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Newbie considering a Tacoma.

Discussion in 'New Members' started by mcj115, Jan 11, 2021.

  1. Jan 11, 2021 at 11:10 AM
    #1
    mcj115

    mcj115 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2021
    Member:
    #352448
    Messages:
    0
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Vehicle:
    looking
    Hi all,
    Newbie to the forum and am considering my next vehicle, so I am hope you can answer some basic questions and/or pointing me towards the right resources.

    I am completely open on my next vehicle choice, in terms of model/brand. I have a few requirements or "must have's" and a few "nice to have's". From doing initial research the Tacoma seems to be as close to what is offered on the market today.

    Today I drive a 2003 Honda Accord with 300k+ miles that my wife bought new in 2002. It runs well and doesn't need to be immediately replaced but I want to start the search prior to be in a hard spot and immediately needing a new car.

    My requirements/ "must have's:
    must sit at least five; the back row needs to fit three car seats (or two car seats and a high back booster seat
    Manual transmission

    Nice to have's:
    Naturally aspirated V6 or V8. (no 4 cylinders or turbo/superchargers)
    Real buttons for controls -environmental radio. (I hate touch screens)
    Reliable and long life.
    10k + tow rating
    8' bed or alternatively 6' (no 4', 4.5' or 5.5' beds, they are useless in my opinion); hey I am even open to cars if they meet the must have requirements...sadly most do not anymore.
    A real key

    I see the Tacoma still is offered with a 6 speed manual, which is my main point of attraction. It appears the only manual trucks offered are the Tacoma and Gladiator. I'll admit the Gladiator looks nice and fun but it is a Chrysler product and not reliable. Additional points against the Gladiator are the width of the cab (I don't think three child seats can fit) and the final nail in the coffin the ODBII security gateway in place that forces the use of expensive scan tools with expensive subscriptions.

    I want/need primarily a family grocery getter (90% of the time) but I want to be able haul a yard of mulch or pull a equipment trailer.
    So a few questions....The Toyota website, to me is not easily usable to find out option combinations and or specific specs.

    What trim levels is the manual six speed available for? Is it only the TRD pro, are there other trim levels available? I would prefer a lower trim level than the TRD, if possible.
    What bed lengths are available? is the six foot bed an option with a manual?
    What are the tow ratings with the six speed? Do the ratings differ based on transmission (manual vs auto)?
    Is there an OEM trailer brake controller option?
    Does the engine have timing belts or is it timing gears? (thinking about longer term maintenance)
    What is a good scan tool for a new/modern Tacoma? I don't want to be locked into an expensive tool and subscription for basic configurations and bidirectional communication.

    Thanks for reading my long winded first post and helping my find my new vehicle.
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2021
  2. Jan 11, 2021 at 11:14 AM
    #2
    Black DOG Lila

    Black DOG Lila Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 14, 2019
    Member:
    #296344
    Messages:
    9,116
    Virginia
    Vehicle:
    2003 Tacoma SR5 2.7 5 speed 4WD
    Stock. EZ pass.Dump pass.Inspection sticker.Convict printed lic.plates.FG cap.
    Hi Mark
    Welcome to TacomaWorld
     
  3. Jan 11, 2021 at 11:14 AM
    #3
    yoopersteeze

    yoopersteeze Fake it til you make it

    Joined:
    Oct 1, 2019
    Member:
    #306844
    Messages:
    383
    Gender:
    Male
    WI
    Vehicle:
    2017 Magnetic Gray Metallic Tacoma TRDORMT
  4. Jan 11, 2021 at 11:29 AM
    #4
    Bigdaddy4760

    Bigdaddy4760 Well traveled Older Than Dirt

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2017
    Member:
    #226049
    Messages:
    77,337
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Maner
    Poolville Texas
    Vehicle:
    2017 Tacoma DCLB TRD OR, 2004 DCSB
    Welcome to TW
    :hattip: :cheers:
     
    buckhuntin-tacoma likes this.
  5. Jan 11, 2021 at 5:33 PM
    #5
    buckhuntin-tacoma

    buckhuntin-tacoma Shed hunter

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2017
    Member:
    #238191
    Messages:
    13,917
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dennis
    Quincy IL
    Vehicle:
    2014 Spruce Mica Tacoma DCLB
    4 inch lift - complete blackout, n-fab step bars, Black Horse bull bar, 20 inch light bar, anytime fog lights, added led day running lights, Fuel wheels and Falken Wildpeak tires ,custom fit seat covers, Gatorback mud gaurds
    Welcome to TW!
     
  6. Jan 12, 2021 at 4:20 PM
    #6
    boogie3478

    boogie3478 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2014
    Member:
    #140179
    Messages:
    26,370
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    14 TRD Off-Road V6
    All the mods
    Welcome to TW!
     
  7. Jan 12, 2021 at 4:27 PM
    #7
    su.b.rat

    su.b.rat broken truck

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2016
    Member:
    #193316
    Messages:
    9,874
    3 car seats in the back? get a Tundra. i did that for a week once.

    but welcome anyway.
     

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