Advice needed for a new 2011

Greetings -

I was hit by a drunk driver and totaled out my old truck. I have loved Tacomas for a long time and now I have an excuse to buy one. I am new to Toyota so quantified advice rather than sheer opinion would be awesome. (Also, I have lurked on this forum and read many of the articles but am posting here because it is a unique situation rather than a simple "what size wheel" or "to remove an air filter or not". I am hoping that I can get a pseudo-all inclusive answer for what I am looking for.)

I am looking at getting a 2011 from the dealer, but I am lost as to options.
Additionally, I am looking at putting about $2000-3000 into mods but want the best bang of my buck.

About me, I live in MN so rust is a consideration. I am thinking about getting the rust coating that the dealer offers.

What I need - V6 4x4 with tow package
I want an access cab or double cap long bed, suggestions?
JBL radio and blue-tooth - is it worth it?
SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Offroad? or spend the money saved on mods?

What mods, supercharges, cat back etc. Can i get that will increase power but not sacrifice fuel efficiency.

Also, I am not needing a truck that looks or sounds cool as much as I need it to be practical for performance in winter and summer, primarily a commuter vehicle with occasional boats to tow. I also would like to run off road a bit but there are not a ton of places for that in my area.

Thanks for you advice.

- Charlie

 

I grew up in ND. A TRD Sport or Offroad might be best.

Offroad will have A-Trac and a rear diff locker which might come in handy since you see a lot of snow.

Obviously get a 4x4

My 2011 doesn't have the JBL sound but the stock speakers (and sub) REALLY suck, and generally speaking, that's what I've heard from the JBL system owners. Best to save the money and go aftermarket.

Those double cab long beds are a lot of truck. If you really need 4 doors then I guess but I've read they're not very good for offroad situations because they're so long.

I've been happy with my 2011 Access Cab TRD Offroad but I don't need to haul people around. I have a few times but it's pretty tight back there. It's ok for a trip to the airport but wouldn't be good for long distances. It really depends on what you're planning to do with the vehicle.

 

I have had the 2008 JBL audio and the 2011 JBL audio. The 2008 sucked But I love my 2011 JBL audio package. Sounds great! Nice all around sound. But if you are wanting your system to hit so hard you can't breathe then just go aftermarket. But I am totally satisfied with my audio

 

I'm with you on that one.

If you need a long-bed, the OffRoad series won't work so the SR5/Sport are your best options.

Welcome and best of luck!

 

Wow that's really scary totaling out your truck that way. Were you injured at all? I recently totaled my truck and am looking for one as well. I'd recommend the offroad or sport package...you will definitely be happier in the long run. Also, Ive been finding that access cab is very hard to come by these days...everything is quad cab. A guy at the dealer in Des Moines said 70% of all new tacomas are quad cab.

 

^I was totally fine. The truck did what it was made to do and protected me.

Thanks for all the feedback. I am meeting with my dealer tonight to start looking at what they have.

I am thinking the access cab is the route I want to go but I am finding that they are harder to come by. Access cab bed size is equal to Double Cab long bed. Tonight I am going to see if my snowboard etc can fit in the DC short bed.

Other thoughts on Sport vs. Off Road vs. SR5? value wise?
I think i will look at a supercharger too.
Thanks and keep it coming

Charlie

 

Welcome to TW from Ohio.

I really like my JBL.

lt was an afterthought for me. I got it because it was paired up with bluetooth which was a must-have option.

I think it's well worth the cost ($700.00 for the pair).

The audiophiles that want the high output subs think it's junk. And that's fine, because it's all about personal preference. For the average Joe I think it's very good.

It will be up to you to decide where you are between the two groups