AC or DC - that is the question.

Probably an un-answerable question...

Seems like a lot of people on here rock the single and double cabs but not as many access cabs. I'm really torn between the AC and DC. I like the extra interior space of the DC, but hate that the bed is shorter. I do not want the DC with longbed - way too long.

Is there any difference in fuel economy between V6 AC or V6 DC (with MT or auto)?

Also, it seems like its way easier to find used V6 Tacomas in any configuration than it is to find the I4. I'd love to get my hands on a 4x4 AC I4 5-sp MT.

 

It all depends really. Are you going to use the bed more than the extra 2 seats? or are you going to use the 2 seats more than the bed? I have a AC and I like and I dont. I couldnt see myself with a long bed either.

 

I wish I would have gotten the double cab every time I go to load up for a camping trip or want more than one other person riding with me, plain and simple the access cab doesn't have enough room for all my stuff. I could deal with the loss in bed space if I could have more room in the truck.

 

Man, I'll use both. I haul lumber, limbs, sand, bikes, mowers, and all kinds of stuff with my truck. I also play guitar, and would love to have enough interior space inside to put amps and other equipment that can't get wet or cold.

Price is an issue, and so is fuel economy to some extent. The AC seemed to be everything I wanted (for now) and I can get with a I4. Its just that finding a 4x4 AC with I4 and MT is tough! They pop up every now and then, but they're either way overpriced or 1,000 miles away. The V6 versions of any of these trucks tend to be for sale more often, and the double cabs are easier to find than the AC.

 

i rarely use the bed and its not wide enough for my four wheeler so I find myself using a trailer anyways, I always wish I had a double cab as I love to drive and my friends not so much.

but im getting an fj cause backseat room is a tad more than double cab.

 

08 AC auto right here. Love it. I had the same dilemma when I bought mine. The deciding question was "do I really NEED that extra space?" For me it was no. No kids just an awesome dog. I don't usually carry more than one or two passengers in my truck and I needed the bed length for my two wheeled obsessions. It does suck cramming friends in on the back sometimes, but after awhile people stop asking you to drive. Which to me is an added benefit As far as fuel mileage can't accurately comment on the differences between AC and the DC. I usually average 17/19 in the summer (21 if I drive like an old lady) 14/17 in the winter. Sometimes I do kinda wish I would have bought a 6 speed though. Not because the auto is in any way inferior, but I just like rowing my own gears and if my auto every has issues it will be big $$ to fix. If your having trouble finding what you want just ask the dealer to order one for you and work some linguistic magic to not get charged for it. I helped my sister do that for her car. If even if you do get charged it would still be worth it to get what you want IMO.

 

i love the DCSB! Have never had a problem running out of room with the shorter bed space, if anything get a bed extender for the sb.

If I had to do it agin I would do it the same. But maybe get a different color. love all the storage in the DC as well it’s really nice when on trips.

 

Thanks for the responses, everyone. The deciding factor might just be availability. My wife also hates the look of the DC, but that doesn't really matter

Do the DC and AC have the same wheelbase?

 

yes the dcsb and ac have the same wheelbase. I was in the same boat as you when looking for a truck. It came down to, I have a wife and a two year old son to haul when we do need the truck. So dcsb for me, but I still wish I had a longer bed sometimes. I still love it lol.

 

I have an Access Cab. Didn't need the two extra seats.... We have another vehicle that can hold 7 people (Acura MDX). The Acura has AWD, plenty of room, can haul kayaks on the roof, and whatever else we need. Although I don't haul much in the truck....I can't imagine having a short bed. I would never want that short bed.... and a DC Long Bed is just too long/big for me.

I would tend to believe...it all depends on what your 'other' vehicle is ...and how you utilize carrying cargo/ people.

 

My wife drives a VW Passat at the time, and its been a good car (for the most part). Based on what I'm reading here, I probably don't NEED the extra seats in the DC since I don't have kids and rarely drive other people around.

It looks like the extra bed space is probably more important to me than the additional interior space. Still, its difficult to find what I'm looking for. Maybe I just need to be ok with getting a V6. They seem to be WAY easier to find than the I4 with MT.

 

Double Cab.

 

^^^^this. while the DCLB may seem longish, in reality it is not when compared to many full-size trucks. also, imho, it is best to have too much bed-space when needed, than not enough a DCLB can fulfill the need for generally any interior space required by occupants, or other, whilst leaving a bed that can similarly meet many needs; drywall, plywood,lengthy trim pieces, appliances..........etc...

 

If you can swallow the extra cost of a Double Cab Long Bed....in a V6....and have the best of both worlds.

You'd probably be a much happier man. Overall - it'll have everything (for the most part).

Are you looking for USED? Or new?

If our other vehicle was an econo car - I might have seriously considered a DCLB. No kids here either.

 

i sought out a used AC and found it. my thinking was that since being a homeowner, i would need the bed space. you know what? i tend to need passenger space more. i do alot of hunting. dropping off friends into the woods, i always have two poor guys riding in the back. it also sucks for the front passengers, because the seats need to slide so far forward to even have people back there. the AC is a poor four-seater.

doing it over again..i would get the DC short bed. i would figure out loading. heck even a trailer.

 

I'm looking for used under $18k. Hate the look of the DC longbed. I'd rather have less room than drive one of those

 

I only have one issue with the AC, and it's enough that I probably won't have another one.
Pull into your average parking space with a vehicle on each side of you, open the front door forward, open the back door backwards...now try to put your groceries in the back seat.
It has forced me to become one of those a-holes that take up 2 parking spaces, just so I can get stuff in the truck.

 

I can relate to that....

I park in East Africa, and walk. Besides.....nobody can ding your doors out in East Africa!! LOL

 

They exist! Its just a matter of jumping when they come up.