Is Tow Package required with V6?

Seems unanimous. I didn't realize it could prolong the life of the vehicle. Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm 54 and I expect to keep this a long time, so I definitely want longevity.

 

Tow package is one of those rather have and not need it than need and not have it deals and for only about 600 bucks seems dumb not to get it when you're already spending over 30g

 

Do it!Just do it!

 

As others have stated, I'd say get the tow package. It's a no brainer. Others worry about getting the OR vs the Sport, and to me that's a moot point as neither are 'necessary' but the tow package is great to have, as evidenced in this thread it will help with resale down the line, AND it's truck for christ sake! Get the tow package!

 

I had an '03 Tacoma and in the end, I was getting 16 mpg as I do mainly interstate driving. The difference in power now that I'm in a 2016 with a V6 is ridiculous -- and most importantly, I'm getting far better gas mileage. That 4 cylinder was bullet-proof though. I would do an oil change every 15k miles and I was at 217,000 miles without a single motor issue before I totaled it. I worry a little bit about the V6, but I think it has been long enough that Toyota knows how to build a good v6 motor (even though they changed it this year).

I know the $33k seems ridiculous (I paid $20k for my 2003 and now $36k for my 2016 TRD Sport), but when you account for the resale value of these things, it really helps to ease the pain. I was actually looking at 2006 - 2013 models before buying brand new and they were pushing $18k - $24k.... That's a lot for a used vehicle. I understand that's quite a bit cheaper than brand new, but I kept my 2003 for 13 years and would've kept it for 20 had I not wrecked it (I cried when they towed it away), so I know I will do the same for this vehicle. I know every mile that has been put on this truck, so that made it worth buying new for me. If that high cost throws you off, do as others have stated and buy a used truck with a low number of miles on it (under 100k). I got $7,700 from the insurance company for my 2003 Tacoma with 217k miles on it. I beat that truck to hell and still ended up paying less than $1k per year in car cost. Not many vehicles depreciate that kindly, especially with the amount of miles I was putting on that thing!

 

I'm in the Gulf States distribution area (which includes AL, Fl, GA, along with other southern states). If it comes from the distributor in Jacksonville, FL, it will have the tow package if you get the V6. Also...."mandatory option" an oxymoron? Love it!

 

Isn't the tow package included in the FP package ?

 

Tow package is worth it even if you don't ever tow. Only $650.

 

Get the tow package...I had one on my previous Taco...2006 Prerunner....never once used it in 10 years...BUT when I went to sell it...the used car dealer actually crawled up under it to make sure it was OEM....He sells nothing but Toyota trucks and said to me...if it was aftermarket I wasn't going to buy it...But it is factory and I'll take it!!! SOLD>>>>

 

Southeast Toyota (SET): Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina
Gulf States Toyota (GST): Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas
Toyota Motor Sales, USA (TMS): The remaining states

I haven't checked SET to see if the tow package is a "mandatory option" for buyers in that distribution area.

Interesting that Oklahoma is classified as a "gulf state". If that were true, could we sell oceanfront property in Tulsa? (grin)

To determine your distribution area, go to http://www.buyatoyota.com/en/ and click on the Inventory tab. Enter your zip code ...

The three distribution areas may also be a clue why some TW members cite different prices for similar vehicles. SET and GST are distributors ... they obtain Toyotas, built to THEIR specifications, then provide them to the individual dealerships. They also impose a fee for their services.

 

Thanks for the info! I live in AL but my new Tacoma was transferred from a dealer in SC so I assume it came out of the SET distributorship. Interesting story how SET got started. I thought there was one other "independent" distributor of Toyota vehicles somewhere in the western part of the U.S. I bet Toyota would like to rethink those decisions they made many years ago but that was (from what I understand) the best way for them to enter the U.S. market at the time.

 

I dont think anyone else mentioned this... If you plan on getting longer items at home depot, you can get a hitch mounted bed extender that can adjust height to hold long 2x's or sheets of drywall, etc. even a ladder.

 

I have a attachment where I can mount my BBQ to the hitch on my truck.

 

Why don't you just buy a small utility trailer? I spend <$300 on a trailer and can haul anything I need with my car.

 

I turned 54 last Saturday...Two weeks ago I had a 2.7L bought for $29,000 plus tax...SR5, 4WD, Appearance package...Told dealer I would come get it 3 days later on the weekend...

Funny thing happened next...Before I drove over to take delivery I researched the V-6 and found it gets the same gas mileage as the 2.7L but twice the power and towing capacity...For exactly $2,500 more I got a V-6, Tow Package and Navigation plus the same nice looking Appearance Package as on the 2.7L.

 

Resale value. More chicks. Better looking chicks. Without the tow package you get the scraps.

 

I got the TRD Offroad (about $3k) primarily because it was the only one in stock with the tow package in a color I considered acceptable (also, I didn't want a non-functional hood scoop, but they didn't have any AC sports on the lot at the time anyway), and at the time I wasn't sure if I'd ever really do much towing or off-road driving.

Definitely worth it for just the trans and oil coolers, even if you plan to unbolt the hitch receiver as soon as you get it home.

 

Depending on where you live and drive, you may want to consider its benefit to driving on hilly or mountainous roads and regional temps.

 

Do it. I never thought I'd need it either, then my wife's car broke down, and my buddy had a car dolly so...I saved myself a $200 towing bill.