Decision time: 06 AC vs 07 DC

I've been a fan of the Tacoma since I was old enough to like trucks (1 yr old), and for the first time I can afford one. I currently drive an 05 Scion tC manual but I think I'm ready to upgrade. I also broke my leg pretty badly and won't be driving stick for a couple months, which helped me start looking at purchasing an auto trans.

Right now I'm torn - there's two dealerships in town with trucks that I like, but I can't pick. Before I describe them let me describe my driving habits. I don't off-road much although I am hopefully moving to WA next June (heavy snow), so I'm looking for something with a little better traction than my FWD, no eTrAC sedan. I don't drive a LOT (short commute), but when I do I like a combination of performance and comfort. Rarely take more than 1 passenger unless I am DDing and don't haul much. The reason I'm looking at a pickup is I love tacomas, would like something bigger than a sedan, they seem almost if not more practical than an SUV (even without hauling capabilities), and being in the military, if I do the hauling/moving when I get transferred, I get a little bit of extra money since I save the DoD the cost of moving me.

Now, onto the trucks.

The first is a silver '06 access cab with 74,000mi on it, TRD off-road with premium wheels (I forget what they're called, the dealer kept calling them "inky's". It's a certified used vehicle, so Toyota puts a warranty on it out to 100,000mi.

The second is a blue '07 double cab with 44,000mi, TRD Sport package and an aftermarket remote starter. Not certified, but it's still under the original warranty til 60,000.

My initial question is: should I even get a Tacoma? Just kidding...of course I should. But which one to get? I drove the 07 in the rain, unfortunately, but the ride felt a little bumpier. The 07 is about 3k more (I'm getting both for about 1k under blue book), so I don't know if 3,000 bucks is worth it just for slightly roomier backseats and a fake hood scoop. On the other hand, the 07 IS newer, and lower mileage.

What would you guys recommend?

 

Double cab or nothing..

 

I had a base model 06 AC... Now I have a 06 TRD Sport DCLB its MONEY. Like b4 DC or nothing....

 

Went from an '02 AC to an '05 DC, both TRD Off Road, and I use the extra cab space all the time. I know you can access the AC in the 2nd gen better because of the doors, but the DC is so much roomier, I really enjoy the ability to haul 5 people if necessary. I also put a lot of stuff back there that I want to haul if I want it to stay dry or not blow away in transit.

Personally, I would go with the lower miles.

 

I went with an AC cab because money wise, there was a big difference from an AC to a DC. Now after I have settled somewhat financially, I think about all the time trading up to a DC. It all comes down to money and not what you think you can afford, but what you ACTUALLY can afford.

 

another vote for DC.
I have a DC & love having the extra cab space & full doors. Usually its only me in the cab but appreciate all the room. If you do get passengers, they will too.

 

For your needs, I would say double cab. I bought an access cab just because I didn't buy my truck so that people could ride with me. Either way, it's still a taco...

 

DCLB if you can find one! Best of both worlds! 4 doors and 6 foot bed!

 

I would always go DC. Even if you dont need the extra space you will apreciate it. Certified is nice but you can always.add the extended warranty if you really want it. I love the silver over blue but thats me,its all about what you want...its your truck.

 

Double Cab FTW. I started with an '06 Access Cab and regretted it. I traded it for an '08 DCLB. What a world of difference.

 

DC, you are going to want more space eventually and it has lower miles. Is it speedway blue? If so, whats so hard about that choice? Do it.

 

DC hands down. I would have regretted getting anything else.

 

I have an Access Cab. I should have a double cab. But I still love my truck, when my Lab grows up Im sure he would appreciate some more room.

Anyone want to trade?

 

Go DC. I have an AC now, which I love, but wish I had went with the DC SB. Same length, just more cab room for the 'just in case' instances.

 

If Speedway Blue is an option it doesn't matter what size the truck is, by default you go with that color.

 

You didn't mention whether they were PreRunner or 4x4...

DC FTW for me as well, and agree with the previous poster especially if it is Speedway Blue

If it is a DC 4x4 then there really isn't a choice... that's my 2¢.

 

DC /end thread

 

If speedway blue is the normal snazzy awesome blue you see on the Tacomas then yes. Am I correct in believing the DC is the same length as the AC? I.e. They shortened the bed to give more seating?

Any more information on extended warranty coverage/pricing?

 

For this deal, DC all the way. When I was looking to buy used the AC's were more than 3k cheaper. For what I wanted 09+ for safety, less than 25k miles the dual cabs were all 27,500 to 32,000 the AC's were 23-25.

I settled for the AC, easily fits two kids and some grocery bags. I'll trade up to my DC in a few years.

 

Hum, maybe I'm different here but I have an AC and still likethe AC better. Now that I have the AC no one ever asks me to be the one to drive the team up to office meetings, friends don't ask me to frive up to Vegas anymore. Basically its a get out of jail free card not haveing to be the Driver. And I like the look of the AC more than the DC, but I guess that is just personal preference.