Help with choosing the right 2nd gen for me

for someone who started indifferent to 4wd, and now may want a locker, that escalated quickly. Forgo the locker. I use mine once per year, to make sure it works

 

V6 and Longbed for sure!! (I have a 2013 TRD DC Prerunner and love it)

https://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/d/norcross-2013-toyota-tacoma/7465068517.html

 

yeah no doubt. my biggest concern when out in the desert is getting stuck, so really just being mindful of water and mud near rivers, or bottoming out when going over 2-3' mounds / berms (look, ive only ever owned cars.. lol)
think i could get away with 2wd and opt in for large tires? 265/70/17

 

Clean!! If I had a family or SO I would take the DC in a heartbeat.

Jackpot, thanks

 

I would personally never buy a truck without 4wd, but thats coming from someone who has always lived in snow country. However, i can think of plenty of times the lightweight ass end of a tacoma has embarrassed me and stuck me in a field in 2wd, needing a flip of the switch to get out

 

4WD V6 only drivetrain way to go. This is coming from someone who has a pre - runner as well, get a 4X4. Granted I love my truck to death, but the peace of mind I thought I gained when buying an RWD and not having to deal with a transfer case and front differential, was quickly overshadowed the first time snow was even mentioned.

Bed size is a preference really, if you need the extra space get the long bed but if you maybe don't have as much room get the short - granted, it isn't a really big truck to begin with.

I like my double cab just for the extra room. People, cargo, extra headliner room for patches. What have you. Good luck with your search!

 

Buy a 2013-2015 V6 long bed Off Road or Sport. It's worth it. I settled for a shell & no long bed. When you see the one & you finally do get something - dont be too picky & risk losing a great truck. If you must - then wait & find the perfect one!

 

I bought a DC V6 automatic last summer. I'm glad I did and am perfectly happy. If it was a bare-bones model with only those three items I would be fine. It's 4WD and I'm glad, but that wasn't on the must-have list. I'll use it (4wd) in the winter more for stability on snow-covered roads that are plowed but sketchy, rather than slogging through deeper stuff; If I have to get out when the roads aren't plowed yet and there is 8" accumulated, it sure will be nice to have; Same for the Forest Service and paper company dirt roads and civilized Jeep trails in the spring thru fall to the fly-fishing spots and hunting-grounds in northern New England. (stability on the occasional loose stuff or the occasion mud holes.)

I wanted the double-cab so I could fold down the back seats and have enough room to store all my camping gear inside or for my son's Lab (good dog!) and all his stuff and kennel when he goes with us especially in the Fall. YMMV. Have fun with the hunt and good luck!