Thinking of a 2012 Tacoma...Unbiased convincing needed

So I'm going to look at a Black 2012 Tacoma 4x4 Double Cab TRD Sport in a 6MT. Going with undercoating and TRD Exhaust so far if I decide on it.

Currently have a 1992 Toyota Pickup with 373k on it and its time for replacement.

Things I don't like about this truck that have meaning to me:
- No Entune in Canada
- No Rear Diff Lock on TRD Sport (Can't get a D/C TRD Offroad in Canada)
- No Sunroof (Global)
- Less MPG on a 6MT verses the 5AT
- No supercharger available yet in 2012
- Factory tires are crap

So I guess what do people think? Previous truck was a 2006 Chev Duramax and I've driven lots of half tonnes. My big thing is the manual transmission...eventually I will need to tow a trailer with quads or a trailer with my car (mabe once a year if that).

I'm looking at similar trucks like the Tundra and GM 1500 series with the 5.3L 6AT and they're rated at more MPG than the Tacoma...and the Tacoma is lighter and can't tow as much. Convince me why I should stay Toyota. I will be test driving a 6MT today and I've driven a Nismo Frontier before and quite liked how that drove.

Please try to keep opinions as un-biased as possible.

 

Sounds like your minds made up on it

But not based on looks or anything, I would try and find a used 09-10 and save a ton of money. That's what I did instead of buying a 11' I found an 09' with low miles and saved a bunch, especially if you plan to mod it I would buy used.

 

Unbiased is going to be a little tough on this forum. One thing I can tell you, I KBB'd my truck the other day, it is worth only $2,000 less than what I paid for it (used 1 year old), 5 years ago. You would be hard pressed to find any vehicle that holds its value that well.

 

Actually for this area it seems that I can get into a 12 for just a couple grand more than a used 09 with 50000km on it...on average.

This is the reason I was looking at a new one.

What issues are there with the 6MT's? I know it's extremely hard to find a 6MT right now anyways...there isn't anymore 11's left in Canada and there is only 1 2012 left that I'm looking at in a couple hours.

 

Also how are the AT's in these trucks? Pretty bullet proof? In comparison with the MT's?

As far as enjoyment?

 

Currently a shopper for a truck.

What i don't get is, if you buy used people say you save money, but if you buy tacoma you'll have a higher resale value.

That tells me, don't buy Tacoma used. Only buy tacoma if you're going to trade it in to take advantage of high resale value.

I like the tacoma look better than the Frontier but I am leaning to the frontier because of leather seats, heated seats, heated outside mirrors and if i buy used i can get it cheaper than a used tacoma. Entune is cool but I'd rather get a 4G tablet with android for GPS and in truck computer. The frontier has a smoother ride with an empty bed and i prefer the feel of the interior of the nissan; from windshield view to creature comforts. I like the exterior of the tacoma more though including the roof rack and the step rails. The nissan looks boring outside.

That being said this forum is pretty awesome at helping people out and blows the frontier forum out of the water. Which is a selling point for me.

I'm torn. Luckily i can't afford either right now so I can afford to take my time.

 

I traded my 2010 regular cab prerunner for a 2012 DCSB Offroad. LOVE IT. But I wouldn't love it nearly as much if it didn't have the Entune and rear diff locker. You're talking a lot of cash for a truck, better make sure you get what you want!

How difficult would it be to buy from an American dealer and get it registered in Canada?

 

I was in this same position a few weeks back. I figured I would share why i ended up taking delivery on a 2012 TRD Sport 1 week ago today so you know my choice.
I considered all the things you mention. The Nissan had a lot to offer and a good price after a great deal of wiggle room, plus rebates and then 0% (It's amazing they will drop $5-6K off msrp without blinking an eye). It was hard to refuse leather, roof, pwr seats, and more horsepower. At first it seems like a lot more truck for the same or less money. Then I actually went to test drive the 2012 pro-4x. It felt like I was still driving my old 97 Hardbody... flimsy doors, rough ride, and felt like I was driving a compact pickup. I went right to toyota to try the tacoma (which I have never driven in before).

The powe in the Nissan was nice but unrefined. The tacoma felt smoother, and actually felt faster even with HP difference. The tacoma may not have all the extra's but it's the only selling point nissan has. Toyota utilizes what it does offer much better. But comfort is what ultimately sold me. Even with all the features the Nissan offers it still felt like my old 97 Hardbody. The tacoma drives like a bigger truck with a smaller footprint. It's smoother, roomier, and looks 10 times better. I drive 75 miles a day for work and comfort mattered along with high mileage resale so it was a no comparison. I know the options you get with the Nissan make it difficult but there really is no comparison.

I would drive some 2-3 year old Frontiers and Tacomas. i think after the difference in the way they both drive after just a few miles will help you make your decision.

Good luck whichever you choose.

 

I was a MT guy before I bought mine, but the AT is perfect, shifts where I want it to and really gets up and goes. The MT's have had multiple issues with clutches going out very quickly. If you're gonna tow, it doesn't sound like a very viable option. Also the AT gets better mileage because it has taller gears.

I don't know where you get the numbers for MPG, Tundra does NOT get better MPG. As for the GMC Half ton, well its a half ton. It certainly won't get better MPG, but I'm sure it will tow better. I consider the stats of the Tacoma about the same as the F-150, at least for awhile, they were rated about the same.

Towing wise, I've loaded the hell out of my tacoma, right to the max, 6500 pounds, and it really didn't like it, but it certainly did it. I had an 1800 pound dual axle trailer and a Honda Civic on back. It would hold about 45-50 on the hills without winding it out too bad. Another trip I had I was moving places, and rolled over the scales at about 9000lbs.... Truck weighs about 4600-4800 depending on fuel, and that load did not even slow the truck down. I was easily doin 85+ over the rockies and I really didn't even feel it behind me.

Hope this gives at least a little input.

 

Figured Id throw in my 2 cents as I own a Frontier(I like to browse forums and I like Taco's as well).

I bought a 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro-4X a few months ago, I went the Nissan route because Ive owned a couple Nissans(and Toyo's) through my life. I drove both though, what won me over was the fact the truck fit exactly what I wanted. Factory bed liner(and they apply it underneath the bed as well), lockable tailgate, bed light, the engine and tranny combo(got the V6 with auto although I prefer sticks, but this thing is pretty darn good coming from a 2010 Ford Fusion), the Titan frame it employs, among many others. I must mention I also got a HUGE discount(below invoice) because of active military so that was the biggest selling point.

I wont say I dont like the current taco's, but I DEFINITELY prefer the older ones more. I do love their little storage compartments(although Nissan has some as well) and how they use a composite bed(we all know composite is a great material, just look at Glocks), plus they have a built in inverter, and I really like the sliding rear window(the 2012+ come with sliding rear windows though on the Fronty.)

In the end it came out being the Fronty cause the price(biggest sale point), the powertrain was better IMO, the seats were more comfy, and the ride was smoother(although the Pro-4x definitely rides like a truck with its bilsteins).

Like I said, get what you can afford, the only thing IMO that the Taco has on the Fronty is it is said to get 7%(+-1%) more projected resale value than the Fronty(Nissan is at 42.x% and the Taco was at 50% according to KBB's new article). Both are GREAT trucks, although I will agree the Fronty needs a redesign on their exterior, its kind of bland(but simple?).

 

I have to disagree about the doors, they are built very well(I did the whole VW thing on that youtube vid where the guy stands on the door and jumps up and down, then closes the door like nothing happened. The striker still hit correctly and didnt change the way it sounded either when it closed), and also was impressed at the little things such as the grease they use isnt cheapy stuff and they dont skimp on it(Ive seen other new vehicles where they didnt look greased at all or were using a wax grease which blows for door use).

Every one is entitled to their opinion though, hopefully mine can help open your eyes to the little details that differentiate them.

 

i owned a tundra before the tacoma I had a 2010 crew cab do not believe the mpg on the window if i drove like a grandma the best i could achieve was 17mpg but usually got more like 14mpg, when my tacoma got rear ended recently i had a 2011 silverado 5.3l for a rental that thing did surprise the shit outa me for mpg over the 3 tanks i drove it was getting over 20mpg combined. not too shabby for a v8.