Preparing for First Tacoma- HELP!

If you don’t want to read the whole thing, and just want my basic question: I’m looking to invest in a double cab Tacoma. I know very little about them, but I’d like to get one within the next two months. My budget is about $18,000 to purchase a Tacoma to start the project off with. I’d like to make it a versatile bug-out/overland capable vehicle that will fit my family and allow us to be safe and have fun. What models/years etc. would you recommend? Do I need the off-road package? Is it worth it? Is the LSD enough? Should I try and find an off-road package, or will I end up replacing it all when I start adding off-road accessories, anyway? Some general guidance would be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!

Hi everyone,
My wife and I are expecting our second child, and have decided that I will need to get a vehicle that is newer and has more room for hauling the kids. We have both agreed that given recent world events, and also just for some family fun. We would like to invest in a Tacoma and build a practical and versatile truck. It won’t necessarily be a daily driver. (I’m keeping my little ranger for general transportation to and from work and also to take daily utility abuse.) I’d like it to be safe, obviously, but I want to build it with capabilities or getting out of town and away if need be. A sort of bug-out capable vehicle, but also use it for family camping trips. I’d like to do all the basic overland upgrades like bumpers, skid plates, suspension, comms, tent, racks, etc. I just know nothing about Tacomas! When I say that, I mean I don’t know what packages are “worth it” and what I should be concerned with getting. Do I need to get the off road package? Is a base model fine? Some general guidance in this area would be greatly appreciated!

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

Get a 4Runner. Tacoma back seats are terrible for anyone!!!! I wouldn't put anyone in the back if you're planning to do a long road trips.

 

Thank you for the response! My wife actually has an SUV that we would most certainly be using for long trips, so I definitely want a truck. Mine would be for short distances with the family, possibly longer ones with just my wife and I to get away. The dual cab is just to pick my kids up after work and general short travel like I said. I more or less would like info on what kind of Tacoma to get, what extras are worth spending money on, or what is not worth the extra money. I don’t want to shell out a ton of money for a TRD OR if people don’t suggest it. Basically, what do you folks recommend for a starting platform for what I described? (Basic overland/bugout) Thank you, though!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Even if there is a thread with this information already, or some of the I formation I’m looking for, being pointed in the right direction would be awesome. I’ve been trying to research these questions for weeks and maybe I’m not asking in the correct way but it’s been near impossible to find.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW!

 

“My budget is about $18,000. I’d like to make it a versatile bug-out/overland capablevehicle that will fit my family and allow us to be safe and have fun.” Might be hard to do with $18k unless you are prepared to do a lot of DIY and be patient with finding good used gear.

 

The $18,000 is the budget for the initial purchase of the vehicle, not total. I plan on doing the build over time, with quality parts. I just would like some solid advice on what Tacoma package to start with! Thank you.

 

If you are going to be modding it anyway; just get SR5 4x4. No need for an offroad version in my opinion for a bug out vehicle. You are probably going to be looking at 2015 or older though for that price. At least in my area.

 

Welcome! The LSD isn’t worth anything. It’s never gotten me out of any situation. I’d recommend getting the SR5 4x4 and then adding an air locker

 

Thank you both! This is exactly the information I was looking for. I’d like to do some off-roading and family camping, but yes this will be mostly bug out at the core.