Buying a New Tacoma

Hi Folks. I am in the market for a new Tacoma. by new I don't mean the 2016's but my purchase time may cross into when they are released.

I tow a pop up camper with a minivan (yeah, I know) and want to move up for mountain terrain and some beach traveling. Although, I will want to do some off roading, in reality it probably would be only a few times per year. My questions/observations:

• I will need a V6 and towing package. Any reason I need the TRD off Road (aside that it looks nice) version?
• This may sound stupid but I have come across some dealerships that will have differently priced tacoma's both with the TRD Off Road decal on the back. One will be more expensive and list the TRD Off road as a package. The lesser expensive one won't list that as a package but, like I said, has the TRD Off Road decal. Do I assume any Tacoma with the "TRD Off Road" decal on it has that package?
• This is somewhat silly but used tacomas run prices close to new ones. Obviously, the fact they hold values so well is great but the prices are so close that I figure I should just buy a new one -- I have read of many others who say the same thing which begs the question: If new and used are so close, pushing customers to just buy new, wouldn't that just trigger used prices to drop?

 

Buy a new one unless you don't like what Toyota has done. The advantage of buying used late model will be having a truck that has been made and tweaked for 10 years and yes they all hold their values. I know some people who prefer the older trucks.

When I decided to buy another Tacoma, I bought a new 15 as a hedge against not liking the 16. Only put 1300 miles on it so far because I don't know if I am going to keep it and want the best value for a buyer or trade. In that, I got the exact model, options, and color I wanted. Something I might not have with leftovers in September. I think 15s will sell quickly as prices and the 16 is released. I don;t see it being a barn burner is initial sales.

If I like the 16, I will sell it. I drive a 12 Miata and only use the truck when I need a truck. Until I decide to keep it or buy the 16. I don't think the 16 will be record seller. Toyota did not do enough on many fronts to make anything more than a 2016 truck as it should be. They are playing catch up in features and power. Not leading.

The Tow Package come with trucks in the Southeast...I imagine they come with all TRD and SR5 models

BTW most trucks that have the OFF Road decal has the package but be aware anyone can buy those decals. You have to know what is in the package and locate them on the truck.

 

TRD off-road models have a locking rear diff and ATRAC. To the left of the steering wheel there should be a button that says RR Diff Lock if it is an off-road. Also, used tacomas sell high. Always have.

 

^^ And just to be safe against any REALLY shady sellers...push the button and make sure the diff lock light on the gauge cluster starts blinking. Hit the button again right away, of course.

 

I bought a 2015 Tacoma because 2 year old models with 60k miles were only $2k less than new here in Montana. Seemed pointless buying a used truck at that point.

The Off-Road models as mentioned have a rear locker which can come in handy when doing any serious off-roading. You can add this to a Tacoma that doesn't have it but it'll cost you $1k-$2k.

Look closely at the different models. There are "TRD Sport" models and "TRD Off-Road" models which are not the same setup. Also - I've personally seen a "TRD Off-Road" decal on a pre-owned Tacoma that was NOT an Off-Road model. You can buy the decals on the internet.

I personally bought an SR5 model in the DCLB (Double Cab Long Bed) version. It came with the tow package. Though it's 4x4 it has no lockers or ATRAC like the Off-Road models. And doesn't have the Hood Skewp that comes on the Sport models.