should I get a new Tacoma

Not sure which forum this should be posted in. I'm posting in new members, hoping someone may answer or direct me where to move the post.

I am on my second Tacoma. My first was a 1988 regular cab 4X4. It lasted sixteen years and passed away with 176,000 miles. I then purchased a 2004 regular cab 4X4 which I own presently. Thirteen years old and only 81,000 miles. I have been considering buying a new one but in looking at them I see that many things have changed since 2004. There is no longer a regular cab option and the wheel base is obviously longer because of that. The body is wider than it used to be and no longer measures as a compact truck, which creates a problem for narrow fire trails. And the ground clearance has dropped from eleven inches to 9.4. I do some off roading in the Pine Barrens of NJ so am concerned about clearance.

With the drop in ground clearance and the extended wheel base the breakover angle has now changed. From what I can find, for the 2004 it was 24 and for the 2017 it is 21. My question is how much of a difference does that make? I can understand approach and departure angle but breakover is a little more complicated when I look at diagrams. Is there that much of a difference from 24 to 21 degrees?

I've loved my two Tacomas and would like to stay with them but if I opt for a new vehicle I would hope to stay within the same abilities. I have been looking at compact SUVs which have a lower ground clearance but a shorter wheelbase so the angles would be different. As I said, somewhat confusing for me to understand.

And I know that a 2004 with 81,000 miles has a long way to go but minor things have been going wrong with it over the past year. Plus I am not getting any younger and want a newer vehicle so I can enjoy it while I am still "young".

Thanks for taking the time to read this and comment.

 

Welcome to TW.
A couple things. Not much to do for the width, but a lift and taller tires would help with height. But that's an obvious thing leading up to my next comment.
TEST DRIVE. Before you buy a new truck, spend a few hours driving and feeling out the truck. Decide if you like the seats. Find out if you are going to be banging your knee on the steering wheel while getting in/out. Figure out if you will be hitting your head on the door frame while getting in. Figure out if your torso is so long that your head is going to hit the roof when you get the seat into a comfortable position.
Do not, I REPEAT, DO NOT buy a new Tacoma without figuring out if you will be comfortable in it. Also DO NOT buy a new Tacoma without test driving it.
I know these things seem obvious, but there is a reason I'm saying it.

 

If you're considering "compact SUVs" Why does approach angle and break over angle matter to you? Those don't matter for pavement pounding.

If you want something rugged for offroad a "compact SUV" shouldn't be on the list in my opinion.

So I'm curious what you plan to do with the new truck.

 

Believe me, I know to test drive. But I am curious as to why you are so insistent. The one thing I know about my two Tacomas is the rough ride, especially going around a curve on a bumpy surface. As for space inside or bells and whistles? I have crank windows and seats that aren't power. If I could get a truck like that again I would. Who needs all the bells and whistles?

 

yes

 

It doesn't necessarily have to be "rugged". I have looked at some compact SUVs that have a lower ground clearance but have a shorter wheel base. What I don't understand is whether an 8.7 clearance with a 103" wheelbase of a common SUV is better or worse than the 9.4 and 127.4 of the 2017 Tacoma.

As I said I occasionally go on some very sandy or muddy roads in the Pine Barrens of NJ. Some deep puddles, some mounds that I would be concerned about bottoming out on.

 

Sounds like you are over thinking this whole thing.

Because the 3rd Generation Tacoma is not without its many flaws...

 

Welcome! I vote Taco!