Wrangler to Tacoma

As you might have guessed by the username I currently have a wrangler. I've had truck fever for a few years. I'm currently reassessing my choice of vehicle as life is starting to change (house, kids, etc) and the wrangler just isn't going to cut it anymore for daily use. I don't want to get into the debate of gen 2 vs. gen 3... anything will be a step up from the wrangler in terms of technology, acceleration, and ride quality/safety. I still want to stay with a manual gearbox and 4x4 is important... so that has me looking at the tacoma since they are one of the last trucks to offer this as an option. The main questions I have for now... how economical on a daily basis is owning a tacoma and having kids (any age, but infant/younger specifically because of car seats)? What are the daily headaches you encounter? What is something you wish you would have thought about before buying your truck or having kids? I'm 6'4 so one of the biggest factors will also be space behind the drivers seat. Thanks for any advice.

 

Welcome aboard

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

I have a young son who has gone from a car seat, to a booster, to no seat in the back of my Tacoma and he fits just fine. At 6'4, there won't be much room behind the driver's seat. I don't have any headaches daily driving it. Get a bed mat right away so things don't slide around in the bed. I also recommend a tri-fold cover so you can travel with your luggage in the back. A topper works fine as well if that's your preference. I wish I had power outlets in the back for his devices on long trips. I got WeatherTechs because kids are messy and that was a good move. I put in leather seats for the same reason.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thanks for the welcome and advice guys. I found a 2018 Tacoma 4x4 TRD Sport Double Cab with 9,915 miles for $32k... going to look at it this weekend.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I've had three kids in various seats across several cars. Anecdotally, they tell me there is more room in the back of a DC Tacoma then they had in a 2G CRV or 3G Acura TL. Behind the driver's seat is going to be tight for rearward-facing car seats, so be sure to take everything you need with you for a test drive.

 

Overall test drive was good, big step up in feel from the short wheel base wrangler. I'm still on the fence when it comes to Sport, OR, or Pro. As of now I'm leaning towards the off road... hoping for the best of both worlds between street performance and off road capability without the additional creature comforts of the pro... but the wife might convince me that heated seats and leather will be nice down the road. Still waiting to see if Army Green will be available on OR or just Pro in the coming year(s) and what gen 4 release is going to be.

 

I paid $36K for my '19 DCSB OR MT six months ago, brand new off the lot here in AK where there aren't any competing dealerships. Food for thought, resale value on these trucks might make new worthwhile over a 1 or 2 year old used.
Good luck and welcome to TW.

 

I was also looking at new as an option for the reasons you stated... When I was younger I learned the hard way the laws of depreciation. Granted the vehicle I had purchased new wasn't as highly sought after/had desirable options and I didn't keep it as long as I originally planned on. Keeping the Tacoma for a very long time.

 

Totally understand, I've bought more used vehicles than new in my life for that very reason. Tacomas are one of few that skew the equation a bit. I do hope you find the right truck at the right price.

 

Thats why I stuck with wranglers... resale is crazy... out of the three I've owned I broke even after 4 years and 50,000 miles on one and sold the other for profit... hoping this one is a profit as well.

 

yep, popularity of the Jeeps is huge!

 

So...

 

Welcome!

 

Hmmm... musta got a Gladiator.

 

Nothing wrong with a gladiator.

Also....why does it show his messages as "0"?