Looking to buy first Taco and need guidance

When you have a line of boaters getting angry because your 2WD truck is spinning trying to get up the ramp, you'll wish you had 4WD.

 

Yeah, but sometimes I want a car/truck that hasn't been messed with. Caveat Emptor, and with older Tacomas, you never know.

 

You mention towing a boat. What size boat? Can vehicles tow what they are rated at? Perhaps but it won't be fun. For what a Tacoma is it is not known for great fuel economy and towing a boat it will likely be disappointing when you are that the pump. Even though I own a Tacoma I would encourage you to test drive and compare the actually pro and cons of a Tacoma vs a 1/2 ton full size.

 

My 4wd Tacoma gets probably the same MPG as a 2wd model when in 2wd mode. Managing a boat in/out of water needs grip and grunt. The V6 is the same, but 2wd cannot drive the wheels that are out of the water.

 

Prob no more than 17-19 ft. w outboard

 

I’ve seen gen 1 Chevy Astros towing boats. You don’t want to take a 4 thousand mile trip pulling 6500 pounds, but a wet deck boat + trailer is well within the capability of the truck. If OP has a 30 foot sailboat then that’s a different story.

 

Something to consider: The increased resale value at trade in on a Tacoma 4WD vs a 2WD is about the same as the increased cost when it was new. It's like having the 4WD option for free.

 

4x4 New in my opinion. Dealer inventory is going up so prices are stabilizing. Used car market people are still trying to get 2021 prices.

 

Just carry a bucket of sand with you. Always worked for me when a I had a 2wd pickup.

 

OK I’m gonna get shredded for this! They’re all pretty much the same what I mean by that is they’re all excellent! The biggest differences is around the ride suspension and some cosmetic features. So buy the one you like the most and you’ll love it.

 

R4x4 rather have it then getting caught without it

 

I couldn’t agree more. When I lived in South Georgia I saw snow twice in 10 years. One time we got 8 inches and the other time we got 2. I would have gotten a 2wd if I still lived down there. When I went hunting, I’d take a dodge caliber and roll around with no issues and that’s without the ground clearance of a taco. If you know your limitations you’ll be fine.

 

That’s some mental gymnastics you got going on. Lol

 

If you decide to go new try Coggin Toyota in Jacksonville FL. They were going to sale me a Tacoma TRD Pro at MSRP. Look on autotrader in your area, sometimes the dealer adds will list their prices.

 

Thanks for all of the info!

Last question... SR5 or TRD sport?

I'm thinking the TRD due to greater tow capacity

 

SR5, unless you absolutely can’t live w/o a fake hood scoop. 4x4 of course.

Just make sure SE Toyota installs your $699 Toyoguard Platinum sticker correctly.

Great choice & good luck!