Questions from a newbie

Looking at a 2010 Standard Cab 4X4 4cyl 5 speed tacoma. Truck is used, however taken very good care of. Only 24,000 miles and in immaculate shape. This would be my first truck. Driven many in the past, but never owned one myself. Thank you all for your help.

Questions:
1. How does the stock 4X4 perform? I will need it to pull a small boat up a sometimes slippery boat ramp and navigate in snow often. I will also be traveling some off road, however I will not be 4 wheeling at the current time.

2. How does the 2.7L motor perform? Father has a 5.3L Chevy POS, however I am looking for something that is more fuel efficient without sacrificing too much power. Do not plan on pulling anything very large, just wanting something with enough pep.

3. Pulling capabilities? Again, I have a 2 person cataraft which will on either a boat trailer or a small utility trailer. Does anyone see any problems here? If I do need to haul/pull some things (rarely, ie furniture, appliances, etc), what should I look out for and what is considered too much for the truck (not really looking for numbers here, just real world advice).

4. How cramped will the cab be? I am a 6' tall person who is used to traveling in a 4dr galant. The truck comes with a matching leer camper cover which should help me keep my gear dry, but is an AC really worth the extra money plus time finding one?

5. Skid plates. Does this truck have any protection stock? If not, how hard are skid plates to install?

6. Recalls/Issues. Does anyone know of any major issues with this model?

7. Can someone please help me understand the limited slip differential on this truck? I have read many threads (lurked) prior to asking this, however it still seems confusing to me. I understand that some settings provide a pseduo-lock feel in 4X4, however can someone help me get my head around this?

8. Aftermarket mods. I know this is a very vauge topic, however what does what NEED to do to this truck?

9. Resale value. How does this truck (with standard cab) stack up against the AC cabs?

10. Awesomeness. Someone tell me how awesome this thing is so I shell out the money and become an active member.

Thank you all for your help. Any answers are very helpful.

Here is the truck in question.

 

I feel like I just read through a midterm.. I say just get it. You know you want it! Then you can worry about what you want to do with it later. The sky (or your wallet) is the limit!

 

I have a 2009 2.7l access cab 4x4. Performance is great, IMHO. Fuel economy is pretty good--mine gets about 25 to 29 mpg, using a light foot on the skinny pedal. I have had no problems with towing. Just stay within the factory recommended weight limits.
I suspect the regular cab might be a problem. I am 6' 2" and have found standard cabs to be a bit tight, tho I haven't any experience with the new Tacomas.
There are a couple of recalls. I think the stickies on this forum cover them.
Someone else will have to explain the pseudo lsd. I haven't figured it out, either. It sounds like the brakes are applied to limit spinning on one side or the other.
These are awesome trucks. If this one fits you, jump on it.

 

Going to test drive the truck Thursday.

 

It's a Tacoma you can't go wrong!

 

X2 If it's in good condition and passes inspections, go for it


so TW can claim another victim of the mod bug virus

 

my dad has a standard cab 09 and loves it. he stands 6'-4" and it is the only midsize vehicle he's ever had that he doesnt look hillarious in. he loves that truck to death, and doesn't wheel it hard but the trips we have gone on together, his little truck kicks ass.

it will tow your boat fine. i remember when i was a kid my dad pulled the 16' Bass Tracker with his 22re pickup without too much trouble.

i drove his truck, bed full, and a 4-quad trailer behind it full of furniture and appliances the last time i moved and the 2.7 still felt like a power-house compared to the 22re pickup i had at the time.

get it. if your not trying to haul around a wife/kid/dog on your adventures it sounds perfect for you

 

have a wife, no kids, and no dog. Will be taking fishing buddies with me however only one due to the boat being a 2 person boat.

 

well, the cab situation is a tough one that you'll probly regret no matter what. i wish i would have bought a double cab, but if i was single i would love a single cab.

but the 4cyl is hands down a great choice to me. i wish i could have had one but the cards fell to the 6 cyl. that 4 banger is making its name as yet another awesome toyota i4, and seems to come with a good enough tranny behind it too.

plus if your worried about skids for clearance issues. the i4 naturally doesnt have the stupid exhast crossover that the 6 does.