New member! Want to buy my first Tacoma but have some questions.

Hello All!

I've been a lurker on these forums for a few months now.

Basically, I love cars!

Pretty much all cars, especially older cars.

Currently I own 3, but all are older and need tinkering with quite a bit.

I've decided to downsize to 3 cars with one car being a reliable all-weather car, the other two I will keep as summer/project cars.

Currently I have a Miata, a MK2 GTI, and a Civic Hatchback.

My guess is I'll be selling the GTI and keeping the other two (or perhaps selling the Honda and keeping the GTI).

The turbo Miata is staying.

-

I'm not an expert mechanic, but these cars are not difficult to work on and I have been able to do most any repairs myself. I'm very diligent about keeping rust off of my cars which is the only thing I don't deal with.

This year I got caught in a situation where one car was uninsured do to lack of use, another was disassembled, and the third being used as the daily driver had some sort of issue that knocked it out for a few days.

I'm starting a new job and I've decided to have a reliable all-weather car while I work on the other two.

I've always loved pickups, especially the smaller ones. At first I was considering a Ford Ranger or Chevy s10 but there seems to be a lot more used Tacomas in better condition than for the previous ones.

"Simplicity is prerequisite for reliability."

Edsger Dijkstra

I'm leaning towards a 4cyl RWD mostly because they have fewer moving parts and there is less that can go wrong, but I do live in Massachusetts where we get a few big storms a year that will render most cars on the road useless.

So a 4WD seems like a worthy option especially considering I'll be driving the Tacoma mostly in the Winter with my other cars used during the summer and this will allow me to work on the Tacoma in the summer in order to keep it mint.

4WD seems like a good idea if I can find one for not much more than a RWD.

I have found more older RWD than 4WD in decent shape and less rust.

I do have some concerns over which model years to avoid and I'm sure once I do get my truck I'll have all sorts of questions about working on them as I've never owned a Toyota.

That's why I've joined these forums.

-

I wanted to make a purchase this week or next.

It would also be great if I could buy a Tacoma from a fellow member here.

I don't plan on going crazy with the mods (That's what they all say initially, right?), but a slight lift and better tires along with a cool off-roading front a rear bumper seem like nice mods.

-

One more hello from a future Tacoma lover I am sure!

 

Go 4wd. You won’t regret it. What’s your budget?

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Welcome aboard.

 

I was hoping to spend no more than 10K.

I think that's enough to get me a good truck.

 

Welcome to the forum!!

A 4wheel drive will give you more opportunities for your drives! And, will probably retain more value for when you want to pass it on.

 

Yes, I've certainly noticed the 4WD is more money.

Do I need to purchase tires new and 4 at a time?

Can I get away with the same make and model tires but varying tread depth on a Tacoma 4WD?

 

I'd be lying if I said I've always had 4 same mileage tires on our toyota's (Hilux's overseas). We just wanted it to be operational. I'm a new tacoma owner. I'd definitely try to keep your tires at the same wear mark all around.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to the family

 

Welcome to TW!

On the subject of 2WD vs. 4WD, my current Taco and my old '94 Ranger are both 2WD. We get some pretty gnarly winters here in Pittsburgh as well, but I've always made it around with my little rear-drive pickups. There were some tense moments, of course, but I love having the simplicity (not to mention lighter weight) of 2WD.

For winter driving, putting weight over the rear axle is critical, but don't forget the advantage of snow tires. They really do make a hell of a difference and are worth every penny. I've owned both studded and studless snow tires and they each have their pros and cons, but they will give you a huge advantage in the snow and ice over all season or A/T tires. Keep in mind that the rubber compound is different with snow tires, so they stay pliable and grippy in freezing temperatures.

Welcome to the forums!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW!