Possible New Taco Owner

New to this forum but not new to car enthusiast forums. I’ve been lurking around here for about a week since I decided to buy my son a Taco as his first car. We’re about to pull the trigger on a black 2017 with 35k miles, 4x2 TRD Sport V6, Comfort Cab, non tech package, one owner, clear history. My head is spinning with all the awesome mods available as well as tips and tricks. Im wondering if there are any issues I should look out for, things to change right away (AC Drain mod? transmission fluid level/coding update?), or any other advice you’d give to someone buying this for an inexperienced driver.

I have ideas on the first mod; tires are crap so looking at terra grapplers in stock 265/65/17 size.

Thanks in advance. I look forward to contributing here and getting my son involved in modifying his first car.

 

Welcome!

 

My personal advice is to drive it for a couple of months before you mod. A poor mod is something you might regret. The only thing you actually need is a bed mat. The plastic bed can be very slippery so it is a safety issue.

 

Thanks for the replies.

 

How much?

 

Welcome

I run the terra grapplers as well. I love them. Not a super off roader but gets me through light duty trails and sand with good street performance

 

Just under 30.

 

Welcome to TW. Your son is lucky to have a dad who would buy them such a great vehicle (or any vehicle for that matter) as a first one! When I started driving I had to share the family second car with everyone else until I saved up enough to buy my first beater AND pay for the insurance.

As someone else said, drive it for a month or two before you decide what to do to it. The only add-ons I got right away were a bed mat and a hard tonneau cover because I knew from previous truck experiences I would want those sooner rather than later. The rest I waited until I drove it for a while. One thing driving will let you do is also decide which mods you DON'T need, which to me and my wallet is just as important

 

OP you never mentioned your son's age and driving experience. I for sure would not buy my son is first vehicle worth 30,000.00 or more and also this tacoma is powerful and should only be in the hands of a experienced driver but aye it is your son. Can't go wrong with a Taco they are great trucks and look good too. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the replies and the warm welcome.

Anything I should look out for on a 2017 before I go there tomorrow?

I want this to be a safe reliable vehicle for years to come. The plan was to let him drive my manual lifted Jeep Wrangler TJ (1997) on 33s. Wife and I now agree we need him in a safer, more modern ride. There’s no such thing as a cheap first (or used) car nowadays and I refuse to get him a Kia or similar. The access cab limits the number of teenagers who can ride with him. The V6 allows us to possibly tow two toys at once (other vehicle is an F150 which is too much for him). It’s black, so there’s the Marty McFly thing too.

I certainly didn’t have this situation when I was his age but it’s something I want to (and luckily can) do.

 

Definitely on the bed mat.

I've had my Tacoma for a little over a week and wish it was the first thing I ordered. Already got a tonneau cover and picking up a cat shield and installing it tomorrow.

 

I'd hold out for a 4x4, seriously