About to buy a new Tacoma, what do you guys think of the type/deal I'm getting?

I listed some background info but if you wanna just skip to the bottom for the make and price feel free to do so.

Hi everyone!

I'm new here but it seems like this is a great place for Tacoma related resources and am hoping to quickly become apart of the community.

A little background... 26 year old teacher who's saved up quite a bit of money over the years and is looking to buy my first real vehicle. I've been driving the same 99 Jeep Cherokee since I could drive and it has about 225k and I'm finally ready to upgrade. I do most of my own repairs and know my way around an engine a bit.

Here's my needs... I don't do any type of offroading. Mostly commuting while occasionally hauling around my small boat. I live in an area with lots of snow. So my needs were simple... at least a V6 engine, 4x4, reliable, good size bed, and decent mileage. So that's what brought me to a Tacoma and after lots of research this seems like the perfect vehicle for me.

I decided I want a newer vehicle. I wanted something that would last me for a very long time. If I would go used it would have to have under 40k miles. After looking at used vehicles online I was shocked at the high resale values. It made me consider seeing what they were new. I went to the dealership and discussed buying a new one. Here are the exact specs I want and the price I got them to...

New 2014 Tacoma V6, 6-Speed Manual, 4x4, Access Cab, Super White. $26,000

I decided against a TRD package. Is this a bad idea? I know I'll need a tow kit but I can buy and install that on my own.

Any thoughts an opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys!

 

I prefer the auto in these trucks even tho I'm a stick guy. What model are you looking at sr5? I bought a 13 Dclb sr5 loaded last year for 28k out the door. I think you can haggle with the dealer more. Post up the model and specs. There amazing trucks, you won't be disappointed with one!

 

Where are you located? If you're close I'll give you a sweet deal on a hitch when my new bumper comes.


You'll love the truck, honestly if you're looking for less than 40k I would buy new, it's a negligible price difference for an extra 40k of warranty.

In your described usage the TRD package isn't worth it, get an SR5 and enjoy

 

Welcome to the forum from Northeast Arkansas! The Tacoma has an excellent resale value, this is the reason you are having trouble finding a used Taco. If I were making the decision, I would go ahead with a new truck, if you have a sizeable cash down payment, most folks with good credit can get into financing with a very low interest rate, I would say about your pick of the 2014 with the equipment you listed will get the job done that you say you need the truck for. Sounds like a pretty good deal considering I bought a used 2009 Double cab v6 4x4 non TRD with 92,000 miles for 19,500 in 2012.

 

The only TRD package worthwhile gettting is the Off Road package for the locking differential and the A-Trac. Other than that, the sport, sr5 and regular tacoma's uses Trac (different from A-Trac). A-Trac is preferred as it is a more powerful version of Trac. Great for getting yourself unstuck but I think for your needs, you'd be fine without the TRD.

 

If you are towing get the auto and factory tow package. That is unless you tow infrequently and light weights.

 

Wait.. is the SR5 just the convenience package??

 

If you are planning on towing it is worth the extra to get the tow package, in addition to the hitch there is an upgraded alternator and a cooler

As far as the other stuff, if you won't use the off road stuff, the sr5 is a good middle of the road package, Sounds like you don't need the trd

 

Lol...the TRD is worth the price for the better seats alone...I got mine for under $30k OTD with the Catback exhaust...

 

Yes...adds things like fog lights, chrome grille/rear bumper, and keyless entry. Maybe some other stuff like cruise control and intermittent wipers...

All of the TRD's are SR5's. Defiantly get the factory tow package...includes a lot more than just a hitch. Bigger alternator, battery, oil cooler, etc...also, it's a class 4 hitch, not a class 3 like you would buy aftermarket and the 7 pin adapter is pre-wired.

 

If you plan on keeping the truck for a long time, get everything you want and don't look back. I would get the TRD off road so you have everything you need for many, many years.

The off road is a better truck than the sport, the sport has some cool looks but if you are going to be in snow, you might as well get the truck that has more options to get you out of it.

Sometimes you just have to suck it up, you only live once.

 

+1. My Off Road Taco is amazing in the snow.

 

Check your price against the prices on:

Kellysbluebook.com and Edmunds.com

These sites will also let you get 3 bids from dealers.

Never and I mean NEVER pay anything even close to sticker price. The dealers will offer you a price $1000 below sticker LOL !!! Try $1000. below invoice (dealer cost) then bargain down from there. The dealer gets "kick backs" after the sale which offset the initial purchase price. Its dirty, but that's how they do it.

I used these sites and got connected with a dealer 85 miles away that gave me a price $1200 under the 6 dealers where I live. It was well worth the drive.

 

OP, start the bidding war at $28,500 OTD for a MY14 Access Cab with the Off Road package, tow package, and the Entune Plus thingee. Heck, play dealers off each other if you have to - it's your money, and they're going to try and get every bit of it they can.

You should be able to get it for well under $30K, and you'll be a lot happier with your purchase.