Well, I took the plunge. Traded the Tundra on a Tacoma

Hi, officially to everyone. I finally did it. I got a Tacoma. It's a 2013 Taco DCSB, Spruce Mica, TRD Sport. I'm actually "downsizing" from a 2008 Tundra Crewmax SR5 5.7l 4x4. I've debated a Taco a few times in the past when I got my Tundra and last summer. Here's the post I made last time I was thinking about it. http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/new-members/276276-should-i-trade-my-tundra-tacoma.html

I never really NEEDED the full capabilities of Tundra as I haul items that easily fit in the Taco's bed, but I couldn't really complain about having them. I really liked the truck and have nothing bad to say about it. Right now I feel that a Tacoma fit MY needs better.

A few comparisons so far..

Exterior... There is no doubt this is a smaller truck. Length wise I think it's about a foot and a half and that's about what it feels like parking it. And obviously less bed space. Width is not really much comparison. The Tundra had tow mirrors, which you had to be careful where you were in a lane. Plus I was always folding in the driver's mirror when I parked. The Taco feels skinny and I don't worry about this at all.

Interior... I'd say the CrewMax spoiled me. It's HUGE. It makes the Taco seem small, however realistically it's a reasonable amount of space and I can fit my 3yr old soon in the back with and adult not problem. I think the space that is available is utilized better than the tundra. I fit all of my straps, hitch, gloves, towels, etc... in the taco either under the rear seat or behind it and still have plenty of space left over. I guess I'd say there's less space but fits about the same amount of stuff. I especially like the TRD seats in the Taco. I have back problems and even with the tons of adjustment on the Tundra I couldn't get into a comfortable seating position. These seat have less adjustment but "fit my body" better.

Ride... My Tundra was a SR5 NON-TRD. This is a TRD Sport. The ride on the Taco is a little stiffer and choppy, however it feels more controlled. The Tundra felt softer but more bouncy. I'm sure the tires being smoother AT tires on the Taco compared to the E-rated Duratracs on the Tundra make a difference too. The Taco handles turns MUCH better. Overall I like the ride of the Taco better. The turning radius is a better on the Taco and with the skinniness make parking easier.

Engine/Mechanics... There is no comparison to the 5.7. It is a beast... and drinks like one too. The power combined with 4.30 gears is unbelievable and transmission is nice. The only thing I didn't like was how touchy the gas was even after the gas pedal fix. The Taco feels slow by comparison, but again realistically feels adequate. The Tundra is rated 13 city/17 highway and I was averaging a little over 13 mpg for the life of the Tundra and 12 mpg in the winter. I'd never gotten over 16.4 mpg even under ideal circumstances. Anything I can get in the Taco has to be better than that and if I can just get the 16 mpg city I'll be very happy.

Overall... I'm very happy with my purchase. The truck is 1 yr old and has 11,000 miles on it. I have 1 year remaining Toyotacare, 2 years or 25,000 miles BTB warranty left, and 6 years or 89,000 miles left on the powertrain warranty due to it being certified used. My Tundra was officially out of warranty last summer due to the 5 years.

So far still getting used to it but I enjoy it a lot. This morning I got to try out the 4wd since we have 6" of snow on the ground and it performed great as expected. Yesterday I got to experience the joys of the combination of a 3 yr old, melting snow, mud, and sneakers that reach the back of the front seat now. Oh well. lol

If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.

Ben

 

glad you're happy with your purchase. welcome!

 

Any regrets or disappointments so far? I have a taco but been considering a tundy for the room.

 

I had 3 2nd gen. Tundras, and traded for my '12 Sport 4x4 about 2 years ago. Still very pleased with the Tacoma. Sometimes I miss the capacity of the giant toolbox I had in it, but I really like the dimensions of this truck. Not to big, not to small.

 

No, not yet. But I've only had it for a few days now. The only thing I could see myself missing is the rear seat legroom (for my son so as to not to kick seats) and rear seat width (for fitting 3 adults comfortable, or 2 adults plus a car seat). Now if I regularly hauled 1000+ lbs or towed 5000+ lbs I'd probably kept the old or gotten a new Tundra.

I think a lot of truck buyers (including myself) get sucked into the whole "a lot more capacity for not that much more money" thing and get a full size over a mid size. I know I did, and I would have been fine in it. But I think the Taco is the perfect "for me" size for the time being.

Now to start saving for new wheels and tires.

 

I really like the leg room and interior space in the tundy just trying to justify the car payment vs my paid off taco. Really want a 4x4 but the taco and 4runners are more expensive than used tundras lol

 

Welcome to TW

 

there should be some kind of trade thread or section between TW and tundras.com for members to see about swapping before taking a hit on a trade-in. it seems as if there is a fair bit of talk on here about going Tacoma to Tundra or Tundra to Tacoma.

 

Congrats on new vehicle. I also just traded in my 07 Limited DC Tundra for a new Tacoma DC TRD Off road. As much as I loved that tundra engine and heated leather seats, thinking the taco will be a better and more practical fit. Added perk is that the Tacoma actually fits in my garage and I can drive it w/o seeing the gas gauge move. Enjoy!

 

Yep... the Tacoma barely fits in my garage, but it fits!

 

ahh, a fellow PA person. I wish I had gotten a double cab when I got my '04, would never trade or sell it. size is right and had decent economy on a 4x4 (got 20mpg when she was a few years old on a long drive)

luckily we only got about 2 inches but people still can't drive for crap

 

Welcome!

 

I'm considering selling my taco for a full size truck but still thinking about it

 

Holy thread necro lol

 

I'd rather continue an existing conversation rather than being accused of not using the search button

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

Thanks for the greetings. I've been a lurker for about 5 years on and off. I was getting bored of my truck until I started watching more iverlanding videos of Tacoma. I'm a car person becoming more of a truck person now. Cheers!