Help me pick a new rig

Hey everyone,

So, my 2nd gen is officially totaled, and now I get select a new truck or suv.

Obviously, everyone's biased to a Tacoma, but I'd like to explore other choices. I'd appreciate any input regarding people's experiences outside of the 2nd gen realm. If anyone can point out the following pros and cons of each platform, I'd also appreciate that.

I've narrowed them down to the following sans Tacoma:

2020 Tundra Crew Cab, 5.7
2020 Chevy Silverado Crew Cab, 5.3, 6.2, or Dmax 3.0
2020 Ram Crew Cab Bighorn, 5.7
2015-2020 5th Gen 4runner, SR5 to Limited Trim.

I'm obviously leaning towards a truck, because I've never not needed a truck. I'm just a bit overwhelmed at my options since so much has changed since owning my Tacoma.

 

I started with a 2012 Tacoma Sport, traded for a 2014 4R, now back in a 2011 Tacoma Off-Road. Should have not traded the Tacoma for the 4R in the first place. 4R is fuckin useless when it comes to hauling shit, and people call them a truck . SUVs are probably the dumbest concept ever LOL. Just my $0.02

Get a 2015 Tacoma TRD PRO!

 

Remove the options of the Chevy and the Ram. You'll spend your off time at the dealer for repairs and recalls. Play it safe and go with the Tundra. Not a ton of luxuries on the Tundra but it's getting there. and the 5.7 is as solid as the 4.0 is in the Tacoma. Check out Tundras.com for more information.

 

Only thing I'm weary of is the cam tower seal leak. But if under warranty, its a permanent fix.

 

Well, after hearing about the potential issues that the other MFG's have, I'd rather have the Cam tower leak. Especially if under warranty. There's a good 77 page thread on the tundra forums about it.

I could be wrong, but I thought i've read somewhere that the issue was resolved for the 2020 MY.

 

Whatever you can pay cash for, imo buying new is crazy. That being said Tundra or 4Runner is my choice.

 

These are all very different classes of vehicle for me.

Do you need a bed?

How big of a bed do you really need?

If I didn't use the bed once a week for stuff, I would be driving a very different vehicle. Similarly, if I needed a big-ass bed more than three times a year for stuff, I would be driving a very different vehicle.

 

Do you want a relic that hasn't changed since 2008 or a fancy tech refined half ton that's got enough bells and whistles to make you re consider wearing your muddy boots in it.

my votes the chevy but get the 6.2 the 5.3 is dogshit

 

You bring up a good point. My buddies gave me crap for appreciating a newish feature on current trucks. The auto start/stop feauture is actually a nice touch on the RAM, and I never take gas consumption into consideration when buying a truck. It's still not a deal breaker for a truck not to have that particular feature, but it does show where toyota lags when it comes to innovation.

They literally sell damn near the same thing for 10 plus years, granted the product they put out is generally reliable. Their marketing team really does a great job at convincing consumers that just a facelift justifies a $35K-$60K pricetag. The 5.7 has literally been on the market since the late 2000s and I just wish that their V6 twin turbo platform was released for 2020.

That said, I'm still drawn to the exterior styling of the Tundra

 

What types of stuff do you use a truck for truck purposes? Having a utility trailer could open up more options for you as well.

It looks like a lot are leaning towards Toyota. Truth of the matter is that most brands nowadays have reliability/mechanical issues in some form or another. I'd say, test drive all options, figure out which one(s) you REALLY want to spend that much $$ on, research a LOT about common issues people have been having and go from there.

In the end, when you're spending $40k or more, you should be as happy as possible with your decision instead of just going with "Exhibit A" just because of the name on the side if you aren't really in love with it. People drive other brands that have common/multiple issues because they love what that vehicle has to offer/meets their needs and they deal with the speed bumps that come with ownership of said vehicle.

A buddy of mine went truck shopping and in the end, came out with a 2020 Ram 1500. He test drove the Silverado, F150, Ram and not sure what else. In his words, he liked the interior fit and finish of the Ram, the power and everything else. That's not to say that it is perfect, but for what he wanted out of a truck, that checked off the most boxes for him.

Read each comment from the forums you visit to make your decision with a grain of salt as there will be quite a lot of bias towards that particular brand. While I love my Tacoma, I wouldn't say I've drank the Kool-Aid. If I didn't need my truck bed on a somewhat regular basis, I'd be more than happy in a lifted/all-terrain tire Outback to fill my outdoorsy needs and wants (and they even make a rear locker for Subarus now).

 

I’m going Ram with 8-spd.
Father has one with 3.27 gear 4x4 - 19 mpg.
Brother has one with 3.92 gear and get 17.5 mpg.
The Trans is nice and has plenty of power.

Tundra is a good truck but lacks newer technology and low MPG.
Pass on the 5.3 Chevy and go 6.2. But I feel the 5.7 HEMI is the better choice still.

If you go 4Runner. Might as well go Pro?
But you wouldn’t have the bed to haul all the nasty stuff.
Like trash, dirt bikes, or you drunk buddy that’s blow chunks.

 

2015 Tacoma.

/thread

 

Now.........if you go with the 4R.......

Have you considered a Lexus GX 460 ?????

Its a 4R on steriods..........

 

OR.......Tacoma......

'12-'15.......

 

If you are set on a new truck, I'm biased toward the Tundra, but considering that the redesigned Tundra is just around the corner, would you buy a new one now?
Maybe get a used Tacoma, drive it for a couple of years, then when the new Tundra comes out, go for that. You probably won't lose much on the depreciation of the Tacoma. Heck, you might even make some $$.

 

2.5 gen w low miles. better power & earlier oil changes if do yourself vs 3rd gen

 

There's some dude I see most mornings on my commute. Drives a lifted outback.
If I could figure out how to live without a truck, this would probably be my vehicle of choice.

 

I'm in the market as well same as you. I've been looking for awhile (past 6 months or so).

1. I won't be going back to a Tacoma (3rd gen is just not worth the money for the problems). Might look at a used 2012-2015 tacoma with under 45,000 miles if more options pop up.
2. Looking at the Ram BigHorn same as you.
3. Also looking at the supercab f150's (weighing between the V8 and ecoboost, probably would opt for ecoboost.)
4. Not looking at Chevy just from poor past experiences and the horrid look of the new trucks.
5. Looked at diesel options as far as half-tons and 3/4 tons go, just not ready to deal with emissions problems all the time again.
6. Not looking at a Tundra because of the gas mileage, but if gas mileage wasn't a concern it'd be on my list.

Right now, the F150 (option 3) is winning out.

 

Out of the list you provided I'd go tundra or the 4runner. However, with the new vehicles out there they are dated yet proven. I generally prefer older vehicles like pre 07 due to regs for diesel but if I was new car shopping I'd get a ford f250 tremor with the diesel.