Help Me Choose My First Truck

Hey folks, I’m getting ready to buy my first truck. Been doing research for a long time, including reading TW forums. But I haven’t figured out 100% what’s the right truck for me, so I’d love to lay out my whole thought process and questions, and would super appreciate feedback from anyone willing to chime in with any ideas or experience.


Needs: Double Cab, V6, AT

Debating:
Trim (SR5, Sport, or OR)
5 or 6 ft bed
4x4 or 4x2
New or Used


Intro: Been driving a 2011 Forester that I’ve enjoyed for its versatility - super agile, easy to park downtown, great on dirt roads and in bad weather, surprisingly large cargo capacity. Downsides have been: underpowered, almost no towing capacity. That, and I want a truck.

My only hesitation about a truck was losing inside cargo space. Really thought about a 4Runner but higher cost, lower mpg, lower safety ratings, and less towing capacity than Tacoma. And I recently drove a Tacoma OR 4x4 double cab around Northern California for 2 weeks and loved it.

Don’t drive much most days (work from home) except errands around town and then out to our farm on the weekends. Daily drive is urban/suburban streets, most of which are in terribly poor condition. We love road trips, so there will be long stretches of highway plus occasional trips up into the mountains.


Trims: Debating between the SR5, the Sport, and the OR. Also between 4x4 or 4x2.

I know there’s pros and cons to everything. Trying to decide what’s the better trade off - sportier agility in traffic vs a cushier ride over the uneven bad roads.

One of the most major considerations is towing. We’d like to starting occasionally hauling a small ultra light camper. What trim is best for that in your experience? I’m new to hauling but am a very safety-focused driver and would be cautious, staying well below the trucks limits.

Other considerations: mpg, maintenance being more costly/complicated on 4x4.

I’d like the ability to handle heavy rain on wet roads. And I need to occasionally go on rough dirt roads that can get washed out. Would like to try exploring Forest Service Roads and very beginner-friendly off-roading environments, but don’t have any desire for much adrenaline or challenging off road situations.

I’m leaning toward the OR, though, because I liked driving it so much. Also seems the OR would feel best over these crappy roads I drive every day.

Cab and bed length:
It’s usually just me and my wife, with our awesome 6-month-old Australian Shepherd in the backseat. (See puppy pic attached - cause dog pics are always a good thing, right?) DC means the dog has plenty of room, plus where I live it’s scorching hot for months, so more air-conditioned cabin space is important.

Concern about turning radius of a DBLB and about parking one of those vs a DCSB, but don’t mind having to look for a spot that fits. And I don’t have a garage so no worry about it fitting in tight quarters at home.

I really like the idea of that extra foot. I need to be able to carry camping gear plus two bikes. Also down the line want to haul 2 kayaks and/or stand-up paddle boards.

Long bed also means being able to lie in the back and look up at the stars, a hobby. Or would a SB work with tailgate down? I’m 5’8 and wife is about the same.


Features I’m interested in: generally I’m pretty practical so I don’t care too much about looks. I want as many safety features as possible - that’s top priority; also power adjustable driver seat, power back window, and tow package. Later I can add things like upgraded sound, a great remote start, etc. What pre-installed features have you found most useful or enjoyable?


New or Used: I’d consider used if it was the right truck. I know used cars are really expensive right now so it might not be the best value. But Tacomas hold their value so well, do you think I’d be hugely overpaying in this market?


Obviously there’s a shortage right now so this will come down to availability, but I’d like to get a clearer idea of what I’m looking for so I can snap up the best truck for me when it comes along.


Thanks for reading my novel Lol Really appreciate any and all input or advice for this total novice. Please feel free to correct me if I’m mistaken about anything too. The only dudes I have to talk trucks with are horse-hauling diesel guys, and Ford diehards, so I’ve been extra grateful for these forums.

 

Welcome! I’m just sitting here having a Sunday morning cup of coffee, so I’ll give you my thoughts on all you’ve asked… Sounds like the OR would be best for you since the suspension is the softest of the models for your rough roads. It’s also what you’ve already tried out and you know you like, so there’s that. The Sport suspension will be stiffer than the OR and the SR5 will be sorta in between.

MPG is virtually the same for all V6/AT models, and if you’ll be towing you definitely will want the V6. I’d go 4x4 because even if you don’t use it a lot, it’s still there for when you want to explore or get up that snowy road or whatever. The maintenance isn’t much more on a 4x4 really… mainly just an easy drain/fill of the front diff and transfer case every 30K miles or so. Do them when you do your rear diff and you already have all the tools and oil containers out, etc… and it only adds like 30-45 min every few years to service the 4x4 components. You may lose an MPG compared to a 4x2, but that’s worth it IMO. For me, I work in snowy conditions a lot, so 4x4 wasn’t even a question, it was a main requirement.

You can easily lie down in the back of a short bed with the tailgate down (that makes it about 6.5’ long), but if you plan to sleep back there, get a long bed for sure. I prefer tent camping anyway (and I like to park in the garage usually), so a short bed fit me better… Plus that’s what they had on the lot and a long bed would’ve had to been ordered or transferred from another dealer, so I would’ve had zero negotiation on the price. I was able to get them down like $4K off sticker price on my short bed (but this was Nov. 2020 so things have changed). Regardless, there are still far more SBs out there than LBS, so you are likely to get a better deal on a SB I think.

There is actually quite a lot of storage space in the DC with the rear seats down. A camper shell is nice for a dog (among other things), so you may consider that too. My German Shepherd/Great Dane loves riding in the back of my truck. Racks are cool too, but with a dog, I think a shell is ideal because if the dog is back in the bed, you have lockable storage in the cab. If the dog in in the cab, you have lockable storage in the bed. I had a tonneau before my shell, and it was ok, but often I had things back there that were taller than the bedsides, so the tonneau just didn’t cut it for me most of the time. A camper shell with a rack also makes hauling kayaks, bikes, etc… super easy and out of the way to put other gear in the bed.

There aren’t any major differences between 2020s-2022s. But the used car market is so upside down and crazy right now, moderately-lightly used Tacos are selling for pretty much the same as new ones. I know for me, it was worth spending a few grand more for a truck I knew the entire history of from the start and knew for a fact nobody ever abused it in any way, it was broken in right, etc... Right now with the used prices, buying new would be a no brainer for me. You just may have to be patient to find the right one for the right deal of course. That said, I would still consider a used one if you get good vibes from the seller and you have it looked over by a good mechanic.

I really like the blind spot monitors on my OR. Push to start models also have factory remote start, but Toyota designed it to shut off when you open the door as a theft prevention. I think that kinda sucks (they could have just killed it if you try to put it in gear without the key in your pocket and didn’t stop the engine with the door), but at least on cold mornings, I can still get the truck all nice and warmed up, windshield defrosted, etc… before I get in it. The only thing I wish they had was memory buttons for the power driver’s seat. Every time my wife drives my truck, it takes me 2 or 3 days to get my seat back just right. When I drive her 4 year older 4Runner, it has 2 memory buttons, so that is sure nice. That’s honestly about my only gripe about this truck tho, so that’s ain’t too bad.

 

You talk about using the suburu in bad weather...2wd truck in bad weather is crap.

Inside storage space...a shell solves that, but brings the price of a taco close to a runner.

SB vs LB...the shorter wheelbase is nice, and the LB isn't really long enough to sleep or put 4x8 sheet in anyway. I don't really see a downside with the SB.

 

DCSB V6/Auto 4X4 were my requirements. Short Bed so it will fit in my garage. And 4X4, well that's why I bought a Tacoma.
As far as trim level, I like the idea of an SR, all business and no BS, but I know myself, and I am not a base model guy.
Like you SR5 was my 'minimum', and that's what I went with. It's a nice 'daily driver' truck.
Good luck with your search.

One more thing, in a double cab, the back seat folds completely flat. Your dog will love that!

 

Dame , everyone is writing a book.

 

Get the white one.

 

Part time 4wd is not designed or should not be used on pavement even if it is raining. It’s designed for low traction situations (snow, sand, mud, steep inclines, boulder gardens, slimy boat ramps, etc). It is different than the AWD system on your Subaru.

How heavy is the trailer you wave to tow? A pickup truck could be over kill.

Coincidentally, I had 2001 Forester prior to buying my taco. I bought it primarily for towing the 18’ boat (~2300 lbs) I acquired.

 

I truly don't care which one you pick because...I don't know you.
However, you made one comment in your manifesto about heavy rain driving and 4wd.
DO NOT CONFUSE Tacoma part time 4wd with your Subaru's awd or a 4Runner full time 4wd. All three are totally different so I suggest you research all three types.
You cannot leave a Tacoma part time 4wd in 4wd on pavement, even in the rain. You use part time 4wd on slick conditions and rain on pavement does not qualify.
However, a Tacoma's vehicle stability control will make sure that you keep the shiny side of your truck on top.
So do some more research and pick which vehicle is right for you.
Maybe a Ridgeline or a Maverick? A Ridgeline is very close to a Subaru and had high towing and payload that beats the Tacoma. Good luck.

 

DCLB OR 4x4

 

Not gonna be much stargazing with a camper shell. Get a new trd off-road 4x4 longbed with a softopper.

 

Get the one with the lowest APR rate.

 

New or 1 -3 year old low mileage used? -- Buy new.

Decide your minimum requirements then go taik to dealer about availability. Your time table and availability might be the most important factors in your decision.

There! An answer without writing a book! - LOL

 

Thanks for the welcome. Lots of great ideas and food for thought, which is what I was seeking. Appreciate it.

I’ve definitely seen more availability on the SB than LB, so that could certainly affect what I end up with.

I know I need the V6 for towing. That’s a definite. And yeah I’m leaning toward 4x4 cause why not have that ability, especially cause I do occasionally go in the snow or on the beach.

And your take on suspension confirms my thought about the OR on these roads. Or at least not the Sport.

Also what you said about buying new really resonates. I do have an awesome highly trusted mechanic - only reason I’d consider used - but yeah some of the use Tacomas here are selling for equal or even more than new. Just cause they’re available, I guess? This market is nuts. I’ve been delaying this purchase as long as I can because of that.

Thanks for the point about blind spot monitors on the OR. We have that on our hybrid sedan and love it. Need to look again at what safety/tech is standard on the OR. So many trims, so many packages and options, it’s hard to keep straight. I’d forgotten about the remote start, which would help so much in the summer!

And yeah, just the one complaint about the seat memory is pretty small, so sounds like you’re really happy with your truck!

 

Ha, yeah, my dog will love that!

Thanks for your thoughts. Nice to hear from someone with an SR5. I’m not a base model guy either, but also I’m hesitant to get way more truck than I “need”, hence really considering the SR5. Seems like it would be a good daily driver.

 

Yes, you and someone else corrected me on my misunderstanding about the part time 4wd vs my current AWD. Thanks. I knew that at some point but clearly brain-farted. Too many stats, trims, packages, options running through my brain

Don’t have the trailer yet. Want an ultra light camper trailer that’s def more than the Forester can tow - but that can be towed safely by a Tacoma. If we get really into the camper thing, we can upgrade trucks/towing capacity later. But for now it would be very occasional and we like traveling light and simple, so there are quite a few options we like that many of the Tacomas can handle.

You liking towing your boat with the OR? That’s the trim I’m leaning toward, if I can find one. (If I didn’t live in a desert, I’d definitely have a boat that would need towing!)

 

As I said to someone else who also corrected me, good call about the Tacoma part time 4wd vs my current Subaru AWD. I knew that at some point but clearly brain-farted. Too many stats, trims, packages, options running through my brain Thanks for reminding me.

Good point about the Ridgeline’s capabilities - I thought about it initially, but haven’t had great luck with Hondas, so I dropped it off the short list.

Thanks for your input

 

Definitely the combo I’m leaning toward. Wasn’t ever really considering a camper shell (though some others suggested it as a storage solution) cause yeah, it would definitely defeat the stargazing ability!

 

Yes I have an OR for the manual transmission, rear locker, and off-road traction control. It’s mostly a daily driver but I do take it rock crawling, mud bogging, snow wheeling, etc.

I don’t have any idea what a “ultra light camper” weighs.

 

Welcome to the forum nice looking dog

Test drive as many trims as you can find, buy the one the feels most comfortable to you. Features and bling aside these trucks are all quite capable no matter what trim you choose.

All the V6 models can tow a small size trailer with no issues.

I know many are satisfied with the short bed, for the general purpose things I do the six footer is more useful.
With the common opinion around here of "better to have it" -- few people ever wish they got a smaller engine or a 2wd, one could apply the same logic to a long bed option, especially since you want to sleep in the bed and transport bikes.

Used market is crazy, buy new with a warranty, shop for MSRP -- and who would ever thought that was a good deal 3 years ago...

As others have stated the Tacoma 4 wheel drive system shouldn't be used on pavement in the rain.

Keep up posted on your progress.

 

I think another member Rannyhill is selling one with about 7k on it. Comes with factory warranty.