Looking for input on buying my first Tacoma

Hello TW, first post here.

Like the title says, I've been doing some research into buying my first Tacoma. I seem to have it narrowed down in my mind to what I'm looking for, but would be interested to hear some owners opinions.

4L V6 and 6-speed manual preferred.

DoubleCab for sure. I've driven two-door cars for too long, I like to be the driver - need more interior space!

Either of the TRD packages would be preferred, mainly for the bed power. I've live in NE Ohio near Cleveland, not too much real off-roading near me.

The truck would mainly be used for commuting, hauling boxes of product to deliver to customers - I run a screen printing shop, pretty light stuff -, and heading off the grid to go traveling and camping.

Really the only thing I'm not sure of is if it's better to buy a Gen2.5 (2012+)?

 

What's your budget? Are you gonna pay in full or finance?

 

2013-2015
New fluids
Tune up
Fill gas tank
Enjoy

 

Depending on your budget, you don't have to go 2012+, just look at 2007+. Since you're not really wheeling, find a TRD in your price range(since you want bed power), in decent condition and call it done!

 

And obviously heavily inspect for frame rust, and after purchasing make one of the first things on your to do list be to treat the frame with fluid film or something.

edit: I’m also in the NE Ohio area, I went all the way over to Thayer Toyota in Bowling Green because they had the truck I wanted exactly in stock. I’m glad i got the truck I wanted, but wish I’d have found it from a different dealer, I had bad experiences with Thayer. I’ve had good experiences with Motorcars in the Heights, they just didn’t have what I wanted. If I didn’t need a truck in a hurry I’d have considered it to be worth it to wait til a ‘better’ dealer had what I was looking for.

 

Also opinions vary but for the money I’d take the off-road package over the sport package any day because the the extra features are functional ones rather than just aesthetic, but to each his own. That said those extra features may just sit unused depending on your intentions.

 

I'd like to be somewhere around $20k. I'd be selling my current car and have some cash saved. I'd try to keep any financing to $10k or less.

 

As far as the frame rust goes, are these trucks still fixable under the recall? Is there a year range or time frame the recall had to be completed within?

 

I don't think the offroad came in double cab long bed in 2nd gens. You said you're not offroading so I'd go with the sport with the long bed.

 

12 yrs from 'in service' date from what I've read.
Welcome to TW & good luck.

 

I just traded in my 14 DCSB at Summit Toyota in Akron. It was clean and I can give you more details about if specifically if interested. No TRD but double cab 4x4 v6 Auto. Assuming they still have it on the lot.

 

good luck in your search......that's part of the fun

the 6 MT will be less common for sure......but like mine a lot

Just more fun to drive.....selection may be an issue.....I settled on an SR5

4x4 SB DC two years ago.....6 MT....but I was two hrs plus from any used inventory

I browse these SLC ads often.......not too far fetched to fly out & drive home......

I've bought three 'Tacos from these ads

https://cars.ksl.com/listing/5967442?ad_cid=6

 

Im in Ohio as well and the rust really hits the Tacos hard. Mines is bad shape. Make sure you talk to service manager before you take the truck in. I learned that the hard way. Really need to make sure your taking it to shop with a responsible service manager. So avoid Brunswick Auto Mart at all costs. Dan at Cain seemed like a really good guy.

 

I looked for a 2.5 gen Acesscab trd sport in a 6 speed for almost two years before I settled on my 08 AC Trd sport with a 6 speed. I still look occasionally for the 2.5 in the configuration I want, but I'm still satisfied with my purchase.

 

The hood scoop is functional. Girls like it, that means it serves a function.

 

Most likely I won't be ready to make the purchase until late-spring/early-summer of next year, so I 'm in no rush at the moment. Thinking about making some time to try to get to some dealers to test drive the feeling of auto vs. man and short bed vs. long bed.

Also, flying out somewhere West to pick up a great deal isn't out of the question. Nothing like a 2000 mile drive home to verify you're happy with your purchase!

Ideally I'm thinking DCSB manual TRD __. I've driven manual with all but one vehicle and really prefer it over automatic.

Speaking of the hood scoop, has anybody replaced this with a functional, say mesh to keep out debris, scoop? I used to own a supercharged Mini Cooper that had the scoop going directly to the intercooler.

 

What I haven't heard much on is how much of an improvement is the Gen 2.5? Sure, it looks better (IMO), but I'm sure you could find a better price on something like 2008-ish?

 

Nope. People have made the hood scoop "functional" but it doesnt really do much but get your engine bay dirty. Also, buy a long bed

 

Fair, I guess with the nature of where you'd be going, it would be a dust storm under the hood!

I'm still undecided about the long bed. I really want manual, which means short bed. I guess if all the right boxes were checked I could settle with automatic . . . . . .

 

All I know is if you find one you like, don't hesitate because they sell quick! Took me almost a year to find the perfect Taco and everyone I second guessed, was sold before I decided I wanted it. It might be different in the US but they go quick here in Canada.