New Member, looking to pick up my first Tacoma! Advice needed

Hey what's up yall! I've been eyeing the 3rd gen Tacoma for a while now and am trying to decide between the SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Off Road models. My skill in offroading is pretty minimal, but I'd like the ability to go on various trails to get to campgrounds and such and definitely plan on doing some offroading to build my skill. Also I'm a big DIYer so I haul stuff all the time and enjoy having the ability to help my friends move big loads around, excited to join this community!

Looking to pick up something more or less in this configuration below.

Quicksand or Cement
Access or Double Cab
V6
4x4
Long bed
Manual transmission

I know y'all are out there, if anyone has owned the SR5, TRD S or TRD OR models, weigh in on what you like/dont like and what you find yourself using/not using! Do you find yourself using crawl control, multi terrain select, locking diff often on TRD OR? Access or Double Cab? Long bed or Short bed? Let me know what your thoughts are!

 

Welcome to TW

 

The only way to get the long bed and manual trans is in an Access cab TRD Sport. The Double cab manuals are all short beds.

 

Unfortunately you can’t get a manual transmission with the double cab and longbed configuration, so think about how important that 3rd pedal is.

The TRD OR sounds like the way to go for what you’re after. Also I sprung for the Premium & Tech package, and I’m really glad I did. But I’m a big softy and like the extra creature comforts.

 

I got an OR because I wanted to get into hit the trails. I’ve done a good bit and never needed the locking rear diff or CC yet. These trucks are very capable.

 

Wow, good to know. So can there be a DCLB config if I get an auto? Any experiences with the auto vs. manual? I like having a lot of control over the car and not depending as much on electronics (drove a 2000 Nissan frontier manual where nothing worked except the engine and transmission LOL), but I'd like to take the more reliable transmission.

Would you say that you would do just as well in a TRD sport or SR5 then? I understand that they are quite capable and I'm trying to see if it's worth the extra mulaaa

 

DCLB with an auto is a thing. I’m really happy with mine and I like having the 6ft of bed when I need it. Plus I think they look good. I’ve been fine with the auto and no complaints, especially with the most recent ECU update. That being said,if I could’ve got a manual DCLB I probably would’ve, just because it’d be fun to drive.

 

I actually had a Sport first (I was in an accident and switched to an OR) and it did fine off road (with better tires), but I could tell a definite difference in the shocks. As long as you get a 4wd and some good tires, you’ll be shocked at what these will do. It’s crazy.

 

You know you want the manual... so...but I might just be biased, not sure.

 

Sounds good man, I think I'm definitely leaning on SR5 or Sport, but even SR5 will be good enough for my uses I imagine. I'm pretty set on 4wd, coming from my rwd nissan lol.. though 4wd does get a bit less mpg though, doesn't it?

oh I definitely do... it's almost an anti-theft device too... though I'd hate to have to teach my friends how to drive a stick on a new car, haha.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I’ve had x2 SR5s (2nd and 3rd Gen) and both were 4x4 and took me everywhere I needed to go. Snow, sand, mud, creek crossings. I’ve never been stuck in a Tacoma.

2nd Gen was a ACLB
3rd Gen is a DCSB

Love the cab space, miss the long bed.

Had a topper on both.

Not once have I ever wished I had spent the extra $$ for a TRD OR/Sport. But that’s just me. Also, if you plan on swapping out wheels/tires/suspension...makes more sense to spend less on the truck, you could always add a locker if you need from what I’ve read/hear.

Oh and both trucks were auto, can’t help you on that one. It does seem as if most MT members are happy with their transmission. Lots of complaints on the auto around here. I like it. Test drive both I guess!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

welcome

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW! It's definitely a major purchase and not something you want to rush into. I think my search didn't last all that long but every weekend I had free I was test driving used trucks. You kinda need to future plan as well. I was set to purchase an access cab sport that the previous owner had put a bull bar and aftermarket wheels and the price was right, but I'm getting married next year and we baby sit for a friend every weekend practically so an access cab made no sense and if we got ourselves a dog (the fiancée wouldn't consider anything less than 30lbs) it'd be pretty sucky to be cramped in the back of an access cab with a truck full of camping gear. We'd maybe have to move one of her brothers or other people around and while you may not be in jump seats, they are in now way comfortable. Although that could be a good thing if you don't want to have to drive drunk friends around.

Eventually, I found a OR that had the tech package, a trifold cover and most importantly (to my fiancée at least) dual climate control and butt warmers. Most of the time, we drive around town but for the long haul, being able to keep sleeping bags and clothes dry in a double cab made it a little more worth it. I'm finding it more and more fun to buy parts and add extra things to make the truck mine in every way.

 

Thanks yall! I'm definitely focusing my efforts on the SR5 now, thanks for the words of advice! Checked out ACLB and DCSB today and I'm definitely sold on the DCSB, it's almost like an SUV with a truck bed grafted onto it... maybe not the purest truckiest truck config but definitely suits my needs. I'm for sure taking the future into consideration, though I'm trying to balance the fact that I need a DC for my future family/pets but also need a LB for camping/gear.... not sure if I want to get that land limo though.. something's gotta give, haha.