Hello! I'm here to research for a future Tacoma.

Hi. I have decided to buy a Tacoma. Probably a used one. And came here to try to research and figure out the best trim package and year to get.

I guess I will first try to look for threads about pros and cons of particular models and years.

I hope I can get some info here. Thanks.

 

I guess a lot of the options will depend on your needs.

- 4x4?
- V6 power?
- 4 doors?
- Gen Design?

RJM

 

Welcome to the club!Good luck in what you ultimately want!

 

Im new to the truck world. I used to have a Subaru baja and although it isn't technically 'a truck' , it got me 'hooked' on having a way to haul stuff and not have to rely on other peoples trucks.
I have noticed tacomas on the road. And some seem smaller. And some look full sized.
I am leaning toward an access cab. And a towing package. And automatic transmission. That's really all I have thought of so far.
I won't be muddin or anything like that. Don't need a rugged work truck. Just a family truck for normal commuting with occasional hauling.

But I have a few questions about mpg. Is there a chart that shows the years and models and their mpg ratings.
I know I want a truck. But. I also want gas economy.
Thanks in advance for any help and guidance !

 

I would guess that you would probably want a 4 cylinder then? I have a 2016 with the 3.5 in it and it doesn't get that great of gas milage. Not sure what your definition of good gas mileage is though. I don't care really.

 

Welcome to tw by the way. Great people here.

 

Well. I realize that trucks in general don't get good mpg. I have always liked the look of a Nissan Frontier. And it gets good reviews. But. The mpg rating is 13 mpg. So. For that reason alone. I have decided against a frontier.

Tacomas get up to 25. I think. That is more like it. My baja only got 20mpg. I don't want to go lower than that.

 

I haven't averaged higher than 18 but I only have 1000 miles of the truck and all the miles have been in town driving.

 

If you are doing more highway driving you should be able to get that. I've seen a lot of guys getting that kind of milage here.

 

Is there a thread here that discusses the different trim packages?

 

So as someone who was in your shoes a couple years ago. Let me first say welcome to TacomaWorld... Now leave... If you want your dreams to stay intact, just leave...

Now if you are still reading, let me tell you about the rabbit hole you are about to find yourself Alice and Wonder landing your way down... I bought a 'sensible' Tacoma. 4cyl, 2wd double cab. You know the type you can haul a load of lumber from Lowes and look good in the driveway. Then I discovered the matrix that is Tacoma World. Ive never been one for suspensions, oversized tires etc... I began to hate my truck. I did some small things to it to look cool like installing a light bar and a spacer lift. Then I wanted the 4 wheel drive. So I bought a 4 wheel drive. Then I was hooked... $10,000 of upgrades later I wanted the fancy smancy 3rd gen... Now I have a 2016 Tacoma 4x4 TRD OR with every Bell and whistle imaginable... It all started with a conservative pickup 3 years ago... If you get into this... Go into with the idea that you are going to have a toy. And TOYota Tacoma's will suck you in. Get an Access cab 2005 or newer with 4 wheel drive... Trust me

 

There is but just google Toyota Tacoma and use the Wikipedia page, it's got all the variations in a condensed version

 

So. I guess the sky is the limit. A truck for every need and every budget.

I know that Wikipedia is out there. Just like Google is.

But. Coming to a forum with actual owners. People who will give tips and pointers. That's what I was looking for. The straight scoop. The reality. Not just the hype.

 

You nailed it. I wasn't trying to run you away with the Wikipedia comment. It's just a condensed version with facts and skips all the personal opinions. This is a great community for info. That search bar at the top is crucial.

 

Welcome to TW!
I would suggest a 09 or newer, if you go 08 or older, get a southern truck and get the frame inspected. A factory towing package is a good call, it includes: bigger battery, bigger alternator, oil cooler, transmission cooler, and 7-way plug. If you want the full size look you'll want 4X4. Some TRD Sports have 17" rims (mine), or you can upgrade later. But your MPG will suffer. Personally I get 17-18MPG in the summer with a fair amount of 70mph+ driving. I don't believe you can get factory towing package with a 4 cylinder. I have a 06 SR5, TRD Sport, 4X4, factory towing package with over 108,000 miles. I love mine, and it has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned.

 

"2nd gen" is 2005-2015 models. The 2 common upgraded trim packages are TRD Sport and TRD OffRoad. Access Cab comes with 6' bed. Double cab comes with either short bed (5') - the DCSB - or the long bed (6') - the DCLB. TRD off road is available in access cab models or DCSB only. Not on DCLB. The TRD Sport comes in any of the 3 cab/bed configurations I mentioned. (5' bed comes with 6 spd manual - and the 6' bed comes with the 5 spd auto). No major changes in the 2nd gens from year to year except that in 2009 they added some electronic traction control / ABS functions and the bluetooth features came along around that time too.

TRD Sport has the colour matched bumpers, grill, mirrors, handles etc, and hood scoop (for looks only - not functional) whereas the TRD Off road comes with a locking rear differential (TRD sport has limited slip rear diff). Both TRD models have a bunch of other perks like improved seats, tow package, power outlet in the bed etc.

'Limited' is a rare package - think the TRD Sport with chrome wheels and leather interior.

1st gen is everything before 2005.
3rd gen is the new 2016 and beyond.

 

Welcome to the site!

 

If you're looking at used, your choice of trim packages will be very limited. Best to just start looking and pick one that you mostly like.

Mine is a '96 AC with the V6 all manual; no power anything. In the winter I get 18-19 MPG, summer 21-22. Not bad for living in windy (and not flat) Wyoming.