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

I went from a 2012 dbl cab Tundra to a 2018 Tacoma limited four months ago. The smaller bed has suited my needs just fine. I’m getting used to the smaller cab (5’10” 230 lbs) and all the creature comforts help with that. The truck is much easier to live with and more fun to drive. As someone else mentioned, it’s not quite as refined as many full size trucks, so that’s something else to get used to, but after 8 Toyota’s now I’ve come to the conclusion that that’s just how Toyota rolls for the most part and I’m good with that.

 

Some very helpful points made thanks... I am leaning toward making the deal to start new again for not that much out of pocket the gap will just get larger is I wait.. The TRD SPORT loaded has what I need for equipment

 

Well I wish you good luck. Trade in values are high right now, but dealers are trying for MSRP deals also. The Tacoma is a fine truck.

 

TOYOTA has a lot of tech, tons of tech, but not for us.
If you look at the amenities on the cheaper offering like the Camry, Rav4 and highlander, I smh at how we’re treated. A red headed step child comes to mind.

But alas, que sera sera, I still wouldn’t want to personally own any other truck

 

I agree about the tech. My mother in laws 2019 Avalon is like a rocket ship inside. I’ve also had a 2020 Highlander and RAV4 for loaner cars and the tech far exceeds our trucks. We traded my wife’s 2018 Highlander for a 2020 4Runner over the summer and the 4Runner has been left behind in the tech department also, and that’s just fine with us. There is a certain charm to the lack of tech, though my wife sorely missed the heated steering wheel.

 

If you want to make sure rent one for a week. If you are going to spend the money on the truck the rental fee is a small price to pay.

 

Coming from a gen1 tundra v8 at first i thought a made a mistake buying my 1st tacoma. The auto transmission performed terrible compared to a dealers test model i tried. At any rate was told it needs time/mileage to break-in. Currently the more i drive this tacoma the better i like it. After nearly a year, you don't need a shipyard to turn, or park it, not to mention having to visit a gas station all the time...even my insurance premiums are now lower. Yeah, i miss the low end v8 torque and wider bed of the tundra, but over time you get use to it.

 

I was also an ex-chevy guy. Still love their trucks, but for what I needed and wanted to do (versatility and a trail rig) I found the Tacoma to be great. You WON'T EVER be able to replace the power that is put out by the full size Chevy's with a Tacoma, and they are antiquated in a lot of ways. However, the reliability has been great (so far and has the track record to back it up), the aftermarket is just as good (if not better), and the resale value is ridiculous. I got a great deal buying mine and can trade it right now for what I bought it for, which is pretty amazing after a year. I still miss my Silverado sometimes, but overall, I'm happy with my decision to go with the Tacoma!

 

If your engine is slow, loud and clunky then there is something wrong with it. All the tacos that i drove and been in are fast, quiet and smooth. I never had issues with power or general drivebility even on the stock tune.

 

This is fake news. There is not a Situation on the planet in which there is a positive correlation between the terms “fast” and “Taco”.

The Toyota 2GR-FKS motor has essentially been in production since the early 2000s. Not much has changed since. Compared to engines like Chrysler’s Pentastar and Fords EcoBoost, it’s most definitely more louder and far less fuel efficient. Also, with regards to the transmission, it struggles finding/keeping gears in mountains and towing. The “sport” manual shift option is basically a red herring. The software doesn’t really allow you to chose your gears often taking over and shifting whenever the truck seems it necessary. So there’s no way to be sporty with that option either.

my opinion was honest as much as it was accurate. Clearly I don’t mind because I own one. But to imply the motor should receive high marks for something it isn’t only lets those who should know better feel warm and fuzzy because everyone wants to think they have the best of the best for next to nothing.

it’s how Jets fans always think they have a shot at the Super Bowl every year.

 

Ask for an extended test drive and take it on your daily routes. Hit the freeway, try and hit some hills so you can see how the tranny behaves. Once it is 'broken' in it does shift better, but some people throw a fit over it.
I personally don't have any issues but I do have OvTune.

 

I don't have any problem with performance. I can peel off at the stop sign when I want, no tune of any kind either, all stock though

 

I dont to inderstand how this transmission "struggles" to find gears. My buddies have 17 and 19 ATs, both on stock pre TSB ECU calibration. They take a lot of mountain passes and not one complaint, i rode with my buddy on the highway and it held gears going uphills, downshifted when needed and upshifted when the road was flat.

Also dont get how the taco is not fast. Lots of power for highway passing and city driving. We also have those things called speed limits. I always felt very confident driving around, its got 278 hp stock, thats plenty IMO. With the performance tune (full otto cycle) this truck is an animal. My manual sport taco is very quick.

 

I had a tundra DC 4x4 4.6 that i sold for money towards a house purchase. Bought my tacoma 2 years later after missing having a truck and like it just fine. If i could do it over though, id get a tundra again. I bought the tacoma for the locker and MT, but i miss the 6.5ft bed and v8. Mileage is very similar. I don’t tow much but if i ever need to, this is the tacomas weak spot. Just my opinion though.

 

Foxworthy.....

 

You’re just making stuff up now. LoL

If that’s what you really believe then you either speak from a position of ignorance because you never bothered to truly look at competitors or read a review, you’re a 1000% Toyota fan boi, or you just feel committed because self esteem issues.

Look man, every truck has a plus and minus. There is zero doubt in anyone’s mind (at least those who don’t live in denial) that for this generation Tacoma, the motor is not the shining gem. For all its greatness, it still lags significantly behind its competitors in several areas; the motor/transmission being the primary culprit. But then again the Tacoma has always been behind on almost everything.

There is something to be said about continually using dated technology as it allows it to be “perfected” with every year and the availability of parts makes it inexpensive. But really, it only does “just enough” and enjoys the benefit of a staunch Toyota “quality” marketing campaign. Which is a big part of the Toyota business model.

But you’re right, dude. The Tacoma is most definitely the fastest, most fuel-efficient, most off-road worthy, truck on the planet with its class leading tow capacity, high end electronics, and all other incidental categories. I hope you eventually get that $50k trade in value that we know you will expect/demand when it comes to trade in. LoL

 

I never said its the most fuel efficient, fastest and most off road worthy truck. You are the one making stuff up.

Toyota fanboi? Low self esteem? Oh god...




I actually would have bought a frontier pro 4x if taco did not offer MT, i wasnt dead set on the taco. I was also excited for the new ranger. I had 07 and it was a tank, wish i kept it. I found out new ranger only comes with the shitty 2.3 eco boost and AT only, hard pass. Sure the competition offers better mpgs and power, but Im in here for the japanese reliability and resale.

We drive through the rockies a lot and the engine and the tranny is just fine. If you are having issues with your engine and transmission, that really sucks. None of my buddies do. This 3.5 is an improvement over 4.0. Its quicker, smoother and more fuel efficient, not sure where the problem is here.

Is it a perfect truck? No, nothing in life is perfect. Could it be improved? Of course. Is it the best fit for me out of all the midsize trucks? Fuck yes. I love my taco more and more everyday and will be keeping her for at least 10-15 years.

 

Just trying to give you an out, buddy.

You said the engine is fast, quiet, and smooth. It’s not as awe inspiring as you were leading the OP to believe. Then you said mine was bunk bc Jesus handcrafted yours, I assume. You will get beat off the line by a Kia every time unless you go full open and they don’t. Sure it can achieve 100 mph and so in that sense I guess it can be considered fast. Lol but you will hear every valve tick and rev coming from it.

And yes, the truck will consistently shift back and forth when driving in the mountains. If I had a manual transmission, then, yes, you are correct in that it would not jump gears as much.

PS Colorado Rockies > Canadian Rockies

 

My truck drives great and has plenty of power for what it is. I'm sorry your truck sucks. Maybe you should buy something else. Then you can go to that forum and issue your personal attacks.

 

Don’t pretend your truck is something it’s not. It’s disingenuous.

Also don’t don’t shit so personal, bro. You’ll live longer. Note the “lols” scattered throughout my posts and relax. Don’t try and be a victim, man. LoL

for the record though: my truck definitely doesn’t suck.