Why did you buy your Tacoma?

I’m sincerely asking this question. Here’s why. I’m real close to buying my 2020 but I’m doing my homework and making sure I’m getting the right vehicle.

I’m thinking I want this truck to do some light carrying, occasional towing of a tt (not yet purchased but looking at 2500-3000lbs dry) that may take a couple long cross country trips with when I retire, and maybe trailering my car to shows once a year.

But mostly just my daily driver that I can drive my 10kms to work everyday and throw stuff in the back of.

I’ve had 3 trucks 2 of them full size. I’ve had multiple vehicles in the driveway for a long time and often with full size trucks I’d opt to take the car just because it’s easier to maneuver in town, parking lots, narrow spaces etc. Just don’t like hauling excess metal around for nothing.

But when I read TW posts about how it’s not well suited to towing, it’s underpowered for daily use, gets terrible gas mileage, breaks down,etc... I have to ask why did you buy yours ? Do you regret it?
I honestly want to know.

 

Wanted a truck a could beat the shit out of on the trails and was cheap to fix.

 

Seemed cool. I basically copied my cousin, he had just purchased one ha

 

Other driver totaled my Hyundai with one payment left. Had Toyota trucks in the past. Never had an issue.

 

Wanted to get off road now that I’m retired, owned several trucks, never a full size, I had by far the best luck over the years with Toyota compared to VW, Dodge, Nissan, Ford, so the Tacoma was the only truck I seriously considered.

 

My 86 Toyota pickup was getting shabby looking so I bought an 03 Tacoma 4x4
Was a big step up in luxury



















At that time

 

I really love the look of the 3rd gen. I needed a new vehicle. The Tacoma was really affordable I wanted to get something I could use as my daily driver and be my adventure vehicle. I purchased it with that purpose in mind. I wanted to beat the crap out of it and it be reliable. It has a ton of options for modifications and customization. Test drove a bunch of vehicles, small trucks, big trucks, and jeeps before purchasing. Love the leg room. Love the simplistic interior. I have never had buyers remorse. I didn’t buy it for trailering or hauling heavy loads. For me the rear is mainly used for storage of stuff for camping. It helps when I move with a ton of boxes but I didn’t want a vehicle for hauling/trailering because I do 0 of those. My buddy bought a zr2 colorado and the leg room was cramped, it was peppy sure but it got worse gas mileage. He only had it for a few months before going back to full size. When I was running stock I’d easily get 24mpg on a highway trip to my parents a few hours drive. So. Yea just my 2 cents. It’s pretty solid. So far.

 

I’ve always wanted one. Sporty looks. They’re tough as nails & they’re known for lasting forever.

I no longer tow or haul heavy. I did the full-sized truck thing for a long time & I’m over them. I wanted something that was smaller, more nimble, better quality and was an animal off-road.....and wasn’t a Jeep. I had been down that road with a CJ7.....never again. The fit and finish of this truck is so much better than the other trucks I’ve had. I look forward to driving it every day.

 

I've had all size pickups and 4x4's in my life, but I was coming off a first generation Tundra when I bought my new 2019 Tacoma Sport. Sounds like your approach to trucks is about the same as mine, Da Voke. A full size is nice but so many times more vehicle than needed for commuting, etc. I still wanted my main rig to be a truck, even though I don't haul heavy loads from the lumber yard etc. any more. So I was hoping the Tacoma would fill the bill as a haul-worthy but road-nimble truck, and it is a great truck. It feels solid, smooth and stable and tracks Minnesota icy and snow packed roads as well as any 4X4 I've owned.

It's just a bit smaller than the first gen Tundras, which I thought were the perfect sized full frame 8 cylinder trucks. The full size rigs these days are just too oversize for most of what I need I truck for. From what I read in your post, I think you'll really like a Tacoma. I'm totally satisfied I made the right choice.

 

My wife got a new Rav4 and she was all in for me getting a Toyota truck if it matched her Rav4 color. They came out with Inferno in 2016, so the hunt began. I had a 2005 Dodge Dakota that I had since the day it rolled off the transport truck, so it was getting old. I use it for hauling an ATV and weekend runs to Lowes. If its raining or just too cold then I will take it to work. For in town driving, use S4 with ECT on and its just fine. My Dakota had a V8 and it was getting 13 mpg average, so the Tacoma at 16 to 18 in the city is great for me. I have always had midsize trucks, never needed a full size. Plus that skewp was what made me decide to get a Sport.

 

For light towing and car towing alone, I doubt you will be happy. There are other, bigger trucks that get much better gas mileage and will tow what you need with ease.

 

My 10th Brand New Tacoma has a build date of March 4, 2020. Why have I bought so many and still continue to buy them? Simple, one word answer. RESALE!

 

It was easy for me. The resale value is amazing, the truck is comfortable and capable. I don't really need a full-size truck and I really like the look and functionality of the Tacoma. Plus, two friends (who happen to have 60+ years of Master Mechanic experience) drive Toyota for daily drivers. With proper maintenance, they can be 300,000+ mile vehicles.

 

I started this poll a while back:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/poll-why-did-you-buy-your-3rd-gen-tacoma.620720/

 

It's every thing I need in a basic truck.

 

Must not like that inferno color too much huh?

 

I have to admit I think the 3rd gen is by far the best looking truck available.

 

Nobody can make this decision for you.

Test drive the shit out of the Tacoma, Ranger, Frontier, GM twins, Ridgeline and some full size and buy what best suits your needs.

I have been driving mini trucks for 30 years, and this little Taco is the best truck hands down...so far (4years/50k miles).

 

I’ve had several vehicles over the years. Full size truck in HS, couple cars and a SUV. I picked the Tacoma (in 07’) because I wanted a truck again and it had the best looking interior and exterior. Also had great reviews. I wanted mid sized because I was stationed in WA at the time and didn’t want to deal with city parking (Seattle/Portland). When I totaled the 08’ I had bought new, the value it held made a gen3 a no brainer. I’ve never seen a vehicle hold it’s value so well, not to mention one I liked how it road and looked.

No need to pipe in with super cars or classic cars. Talking avg cars holding their value.

 

I Lost a bet.....