First Taco Buyer Anxiety

Backing into parking spots is the only way to go, always gotta plan for the get away.

 

My man!

 

I'm glad that I bought the double cab/Automatic. Granted, my '04 is short, but after coming from a Wagon, hatch back and 4x4 mini van, the extra cab felt too small. I purchased the truck new, pre marriage and pre-kiddo. I have a Son now and if it was an extra cab, I would have had to get another truck with a back seat. 265k and still going strong. You'll not notice the extra length after a week.

 

Hold out for an AC. They are a great looking truck with the usefulness of a 6' bed. Cramped for people passengers in the back seat, but our 3 dogs fit just fine.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I'd say if your using it for a daily driver and dirtbike hauler, with no kids or dogs for the back seat: go with the ACLB. If I could do it over again, I'd get an ACLB manual transmission but my dog wouldn't be to happy with me in the back seat.

 

Maybe not as popular as an opinion,

....but as motorcycle guy, I really don't think there is much advantage to the long bed. The four door cab-space is far more valuable. And I've hauled two full-size sport bikes in the back of a short bed on more than one occasion. Two dirtbikes in a short bed is a breeze.

Get yourself a bed-buddy
https://ccrsport.com/bed-buddy/

and a Ready Ramp
https://readyramp.com/

See, you can't close the tailgate on the long LB or the SB. So IMHO, DCSB is the more usable platform.

 

Great advise on products, definitely think I’m going to order the bed buddy. FYI The link is for the full size option so be careful if anyone is ready to click and buy.

 

Hey, this FNG in Utah just posted a DCSB with a dirt bike in the back!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fng-in-utah.709200/

 

Welcome to TW!

 

You're kinda in a similar spot as I was, looking for a very specific configuration. Go to cars.com and spec it out exactly how you want it. Then from that list, see what dealers are closest and reach out to them. A lot of times the trucks are ordered that way by a customer and not available, but after a while you'll get lucky! I did!

 

Oh and also a good way to get a grip on pricing, which will help your haggling game down the road.

 

New member here also but I've had my taco for 2 years now and I would say if you can grab a manual 3rd gen it would be worth it especially hauling around the weight like the bikes!
Or for sure a 2nd gen tacoma auto OR manual would work because their gears are pretty okay. I wish I would have waited to get my hands on a manual because i planned to throw on all my overland gear. I just re-geared the 3rd gen automatic and its way more pleasant to drive with all the weight i have on there right now and eventually more to come. Just something to think about instead of just the lengths of beds and extra space.
This is just my small opinion! like i said im still new to the taco world and am learning too.
I bought my tacoma in CA and had it registered in Oregon, it was only like 100$.

 

i can get two dirtbikes in my DCSB, the family, Labrador, camping gear, and even pull a small popup camper with gate down. Glad to have shortbed in the city.

 

Good to know! Still looking. I've set up search alerts on multiple sites, but some have disappeared within an hour or expect $40k for a used sr5. :/

 

Any interest in a Regular Cab? At first I thought it might have been an inconvenience not having the extra “room” in the truck but let’s be real nobody is really fitting in those back seats of an access cab lol. I’ve tried and I’m only 5’7!

Love my Reg Cab and of course the full size bed it comes with. It’s actually up for sale as I’m downsizing for another car coming in overseas. Good luck on your search and welcome!

 

Nice rig! Love the shorter wheelbase AND a 6' bed. Gotta have a seat for the dogs on our long trips though.

 

Yeah I will say, if more than one dog definitely can see the use for the access cab. It’s just me and my 1 pup most of the time on the bench seat so it works. Good luck on the search!!

 

I drove a DCSB since 2004.
When I bought my new DCLB, parking anywhere, including parallel parking, doing so comes naturally without a problem.
And having the camera in the back, I LOVE IT!! Having it, makes everything in reverse, SO MUCH easier.
I enjoy having the added bed length.

 

whattap OP--- I'm with most of the forum here: Be patient and get the truck you want. It's your money and you know exactly what you want. You'll find the right one eventually; I searched for 2 months and then I flew to Houston to drive my Truck back here to Dallas.

Good luck!! And when you do pull the trigger. Post PICS!