Buying a Tacoma in December - Need some help

Hey Gang,

I'm going to be buying a new 2013 Tacoma sometime in December. I'm not a truck guy (yet), so the options are not as crystal clear to me as they may be to you guys. I figured I'd tell you what I know I want, and than what I want to do w/ the truck so you can hopefully give me some guidance.

I know I want to start with this:

Access Cab 4x4 V6 AT

As for what option package makes sense for me, this is what I plan on using the truck for:

Commuting back/forth to work (mostly highway)
Home Depot / Lowes Runs
Beach runs (not on the sand, just throwing a bunch of sandy crap into the bed)
Driving in the snow (my job almost never shuts down. Plus my road is not yet dedicated to the township so I am at the mercy of my builder to plow me out. Which probably isn't going to be early in the morning when I need it plowed)
Random large item pickups, etc.
Runs out to the nursery for landscaping goods (mulch, potted plants/bushes, many bags of lime, etc.)

I don't really plan on going off-roading with it. Maybe take it camping, but only campsites that are established and have a dirt road or trail to drive to the site. Again, here camping would be about the last thing on the list of things this truck would do.

Going by this, I'm guessing the TRD - Off-road would be a waste of $$ for me. Not sure if I really should be just looking at the SR5, or the TRD Sport?

Will the SR5 keep me covered here? Anything I'm missing? Particularly with winter driving?

Thanks in advance guys - appreciate the consideration.

 

S1nj, Do you feel that you might ever use a trailer in hauling the loads you have planned? If so, then the tow package or at least a class III hitch, it does not have to be Toyota hitch.

 

I have a 2012 SR5 4x4 DCSB with the tow package and I don't miss any o the extras offered in any of the TRD models, except fo the stereo. I use my truck for just about the same things that you will use your for.

Just get the upgraded allow wheels. Mine came with the steel wheels and I hated them. I upgraded as soon as I could.

Lots of great info and input here. Wish I started here when I was shopping.

 

You should be just fine with SR5. Like others have said I would go for the tow package which is pretty standard on these trucks or in other words easy to find. As far as the sport goes that's up to you. The sport package will not make your truck any more capable, but it does give you a nicer ride with better shocks and seats. My advice find one of each look them both over well and test drive both. Just a heads up I paid $32k for my 13 DCSB 4x4 sport w/ entune. I didn't price an SR5 since I knew what I wanted.

 

What he said, except for maybe the seat and wheel comments. The alloy wheels are just a look thing, if you don't like the look of the steelies pay the extra but there is no functional difference. The seats I'd sit in myself before deciding, some people like the sport seats better and some dislike them more than the sr5 seats.

Either way get the tow package, even if you aren't going to tow on a regular basis. I think of that the same way as I think of 4x4, its better to have it and not use it much than to need it once and not have it.

 

Is there really a difference in ride between the SR5 and TRD Sport?

 

I don't have the trd sport but I'm pretty sure it has the yellow bilstein shocks instead of the black tokico's. The yellow shocks are stiffer, some people say it's a harsh ride while other people say that's what they want. If you want a plush ride go with the standard black shocks.

 

Looking at the online configurator at Toyota.com, it doesn't look like I can pick a SR5 package that doesn't include the two package. So at least it will be there. And yes, I'll be getting the alloys no matter what.

I suppose if I have to order my truck I could spec it w/o, but I've already accepted the price with the package included as it is.

 

This is correct in my experience. I have an SR5 4x4 and like the ride. IMO its not as harsh as the progressive springs are in the TRD models. I would also recommend getting the tow package.

 

Should feel the exact same.

 

So far so good - I was leaning towards the SR5 anyway until I read the TRD Sport had a suspension tuned more for pavement. If that's a bunch of hooey, I thank you all for pointing it out to me.

 

If I were you, I'd go with the SR5 4X4 Tow PKG.... Like others have said, check the seat comfort first between the sport and the SR5.
I think the SR5 has a smoother ride and has just about everything a TRD sport has.
You can find those alloy wheels all day on CL.

I looked at it this way when I bought my truck. We could pay an extra 3K for some painted stuff, hood scoop, shocks, wheels design dating back to 2003, and an up graded CLOTH interior. Almost forgot the inverter in the bed. Overall it made no sense to buy it.

If you plan to purchase a TRD at least buy the off road...

 

It's a bit more stiff/sporty ride compared to the SR5.

 

S1njin, The Toyota TRD-Bilstein shocks that come with the TRD package are made by Bilstein to Toyota specs and sell at the Toyota parts counter for $33 each.

The real Bilstein 4600s that have a lifetime warranty sell for about $70 each at most any aftermarket location. If you want better handling overall, then add your own Bilstein 4600s after you get your truck.

 

Nice ...

I see the fronts are more expensive then the rears (Summitracing.com). I assume the TRD package includes both front and rear shock upgrades?

According to this website, I'm looking at a $350.00 upgrade. I'm assuming my mechanic friend can install these in his garage for me ...

 

S1njin, Yes, there would be front and rear shocks in the package. Your local garage would have no problem installing the new Bilsteins for you and you would save a BUNCH OF MONEY over the TRD package. There are certain niceties on the TRD packages, seats, trim etc. But if you are just wanting a truck that handles well, rides comfortably going with REAL Bilstein shocks after purchase is a better and cheaper way to go. Remember, 4600s have a lifetime warranty as well.

Summit, Jegs, Downsouth Motor Sports are all good places for buying Bilsteins. Tacoma World Members get a discount at Down South and free shipping.

 

The Sport comes with the TSB AAL from factory so you may only need 5100s for lift. Seats are better (search for info). If you plan to go to the beach, the skewp is a must. Not only for ladies, but you'll get about 5 mpg and 10 hp extra. LOL. Truthfully, I'm very happy with my Sport. I'm sure you'll be happy with any Tacoma you choose.

 

How many miles of minor problem usage do you guys reckon I can get out of a 2013 4x4 V6?

 

S1njin, With routine maintenance, 250,000 miles is realistic if not conservative.

 

I'd say conservative. These things are built to last. There's another thread on here with a guy going for 1,000,000 miles. He does a pretty heavy commute and I want to say he's over 350k miles already with very minor repairs being made. Take care of it and she'll take care of you.