Shopping for a new truck

So, I am in the process of my extended test drive with the Tacoma and the first thing I did was drive it up to Mt. Rose. I am very glad I did because I was so disappointed with the power delivery going up the mountain pass. It was at its worst trying to maintain 65MPH right before the pass got real steep. It would rev up to 65 and then lose momentum and I would have to floor it to keep it going. Like it needed to be geared for more low end power. When it got steeper and twistier, I put it in sport mode and shifted myself and it was bearable but it felt like I was driving my GF's forester up the hill where I had to floor it constantly.

I really liked the way it handled and all of the features the TRD Offroad with the tech package has. I really wanted to like it and get one, but the lack of low end power has turned me away. Thanks to everyone who told me to take the longer test drive.

During my extended test drive I drove the 5.3L Sierra and the Diesel Canyon and really liked both of them. Just not sure I want to spend upwards of 40K right now. I also drove the 3.6R Subaru Outback just to see how the power was and how it handled and I was actually impressed. I am still leaning towards a truck, but the Outback might do the trick for me considering the majority of my driving will be on the highway to and from work.

 

Did you consider maybe a wrx a more fun commuter perhaps?

 

Considered, but doesnt fit my needs for going camping and mountain biking. If they made a WRX wagon still, I'd buy one.

 

Yeah I think they got it abroad but not here. And no jeeps or suvs considered?

 

Very smart of you to get an extended test drive, for as much money as they cost it's a good idea to make sure you can live with it. I love my Truck but my biggest complaint would have to be the lack of low end torque, the Manual transmission helps overcome it a little though.

 

Considering different SUV's. Drove the 4Runner but wasnt that impressed. I was thinking the Outback as a smaller SUV with a bigger engine. Maybe I need to start looking at the bigger SUV's. I'm just thinking it will be overkill for most of my driving, I guess a truck would be too. The Outback might be best of both worlds though.

 

Yeah I was thinking you could try out the grand Cherokee

 

Coming from 2 GTIs and a TDI (mk IV,V,VI all manuals) in the past myself , you are doing yourself a disservice not test driving a RL. Much more satisfying DD. Keep the camping gear in the in-bed trunk and sleep diagonal in the bed if need be. No wheel well humps to speak of either. Full time multi-mode, torque vectoring AWD and your away >>>>>>> dry pavement or snow.

Its a more willing dance partner towing my Lance TT as well.

40 G will get you into one of the higher end models with the bed speakers. Imagine camped out in bed, bluetoothing your fav toons into the bed. Maybe a little Marvin Gaye if the lady is with you..... ya

 

Honestly at that point, I would just get the Pilot, there's way more room for sleeping inside and power outlets. Edit: I see the Ridgeline has outlets too. But, sleeping diagonally with the dog and the GF is not realistic. I would never be able to stretch out even diagonally since i'm 6ft tall.

I might just test drive the Ridgeline for the hell of it, but I really have my mind set on a Sierra. Drives nice, V8 power, and has the same mpg as the Taco.

 

I'm glad you tried it in the hills. The other roads out of town would lead to the same frustrating experience. Try the V6 Canyon, it has plenty of go.

 

Props to OP for test driving and determining it wasn't a good fit. I love my 3rd gen but it's not for everyone. You mentioned and outback have you considered the turbo Forester? Quick and fast and laughs at snow. Subaru awd is amazing and my old turbo Forester was a good car.