New member, about to buy / order a Tacoma

Good day from St Louis! Finally joined the forum after a bunch of hours reading threads trying to learn more about the Tacoma before I get my name on the waiting list for a particular build at a local dealer. Still haven't decided, but have it narrowed down to like 5 builds. Progress!

Owned an Explorer Sporttrac for more than a decade and it did everything I needed, but really thinking a bed longer than 6' would help with those times I want to carry a motorcycle. Right now my truck duty is being performed by a Subaru Outback and a trailer, which does a pretty decent job, but having to hook up the trailer frequently can be a pain, especially during hunting season.

 

Did they give you any ETA on how long it takes to build your truck? Welcome to here

 

What builds are you considering?

 

Welcome to TW!

 

No, said it could range from a few weeks to 6 months or longer, depending on what I want.

All over the place still, but the contenders right now are:
2 Door SR 6cyl 2wd, as the "does everything I need at the least price". ($31k-ish)
DCLB SR5 2wd (since you can't get it in SR trim) as the one that would fit the most stuff without breaking the bank. ($35k)
2 Door TRD Sport 4x4 Manual, because it comes in cool colors and I avoid the automatic trans issues. ($37k)
4 Door Short Bed 4x4 Manual TRD Off Road because it's probably a long enough bed?..... ($38k)

All those seem to be sweet spots in the price range. Ideally it would be a Double Cab Long Bed 4x4 manual, but that's not available. If I add 4wd to any of the DCLB's I'm at like 40 grand and figure may as well order a base model Tundra instead.

Not in a hurry at all, once my truck comes in I'm going to give my wagon to my daughter. I carry stuff way more than people (canoe paddles, hockey gear, lumber, tools, etc.) so I think the longer bed will be more useful than the double cab, but for that once or twice a year I have backseat passengers that double cab would come in way handy.

Gotta pick one of these one day if I ever want one to come in.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Just recognize you are not making a 'factory order', ie built just for you. You'll get a unit that's allocated to your dealer. It may well be exactly what you want. Or it may be 'close enough'.

Based on your described needs, I'd consider an access cab.

 

Right, it's not an order, like you get with Ford or other major auto manufacturers, it's a placeholder for an allocation. The mothership decides what gets built and if it's lucky enough to match what I am after I could get one.