looking at buying a Tacoma

So, i just joined this forum to ask a few questions. hopefully i posted this in the correct place.

i have a 1997 GMC 1500 and a 2019 Honda civic. the truck is older than crap and the Civic is getting up there also. great on gas but thinking for me, its not affordable to be driving two newer vehicles. so i want to sell them both and get a midsize truck.
i haven't test drove all the choices besides the Tacoma.
i hear all kinds of bad stories about the options in the midsize class

the ford Eco boost has problems with the turbo and ford is having recalls everywhere.
the GMC and Colorado have problems with the Transmission.
Nissan Frontiers has a recall on their transmissions and have heavy steering
the Gladiator, well, just rides bad.

not too many negatives about the Tacoma, besides drives clunky and hunts for gears.
but its dependable

i test drove a trd pro 4x4. and it didnt have the oomph speed that im used too, but i can get used to that.

any ways, since i have been looking at the Tacoma's, i have decided the best trim for me would be the SR. no bells and whistles, just a truck in my budget.
but I'm stuck on should i get a 2wd or 4wd. and either a 4cy or 6cy.
i live in Texas and don't get a lot of snow here. but it's nice to have when you need it.
i don't haul a lot or pull a trailer much. and i do like some power when on the highway.

do Ya'll think it's worth the extra $4000 to have 4x4? do any you live in Texas and use a 2wd truck when it snows?
and how does your 2wd handle in the rain?

another question. for you that have a 4cy. is the power pretty good or is it better to just get the v6?

I've been looking at multiple dealerships, but alot of them seem like they are adding market adjustments to their new Tacoma's.
i may just have to get a 2021 model

anyways, sorry for the long post. hopefully i can get some feedback
thanks

 

I live in TX and I had a 2wd frontier (V6) and never had any issues. If you eventually will off-road I would jump and get the V6 4x4. I don't tow much either and I have a V6 4x4, but I prefer to have and not need it than need it and not have it. Check Toyota of Cedar park (MSRP + 999 mandatory tint and accessory package), Longo of Prosper (same as cedar park), I also know Classic Toyota in Corpus is also msrp. (not sure if they have a 999 package).

 

Thanks for the dealership suggestions
I'm in Wichita Falls. But I don't mind driving to save a few thousand

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW!

 

One option you have is to work with many dealers.
Go to as many dealers as you can, talk to as many sales people as you can and collect cards. Call them on a weekly basis and ask to see if they have a car. That way they have you in their mind and go bother their sales manager every other day saying they have a deal on a Tacoma but it is not a huge deal. That way when the dealer does not sell any cars on a Tuesday until 4pm and the sales manager is panicking how he is going to send out the daily report to the general manager with 0 cars sold, you are the first person they call.

 

i actually just called a dealer in Oklahoma that has a 2022 4wd Tacoma SR trim for sale for msrp. so im gonna go take a look at it

 

Welcome! The 3rd gen tacomas (at least speaking to the V6, can't speak to the 4cyl myself) have plenty of power if you allow them to rev sufficiently. The transmission issues seem pretty unanimously agreed as much better in recent year models, and the transmission is a learning transmission so it'll get smoother and more suited to your driving style the longer you use it. Finally there are several good options for aftermarket tunes if you still don't like the power or transmission feel.

I also went the SR route (2021 4wd V6 DCSB). I vote go ahead and get the V6 4wd - why not right? Better resale value and you'll have it if you need or want it. And that Oklahoma dealership may work out to be a really good option, good find and good luck whichever way you go.