sounds like you may need them both. Each will do what the other won't.

G.

 

HELL , Resale and maintainance cost is enough to convience my to jump ship.

 

Just traded my 2013 GT-R for my 6mt off-road tacoma. You might miss the sportiness and quick feel of the Audi, but in my case I wanted something I could have more fun with in the pnw (Seattle).

 

Buy a Tacoma that is a few years old and a mid - late 90s Miata that is boosted and grin every day.

 

After 14 years of my driving my IS300. It's surely a change, but a total welcomed change for me. I do miss the sports feeling of the vehicle but having a truck for all capabilities is awesome.

 

Keep Audi and get Tacoma. I considered getting rid of gs350 f sport awd, but enjoy it way to much.

 

If you want to go slower and have less prestige and luxury and in less comfort then by all means get a truck.

Sure you get utility and off road ability but is that really needed or are you just dreaming about it.

Good luck and think it through completely. Totally different world man.

 

I currently still own a 2014 Audi SQ5 and recently sold a 2008 A5 Coupe - picked up my '18 Tacoma for similar purposes as you, but mainly because both of the Audi's were outside of warranty and I wanted to get into something that was reliable and would hold its value.

As long as you understand that these are completely different vehicles, and serve different purposes, you'll be happy with your decision. Worse comes to worse, you could always pick up a used B8 S4 for pretty cheap later down the road.

 

Came from a 2012 A3 Quattro with stage 1 and don’t regret it at all. I have piece of mind knowing I have a Toyota that will last and parts are not as expensive. I don’t miss the “sport” aspect nearly as much as I thought I would. Will probably get a used sports car in the next 4-5 years to have fun with.

 

I think Tacoma is a better value. Reliability should much better and cheaper to own.

 

I moved from a BMW 328i and I do miss the handling. However, engine oil leaks at 60K miles and having to replace complete tail lights because there is no lead in their solder (tin fingers) won't be missed. These vehicles have plenty of power if you run them in their power band (4000-4600 rpm). You will not be disappointed! Oh, welcome to Tacoma World!

 

Tell you my story...
I picked up my 19 TRD Sport after finishing the lease on an IS350 FSport. I was going to buy it but Lexus financial wanted me to pay the lease buy out which was 3500 more than the blue book market value, a completely dumb financial move to make.

During that lease, my wife and I bought our new (to us) home that we wanted to make our own. Much of that work I wanted to do myself, both saving money and making the return on investment of the house’s value that much more. The IS and my wife’s Accord were totally useless to get materials I need and the things we bought home from Lowes and etc.

Rather than putting myself upside down on that car, I decided to buy the Taco, which I found under its blue book value used (yes, on a 2019). Now the taco is helping me add value to my house offsetting it’s rather minimal depreciation, and in the end of the 3 year loan when most of the work is done, the taco is worth something and a sizable trade for something if I want.

IS looked good and was quick and nimble but the taco is what I need in life at the moment. Sometimes your needs or your desires change. Got used to the taco and now I’m certainly enjoying it and it’s rather very useful abilities. Get what you like.

 

My last daily driver was a 2008 rav4. Right before I sold it I drove it one more time. After driving the tacoma for 2 months, the rav4 felt like a damn race car.

 

Thanks everyone for your input and enjoyed reading your experiences.

I just really want to keep a MT vehicle for the joy of driving it and the S5 isn't practical anymore. I did consider getting a used B8 S4 but I'm also interested in buying a newer vehicle and maintaining it over the years. Also my boss drives an S4, so.. yeah.

I'm over the luxury/speed part and looking for something reliable, 4x4, fun to drive, fun to look at, and a good value/resale, i.e. Tacoma.
thanks again.