Buying a new '12 Tacoma first time owner..have questions

I am buying my first 2012 Tacoma in about a week. Haven't got to the test driving yet. My questions are trying to narrow my purchase decisions down to the one model. I am buying a double cab no question there. First question is what's the difference between prerunner and x-runner compared to other model? Is 4wd necessary completely? I am looking at getting a V6 Prerunner. Just need some insight help from people who actually own one. My last truck was a Ram 1500.

 

The pre runner to x runner difference really is looks and height the truck sits at. The pre runner u get the appearance of the 4x4 but it's not. The xrunner is more like there low rider model. Sits lower then the pre runner and u get some body kit on it.

If ur in a place or do not plan to travel to a place that gets snow or ice or even muddy then u don't really need the 4x4. My first Tacoma was not 4x4 and it did great but where I live, I go thru all conditions I found out after I bought it so I traded mine in for a 4x4 model. If u don't get the 4x4 model u will save money obviously so u just gotta weigh ur options and what u r gonna use it for.... If it was me I would go with the 4x4 model so ur not kicking urself in the butt for it later. It will just be available when u need it.

 

Awesome thanks that clears that up. Yes we do get snow but it rarely stays longer than a day unlike once in a few years its a freak storm. Thats how I lost my last truck in a guard rail thanks black ice...Looks like I might sway for the 4x4 prerunner and it might be worth the little extra money in the end.

 

The Prerunner package only comes in 4x2. 4x4 is a package above the Prerunner. You probably want the V6 engine with Tow Package, 4x4, SR5 package. If you think you might want to do any light to medium off-roading, get the TRD Off Road Package, otherwise the standard 4x4 should be enough for the occasional snow/mud/ice.

 

+1.

OP, from your posts it sounds like a 4x4 SR5 will suit you well. The SR5 package comes with some convenience and visual addons, like reverse camera, intermittent wipers, and color-matched bumper/trim pieces. You could also spend a few extra grand and get a TRD package: TRD Sport for some more trim flair plus different wheels, or TRD Off Road, with different suspension and a locking rear differential. Keep in mind both of the TRD models come with all of the SR5 stuff too.

One more question to ask yourself: Long bed or short bed? The short bed is 5ft, the long bed is 6ft. Obviously the long bed can hold more stuff but it increases the truck's overall length and reduces turning radius, and it costs a little extra.

Last month I bought a 2012 Double Cab Short Bed SR5, because I think it was the vest value. Hope this helped! (Oh - dont forget to use truecar.com in your research, it will help you get a better price by making you a more educated buyer)

 

To be honest if you have the cash go for a TRD package as the seating surfaces and the features they add are nice! With 4x4 either TRD package is good at on and offloading although if you do more serious stuff go for the off road with the locking differential for the best value!

 

Good advice there, this is most likely what I will do next time around. I always struggle with the 2WD/4WD question and have always settled for 2WD. It does fine in the city snow with all the electronics, but trips to CO could be a lot more fun if I had 4WD. Some Bilstein 5100's for $320 and a day's work can make the 4WD SR5 pretty dang close to a TRD, at least close enough for the occasional mild off-roader, and a lot cheaper than the TRD package. The shocks do make a difference, but you can wait until the stocks wear out.

For me, the short bed handles "more properly" than the long bed, and I've never really needed a longer bed.

 

I am leaning towards the TRD off road package if they have one available. Im putting close to half down payment on it.

 

I think I will be doing some traveling to western part of NC. Maybe even to CO one day in the future.

 

I have an SR5 4x4. You can do upgrades like Wet Okole seat covers or ARB locking differentials and get close, some say better, to a TRD Off-Road, for less or similar money.

I wish I had ATRAC, the TRD OR does.

On the Pre-Runner is the rear locker standard, or an option? A locked Pre-Runner might meet the OP's needs.

 

4x4 TRD off road I think is what what im doing. Just get it and have it plus the GF and I like to just road trip it and head outdoors

 

Sounds good!! Be sure to drop back in here with some pics when you get it!

 

You said you wanted double cab...x-runner is out of the question...only access cab. Get the TRD sport 4x4..a little biased but you'll probably end up changing the suspension if you stay on this site long enough..and the TRD sport package imo looks cleaner. A bit more aggressive look to em.

Just my .02

 

You state that your last truck was a Ram 1500. Just be careful because the Tacoma will not be able to handle the same payload as the Ram. Don't know if you need it, but just don't want you to have any regrets.

 

Never really used the bed much to be honest. Only thing I had in the back was my dog kennel heading up to Raleigh...And my dog in the backseat.

 

TRD Offroad is probably the best package.... I love mine maybe just black out the chrome if you don't like it and it will look just as clean as a sport

 

if you are in a place that gets any snow at all, then i'd recommend getting the 4wd. if it's just a handful of days a year, you can probably get by without it. i live in SD and it would be terrible if i didn't have 4wd- a front wheel drive car would be better.