Hello All! Always loved Tacomas... And Corvettes! :)

Hello everyone,

I've always loved Tacomas but haven't been in a position to buy one yet. Like I say in the title, I'm also a sports car enthiusiast. Currently own a 2011 Ford Mustang. Looking forward to a Corvette in the near future. Considering a used C6 as soon as the price drops thanks to the soon-to-be-released C7. Anyway.... back on topic:

Leaving the Mustang out f the equation, cause it's my wife's car... Three years ago I bought my first new car in 8 years. Last one was a 2000 Chevy S10 pickup. This new car was a Scion XB which I'm still driving. I have to do a tire replacement at the moment, and I have a little extra cash to buy new wheels for it as well. However... And this is the big one here... I can't get the desire to replace the XB with a Tacoma out of my head! Ugh! I've been holding on to the extra cash for wheels and tires for over a month because I keep thinking that it could be great money as part of a downpayment for the Tacoma!!! I like my XB, don't get me wrong. But I feel like I'm outgrowing it. I feel like a kid inside of it, not like a full grown man!

There are only 3 things holding me back:

1. Just bought the Mustang - So I'm looking at that debt. (Don't really want more!) (The equity in the XB will obviously not make much of a dent into the price of a 4x4 4-door Tacoma).
2. I like my cars garaged. The 'stang sleeps inside; the Tacoma would have to replace the XB - outside!
3. The continued rise of gas price! My XB isn't incredibly efficient at 24MPG, but it does do better than the Tacoma. Right now it's only a small concern, however, imagine if it gets worse!


I like the current model of Tacoma more than any other truck on the market. I assume Toyota will be launching a new redesign soon. Hopefully they don't screw it up like they did with the 4Runner!

Anyway, glad to be here. Hello to you all.

-Danny

 

Hmm have you thought of selling the xB out right and using that money? Or thought of going with a Prerunner? I mean you have an xB, its not a 4x4 is it? If you can get away with not having a 4x4 but you still want the height, go with a Prerunner. I could be wrong and I accept the correction but I think you can get a 4 banger Prerunner, just not sure if it has 4 doors.

Anyway, welcome and good luck with your choices!

 

Thanks for the suggestions...

I could sell the XB and put it together with some cash. But given the XB is only a couple of years old, we're talking about a downpayment of around $6,000.

If I buy a Tacoma it would be for the long haul. In order to satisfy future family needs, I would need 4 doors so everyone will fit properly. Even, if I can get away with just little bench seats in the back for the kids, I still would like 4x4. I do many trip to the snowy mountains and one thing I've always wanted for that is 4x4. I'd hate to spend the money on a Tacoma and then beating myself up for not buying a 4x4. I'd like it to be an upgrade over the XB on more than just height and rear cargo capacity.

In fact, while I don't need 4x4 everyday, I still think it's more important than the 4 doors. I don't carry the whole family in the back everyday either, but even with little bench seats, it can be a car that fits 4 people. But a 2x4 can never be an AWD.

 

sure it can. you just gotta though a couple of grand into it id say keep the scion for now and wait til gas prices go back down again. even with the 4 banger i doubt you will be getting 24mpg. currently with my v6 im averaging 14.5mpg.

 

Oh, I'm not worried about he price of gas RIGHT NOW if it actually is going down at some point. I'm more concerned on what it's going to do later.

For example. Let's say it never goes down. That would be bad enough. Let's say, it keeps going up and never comes back down under $5.00/gl. That would be worse. It's not a matter of being able to afford it or not. It's a matter on how the extra wasted money feels, you know?

I'll look into that right now...

 

gas wont stay up forever. our nation is sitting on too much untapped oil for people to allow to get robbed by $5.00 gal gas prices. just think about this. we are currently paying what $110 for a barrel of crude? if we tapped into our own oil supply the cost for a barrel of oil would drop to around $14. and according to alot of the articles ive read we would be able to supoprt ourselves for over 1000+ years

 

please link to your interesting claims..



And to the OP, not sure how much money you make or have laying around, but don't ever extend yourself on debt.. Just food for thought, i know those are some pricey wheels you've got there, sexy wheels too

 

I have a prerunner 4cyl with the 5speed maunal transmission and I'm currently getting 22-25mpg when not driving like I robbed a bank. Just saying in case you consider going 2x4. A buddy of mine has a rear diff locker on his exact twin of my truck and I've seen him get through more stuff then some 4x4s just bc he knows how to drive properly. Just my 2 cents.

 

Sorry, only got back to my computer now. I'm in San Diego, so anything in SoCal would.

Thanks, I'll check those listings and your other comments... I'm trying to wrap up my day... So I'll be back soon.

-D

 

In regards to the 2x4 vs 4x4 thing.... Yes, you can get a lot done on 2x4 with proper driving. I had a 2x4 Xterra and I used to get away with a lot on that thing. In California you're often required to put snow chains on your truck, whether it's 2x4 or 4x4, just depends on the weather conditions and the mood of the cops at the road blocks. Given that my Xterra was 2x4 I was often required to put chains on in conditions where the cops were letting the 4x4's go through with no chains. It'd be a great thing to have 4x4 for those days!

I used to tow a boat with my old S10 2x4... Even pull it out of the water at the ramp. (With a little tire screeching and extra weight added to the bed mind you, but I used to do it.)

 

@m3bassman Thanks for the links - that was great info. I have a better idea of what I'm looking at. I kind of want a serious looking truck, so the racing painting one won't do. I prefer stock suspension but that last black one with the lift kit looks sick though!

The only thing that hurts is considering the fact that I will be moving from a nice new(er) car - XB with 28,000 miles to a one with over 100,000-150,000 in order to break more or less even in value (Around $13,000 to $15,000).

@BrokenTusk - I agree with you. I can't let the shiny new truck convince me to so something stupid...! Thanks for the compliments on the "sexy wheels". Haha. Yeah, that Mustang is something else. Wish I could drive it more often.

@TheMrGExperience - 22-25MPG, that's not bad at all! I get 24MPG on my XB. It'll drop only half a gallon if I drive it like I robbed a bank.

@achirdo - Man, I really want to see that happen. There's a point were the gas price goes from being high to outrageous. I think $5.00 is THAT point.

 

lockers do work. i'll get video proof next time we go

 

Back on this...
My wife and I were discussing this yesterday. We were discussing the possibility of selling the XB & putting the small equity I have on it (it still owes) together with some cash on hand for a down payment on a new Tacoma.

There are a few reasons for that...

1. As far as longevity I won't outgrow such a useful vehicle. Specially if I go 4x4 & 4 doors. That'll guarantee it's longevity. My only worry is if the gas situation worsens. I hoping that doesn't happen because it'll screw up things REALLY badly.
2. Let's face it. It's way cooler and more manly than an XB. Not to mention, way more useful. Racing leather seats in it... OMG!
3. I would like to buy new, before a redesign. Unless the new redesign has an amazing engine that can average 25MPG with the power of the current V6 I would not consider it. It's awful what they did to the 4Runner. Even if it's a better truck overall, I wouldn't buy the first model year. I'd have to wait until the kinks are ironed out. I see there are like 1,000 threads on speculations of a new redesign. In all honesty, I'd score if I can buy the current model right after they annouce the redesign. I bet I can score a great price!
4. We just paid off the car we sold before buying the Mustang. Basically, we paid it off then sold it. That one was on my wife's name. That can really boost the chances off a lower rate, with a nice downpayment, even though we have the Mustangs debt on hand.
5. While I have the Mustang on a bank loan with a real good rate, I have a great history with Toyota Motor Credit that can help me boost a good rate for the Taco.

What do you guys think? Should I just hold on to the XB and forget the Tacoma for now, and save... OR... say, screw the XB and go for it!

My work is pretty stable and I'm only expecting things to get better economically in the near future.

 

I'm thinkin exactly what you just said, aim for getting a new 2011 or 2012 if they come out before being redesigned. I've got an '07 right now and kinda wishing I'd boughten 09+ just for the newer slightly more powerful engine n milage. Nothing better then getting something with the kinks ironed out.

 

Another thing I was thinking was getting 4x4 but not doing four door full double cab. I might be able to save a couple of bucks, MPG and weight going with a door to access the back, and a long bench. (Sorry, I still don't know my Taco terms by heart, bear with me). Point is... I have a 1 year old and a 9 year old. And... they travel in the Mustang most of the time. They would fit in the Tacoma just fine when needed. It will only get uncomfortable when my mother-in-law comes to town (I like her BTW). That means... An adult in the back with the kids.

If my parents come to town, that would be a moot point. I'd need to either rent a minivan, or take the 2 cars out on the road. Cause that would be 6 people.

What cha' think?

 

Oh... But I see the back bench on the Access Cab is actually 2 small seats? Can you get this one with a long 3-person bench with 3 seatbelts by any chance?

Another thing I like about the Access cab over the Double Cab... 6 Speed Manual!!! With a little round ball! Yeah!

 

If your worried about gas mileage don't get the 6speed. It actually get worse mileage then the 5speed automatic (gear ratios are super low in the manual). You can still get a pool ball grip on the auto though

 

I love my 6 spd

 

I hear you... But, all my cars (the ones I've bought for me) have been manuals. What am I going to lose, 1MPG ?? - Point being... I LOVE THEM.

Right now my biggest concern is... Double Cab or Access Cab. :s - Anybody know of 3 person bench seats for the Access cab. Anyone?

I've got a browser window open with a build for a Double Cab, and another window with a build for an Access cab. (Toyota site "build your Tacoma). Looking closely... and thinking.... thinking.

 

I've had 3 Manuals and 1 automatic in my life, I will probably never go back to auto, i only had it 7 months and hated it.