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Hoping to join, but need plenty of advice before buying!

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by Chickenmunga, Apr 10, 2008.

  1. Apr 10, 2008 at 3:18 PM
    #1
    Chickenmunga

    Chickenmunga [OP] Nuggety

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    All the normal TW BS
    Not sure if this is the right area to post on this, mods please move my post if needed :)

    My first and only car, an '86 Accord DX auto carbed, is showing signs of permanent retirement. I need something new, and I've got my heart set on the Tacoma - my buddy had an '82 Toyota 2 wheel SR5 manual, and it's been the most fun to drive vehicle I've been in.

    To me, buying a truck is far more complex than a car. Cars have very few, very obvious options. Trucks are more... overwhelming!

    I looked on toyota.com to build up a tacoma, but the options change depending on the zip code, and some options aren't listed at all that dealers say are available. Is there just some big document I could look at to make a checklist? :confused: I've been to http://www.toyota.com/tacoma/features.html, but one dealer said there was downhill assist, which makes me wonder if he made a mistake or there's stuff I don't see.

    The hardest part for me is deciding what I need versus what ends up being overkill for the uses I have. For example, Dad got a '99 Dodge diesel 3/4 ton 2WD, which has served us well, but once he drives it into the backyard to dump barkdust, etc, he needs to be towed out of the flat grass. I like to tool around on logging roads and go down a muddy road, I often try 'the road less traveled', but I don't pretend I'm a mountain goat, so where's the line as to what I need?
     
  2. Apr 11, 2008 at 7:28 AM
    #2
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    Nate
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    welcome to TW chickenmunga. i'm surprised no-one has repsonded yet, usually you cant get people to shut up when it comes to "what should i get posts". you're right about the regional thing. some options are available in some regions where others are not. most of these options are the safety features such as side airbags and different traction control options. If you wanted to wait until 09 i have heard that there will be some changes that will make the optional safety options standard, but i think the 09's will be going up in price too. search the site for "09 changes" or something along those lines to read all the comments about that.

    As far as what you need, thats dependant on what you are willing to spend and what you want. sounds like you need a 4x4. but do you want the 2.7 4cyl or the 4.0 V6? double cab or standard or extended (note: double cab only comes with the V6 no matter what region you are in) Short bed or long bed, manual or auto (both good trannies, i recomend test driving both) If you have the money i would recomend the TRD pkg (sport and off-road are both good the biggest difference is appearance and whether you want an e locker in the back or a limited slip diff.) Either way, from what you described, any truck with the 4x4 would probably be what you're looking for if you like the "road less traveled" (and Lord knows we all do :))

    if you answer some of those questions it will be easier for us to help you out with what you need.

    P.S. i'm usually not this helpful so dont get use to it, i'm typically a jackass but since its your first post i thought i'd be helpful for a change :) welcome to TW and feel free to ask any questions you might have and participate in any thread you feel like jumping into. Later Chicken!
     
  3. Apr 11, 2008 at 8:27 AM
    #3
    Roland

    Roland My other ride has sails

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    Welcome to TacomaWorld!

    I can't offer much advice about anything off road but ND is right, with more info we can give you better advice.

    I'm also willing to bet he gets a lot of people agreeing with him that he's a jackass ;)
     
  4. Apr 11, 2008 at 8:47 AM
    #4
    piercedtiger

    piercedtiger Devout Atheist

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    wow... I have to agree with ND on this one... I better mark the calendar!

    Anyway, you're in Oregon (snow country I assume), and like the "road less traveled" so 4wd is a must, IMO. Especially if you want to show up your dad by not getting stuck on wet grass! :laugh: Or pull him out....

    If you plan on tackling more of the roads less traveled (and you probably will once you realize you CAN), I'd recommend getting the locker. It adds around $800 to the TRD OR package, but it's cheaper than adding an ARB air locker later (~$1500 for parts last I heard).

    That leaves the cab size. My Double Cab short bed is great on those tight back roads/trails. Easier to navigate and turn around than a DC Long Bed. I think the access cabs (with 6ft bed) are the same length/wheelbase as a DC SB (5ft bed). So it's up to you if you want to carry 4-5 adults comfortably, or 2 and have some cargo space. I have kids so the DC was a must.

    Also, you can't get the locker or 6spd in DC LB configuration so if you want a manual it has to be an access cab, or DC SB.
     
  5. Apr 11, 2008 at 9:04 AM
    #5
    maverick491

    maverick491 Towing Guru

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    Tiger and ND covered alot of it, but here's another question. Do you need to tow anything now (boats, cars, Motorcycles, RVs)? If not do you plan to do so in the future?

    Point to the question. If you want to tow, then the best thing you can do for yourself, is get the 4.0L v6 with the factory tow package. It is much cheeper to buy it this way than to have to add everything else later.

    If you are not thinking you'll be towing, (and don't want a double cab) then you can save some money and get the 2.7L 4cyl, with 4wd, in the access cab and be more than happy. Hell that was what I did when I bought my 04 Tacoma, and only bought the 07 with the 4.0 after buying a travel trailer that I did not feel could be safely towed with the 04.

    In any case you are making a major jump from an 86 accord (Also my first vehicle) in ride comfort, interior fit and finish, and get up and go.

    Feel free to give us a little more info, and we'll try to narrow down the reccomendations.
     
  6. Apr 11, 2008 at 9:06 AM
    #6
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    The locker is part of the off-road package and you shouldnt have to pay any extra to get it added. sounds like you got fleeced Tiger! :p
     
  7. Apr 11, 2008 at 9:09 AM
    #7
    piercedtiger

    piercedtiger Devout Atheist

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    :laugh: Yeah, maybe it's part of the package... I forget. It's been 2 years since I actually looked at the invoice. lol

    My point was the locker is only $800 from the factory as apposed to $1500+ to try to add one later.

    Sorta like the tow package includes everything you need, but adding a Class 4 hitch, wires, oil cooler, tranny cooler, bigger alternator, etc later on will cost a great deal more than the factory package.
     
  8. Apr 11, 2008 at 9:13 AM
    #8
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    dont talk anymore, you're just gonna confuse the poor guy
     
  9. Apr 11, 2008 at 9:21 AM
    #9
    Chickenmunga

    Chickenmunga [OP] Nuggety

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    When were the 09s going to hit out?
    I'm a bit bereft of a vehicle at the moment - my brother's god-awful pontiac lemans died this week, and I was able to give him my car because I can carpool until I get everything figured out.

    I didn't see where there was a difference in gas mileage, so it seems stupid NOT to get the V6... if this isn't the case, what's the mileage difference, and does the 4cyl feel lacking?

    Access or double. I like the small cab feel of a standard, but I'd much rather have some room for people or gear that wouldn't go in the bed. I kinda need to test drive the differences and get sitting in more. Again, didn't see where the gas mileage differed much.

    It's not a truck if it doesn't have a long bed - sorry short bed fans ;)

    I'm leaning manual because of the fun factor and it saves some cash as well.

    Isn't there also the locker with VSC? I heard rumor...

    Let me describe my usage, and then you can recommend?

    -I'm a software developer/consultant with a 20 minute highway commute. There's a bit of travel involved. This made me really think 'car', but I'm tired of not being able to go all the places I want on the weekend. I considered a 4Runner, but there wasn't any point to it - no fuel savings, monetary savings, etc. (but they do feel like a millon bucks when driving around the outskirts of Denver on a business meeting!)

    -I'm usually the handyman in the group. I feel at home in home depot and lowe's, and find occasions for projects. I have a small yard that's going to need barkdust come summer. A basic 2WD longbed would cover this area - unless there's the whole, "I can't get out of a grass yard" issue.

    -I spend the weekend paintballing, plinking with rifles, and driving on logging roads. I'm not climbing 45 degree inclines or fording rivers, but there's muddy roads I wish I didn't have to look at and say, "whoah, not getting towed again!!"

    -I have delusions of hauling ATV's in the future... hopefully near future :eek: Big stuff like 5th wheels and whatnot I can always ask to borrow Dad's. I'm trying to say that I don't need to pull locomotives behind me or transport gold bars, but I want a reasonable ability to tow a trailer or fill the bed with... stuff.


    If you haven't noticed, I have a horrible habit of turning my posts into novels. Hope I was concise enough.


    EDIT: Yeesh this thread took off while writing my little dissertation. I was sitting here at 7:30am and wondering when I'd get a response, then everything went "whooaAAH!!" Thanks! :D
     
  10. Apr 11, 2008 at 9:43 AM
    #10
    maverick491

    maverick491 Towing Guru

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    Mid to late July is usual for Toyota (I think), but since there are some slight changes to the 09's they may push that up or back, I am not sure if we have gotten any kind of actuall confirmation on a release yet.


    Realistically the same truck gets one, maybe two mpg better with the 2.7L over the 4.0L

    If you like the small cab feel and want a long bed, then you are going to be better off with the access cab. Two adults can sit in the back of an access cab truck (Note I did not say comfortably), but my sister in law, rode back there on one camping trip to Virginia and back from Jersey, and my wife and our dog rode back there on another trip back from Virgina, and they both survived. It's really ok, for short trips, but no-one would enjoy a long trip back there. However, you have already said you like the smaller cab configuration, and to get a long bed with a double cab it limits your options somewhat, asside from the fact that it really becomes a pretty massive truck at that point.


    The manual is cheeper, though harder to find, atleast it was here, I had to wait for about a month for the dealer to get a manual in the color and with the options I wanted. Also, the manual does get about 1 mpg less then the auto, because 6th gear could really stand to be a little taller. (Just things for you to consider)

    The Locker only comes with the TRD off-road package. when the locker is not engaged the truck has an open diff. (one tire in the air means you are going no-where) The VSC option gives you a simulated limited slip. Ie if one wheel is spinning, the truck applies the brakes to that wheel to try to get some of the power to the other wheel.

    My recomendation would be for a V6 4wd access cab, with the TRD off-road package (more get you un-stuck and protect your truck goodies as opposed to the sport package with more appearance goodies) and Tow package.

    The reasoning behind the off-road and tow package are that you talk about wanting to tow atvs in the near future, and about wanting to explore off-the beaten track roads, and it is far cheeper to have those options from the factory than to not get them and realize you want them and try to add them later. I believe in the better to have and never need than need than not have thinking.

    You are now 2 cents richer, though your mileage may vary...
     
  11. Apr 11, 2008 at 10:10 AM
    #11
    piercedtiger

    piercedtiger Devout Atheist

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    Also, keep in mind you can't get the DC LB with the manual. So you'd have to live with having a short bed, or having an auto tranny. :D
     
  12. Apr 11, 2008 at 10:48 AM
    #12
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

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    This. It's my exact setup (with the manual 6 speed) and it's solid. Now pick a color, sign on the dotted line, and enjoy the payments....uh, I mean truck! :cool:
     
  13. Apr 11, 2008 at 11:52 AM
    #13
    nd

    nd Radical Town. It's a hell of a place!

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    I agree with Mav on this one. sounds like the V6 would give you teh power you need for hauling yard supplies, trailers and atv's. There is not a huge difference between the offroad and sport but the offroad does have the locker which will help out more if you get stuck, so i would lean towards the off road. But i have to admit, the sport does look a little nicer with teh painted trim and the hood scoop. Definately get the tow pkg. you get lots of extra goodies for only $600 bucks extra. as far as the tranny, i would still test drive them both. i was convinced i was getting teh manual until i drove both of them. i didnt like the feel of the manual and loved how smooth the auto was so i went with the auto. get the access cab. you will have some internal storage and the long bed, which it sounds like you need
     
  14. Apr 11, 2008 at 1:08 PM
    #14
    RelentlessFab

    RelentlessFab Eric @Relentless Fab Vendor

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    yep yep. sounds like everyone has you covered on the recommendations. Definately a Acc. cab 4wd and probably a manual. i'd at least get the SR5 if you dont want to cough up the extra dough for a TRD. I bought mine in Coos Bay and it was perfect for me, and sounds like what you'd want too- 4x4 Acc. cab V6 manual with the SR5 and then alloys, tow package and Limited slip added to it (all for $400 under the trucks dealer invoice price at that).
    one more thing- you didn't specificly state whether or now you would buy a new or used 2nd gen.... i'd go new. you get exactly what you want that way and you'd probably only save about $2500 off that of a new truck. then you know exactly what the trucks been through and how it was maintained.
     
  15. Apr 11, 2008 at 1:40 PM
    #15
    Roland

    Roland My other ride has sails

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    From other threads most of the V6 owners are getting 17 to 19 MPG and most of the I4 drivers in the low to mid 20s so I'd estimate a 3 to 5 MPG average difference between the 2.7 and the 4.0. My total average since buying the truck is almost 25MPG and so far this tank I'm getting 26.5 MPG :p
     
  16. Apr 11, 2008 at 1:46 PM
    #16
    maverick491

    maverick491 Towing Guru

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    I didn't think the difference was that great between 2.7 and 4.0 4x4 trucks. I mean I know you 2wd guys spank us as far as mileage goes. :) :poking:, but I really thought the 4x4s were only one or two mpg apart. I stand corrected. :)
     
  17. Apr 12, 2008 at 2:34 AM
    #17
    Viper-2

    Viper-2 Secret Agent

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    Yes the 2.7 gets about 4-6 mpg better than the 6. I think many people just exaggerate their gas mileage which makes people pick the top number they see in the 6 (and the 4) and lock that in their minds.

    If you look overall the vast majority of the people who have 6's say they get 17 to 19 (like stated above). On my 4 the worst I have done while hauling (this is overall gas mileage) is 20 to 21. On a daily runner communting in stop and go traffic 4 miles back and forth to work and some Interstate driving I average (examining this over almost a year now and being anal about MPG) 24-25 MPG.
     
  18. Apr 12, 2008 at 6:22 AM
    #18
    piercedtiger

    piercedtiger Devout Atheist

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    The problem is both of you have 2wd trucks. The discussion was about differences between 4x4 versions of both the I4 and V6. Since you don't have the extra drag from the 4wd system, you're mileage doesn't really help with the comparision.

    4-6 mpg? Not a big improvement considering your truck has 2 less cylinders and no front drivetrain! :laugh:
     
  19. Apr 12, 2008 at 8:39 AM
    #19
    Roland

    Roland My other ride has sails

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    Looks like we're both right. There are not a lot of models that compare side by side. Basicly just the access cab.

    4X4

    2.7 - 17/22
    4.0 - 16/20


    Prerunner

    2.7 - 20/25
    4.0 - 15/19

    Those numbers make me SO happy I don't need 4WD

    500 miles to the tank FTW!!!
     
  20. Apr 12, 2008 at 9:35 AM
    #20
    Sodbuster

    Sodbuster Active Member

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    According to the Toyota wbsite it costs $519.00 for the hitch option. I'm having mine done for $300.00 aftermarket.
     

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