Toyota Tacoma Suggestions

Hello all,

I've decided to buy a Toyota Tacoma and have been watching a lot of video reviews on line. Some critics like it and some don't. The main reason why I want to buy one is because my dad has a 96 Tacoma and that truck has been used and abused and still run like new. It survived 3 car accidents.

I want to buy a used 2012-2014 Toyota Tacoma full cab 4wd V6. What I am really looking for in the truck is navigation system and towing package. I am not sure if I want to get the short bed or long bed. I can always get a trailer for short bed.

Since I am new to the Tacoma business I want to ask current owners about their trucks since that is the best review you can get.

My main questions are: is there is any difference between 2012, 2013 and 2014 models besides the price? How can I spot the towing package? Since it will be a used car I don't want to get screwed by the dealer/seller. Pictures would be great or a description where to look.

I am new to the forum business and tried to skim the forum for the answers. Some answers I found but the ones I am asking I could not. Maybe I don't know how to look. If the question has been answered if you would be so kind an provide a link to that forum topic. Thank you in advance.

 

The first thing to note is that the TRD off road package double cab (4 full doors) does not come with a long bed. Look at it like this. Toyota will not let you go off road with a lengthy truck.
That seems to be the one that trips most.
Welcome to TW.

 

As for the factory towing package, the TRD sport or off road will have it for sure. Difference between the years you listed will just be interior electronic differences. Etune, xm, etc.

 

TRD Off-road package is not offered with the DCLB. However, the TRD Sport Package is.

To go off of the comment above, if you don't get a TRD package or even if you do(?) a complete towing package isn't exactly 100%. You have to physically look for one and I would recommend taking the time to do so if you're sure you will need it. Here is a good thread on spotting the towing package and not just the hitch. The towing package isn't always with the TRD. It was/is possible to get a TRD sport without the tow package.

As far are model year differences, aside from a few exterior and interior changes (notice the front grille and bumper/the like), the Tacoma is pretty much unchanged since 05. 2012, 2013, and 2014 should all appear to be about the same.

 

tow package is easy, you can see the factory tow setup (it will have Toyota tags on it), and to confirm, you can pop the hood and trace the oil lines from the filter to a cooler up in front of your radiator. if its an auto trans, it will also have a trans cooler.

my truck has a bastard tow package because it has the Toyota hardware, but no oil-cooler, and no factory provision for trailer brakes.

the factory tow-trucks will also have a trailer-brake plug-n-play module above the driver kick-panel, along with a pig-tail in the glove-box that you could wire into a controller and plug into said module

 

You guys are fast.

Auzea thank you for the link. That is what I was looking for.

92dlxman, that's what I want to avoid is "bastard tow package." Thanks for the tip man.

boramkiv, very good tip. Thank you.

I do like how to TRD sport looks but I like TRD off road wheels and tires. Can I take TRD sport and put TRD off road wheels and tires on it or is that too getto?

On a TRD off road how often has anyone used RR Diff Lock?

 

I was in your shoes in April. I got a 2014 TRD OR DCSB 6 speed and love it. A-TRAC and 4-low is incredible. The rear diff lock works well, but it has a limit of 4 mph. I hit some trails this summer and never really needed it, but I tested it out enough, and yeah, those rears lock up tight and the lock/unlock controls aren't too bad either, but that 4 mph limit sucks. That said, it's there if I need it and under full warranty for a long time. And I can't see where 4 low with ATRAC wouldn't be enough for medium level CO trails anyway.

The nav is good- but if you plan to add an amp and upgrade the sound system, the head unit, in terms of the sound quality it puts out, is garbage. But, the voice commands, steering controls, etc. make it pretty attractive. I kept the HU and added an amp, DSP an speakers. The sound is much better, but is still limited by the HU. I'm an audiophile nut job though, a lot of people are fine with the stock speakers.

If you want to put a lift on it, and if the stock rear locker isn't good enough, and you want killer (aftermarket) sound, then go with the Sport and upgrade it. Otherwise, the OR is a great ride off the lot.

 

Just did some digging around. TRD Sport does not come with Navigation. Can anyone clarify that?

 

Are you going to lift it?

 

I have a TRD sport dclb 2013 and I can tell you it does come with a nav system. You can also take a long be off roading there are plenty I guys on here who have long beds and wheel with it as well.

Hopefully that helps

 

Not sure if you've checked out prices yet, but late model, low mile Tacomas tend to be priced pretty high. When I bought my '13, I was originally shopping for a used one. The prices were so close to new, it didn't make any sense to buy used. I've also seen the same story from quite a few people on here.

Just something to keep in mind when you are shopping around.

 

thinking about it.

Someone mentions DBS. Any suggestions? Price?

Great!

I'm starting to see that too.





Any suggestions on a good compatible alarm system? Something with a remote starter. Any person experiences? Pros cons?

 

I have a 2014 sport 4DRSB and it has navigation, yes they are hard to find. I had to drive to las Vegas to get mine. but I am considering upgrading to a Kenwood that has garmin, the nav on here not as intuitive as the garmin, but the voice commands are nice, and it reads back texts from the phone. I also stared looking at used and realized I woudnt benefit in price so I bought new. good luck.

 

You are right. I did some more searching and I found exactly what I was looking for. Its about 2.5K price difference between 2012 model and 2014.

 

If you're going to lift it, TRD isn't worth the extra money since you'll be replacing the whole suspension.

I reccomend The OME Dakar kit with aftermarket UCAs. The kit and LR UCAs will total $1600.

 

I almost bought used and I couldn't justify it when I could get a brand new truck for a few $k more with 0 miles.

 

With the cost of used and new being so close I would opt to go new. You may pick up a 14 with a discount since the 15 models are now hitting the lots.

 

Agree that's what happened to me. I was looking at a 2010 with decent miles and for about 3-4k more I decided on a new 13 only bc I could afford it

 

All right. I finally got what I wanted.

 

Got nav?