New here, think I want to get a taco?!?

Hey all, I’ve had a tundra and currently in a gx460. Long story short I bought a GX 460 when I wrecked my tundra during the truck crunch of 2021. I’ve kinda wanted a truck again ever since. My budget is 40k so I’m sure that lands me squarely in the no option sr5 club. Must be a 4x4. I modded my last two vehicles and got body damage for both on the same trail which I won’t be doing again unless it’s in someone else’s ride, so easy trails only. I want to commit to stock until stock parts wear out. I have two little girls and know that will be close quarters but willing to pack em in. Looking forward to seeing actual trucks in the real world.
I’m in no real hurry bc my GX is great, just not a truck, and would appreciate tech and non-premium fuel. Excited to see pricing, drive impressions, mpg, etc.
I’m checking google daily to see any new news. Know there will probably be an update at the LA auto show. Want a colorful truck again too. Would be between red and blue at this point.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Why not the new GX when it comes out next year?

 

Probably the $40k budget

 

I miss the utility of the truck.
Also note budget.
But mostly I’m a truck guy. I try to call the GX a truck… my 5yo doesn’t accept that. I also have a trailer for dump runs and what not now. I want to sell it to free up the garage.
Also I’m really into mountain biking and we have a carpool going in my neighborhood (awesome I know right) but only the truck guys can drive if we are all going. We cram in and ride. I love it. We go camping together twice every fall and I am out of the question as a driver due to my lack of truck. I miss shuttle runs.

 

Nothing wrong with a SR5. That’s all I really need.

 

totally agree.

 

Think you just need a proper rack for shuttle runs.

 

Yeah, not interested. Tacoma has it built in. That looks like one more thing to take up my garage space. Also I’m not confident that Chevrolet would compete a shuttle run.

 

Tacoma is gonna feel really small compared to what you’ve had. R u still dealing w car seats? No chance I’d mess w/ 2 car seats in the back of a Taco. You can find gen3 Tundra SRs for around 40k

 

I’m aware of compact nature of rear seat and that could be a limiting factor. I have been hopeful that somehow car seats fit better in the new Tacoma. The move to a midsize truck may have to wait until we can move to the front facing car seat for the little one. I have one in a booster and one rear facing. You are right on the Tundra and that it’s huge. I have considered going that route, but I’d like something new and it sure would be nice to drive something smaller.

 

I imagine you’ll be able to check one out personally next month.

 

That tundra looks perfect, If I found one of those for a reasonable price I'd forget all about the new tacoma. I just refuse to pay basically MSRP for a 3 year old truck at this point.

 

SR5 looks like the smart value play on Gen4. It’s a solid 4x4 truck with all the shared improvements of the TNGA-F platform (new frame, crash structure, coils, discs), so no need to pay extra money for levitating tailgates or disconnecting sway bars that you’ll probably rarely use. Plus many have already pointed out that on this gen at least, the painted fenders appear to be better integrated into the overall design.

Don’t underestimate the rear space requirements for car seats. It appears to be very close to the current truck. Make sure you’re satisfied w the room back there b/c it might be a dealbreaker.

 

Buy another tundra. Last of the bullet proof Toyotas.

 

This

 

Gonna be tight in the cab of a Taco for shuttle runs. Would never buy a Tacoma for hauling people. SUV or Minivan for sure, even a CUV has more room for passengers. We would rent minivans on our cycling trips that we would have to fly to like the Sea Otter Classic, Downeyville, North Shore/Whistler B.C. dorky by way more practical than a truck.

Father-in-Law has high mile Chevys, nothing wrong with them. Toyotas reliability is mostly hype fueled by internet lure, I should know have been driving them for 30+ years.