Should I enjoy my new Tacoma stock before I mod?

Hey there!
I have recently purchased my first Tacoma, and I am awaiting to take delivery this upcoming week. I have been lurking on TW for the past few months in efforts to really nail down the "must have" mods.

I purchased the 2021 TRD OR Premium SB in Cement.

Long story short, I know everything I want to do to the truck in the coming months; however, I recently had this thought of, "do I really want to modify a brand new stock vehicle - especially since you have never owned any vehicle brand new?".

The mods that I know I want to have on the truck in the future:

1. Toyota TRD Lift Kit (for both the lift, and the OEM Pro Grille that is included and backed by Toyota. Not to mention guaranteed with TSS)
2. HiLine Series Front Bumper
   
3. 16" TRD Pro Wheels paired with Toyo Open Country AT3s 265/75r16
4. Exterior Chrome Delete
5. Black Tacoma Tailgate Inserts
6. Prinsu Roof Rack

So, with that being said, as the delivery date is approaching fast I am getting cold feet mainly about the lift + tires. In your judgement, would it be recommended to drive the truck stock for a few months, and then add the mods, or should I just do them from the start? Either way I would have the lift installed by my dealer.

On a side note, the tires and wheels arrive tomorrow, not that tires expire if I do not use them for a couple months.

TLDR: Should I drive my brand new Tacoma stock for a bit, or should I just do the mods I know I want?

 

Most everyone here is going to tell you to enjoy it stock and see what mods u actually need but i say u should throw on those 265’s and delete the chrome asap

 

Change everything so you can enjoy it longer

 

Welcome to the forum!

If you drive it for a while you may get a better handle on what you actually want or need to make the truck ideal for you.
That said, you have the wheels and tires - throw them on!
Remember, we like pictures here

 

Yes so you can get a feel for what is normal and what is not after mods

 

I'd second the wheels and tires right away and wait on the lift, bumper, etc. You might just decide you don't need the lift, especially if the 265s are as big as you want to go. That way you get the benefit of driving it stock AND lifted, if you go that way. I lifted mine immediately (had the 285s from my old Taco) and honestly, I sometimes wish I had it stock height and 265s, just to see how I like it.

 

Welcome to TW. Think you waited long enough.

 

Get some basic gear like a tow strap, battery jumper, first aid, gaia gps, ect. and hit the trail!

 

Welcome! I would go out and hit some trails stock and learn what the vehicle will do in stock form. Test both yours and the vehicles limitations and then make it what you want from there. The unfortunate thing of buying your first truck that you want to mod is that you get on the internet and listen to all of us fine folks and want to start throwing money at the vehicle to make it "cool". Most people with experience will tell you the mods they did right off the bat were ones that got changed down the road. Not always, but hindsight is always 2020 and experience will win out. Looking back, there were handful of things that I did to my vehicles over the years that kind just opened up rabbit holes that I jumped headfirst into. Enjoy the truck for what it is and when you see what you are able to do with it and then what you want to do with it versus what your budget and common sense will allow....go from there. Enjoy!

 

I typically wait till stock items wear out and replace them with upgraded parts. For instance the tires, suspension, exhaust, etc. Use them up and upgrade. Over the course of time the truck gets built.

But if you have the disposable income and want to do it right away go for it!

 

Welcome OP.

 

I'll say it depends on who you are as a person, and what your goals are for the truck/mods

Are you the kinda person who prefers function over form? If so, drive it stock for a bit and see what it NEEDS.

Are you the kind of person who likes to balance both according to your own personal taste? Some mods don't require seat time to know if you'll need them, like if you like the look of meatier/larger tires. But, you'll have to be prepared to own up to the mod one way or another...either enjoying it endlessly because it's exactly what you wanted, or compromising and dealing, or eating the cost of changing it up again.

Are you the kind of person who gets mods as needed? or the kind who gets what mods they want and makes it work?

Chrome delete, tailgate letters, those you can go ahead and do right away...not sure what benefit there'd be to wait other than getting more of an itch to mod lol.

 

Thanks everyone, for the warm welcome!

You all make great points. Even the one liners that share the sentiment “just do it” are important, as I feel those too.

To provide insight, I’m coming from a 2014 Lexus IS350 F Sport.

For me, the only reason I would stay stock is to know what it feels like, almost to give a comparison between the two.

I’ll probably pick up the rig and do most of the mods, other than the lift in the first months, and yes I’ll take pictures.

if anything I’ll schedule the lift install for a few months out so that I can change my mind if I want. I really appreciate everyone providing their thoughts, what a great community.

 

2021 DCLB Cement 4x4.

First day home:

• All black letters
• Predator steps
• Tail gate insert

Second day home:

• Tonneau cover

Fifth day:

• Covering King seat covers

9th Day:

• Tailgate lock
• Rear oem bed step

All my "mods," except for the "black letters," are purely for my functional needs of everyday use for the truck. I have gone through 10+ years of ripping out suspension and putting Volks on cars before I got the car home.

Now that I am poor and old, I only change things that I need. Rest I enjoy. When I want to see cool trucks, that I can't afford, I log in here, and live vicariously through you guys

 

Get to know your Taco first. Then get to know how your fit into it as the driver.
Be comfortable that you don't have any anomalous defects.
Do only easily reversed mods that don't require a major investment or threaten your warranty.
Save the major mods until after you've determined what fits you and your driving style.
Major mods can cost serious $$$ and can be difficult to undo should they be judged inappropriate, and you won't get your investment back in its entirety.

 

Mod the shit out of it and don’t look back, YOLO

 

Welcome OP! To echo others, keep it stock while you learn how it handles on and off road.

My perspective is knowing the why behind your mods, and to be honest about it. Will these mods help your lifestyle and hobbies that involve the truck, or are they for appearance?

From an actual use standpoint - meaning, you intend on using the truck as a truck - arguably a necessary addition is a bed mat. It's affordable, will keep things from sliding around, and will be used far more frequently than a roof rack. That, and organizers for your glove box and center console, as well as all-weather floor mats; all affordable and highly useful.

Ultimately, enjoy the journey of making it your own, but start small and go slowly based on need over want - just my opinion.

 

Give it some time lots of people buy the Tacoma and realize it’s not for them . Then if you truly love the truck mod the shit out of it .

 

My 2 cents:

Those are all great cosmetic upgrades with some having functional utility too, if you use them as intended.

I have a bunch of stuff done to mine that provide minor functional benefit, but over the years have made it uniquely mine. So I’m biased. I could have just invested the money. But in lieu of that, I’ve enjoyed the process over the years.

I say if you know you need those things, do it. If you’re uncertain, drive without them and see what you think in 6 months.

 

Swap wheels and tires day one, so you can sell the stock ones as new and get as much as possible on the resale. As soon as wheels or tires have “used” in front of them, their value has severely decreased.