Downsizing from 2019 Tundra to a 2020 / 2021 Tacoma

Just got my 2019 Tundra Limited TRD Off Road in April of this year and really loving the platform, however, my wife and I have decided to retire and relocate to Houston to be closer to kids and grandkids. Been looking at real estate for the last couple of years and among the drawbacks are relatively undersized garages. It looks like the most logical thing to do is consider downsizing to a Tacoma. The wife drives a 4Runner so we should have more flexibility at finding a home that suits our needs with smaller vehicles.

Has anyone done something similar and how was the adjustment to the Tacoma? 95% of the time I travel alone so it is not necessary to worry about the comfort of others. Appreciate any insight you have to share. Thanks

 

Park the tundra outside. I personally think the tundra is a better ride than the Tacoma. Not to mention the added interior room and comfort with that room

 

Thanks for the reply NYC, but my vehicles do not sit outside. They are pretty much spoiled

 

Is the tundra lifted?

 

Buy property that has a big garage or room to build one.

 

Going from a full-size truck to a midsize you will be disappointed. The ride is not as smooth. The power is lacking. The leg room in both front and back rows is tight.

With that said, I’m short, could care less about a smooth ride and have no kids/grandkids to fit into the back. Love my Tacoma.

 

The Tundra is leveled with 5100’s on all 4 corners. While buying land is an option in Houston it comes at a hefty price. I do see a trend in the answers though. Thanks for the replies folks

 

Yes. Keep the tundra

 

When my youngest moved off to college in 2007 I traded my 2002 F150 supercrew for the 2007 Tacoma in my avatar. At the time it was the right thing for me to do. 12 years and 200,000 miles later I still have the Tacoma. While fuel mileage isn't significantly better 3 mpg over 200,000 miles adds up to about 2500 gallons less fuel. With an average price of $2.50/gal that is over $6000 saved in fuel. It does add up. And I've done virtually nothing to the truck other than replace tires, batteries, and fluids.

But... about 3 years ago we reached the point where it was simply too small and underpowered. Life changes, we have 4 grandkids now and a 5th due in October and I needed more towing capacity. In 2016 I bought another lightly used 2014 F150 supercrew similar to the one I had in 2002. We kept the Tacoma and my wife drives it around town, she loves it BTW. But when we need a bigger truck, we have it.

With a 1 year old Tundra you're going to take a big financial loss. I like to keep a vehicle 5 years minimum and 10 years is preferable to feel like I've gotten my money out of them. I've found that most trucks will bring 1/2 the actual new cost at 10 years old. In your shoes I think I'd stay with the Tundra.

 

Appreciate the insight Marshall. I sold a 5 year old F150 Supercrew 4x4 offroad with 28,000 miles when I got into the Tundra. I usually keep my trucks for 5 years and then move into a new truck. The thought of taking a hit on the Tundra value is a realistic option worthy of consideration. Thanks

 

I'd consider renting one from a rental company to see if its comfortable day in and day out, if not test drive as much as you can.

 

Test drive, test drive, test drive!

 

I can't speak on behalf of the new Taco because I have a 2015. I love the truck, enough to not trade it in when I bought my tundra Crew Max. I tow a camper and a boat, and though the Taco can do it, it was coming up short. Speaking of coming up short, the back seat and "4 door" cab leave a lot to be desired. When my youngest was in a rear facing car seat, I couldn't have my seat in a comfortable position. I am 6'0 200lbs. The ride height is awkward. Not high enough to need the nerf bars, but a little high for no step. I didn't struggle but my pops is 72 and can't quite get it right. The gas mileage difference was minimal at best. Now for the good... It is easier in parking lots, fits in a smaller garage, it is a beast in snow (not needed in Arizona), and it has been bullet proof to 70k miles. If you made me get rid of one of my trucks??? I'm keeping the tundra. Hope this helps.

 

I vote to keep the Tundra as well. It’s not that big of a truck there are plenty of garages that will fit it. If you switch you are really going to miss the power and extra interior room. I know I do everytime I drive my wife’s 4Runner or ride in friends Tacomas. Seems more cost effective to keep what you have and put what you might end up spending on a trade towards your new house with a bigger garage.