Downgrading to Tacoma, or am I ?

I have owned RAM 2500 for the past 20 years (diesel). I am now 64 years old and do not pull/tug any loads for any reason. I just traded my 2017 RAM 2500 for a 2023 Tacoma Limited. It's somewhat of a culture shock to me. I don't have the new vehicle yet, delivery is estimated at 5/20-5/25.

I got a great trade-in value. Almost 1-for-1. Did I mess up ? I know Toyotas are good, had 'em in the past. Just nervous.......

Thanks

 

No, as long as you fit in a tacoma you will be very happy. I really enjoy mine.

 

Downgrade in size and towing capability, upgrade in reliability in my opinion

 

No offense but your probably going to be disappointed in power and the way it shifts coming from that dodge. Just remember its a v6. There are numerous tunes out there for our trucks to help it perform a whole lot better. Just my 2 cents. Love my truck wouldnt trade it for the world.

 

I did the same a few years ago. You’ll have a cheaper feeling and less comfortable interior, worse fuel economy and less “truck” capability with the Tacoma but gain a much more enjoyable daily driving experience with the smaller size and maneuverability.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

You won't be happy until you get it tuned to fix the throttle lag and constant downshifting issues. I recommend the KD Max tune discussed in this forum. You will love your new truck after getting it tuned. Good luck.

 

Did you mess up? Maybe. Depends if it suited your needs or not. They’re def tiny compared to a 2500.

 

The Tacoma is an odd duck. It doesn't handle like a full size. It doesn't have the vanilla comfort of a front-wheel SUV. It's a fossil, in a way. It has one foot in the days of old body-on-frame, asthmatic, underpowered Japanese trucks, but with another foot planted firmly in the world of adaptive cruise and carplay.

It isn't fast, it isn't comfortable, it doesn't haul much, add it ain't efficient.

But by God, I love it so.

 

I think I'd rather be in the Ram the 2017s looked pretty good, but a new truck is always nice to have. The Tacoma will be much easier to drive, just don't drive it through a 7-11. The only downside to the Tacoma is wanting to modify it. Some Trail Edition wheels, remove the air dam and a TRD skid plate would look good on a Limited.

I'll probably be driving an electric VW van when I'm in my 60's if I'm still able to drive at that age.

 

What was your opinion immediately after you did your test drive?

 

It will be a culture shock, just in size if you're used to full size trucks. I'm glad I still have a full size truck to go along with the taco. If I had to pick, it would be the full size. I hate being limited in what I may have to ask from a vehicle. I'm fortunate to have both.

 

I think you’re going to be disappointed in the power, and the way the transmission can never figure out what gear it wants. Might be a fare trade off, easy to park, better fuel mileage.

 

Man, you’ll be fine. For every person who complains the seats are uncomfortable, there’s someone like me who thinks they are amazing. It’s all subjective. There are reasons you wanted the Tacoma and if for some reason you hate it you are in luck. The Tacoma has the best resale value and you can offload it and move on. Give it a chance, enjoy the truck and welcome to TW.

 

I've driven at least a 1/2 dozen different 4th gen Ram 4500s ranging from new off the lot to something that wouldn't pass an inspection. All Cummins diesels and thought they were decent trucks, and liked them. I also like my Tacoma, Ram had more comfortable seats. Those were work trucks so the driver seat was wore out in 6 months.

 

What good is 20 mpg when diesel is a buck more a gallon

 

The distance you can go before fueling up

 

If the gear-hunting-bad/comfort-bad/low-economy paired with you-can-only-take-it-from-my-cold-dead-hands confuses you ... it confuses those who own it even more.

High resale is your out if you find the maneuverability and other small-size as not enough. I am not at the "cold dead hands" stage yet but stepping up from a Corolla and worrying about all low curbs means I am glad I can maneuver it and can go off-road. I am not moving from it soon and somewhat dread an accident that totals it with no new 3rd Gen available and just 4-banger turbos coming off the assembly line.

 

If you're only getting 16 mpg in a 3rd gen Tacoma something is wrong. My 16 year old Tacoma will get 16 on a bad day around town. On the road it is a solid 19-20 mpg and I've gotten as high as 22 under ideal conditions. I will admit, that is only about 1 mpg better than my 2014 F150 with the 5.0 V8. And the 36 gallon fuel tank on the Ford takes it a long way between fill-ups. A 3rd gen should beat my old truck by 2-3 mpg.

The OP will still save a ton of money on maintenance. Diesel is about $1/gal more expensive, he won't have to buy DEF, and he only needs 5-6 quarts at every oil change vs 12 in the diesel. Lots of other hidden maintenance costs as well. Everything on a Tacoma is cheaper and needs to be replaced less often. He'll save several hundred every time he buys tires.

It will be different, but if you no longer need the towing or cargo capacity I think you'll be happy. The biggest negative for me vs a 1/2 ton crew cab is the lack of interior room and comfort. But that is offset by a smaller easier to maneuver truck.

 

Preach baby!!