New buyer....first truck ever.

If it's your first truck ever, why not go with a used vehicle so that if you decide a truck isn't for you, you don't lose the "rolled it off the lot" money and can just flip it?

If you go new, as others have mentioned, test drive it. Then test drive it again . Then walk away. Then come back at the end of the month and test drive it a few more times . Then if you still like it, make an offer. Too many unhappy customers are due to the lack of diligence on their part while shopping and has nothing to do with the truck itself.

Good luck!

 

I knew in the 1st 5 minutes of the test drive that I wanted the 4cyl Tacoma. But you are prolly less simple minded and trusting than me.

 

Just trying to save someone from buying something they may not like, you should get the longest test drive you can for any vehicle you are thinking of buying and drive as many different roads you can to make sure it meets your expectations.

 

Careful is good.

 

I've had a '92 (pre-Tacoma), '04, '09, '12, and now an '18 Tacoma. There was an '03 Matrix (couldn't hack going back to a car) and an '06 Tundra (way too big for what I need) mixed in there as well. Most recent 2 have been 4WD, definitely worth it for me, just have to figure out which trim is best for you. Grab one and enjoy it.

I am averaging well less than 10K miles per year, so I just do an annual oil change, but you should be just fine going the 10K. Cartridge filter is probably to go more carbon-neutral, less waste.

I actually like the new engine more than the 4.0, and the auto doesn't bother me. They just took some getting used to since I had been driving the 4.0 for almost 10 years. You haven't, so you have only the Subie to compare it to. The 3.5 has solid bones, same as the 4.0, just more modern valve timing and fuel injection. MPG is not much different, though . . .

Not sure why people are saying to wait for the 2020, changes aren't that big. Power driver's seat is nice, but it will likely be an option and not available on all trims, and may not be the best idea if you ever do any fording. I don't have an issue finding a seat position I like. Audio quality of streaming kind of sucks in general, and I don't use Apple products, so that infotainment thing is not a big deal to me. Put your music on a thumb drive, sounds WAY better. GPS is OK, Google and Garmin have their own issues and have led me astray at times.

Tires aren't great, but they are good in lots of different conditions (no tire is good in all conditions), wear them out while you decide what compromises you want with the next set.

If you get a topper and carry a load all the time, you may want to think about an add-a-leaf in the rear.

Congrats on your last payment to the ex, get a dog and get out in the woods.

 

Let me just say WELCOME, you will not be disappointed. I have a 2018 Sport and LOVE it!!! *Beware of the trolls on the forum, they are everywhere LOL.