If you had to start over and buy a new 2023 Tacoma, what would you get?

I'm currently in the market for a Tacoma, never owned one before. I did own a 4runner TRD Pro before and that was awesome but I sold it on a whim because I just bought my wife a new Tesla and I had to get rid of one car. They offered me an insane price on the 4runner so I sold it, but I kinda regret it now.

I was browsing listings of used Tacomas and the prices are almost the same as a new one. So if you had to buy something new in a 2023 model, what would you get? I was first thinking of getting a TRD pro but the markups in my area (SoCal) are all about $10k above MSRP. TRD off roads are going for MSRP or maybe even lower if I can find a good deal.

Also, what would be the first mods you would do? I don't plan to go crazy, and I will build slowly. Not sure about my off-road ambitions as I've never done it before but it does look fun. We did a little bit of roof-top tenting with the 4Runner during the pandemic when we had it and that was pretty fun. Also, this car is likely going to be parked in the street as I don't have enough garage space for it as my wife has a spot for her Tesla and the other spot is taken up by my 1994 NSX.

 

I'd sell the Tesla and get a Taco and a 4runner with the proceeds. Lots of resources used to make those batteries can be used to buy gasoline and support N.A. petro industry.

 

I dont do any serious off roading unless you count groomed campgrounds. I bought a 2022 TRD off Rd and I'm thinking I'm never gonna use the rear locker or crawl control. I probably would opt for a TRD Sport if I did it again in 2023. Don't get me wrong I love everything about my Tacoma. The sport would have been a little cheaper too. Maybe if I ever sell it the Off Rd might be more desirable.....who knows.

 

I’d get a off road short, I have a sport long bed

lift,wheels and tires first mods

 

I would buy a stripped down SR double cab 4x4 and build how YOU want it. That's what I'm doing. MSRP $33,515 and plenty left over for mods.

Oh, and I'd park the Acura on the street, haha!

 

What year, color maybe we can trade. Lol

 

Test drive the Sport and then test the Off Road. Get a good feel for cornering, braking, and climbing over a curb. There are suspension differences between the two. Then look at the options/ gadgets and have a hard think on what you will really use.

Buy the one you like better.

And as a sidebar, I sure as hell would not want to leave one parked on the street at night. Funny things happen on the street at night.

 

Same as I have now. I was sure the first time

 

What, like cat converters going missing? Never!

 

Access cab Sport manual transmission, add air locker install in rear, 5100’s on second hight, 285’s on SCS wheels, tons of gas and go.

 

Access cab sport manual, basic tech, led headlights.
Then I would shell out coin for lockers, lift, rims and all the other toys.

 

You are a genius.

 

X2! I'm 90% pavement and 10% off road...the Sport has done everything I've asked of it.

 

You’re a genius.

 

What’s the deal with the 1994 NSX? Is that a collector’s item?
You’d park a 40k truck on the street? I mean, it’s your stuff…that’s just weird to me…but I could be way off base here. I know nothing about 94 Acuras.

 

Needs a steady diet of tires

 

Seems like cats are getting stolen from trucks left and right. Hopefully your area is well lit and low crime.

Mine is a barebones OR, no tech or anything, and auto trans, 4 door, 5 foot bed. I'd buy the same thing again. First mod should be a tune. Wait at least 2 years to do anything else and be sure you routinely have a need for it. Everything you do will start chipping away at your mileage and wallet. For 95% of people, the Taco will never be better suited to them then how it left the factory.

Also, if you had a 4runner, you may find it hard to live with an interior as small as the Tacoma's.

 

https://www.ebay.com/b/Acura-NSX/5337/bn_7115889266

I would also choose to park a 40k truck on the curb.

 

That NSX... sweet car!

Personally I would do the same I have right now: TRD Off-Road, crew cab, V6 4x4, manual.

First mods... on one hand I have a tonneau cover for keeping my stuff more secure and out-of-sight. I am also going to install an electric brake controller so I can tow more trailers.

On the other hand I started off-roading my truck stock. I have sliders waiting to be installed and am going to get 265/70 tires and some wheels (Volk Racing/Gram Lights because I am an import car guy at heart!)

Misc: window tint. Keeps heat out, makes the truck look better.

 

My new Taco is on the driveway protecting my 14 year old Vette and my wife's 6 year old Honda CRV.