From a Civic to a Tacoma... couldn't be happier!

Hi All!

This past Friday, I traded in my 2011 Civic Si (~6100 miles on it) for a dark blue 2005 Tacoma 4x4, extended cab (~42,000 miles)!

I know some of you may question the logic behind this decision when gas prices keep climbing, but really, it all boils down to comfort. I drive ~40 miles/day to work and back and the Si was NOT a comfortable commuter car (not to be confused with the EX/DX/etc. which are great commuter cars). The Si was a PITA to drive. 80% of the highway I drive every day is concrete. They did a horrible job laying it, so you can feel every joint between each concrete slab (which are spaced ~30 feet apart) for about 18 miles. It was like going over speed bumps the entire drive (the Si suspension is super stiff!). Also, I started having knee issues due to the awkward pedal-to-seat spacing. Another factor weighing in on the car trade was that I have a race bike that I have to trailer to the track. Even though the Si is capable of towing... it really isn't an optimal setup.

So it was time to try something else. I figured I'd look into getting a truck and knock out two birds with one stone (since I can load the bike in the bed of a truck). I test drove a couple of Tacomas (4cyl and 6cyl) and decided on a 2005 v6 access cab. It was a single owner truck, all maintenance records, and in great condition (minus some paint scuffs on the tail gate).

I've been driving the truck ALL weekend and I can't tell you how much better it feels. The thing rides like a Cadillac compared to the Si. And within the first 24hrs of owning it, I've already used it as a "truck" to haul some new tools home from Harbor Freight (awesome store... very dangerous to go to right after payday, lol). I also got a motorcycle front wheel chock and a nice folding ramp from a local motorcycle store. I'm excited to be able to load the bike up and take off to the track on the spur of the moment. No more renting a motorcycle trailer from Uhaul every time I want to go to the track (which in total, took about 2 hours out of the day)! So the added driving comfort (no more knee pain!!), and the ability to load my bike without the need of a trailer is well worth the decrease in gas mileage.

Anyway, so far I'm 100% happy with my purchase and hope this truck will be as good to me and last as long as my previous Toyota (Corolla) that I had for 6 years!

I'll post pictures in a couple of days when I get to it, but I'm sure a stock blue Tacoma is nothing you guys haven't seen already

-Gary

 

Congragulations, I did the same exact thing. I had a 2008 civic EX-L, bought brand new, drove it for a year and got rid of it. Gas Mileage was great with the Civic but...it was a Civic. After a year of figuring out a good fix, my wife and I went with a 370z and the Taco, best thing we ever did.

 

Congrats on the new truck!

Also, Welcome to TW from Texas

 

Welcome to the forums!

 

Congrats, and welcome from New Mexico!

 

I did the same thing... I had an 05 ex and traded it for an 09 double cab sport. And my wife still drives an 07 SI but that will soon change too. She just doesn't know it yet... haha

 

i did the same thing a few years ago..i had a 1998 civic EX and i sold it and bought the tacoma the same week of my bday,couldnt be happier..welcome to TW

 

LOL I see you're on the Front Range. Yeah I'll agree with that assessment. CDOT really needs to find better contractors.

Tacomas are like fine women ... we always appreciate another view.

 

Well glad to see you made the switch and welcome to TW... how bout some pics of the bike?

 

Hells yes! I don't want to insinuate you were a ricer but get your kicks with the Taco. Beat it to death and get the burnouts out of your system. Hell, you wont be blasting any CV joints.

 

Thanks for all the kind words everyone! This feels like a very friendly forum

Yeah they do!

I'll post pics of the bike in about a week. My Attack Performance race bodywork should be here tomorrow, and the paint should be here Friday!

I'm going to try and clay bar the Tacoma this weekend before posting pictures

 

Drastic change from Si to Tacoma, I mean you just gained so much utility from one simple change

Welcome!

 

i traded my honda for a tacoma too. My truck waste way more gas but its totally worth it..I could't be happier..

 

Mehh, I drove the Civic like an old lady. I really have no idea why I wasted money on the Si model. I got ragged on by a bunch of 17 year old kids on the civic forums for voicing my opinion about how stiff the suspension was.


I'm definitely glad to be on a more "mature audience" forum now

 

Haha, how true indeed!

 

"People who don't realize what actually goes on are N___e"

The forum is filled with great information, but beware to not expect complete maturity haha.

 

I went from a Civic Si to my Tacoma as well. I don't miss the ride of the Civic (I had the HFP suspension on it), but I do miss the sweet sound of that vtec engine and the gas mileage. My commute is 160 miles round trip, and even though I share the driving responsibility with a coworker, gas still cost me $350/month at the current price.

This was my 07 Si Sedan.

 

Good call. Welcome and nice to meet you. Enjoy your new ride!