Looking to buy first Taco and need guidance

Greetings! New member here!

Looking to buy my first truck and after test driving different makes/models, I am settled on the Tacoma but unsure which to buy. I'm stuck on deciding between 2WD and 4WD/4x4.

I am in SW Florida, so I don't deal with any snow, or poor weather where traction is necessarily important.

I intend to use this as my everyday vehicle, but also want to flexibility to tow a boat and ramp launch in the near future, and general light duty hauling if necessary. I've initially been given advise that for boat ramps that might be slick with moss, slime, etc., 4WD is a better option.

Additionally... pros/cons vs buying used (what I am leaning toward) vs new? I dread the thought of going to dealerships and having to endure their BS, which dissuades me from buying new.

Any recommendations, or pros/cons vs the two drivetrains that I should consider? I don't want to buy something more than I need, but also don't want something underpowered when I need more traction at the ramps. Thanks!!!

 

Get the 4x4 and v6.

 

^This

 

X2 the 4x4; i have a 2wd TRD Sport and still think about if i had gotten a 4x4 but given the time i bought the truck (during covid and RIGHT before prices went up) I feel lucky to have found it. And I didnt have to wait. I think i might have wanted something other than white but w.e. at the time, the dealership was charging 10k more for the 4x4 model and telling me the wait was going to be 2 months and since the 4x4 would have been a color other than white there was an extra 5k waiting for me. I chose to buy new because most of the used 3rd gen tacomas at the time were just about the same price. Mileage was probably around 40k to 60k and I'd say maybe only a 5-7.5k difference in price so i thought why not get a new one knowing its new

 

Do you want auto or manual? If you want a manual, you have to get the 4x4, or the five lug mini truck. If you are cool with an automatic, you can get the pre-runner which has the look of the 4x4, personally I hate the mini truck look.

Remember that at this point, even the newest first gen (2004) well almost be 20 years old so expect to do a fair amount of maintenance. Both engines in the first gen are really solid but the 4 cylinder is definitely underpowered.
You are also looking at a time when everybody and their mother wants a first gen Tacoma, so expect to pay a pretty penny.

 

X3

 

There is a mafio-style (gather) distributor/syndicate who control the South-East. Someone mentioned a dealer in Tuscaloosa who like to treat the customer with respect, but I cannot speak for the person who suggested that exists.

Used is not horrible, but may even be a little expensive than new just because they can. Still ... "Toyota Certified" is certified and warranted.

EDIT: My 4WD when running in 2WD can hit many periods of 30 MPG (so it reports) when the throttle is controlled properly. If 4WD is not on, is not as much a penalty (transfer case still has something to do).

 

If you think dealer prices are high go look at the for sale section here.
Quick summary:
2016 with 85k miles for $36,500

my favorite though is a 2021 TRD Sport 2 wheel drive with 35k miles for $38,000

 

Used prices are bit high. I would go new, SR/SR5 4x4 v6 since you can easily add most anything you want to build it the way you want, and with the new 4th gen around the corner you might be able to score a deal.

 

Simple solution ... start a social media campaign to convince America it DOES NOT WANT Tacomas. Buy yours, then confess.

 

2WD on a Florida boat ramp often means smoking tires.

 

Here is a hill could not get up on 2WD, but could in 4WD (I used 4Lo to be safe). Note the inclinometer ...

 

4x4 is a waste of money unless you go off-roading often. No need to be a 4x4 bro when it’s just another thing to break.

 

Whatever you decide to buy I would strongly suggest you go to a dealer outside the SE Toyota Distributors area (Florida, Alabama, Georgia, NC, SC) to buy it. Not only will they add about $2,000 to the price of your truck for useless, overpriced distributor "options", but you will not be able to finance with Toyota Financial Services or buy a Toyota Vehicle Service Agreement (extended warranty) if you so choose. You have to use SE Toyota Finance and JM&A warranties, unless you buy the VSA from an out of state dealer and pay cash. There's a reason they call them the SE Toyota Mafia.

 

Thanks. Yeah, I don't intend to go through dealerships. I am looking at Enterprise car sales for now.

And I intend to pay cash, not finance.

 

Thanks. So far, I'm looking more at a 2019 or 2020

 

I'd rather pay a bit more than have to deal with bait and switch dealerships.

 

4WD is nice when it comes time to use it, but you need to ask yourself if spending all that extra cash is worth it for the few times you might need it, otherwise your carrying a ton of extra weight around all the time while getting worse fuel economy. I can tell you if I only lived in Florida, you wouldn't see me in a 4wd....I'd probably have a 2wd full size truck if owning a boat. I'd try to get one that comes with a posi rear differential.

 

Toyota's 4x4 isn't a system that breaks often.

To me there's no reason to even produce pickups in 2wd. Then again I live in serious snow like 7 months a year

 

2wd or 4wd?

I’ll just leave this right here