Managing expectations. Noob on a budget looking for recommendations.

Hey All,

So I've been saving for a few years now and am really close to pulling the trigger on a taco. I'm wanting to be thoughtful and intentional on my planning, and on making sure I'm doing things that make sense. I'm no expert, nor am I rich, so I can't afford a bunch of mistakes.

I figured I'd start by defining my uses and mandatory needs and go from there:
1. Fit three car seats in the back (eliminates Gen 2's I believe, requires 4-door)
2. This will be my daily driver in the city.
3. I fish and camp a lot with the kids, and reliability is a huge priority.
4. I hunt in mining country. This means horrible roads with steep grades, deep ruts, boulders, snow, creek crossings. This is pretty much my life passion and want a rig to do it in.

Given those purposes, I've got a few initial questions....

First - I assume that I'm going to be replacing suspension, re-gearing, upgrading wheels and tires, and probably adding some armor and a winch. Given that, and my intended use, is it worth going with the TRD Off-road, or just going with the SR5? It's a fairly nominal fee in the scheme of things, but I just don't know how much actual performance value added there is.

Do you have any links to videos or threads that discuss basic considerations or approaches to these initial upgrades? I know there are a TON out there, but it's so overwhelming to go through them all when you don't know much about it.

Thanks!

 

I'm a dad to be, so I dont have a ton of experience in the area, but from my research if you need three car seats, sorry to say, the tacoma is not for you.

 

TRDOR for sure! Highly capable trucks stock, give it a go!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld.

3 children?

Take a 4Runner for a test drive.

 

You won't be able to fit three car seats in a Tacoma. Just two car seats and the third one can most likely be secured in the bed or on a roof rack.

 

I can barely fit my dog in the backseat, i don’t think 3 car seats is realistic in a Tacoma

 

Tacoma has the smallest rear seat room in midsize truck category, you will be better looking into 4runner trd pro, but if you need more room and bed check out the full size than.

 

My kids are forward facing and two are in boosters. I've seen numerous posts of people fitting three car seats in their Taco. You do have to purchase super narrow seats but it is possible.

 

If your set on a Tacoma I would say off road because of the locker and crawl mode but take one for a long test drive with the kids and the seats wife too if she wants to. Really make sure you do this because people aren’t kidding about lack of room I can’t fit my two labs together back there. My boy rides shotgun and mommas boy sits in the back with her.

 

And if did the appropriate steps of doing this before buying although not sure they’d allow dogs I would’ve went full sized.

 

Letting your dog ride in the front seat is a terrible idea

 

Not sure why you are set on a Tacoma, but you should definitely take this into consideration, even if they do fit, it'll be extreamly cramped and uncomfortable at best... and kids only get bigger! You need a full size man.

 

i have 3 kids and i have fitted two boosters and a rear facing seat in the back before.

yeah you can do it but your kids will hate you more & more as they grow. it's fitting the people & legs that will be the issue, not just cramming seats in there. but i do agree that the Taco is the right choice except for the kids part.

 

I just like a Tacoma, but I may have to accept this reality.

 

4Runner or Lexus GX

the Tacoma is not rear seat space friendly. You will be miserable trying to manage three car seats and leaving you with ZERO cargo space.

My other half has a GX460 and it has A LOT more rear seat room, plenty of rear cargo space, and a third row if we need it.

 

God man not like I throw the dude in the bed trust me I take great care of my dogs. They have harnesses that buckle right into where the seatbelt would and I turn airbag off. Having a dog in the back is just as dangerous if they’re not secure cause they will get ejected. Reality is no dog or person is safe 100% time if an accident occurs but I’ve done more than most to keep them safe.

 

I have two boys, 10 and 6. I rarely take the Tacoma on any kind of road trip due to the lack of inside cab space for storing our junk that's of value.

 

Oooof 3 car seats ?? I don't think a taco is for you. Doable ? Yes.

Do you feel like adding skids, sliders, bumper, winch, regear ect are actually needed and not so much wanted?

I left my truck stock tires and suspension for awhile. These trucks are very capable. You'd be surprised what a stock vehicle can do. Slap some better rubber on it and you'll see.

If you right off the bat see a NEED for regear skids sliders ect just get a base model at the 0% interest email I just received today from my local toyota dealership for 2019/2020 60 month, and then throw a locker in it while you regear.

Again, want vs need. I have no idea what type of terrain you are going up against, just an opinion from a dude on the internet.

 

I love everybody recommending 4Runners and other SUVs forgetting about the hunting part of the question. Not many people want to throw a field dressed animal in the back of a new SUV.