Newbie from Georgia, Opinions needed

Hi everyone, I just joined and I am not actually a Tacoma owner yet, but I am looking and on the verge of a purchase. Have checked out the forum a little for info and have found myself a little indesisive. Opinions are welcomed.

I am undecided weather I want the TRD sport 4x4 or the TRD off road 4x4. I love the hood scoop on the sport but also love the locking differential on the off road allthough I dont get off road much, so I'm thinking its not necessary. Also was wondering if there is a CAI that utilizes the hood scoop? As far as I can tell it is not functional but looks like it could be.

Also wanted some opinions on the long bed verses the short bed. Does it make a difference on turning, parking, or performance. (mainly gas milage) I am coming from a Dodge Ram Quad cab Hemi 4x2 and want the 4x4, something smaller to fit in the garage and to gain a little gas milage. The long bed is barely any shorter than my Ram. I average 14.5 mpg with the Ram, What can I truly expect from a 4x4 DC? My reading tends to tell me 18 mpg. I dont do a lot of hwy driving.

Also how many have cam down from a full size truck and was it a hard transition? I do have some doubts about it allthough these trucks dont feel like a small truck and actually are pretty good sized. I have always wanted a Tacoma 4x4 and was what I wanted 5 1/2 years ago when I got the Ram and am now afraid that I will miss the big truck and the torque of the Hemi allthough I dont do a lot of towing.

One more thing, I dont want to be out of line but was wondering what a good price is on one of the TRD 4x4 DC? I am currently haggling with a local dealer but of course my trade is complicating things and I dont really want to go through the hassles of selling the Ram.

I know this is a lot but I would greatly appreciate any opinions, Thanks.

 

Where from ga are you?

 

Flowery Branch

 

First, welcome from Ohio.

As for the downsize to a small truck, that was actually the reason I purchased another truck.

I had a Nissan Titan Crew and the thing was just too damn big. Tight to get in the garage...tight to fit in parking spots...hell to wash...etc...you get the point. Was so "oversized" that I went to a car from there

I had a Nissan Hardbody before the Titan and it was just right size-wise. So the Taco was a no-brainer.

If you don't need MAJOR torque for towing or hauling, this truck is your best bet. Good room inside and plenty of geddy-up to get on the highway and wherever else you need to go.

And I have an off-road, so you know my opinion on that Lot of goodies for an extra four-hundred clams.

But hey, to each his own...

 

How far from augusta is that?

 

Looks like about 135 miles. I am north of Atlanta near Lake Lanier.

 

Ohh. Forgot to weigh-in on the price.

I paid A little over 30k for an off-road (V6 may come with this) DC with the JBL/bluetooth package, tow package and daytime running lights. I believe that is all the options that were available.

MSRP was 33.6k.

I also got retail value on my trade-in, so that lowered my end price in my mind. And you are saving $$$ on taxes when you trade-in as opposed to selling your vehicle outright.

If you wait a bit you may be able to get a deal on an '11 as it gets into the year a bit. Especially when the 2012s come out.

I guess it depends on what changes (if any) they actually make on the new model.

Good luck with your decision...

 

Hey Bryon, how do you like the JBL system? I was wanting that package as well buy it seems to be impossible to find. I found ONE in the state and it is about an 1 1/2 hrs away. A local dealer showed me one in a Tundra and I wasn't that impressed with the sound, I want it for the blue tooth though. As an alternative, I have looked at aftermarket units. I figure I could spend the $1100, the cost of that option, on some aftermarket stuff, just wouldn't have the steering wheel control.

I think it's ridiculous that 3 different dealers have all told me that the JBL pakage is so hard to find and figure they will not be as willing to come off the price as a result knowing I want it. Why have it as a option if you cant find it?

 

Welcome to TW

 

I actually ordered mine because they couldn't find one with it on an off-road. It took me 7 weeks to get the truck, but I still negotiated what I think was a pretty good price.

I only paid 700 bucks extra for my JBL/bluetooth. Maybe the price varies from state-to-state, but 1100 seems like a lot.

As for the sound quality, I think it's great. I previously had a 2007 Infiniti G35 with the upgraded Bose sub system (it got great reviews) and the JBL is superior to that. But keep in mind I am 50+ and what works for me may not work for you. My high-end audio equipment is in my house

The integrated bluetooth was the real reason I ordered the package. You couldn't order them separately, but in hindsight I am glad I got the JBL as well.

Opinion on sound quality is a really objective thing. Too bad they don't have one available for you to check it out.

Let us know what you come up with. Good luck...

 

heck yeah i live in alpharetta cumming. when should go wheeling sometime met a few other peoople on here.
as for the truck i would buy the offroad and just find a sport hood on here for like $200. youll get the best of both worlds then. couldnt really tell ya how it will be around toen but parking and turning these things handle more like cars than trucks. they are easy to park and all that fun stuff and i have an 2004 prerunner extra cab with a long bed. but honestly get the off road package and wait for some dumbass to wreck their truck and go grab their hood or get one off of here.

 

Ok ya'll, I am now officially a Tacoma owner. I Traded the Ram late last night for a 2011 DC sb 4x4 TRD sport/w JBL in silver. Already has stainless steprails and tinted windows. I know I will miss the Hemi power but have to not look back. I have wanted one of these trucks for a long time and know I will love it. But it was the hardest decission I have ever had when trading.

 

Great, you got everything right: cab, 4x4, color, sb...except...sport

j/k

That sport/off-road decision was very tough for me as well.

Enjoy your new rig...

 

That sport/off-road decision was very tough for me as well.

Well I was seriously considering the off road, but since I'm down here in GA. where it is rare that we get snow and I dont get off road that much it made since to get the sport and also this was the only one in the state I could find that had the JBL, which I wanted for the bluetooth feature. Of course it already has the steprails and tinted windows which is the first thing I was going to want to do to it anyway, so it just felt right. I had always wanted this truck and in silver but started liking the pyrite mica. But this as I said was the only one I could find w/JBL and the silver was the original color I wanted. I started liking the pyrite mica since it seems to be a rare color and is different.

 

Welcome to TW from Texas

I came from a chevy Z71 and it was an easy transition. I instantly fell in love with my truck. I recommend the OR 4x4 just because you never know when you will need the extras. Some people think the scoop on the sport gets in the way. I do think they look good though. I personally wish i would have gotten a Long bed, but thats only because my motorcycle barely fits in the bed. Good luck finding your truck!