considering buying a third gen tacoma

You're going to get lots of different answers on MPGs. If you don't need a truck, and you're worried about the mileage, the Tacoma is probably not a good option.


Now, if you do need/want a truck to use it as a truck (haul hobby stuff, offroad, etc) then a Tacoma is an excellent option.
To put it in perspective; I get nearly 20 on the highway empty.
Coming back from a hog hunt earlier this summer, I was loaded with my friend (he's nearly 300# and loves donuts), 100 quart cooler, 70, and a 60, loaded with ice and hog meat, plus all our guns and hunting gear. 800 mile return trip, and got an average of 18.5 mpg. Add to that, the truck drove great, excellent road trip!

 

As many have said, it’s a truck. It’s not a mileage machine. If you’re concerned about mileage and don’t need a truck don’t buy one.
As for ride, rent one for a week or so. A couple hundred bucks is a lot better experiment instead for $45,000 or so. Drive the “other guys - trucks” too.
Be forewarned, Tacoma’s are addicting.

 

I test drove a TRD Sport 4x4 and a PRO over the same highway and the Sport was bouncing so much, it was out of control. The PRO completely smooth and controlled.

 

Thanks for all the input everyone! I do understand the fuel economy is not going to even compare to the civic. If I decide on the Tacoma it will be my daily ride for a lot of years to come. I’m only 24 and getting married next year so this purchase may be a few months off but I think I made up my mind.

Anxious to see how the 2020 models turn out since that’s the route I may go if all the numbers work out.

I’ll note I did drive a new ridgeline while my fiancé was signing on her civic a few months back. I did like it but I think the Tacoma is more for me, Ill just have to test drive one and compare the two.

 

I think i know what he is describing, there are alot of washboard surfaces around here and the Sport I test drove bounced or skipped across those areas of pavement.

 

A Tacoma will be the polar opposite of a Ridgeline...

 

Have you considered 20”s on your Taco? That might be the secret!

 

I love mine and would certainly purchase again. I get less MPGs than others, but I’ve got armor and 285s soooo.....

 

Not sure if you are serious or joking

 

Not true at all in my case. I get a bit better then advertised mpgs and im on e rated tires.
I can spin tires any time in first and on highways its got plenty of power when needed. I have manual tho.

Love my truck.

 

Wow. Is this your first vehicle?

Man, some shit people post here...

 

He probably never rode in a truck before .

 

Expect your gas mileage to double compared to a Civic. But ask any Fireman who's used the jaws of life, how much better your chances are in a truck compared to compact car.

 

The Ridgeline would be a better commuter IMO.

 

Double, you mean cut in half.

 

Hey, I didn't make the truck. The Sport bounces a lot, the PRO not at all

 

Got 18 trd sport. Im 5'11", 220 and got the sunroof and lots of room. I sit quite back and recline my seat tho, leaves very little legroom in backseat. If someone wants to sit in back i have to move up my seat.

AT will be a bit better on highways, since the rear diff is geared taller. AT is tuned for fuel economy so a a lot of people dont get it and all they do is bitch about the shifting. ( my buddy has 18 off road AT and i know exactly how it drives, perfectly fine)

Like others have stated, extended testdrive is your best friend. Drive both AT and MT, i would get the MT but im a bit biased haha.
MT gets lower geared rear end which gives it a bit better low end torque, great for city driving.

Not sure what you mean by what kind of fuel system.

I love my truck and its the best vehicle ive owned, had cars and trucks before. Its great off road stock as well. Im planning to keep it for a very long time.

Good luck man!

 

I don't get it either. What does the fuel system have to do with anything.

 

My truck is stock and it feels very planted on highways, its amazing in turns at high speeds. I push it very hard sometimes and it just impresses me every time. Thats what the suspension was designed for. I actually feel very comfortable in it.

If you feel like your truck is almost outta control, there is something wrong with your truck or its your driving habits.

Maybe check your psi?

 

I purposely drove both over the same large "quick drop" on the freeway at 60mph to check. The Sport is a road truck with shocks for short travel, so it is good on curves, kinda like a sports car. The PRO would be aimed at longer travel shocks for offroad for the large drops that you would get offroad.