Been lurking the last few months, time to say hello.

Hey there TacomaWorld,

I don't currently own a Taco, but after analyzing my wants, needs and budget, I foresee a Taco in my future. I was originally looking at maybe getting an Access Cab Off-Road (AT) or Sport MT 4x4, but I've decided that my budget will be best served by an SR 2.7 4x4. After reading about the rugged simplicity of the 2.7 I realized it'd be my best bet given that I plan to own this truck for 15+ years and don't need the increased towing of the Camry engine (and do need the increased ""legal"" payload of the 2.7). I don't need a big back seat but do need a long bed, so the AC was a natural choice. It being made in a America is a bonus, not that I have anything against Mexico.

I currently own an '09 Chevrolet Equinox Sport and plan to have it paid off sometime next year (bought in March '16), at which point I'll likely enjoy a few months of no payments before I put money down on a Tacoma. I plan on saving up at least 20% for the down payment and keeping the loan term to a maximum of four years with a payment of around 300-350 and a targeted interest rate of 4% or below.

Me being methodical, though, I've sated my desire by reading and researching products and planning out what I'll want to do to my truck once I get it. I currently work in commercial contracting and want to get into the habit of going camping more often and would like to be able to safely traverse most fire roads to find secluded camp spots.

This will be my first truck ever and only my third vehicle. My first was a '90 Toyota Celica ST which was a simple, reliable and a fun first vehicle that survived my younger years and got me into adulthood. After going a few years without AirCon (R12, liquid gold), never having power windows or locks, and needing to get something that had more carrying capacity, I bought my current vehicle. The Equinox lured me in with a reasonable price tag, respectable performance and above all, basic creature comforts. I have since learned that I never want to buy a special snowflake version of a mundane vehicle ever again, as you get slammed with expensive replacement parts yet do not get the pleasure of owning an enthusiast vehicle.

Thus, a return to simplicity with the planned Tacoma SR. I want a vehicle that will give me as many trouble free years for as long as possible, and plan to own the vehicle until it falls apart.

I do plan on spending some money over time modifying and personalizing the SR. I love the Pro Grille since my Celica was one of the last years of Toyota's without the "T". I'm going to likely aim for a 2" lift (F:884 w/5100, R:ICON AAL w/5100) to give me the maximum amount of clearance without having to invest in UCA's or a Diff drop. I'm liking the idea of going with 265/75/16 AT's in an SL design to (hopefully) shed weight over the stock steelies and all weathers. Subject to change, but I'm looking at the popular SCS F5's in 16x8 (3.5BS) since they're a good price and only 19lbs a wheel combined with Cooper ATP's at 40lbs a tire for a loss of roughly 6lbs a wheel (Stock steelies 33lbs, stock Hankook/Firestone's 31-32lbs).

Aftermarket LED's (BajaDesign R-Sport's to give me some fog lights being the first added), a SnugTop, PrinSu Roof Rack, SSO Slimline Hybrid bumper and eventually a Doug Thorley Header and aFe Power exhaust. Depending on my wallet and the amount of off roading I get into, I might invest in ARB air lockers (at least the rear) and re-gear to 4.56 (don't want to lose too much efficiency if I can avoid it) if I find the performance to be lacking.

I don't know if I'll be doing a lot of off-roading as this truck will represent my toe-in-the-water, but I know that Arizona provides me with plenty of opportunities (given the very active AZ section of TW).

I'm looking forward to participating in the discussions on the forum, asking questions, and having fun before I can get my own truck.

-Snaeper

 

Welcome to TW! Glad to have you.

 

Welcome! You’ve done your homework!

 

Welcome! Smart to join before getting your taco. You'll know all the right questions to ask the dealer. My taco is my first truck third vehicle and I love it.

 

My primary concern is that I've seen some people complain about the seating position of the Tacoma. That's actually been one of my issues in my Equinox and not a mistake I'll want to make again. The fact that the Taco comes standard with the telescoping steering wheel puts my mind at ease that I'll likely be able to make it work.

I test drove an '06 a few years ago and had no issues with the way I sat in it, though, and I have a friend who owns a 3rd Gen Off Road so I hope to sit in his to see how I like it.

Nevertheless, I don't hate my Chevy but I don't love it enough to want to give GM another shot at my money. I may go try the Ranger just to make the most of my car shopping time and might even give the next Frontier a look. (I hear it's going to get a 3.8L V6).

 

Welcome to the Madhouse!!!

 

I'm 6' lightweight build, and the seating position is doable but could be better.

Here is a thread I posted on a couple weeks ago, might help
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/aftermarket-seats-need-advice.530416/

 

I'm 6' with an average build. That will be something to keep in mind.

I wouldn't be against investing in some Recaro's if they fit.

 

Welcome!

 

Howdy

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

That’s a long list of mods.. just one mod at time and enjoy! Welcome

 

Welcome to the world of the mad modders

 

Rest assured it will be a slow methodical process.

The allure of the SR is being able to buy things as I determine I have a need for them. Wheels and tires, fog lights, and a bed cap are the only things I would for sure go for right away.

And an AZTW sticker, of course.

 

Figured Id post an update on this now that I have my Taco.

Everything went exactly as planned above. Got an SX Package 4x4 2.7 at all but the monthly payment I wanted. Oh well.

Going to see about the camper shell today and already ordered my Viper Alarm. Tires will follow as soon as I sell my old set.

 

I was going to say the same, but you beat me to it. Amazing to be a part of this community.