thinking of buying a 09 tacoma

Hey guys, obviously this is my first post, and this will be my first truck. That being stated, I wanted to try and get some input from the pro's as to what I should get, what is needed and what is more vanity.

As it stand, I am looking at getting an 09 double cab with the 4.0lt V6 automatic. It will mainly be an "around the town/commute" vehicale, however, I will likely see some weather and mud from time to time. That being said, should I stick with my plan to get the 4x2 *for fuel efficiency* or get the 4x4 for *when/if*. Also, from all your experiences, how is the sound system in these toyota's? Right now I have about a $3500 sound system in my car that I would want brought over...but apart from the deck, amps...I dont know how well a sub or the standard 6x9's would work in a truck.

Anyway, thanks for any and all input....

-squirrel

 

If you're mainly city driving and live in a place that doesn't get slammed by winter, then the prerunner (4x2) will probably work just fine for you. I think it's 1 MPG difference between the 4x4 and 4x2 so that's not really that big of a deal...

If you live in an icy place than the 4x4 for sure -- since I moved to MD, I've regretted buying the prerunner. In Arizona, I didn't need anything more than the 4x2... oh well... new taco for me in 2012ish... lol

 

Do you live in an area with snow? If yes, get 4x4. If you get 4x2 be prepared to get stuck on some pretty stupid stuff when you do go offroad. In 4x2 its RWD so with an empty bed that has to potential to get interesting.

New system is definitely improved over earlier model years, still might not stack up to what you're used to.

TRD Sport = Vanity
TRD OR = Practical
SR5 = Bare minimum for a comfortable DD/Commuter vehicle

 

I would go with a 4x2 if it's just going to be just a "around town" truck and just because it's a 4x2, and that doesn't mean that it's not a tough mother Fugger. I take my 4x2 off roading sometimes and it still kicks ass. Plus is fuel efficiency and low Insurance rates is what you want, it works great. I don't know about the double cab myself since I have a access cab, but the sound system in my 09 is Sweet. What it all comes down to is pretty much what you want to use your truck for mainly. As long as you don't go with the striped "city Version" your good in any weather or condition. Tacomas are Tough!

 

I just bought an '09 Access with the first level of options - they called it the Convenience Package. I've got 1,500 miles on it and it's nice. I'm in NW Ohio and have had it on ice and snow already; it does okay - not as good as my 2000 Cherokee 4WD that I had before, but I don't expect the taco to crack it's head at 140k. The taco does come with auto limited slip and traction control - they work well.
When I got this, I wish I'd found one with a higher level package - one with variable speed wipers. I guess if my only complaint is the 2-speed wipers, I'm doing well.
My Tacoma stickered at 22,084; I got it for 20,070 with an additional $500 rebate (I took the 1.9% financing for 4 years). I figured if I really needed 4WD, I'd stay home.
My last 4 vehicles have been a Mazda B2000 2WD extended cab, a Dodge Dakota V8 2WD extended cab, and the Jeep Cherokee 4WD Classic, and the current Tacoma. The Tacoma is the smoothest, best built of the 4 by a long shot.

 

First, let me say that I do have the 5-speed automatic in my 07 and love it. It's my 1st automatic and the ease and convenience is great, also good for towing situations, commuting in heavy traffic, etc...

However, you will pay a price for this. A 3mpg price. Anyway, that's the difference in fuel economy my neighbor and I have calculated.. he has a very similarly equipped Taco to mine except that he has the 6-speed manual.

BTW- I average 15.4mpg in my half highway / half surface street driving. Can get up to 18mpg at 55mph and a tailwind

 

Welcome to TW!

 

well, i dont know about that. everyone i've talked to(as well as EPA ratings) states the automatic gets better gas mileage than the 6speed. I get much better gas mileage than what you stated though so maybe its more your driving habits. i've managed 22.1 MPG over a 250 mile trip before, and usually average about 18 in my truck with a big combo of driving-in town, highway and a little 4wheeling thrown in.

The prerunner doesnt really do any better than a 4x4 in economy either. I'd say 4x4 DC SB with the SR5 package would be good, and if you want a little more looks and a few nifty things get the Sport model.

 

I believe (from my own experience) once you have a good audio system in a vehicle then you switch back to a stock, it just doesn't feel right.

But maybe thats just because i'm a kid. and i love music.

 

Or it could be you have good ears.

I'm very disgusted with the factory music in my '09 SR5.

 

Welcome to TW,...

A 4x2 (prerunner) with good tires should be just fine for you.

 

u know what, i pretty much get the same mileage with regular and super...
I guess i'll go back to regular again