Buying my third Tacoma...

So my 06 Tacoma with 145K miles was totaled last Friday. Insurance is paying market value ... so I am getting another Tacoma.

My 06 was a v6 PreRunner with TRD, SR5 and Access Cab.

Thinking of going to the Crew Cab, long bed with TRD and 4X4 this time and am curious if the long bed changes gas mileage, handling etc... vs. the Access cab and standard bed.

Or...would you hold out until the redesign?

 

I wouldn't hold out. Sounds like a good choice to me. I have SB, so I can't speak on the handling. Usually though, longer = more stability.

 

I have a dbl cab long box and my buddy has an access cab long box both 2007s. Gas mileage we don't notice any difference. His truck is better off road, gets hung up less often. Mine is smoother highway driving.

 

If the turning radius is important to you, you might consider the shorter bed.

 

If you can hold out, why not wait and see if Toyota redesigns the Tacoma?

 

I can't hold out for too long... I need a vehicle.

Didn't know you can't get the TRD off road on a long bed.... Anyone know why?

 

I have a dc, lb, everything said is true but my sb friends envy my bed, it seems longer. It is great putting the back seats down and converting to easy to get to storage, especially for hunting season. My truck remains ready for different weather, different gun choices,I dress by the truck and can get to everything thru big doors, then the bed for stuff that can live outside. Right choice for me. Hell in mamma's shopping centers, but avoid that anyway. Merry Christmas

 

If you need a truck now then you can't wait for the redesign. You could go buy an older 1st gen to hold you over if your that interested in the redesign.

I have the option of getting a new 2014 or waiting for the redesign. I'm holding out for a while to see if some more news on the redesign comes out. The 1st gen Tacoma [1995] was first introduced to the public in February 1995. The 2nd gen Tacoma [2005] was unveiled February 2004.

So I'm hoping we learn something by February 2014 on the 3rd gen. Maybe wishful thinking. But I would be pissed if I bought a 2014 and then less than a year later they release the 2015 with new engines and with much better fuel economy.

Fuel economy is a big deal for me - I all too well remember the days of $4+ / gal gas. Keep us posted on what you decide.

 

Why did you ask if you can't wait?

 

Drove the 2014 DBL Cab 4X4 TRD Sport Long Bed today...didn't feel like it had as much power as my 06 Access Cab Pre Runner with TRD Off Road.

Is it consensus that the Access Cab vs. the dbl cab long bed has more power given the added weight?

 

Sounds about right but I think the DCLB only weighs about 200 more pounds.

The tow rating on the Access Cab TRD is 6500 lbs while the tow rating on the DCLB is 6300 lbs.

200 more lbs, so about the extra weight of a person.

 

How bad is it with a car seat in an access cab.... baby on the way, and he'll be with mom in the Sonata most of the time, but on the occasion we are in the truck, what's been everyone's experience with a car seat in an access cab? Leaning towards the Access Cab with standard bed. If the car seat is a huge issue...it will be the DC short bed.

 

This especially a 4x4. Turning radius sucks. Didn't really notice it testing it out since before I drove a hemi 2500 dc long bed dodge but it might have had a better turning radius than my Tacoma haha.

 

I can't speak to a car seat, but I have an Access Cab and I'm constantly in the back of it. Everyday I put my heavy laptop backpack in the back behind my seat and it's just a pain in the butt trying to get my upper body in there. I wouldn't consider myself a huge guy, about average build with decent shoulder and I'm constantly slamming my shoulders just trying to get that laptop backpack behind my seat.

I would highly recommend steering clear of the AC especially if you have a baby on the way. I'm looking for more room myself and I am in the market for either a DCSB or a 4 Runner Trail.

 

The truck you test drove is more than 400 lb heavier than your existing truck (4x4 drivetrain, double cab, slight year-on-year weight growth).

Access cab will be tight. With a car seat in the rear, the front passenger seat has no room to recline or be positioned too far back. How tall is mom?

The rear doors on the access cab require more room to open. Something to consider if the parking spaces are narrow in your area.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I am pretty sure I am going to go AC, 4X4, TRD Off Road... after having a standard bed, I can't really go to the short bed.

Baby will be with mom in the Sonata...on occasion I'll have to slide the front seat up a bit. Mother is not too tall....I think it will be fine.

 

Im 6'2 225 and i can reach to the other side of the truck through the access cab door. I think loading and unloading stuff is easy. I have one work bag, a gym backpack, and another backpack most of the time and i choose to keep them in the cab versus in my bed even though i have a leer shell. I keep my seats folded out most of the time too. A car seat i do not see working how you would want it too. If the car seat was 30% of the time or more i wouldnt get and access cab.