New Here...Need some buying advise silverado-Tacoma

Hi All,

New here. I have driven Silverados for 20 years. My needs have changed I do no0t tow or haul just want a reliable truck that fits my needs. That being said I am workimg a deal on a 21 TDR sport 4x4 loaded. What is your opinion on th change from full size to mid size? The Tacoma did feel bigger than expected and I liked the lay out ... Thanks!

 

Been a Chevy guy since I went to work for a dealer in the late 70's. The last 2 Silverado's I owned were the most trouble prone and expensive to repair vehicles that I have ever had. Rust was just ridiculous and I take care of my vehicles. I had tow package on most and haven't even licensed my equipment trailer in years. My Taco does all I need. Hope it is as reliable as all the hype. So far so good! It is smaller and maybe a bit more unrefined in the creature comfort areas but I like it and that's all that matters.

 

Former semi-GM guy, the last two Yukon/Tahoe made me sour, electrical gremlins, wheel speed sensors, quarter rust, gauge cluster failures. Anyway, best word of advice I can think of- I know you said you're done towing, but look at payload capacity and towing weights, the Tacoma is very limited in this field. It seems once a month someone comes on here, and it's astonished when they start doing the actual math.

 

Thank you for the advise ... great points and helps me in my process

 

Test drive 3X times. It is different than a full size. Pay attention to acceleration and shifting. Pay attention to payload. Don't get distracted by "new" and bright and shiny. If you still like it after three test drives, and you are fine with it then get it.

 

Also, you may already know this, but test drive again,,,,, modern V6 will never have old tech V8 torque. So if a modern multi speed transmission shifting to optimum engine speed is going to drive you nuts and have staying awak at night questioning Toyota engineers, you'll never be happy.
That said, I love driving the midsized truck! I have a quad cab F150 for work,,, and while I love the truck on the highway,, it's a pig in town.

 

I came from a Tundra and I do miss it but Taco is a lot easier to park and drive. The gas mileage was not much different between the two so that was a disappointment.

 

the mileage is not great my chevy does great for a FS...i just want resale-reliable-smaller platform.. I just want to make sure i will not get buyers regret.. SO far I think the tacoma will work for me

 

My last truck before I picked up my '21 TRD OR AC, 6' bed, was a full size 1996 Dodge Ram 4x4 1500 w/8' bed. I loved that truck, it hauled anything I need to move, was as reliable as a stone and was a beast off road. I sold it due to a moment of extreme stupidity and I immediately regretted it. In reality though, I hardly ever needed the eight foot bed and it was somewhat difficult to park in town. Fast forward 18 months and as I reevaluated my truck usage, I realized that the vast majority of my needs could be met with a mid sized truck. It was a tossup as to whether I would buy a Colorado or the Tacoma and ultimately I went with the Tacoma.

I enjoy driving the Taco quite a bit more than the Dodge as the suspension is less harsh and the turning radius is much better. I plan on using it for more off road adventures than I ever used the Dodge for, and although I am not a technology freak, I do like the bells and whistles that came on my truck.

 

I went from an F150 Supercab to the Tacoma OR. I thought it would take me a while to get use to the smaller cab space, but it really didn't. I do find that the rear view mirror is in my line of sight when going around sharp right-hand turns. They hardest thing for me to adjust to was the smaller bed. I have always done a lot of truck camping, and general hauling of tools/building supplies. I have had to do much more planning for those activities.

 

I think I will drive it again before I pull the trigger. Just to be sure. I did get a very good deal and trade in so that is really getting my attention. I was looking at a ZR2 because I have rewards $ but I don't like the interior and track record of reliability not to mention resale... Cool truck but I feel the tacoma would be a much better way to spend the $

 

Full size first, both second. I have the tiny truck and a 2500 for towing and expansion. If I were to choose, I'd go full size.

 

You’ll hate the cramp feeling at first and the sparse amenities. But you’ll get over it. You’ll love the quality, reliability and toughness after two years of flawless operation.

 

That was my thinking .. I honestly did not feel that cramped I am not huge 5'9" 205 so it fit me well

 

Ive driven every truck out there (except the dually trucks) and the tacoma is somewhat small compared to a silverado. Its much easier to park as well if thats an issue Lol

 

I was in a similar situation to yours. I always had full size trucks but I no longer needed to tow or haul much. And I wanted something smaller and sportier than a full size.

I've had my 2021 TRD Sport premium for about a month and a half now and I don't regret downsizing from a full size at all. I really love this truck.

 

I’ve got two buddies with full size GM’s and I ride in them frequently. Nice trucks, for sure. One uses his more like an SUV. Strictly a family hauler with a bed. He’s got three teenagers so it fits his needs. The space is excessive for my needs and they feel like a land barge. Plus, a full size wouldn’t fit in my garage. Or on a lot of trails.

 

Woodsy-That is exactly where I am at. I have a 16 LTZ crew have lots of tech that will break out of warranty and sold all my toys with no plans to get any more

 

Before I would trade it in to the stealer, I'd go to carmax. I bet the stealer is ripping you on your trade so you need to deal without the trade in first. In other words, get a solid price first.

 

How about a photo of the Silverado? Location?