On the fence of purchasing a new Tacoma

This subject is debatable. While none of the pro-tuning services can truly guarantee it will not void a manufacturer warranty, the KDMax Pro tune at at least doesn't change the ECU ID, so without some pretty significant digging, the dealer is unlikely to know it's been flashed. I've confirmed this with a close friend that has been a Toyota tech for 20+ years now. He indicated Toyota has some newer tools coming that might be able to more easily discover the change, but they are largely focused on the Supra, since its the model much more likely to be targeted by tuners for racing. KDMax also has the option to restore a tune to its factory values should the need arise.

 

I had a trail boss too lol. I had to lemon law it for lifter issues that the dealer couldn't fix right. When it did run right it was a nice truck. Good power and rode like a Tahoe.

 

I think a few of you are mistaking his mentioning the Taco's 6500lb tow rating for him actually towing 6500lbs. The trailer and quad+SXS he mentioned should be half that.

 

I'm happy with my 18 sport 6' bed. But for what you want, go Tundra. I know you said your not keen on looks, either am I. But it's growing on me. That's my next purchase, or F150 lariat. Based off of what you mentioned in use of truck.

 

@na8rboy Yup, but if you look through the thread, a couple of people have replied as if he'd said he was pulling 6500lbs. Snowmobile in bed is no problem with a little ingenuity.

 

He said he tows a quad a sxs on a 16’ trailer

 

Yeah, that's no where near 6500 lbs.

 

Get an Off Road.....

 

Don’t get a Tacoma if you want to tow that much. Stay with a full size.

 

If you can’t hop them, you ain’t shit?

 

Just from your 1st post I can tell you won't be happy. I don't know what you are looking for ultimately, but the Tacoma ain't it.
If I had to guess, you are looking for:
A full size truck
That gets good mpg
That is reliable and durable
That does not look like a Tundra

Sorry chief, it does not exist what you seek.

 

Well bit the bullet on a magnetic grey trd sport premium, supposed to be here in July.

 

I think you will be disappointed and would not recommend it. You need a full-size.

I came from a '16 Ram 2500 w/ the 5.7 Hemi and if it weren't for the fuel mileage, I would go back. I miss the comfort, solid feeling, and power. My Tacoma feels and drives like a cheap tin can. I guess it is, really. The random squeaks and rattles are hard to live with.

Many say the Tacoma is not for everyone. They are right. I see why some like it though. It's a neat truck, decent power, capable for most things, a good size that handles well in town, and rides OK too.

I often look at the Ram 1500 and Ford F150 with the V8. I suspect when the time is right, I will be rid of the Tacoma, we'll see.

That's my $.02. Choose wisely and let us know your decision. Good luck.

 

Congrats, I think you will love it! They are great trucks.

 

Good luck man. Please don't be back here in July bitching about the Tacoma. You were warned.

 

Joined the club from 1st gen and then 2nd gen Tundras. One, I'll never, ever go back to any of the Chevy, Ford or Nissan trucks I owned prior to those. Over the years we've stuck mostly to Toyotas and Lexus and never regretted owning any of them.

And two, "Downsizing" from Tundras to a Tacoma made me nervous (although today's Tacoma is very close in a number of ways to the 1st gen Tundra). A couple of days after buying my Tacoma I was even more nervous due to the unexpected gear hunting and seeming lack of power. Didn't expect V8 response, but those two things almost made me take advantage of the Toyota dealer's 5 day no questions asked return policy. Then I read about performance tunes, particularly OTT. I bit the bullet and had @PNWTacoma from PNW Tuning do it three days in. Night and day difference! No more gear hunting, immediate throttle response and it's like a rabbit out of the hole, especially if the ECT is switched on.

So yes, it's smaller than a full-sized, but keeps up with the best of them, it's (much) easier to park, gets decent gas mileage and is all-around just fun to drive now. If you need more towing capability, a bigger cab, bed or what-not, then a full-sized pickup it should be. One day I may go back to a Tundra, we'll see. In the meantime I'm having a great time with our new Taco!

The community here has been great and I'm enjoying making it my own.

BTW, didn't mean to step on @Tacoma_Mike's toes. No experience with KDMax Tunes but I am super happy with the OTT tune. I'm betting either way, it's how most folks expect a Tacoma to run from the factory. Best money I've spent on it to date.

 

Congrats! Welcome home.

 

Why not get a Jeep Wrangler that has great resale value, and just rent a truck for those times you need to tow?

 

Congrats
I have mine 4 years and still can’t wait to get in and drive it. Not one issue . People here complain all the time, but you really can’t listen too them . I know a lot about vehicles and I can tell you they are built really nice , and down the road when and if you sell it you will do very well . Good move
the big three trucks in the end are all junk.