Long time lurker; potential Tacoma buyer needs advice

What's up guys? I have a hankering for a 4X4 and it seems I've narrowed it down to a Tacoma or a JK unlimited. I won't ask. Let's assume I'm choosing the Taco. Here's where I need the advice. My company owns SET (Southeast Toyota) the distributorship for Toyotas into the Southeast US. That translates into a sick deal on new Toyota product and automatic tier one financing. I really hate cars with lots of extra "stuff" and I can't find a new Taco that is a strippie. I don't need comfort packs and TRD packs and trailer hitches and all that junk. I'd like to create my own truck. I can get a new 2011 access cab for around $22-$23K without all the BS and stickers but I'd have to build it or catch one at the port before it gets finished with port installed options. For around the same price, I could get a pre-owned truck with more "stuff." would you guys recommend the options or go with a strippie new truck? I just don't want to regret not having some of the creature comforts. Is there anything you guys just couldn't do without? For example; I have not used my current sunroof in a year. Or my heated seats.

This forum is awesome, BTW.

 

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FWIW, from what you said, the "stripple" would make you the happiest.

PS ... I didn't know that SET (Jim Moran's old company) was sold and/or owned by another company, unless it is a holding company ?
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Welcome to TW.

I'd get the stripped and build it up yourself if you know what you're doing. If not, go used with options. They seem to be worth the money. And Toyota seems to be an overall great vehicle, dispute my recent experience (http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/178694-disappointed.html)

 

If you enjoy making your rig your own and making it the best, then definetely go for the "stripped" one.

Also... don't go for the JK... Yes they are nice and fun... but in the end they will make your hair go white and help in your attempts to kill yourself... I actually want to drive all my Jeeps (2) through a cliff...

 

If you have the means, knowledge, time and money to get a stripped on and mod it yourself, I would go with a stripped one. Only reason I went with the TRD Sports edition was because this was the first truck I ever bought and am going to keep until the wheels fall off so I wanted all the extras I could get. Plus I had the funds to go with a better model.

 

Welcome to TW from Sparks, NV.
I got convenience package some nice extras. The rest I'll do myself.

 

I work for JMFE (actually JM Lexus to be precise) which is the parent company of SET. Same as when the old man was alive. I guess I used the term "my company" a bit loosely.

Only was looking at a JK because I can sleep inside of it. I like the Tacoma much better and it's much less money. Plus the financing will be dirt cheap through SETF. thanks for the input everyone. Hopefully I will get a new truck before the new year. I'll keep lurking and keep you all posted.

 

they make tents and air mattresses to fit in the back of trucks, so you can sleep in that one too.

 

Yeah, I've pretty much sold myself on the Tacoma with a topper.

 

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OP ... You can't go wrong with a Tacoma, especially one that you build to your wants, needs & specs.

As far a Jim Moran, I knew him personally and actually went out on his boat several years before he died. He was one hell of a business man. It was rumored that Toyota-Japan offered him a BILLION USDs to sell SET back to Japan corporate and he refused the offer when he was alive. He took a gamble on Toyota when it was first starting in the US and he negotiated the best deal of all the regional distributors by being first. He was the father of Toyota sales & distribution in the USA.

Just the side-bussinesses that have spun off from the original SET made him a fortune.

I even remember the law suits from some of the earlier dealers on the mandatory $42.00 hood emblems that he port installed on some of the earlier Camrys. Moran knew how to squeeze that last drop of "profit juice" out of the orange for sure.

OP .... so much for my rambling .... good luck with whatever decision you make.

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OP what kind of truck do you plan on "building"? If you plan on a mall crawler then a strippie is a cheap way to go yes. Now the TRD packages In My opinion are great! The OR on the Pre runner has a locking rear dif. both TRD packages have a 110v outlet in the bed of the truck it is very handy. now for suspension the OR comes with bilstein which handle pretty well for light offroad use. If you plan on doing a lift or long travel the suspension really isnt of concern.

 

Want something to drive everyday that looks tuff and is tuff. I get long weekends a lot and I want to start taking advantage of the state and national park programs. Most states allow vets to crash for free. I'm in. Also want to be able to sleep in the truck without deploying a tent. Deploying a tent for the night at a rest area is a bit silly. I hate driving at night.

Side note. Looks like there may not be any strippies left by the time the deals come out in December. This closes some doors but opens others. Been eyeballing my coworker's 4Runner TE pretty hard lately. I like the idea of not having to crawl into a truck bed. SUV allows you to park and jump in the back if it's raining or cold. Plus, the new 4Runner is pretty bitching.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Hey there! I would agree with the strippie however.. i would go with the "extra stuff".. one you can modify it once you have it and two if you don't need it you can sell it which give you extra for mods. with going with the "extra stuff" you never would have to say " man i wish i had kept or gotten such and such". But with a tacoma.. stripped or fully loaded.. you can never go wrong.

 

I went the least expensive 4x4 4 Door that gave some features but not overkill SR5 + tow pkg. If you want to sleep in the back you will want the long bed. The one thing I did not like about my SR5 were the seats. If I had to do it all over again, I would have at least got the Off Road for the seats. Good luck with your purchase and welcome to Tw