Buying my first Tacoma

Howdy everyone. Thanks for having me here. I'm in the process of buying my first Tacoma. I'm looking for a little advice. I definitely don't want one of these 2024s, But I'm wondering from the experienced members here which generations are best? Part of me wants low miles so I'm venturing toward a third generation. But even within the third generation series, I'm wondering which model...? I have three kids and I'd like to pull the trailer behind it with dirt bikes, quads, etc. and I would be interested in doing some trailing, so four-wheel drive is something I probably want. I might also use it for my small business to set up at farmers markets and whatnot. I might also like to use it for camping, So I'm wondering if I should get a hard shell or perhaps one of those soft tents in the back is to sleep under the stars. Lots of my family members in the past have had tacomas so I've driven in them many of times but I've just never had my own. Any advice would be great. Thanks so much!.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

"the trailer" -- how big a trailer are you talking? Size, type, empty weight, # of axles? Tacomas are OK towing maybe up to 3-3.5K gross or so, in stock form w/ "factory tow package". Beyond that you're looking at adding air bags and/or stiffer leaf springs in back to support the extra tongue weight, maxing out around 5.5K usable towing capacity. (Despite a nameplate rating of up to 6.6K for suitably-equipped models. I would only push it >6K lbs on the trailer if you will be towing on flat-to-mild grades at most.

Assuming your towing needs are modest, then:

3 kids = DCSB or LB, no question. Whether you go 2nd gen or 3rd gen is down to whether you want the time-tested reliability of the 2nd gen 4.0L V6, vs. more fancy features, electronics, radar assistance, etc. in the 3rd gen.

The 3rd gen's V6 motor also appears to be shaping up quite well for long-term durability. Haven't read tons of stories on it yet but there are plenty of reports of it going to 300K miles & beyond.

 

Your description for use sounds like you need bigger than a Tacoma

Suggest taking the whole crew for a test fit and then imagine that seating for whatever drive time you expect

Also look at a door sticker for truck capacity. Then add up all the weight you expect in the bed, all your body weight and the trailer tongue weight. Betting you'll exceed that capacity.

 

Yeah I forgot about that, passengers also count bigly towards GVWR. 4 adults can add +700 lbs easy. Maybe a few hundred less if they're pre-teens or young teens, but then they get bigger anyway.

 

Thanks everyone.

The trailer would be very simple and hauling 2 dirt bikes, for example. I guess I'm wondering is there a difference in towing among SR, SR5, TRD models???
And my kids are all slim boys fyi.

And sorry, I'm not sure about these acronyms just yet. What is DSCB, LB, GVWR???

Another question regarding 4x4 aspect....Is the 4x4 option available on all models or just "nicer" models?And, if I'm not doing rock crawling or going thru mud, is 4x4 really necessary? Or, maybe a better way to ask, what will I not be able to do if I don't get a 4x4??

 

DCSB = double-cab short bed, DCSB = double-cab long bed.
GVWR = gross vehicle weight rating (max legal total weight of vehicle, exclusive of trailer.)

Re: all the trim levels, you'll have to do more homework on that. I would recommend any 6-lug*, V6 Tacoma, get 4x4 if you plan to do any dirt road / forest-road camping/exploring, and/or if you live in a hilly area that may have slippery slopes. Definitely get something with a factory tow-package installed, as that has not only the receiver hitch but also 7-pin wiring harness & plug, auxiliary oil cooler, and (for auto transmissions) auxiliary transmission cooler.

*6-lug = number of lug nuts on the wheels. There are 5-lug and 6-lug Tacomas.

 

Ah, I see. Very informative. Thanks

 

My first thought would be a 2nd-gen 4x4 double cab long bed. But they are getting old now, (last one: 2015) and that flavor is hard to find. (and they go for a pretty price these days.) I looked for one (2012-2015) three years ago,(DCLB with 4wd) and never found one for sale.

So, I'll say look for a last-year 3rd-gen of this flavor with a V6, tow package, (a requirement for me not only because I tow, but because it's a bargain for what it includes) 4wd and mid-level trim package. Worry about things like tents and shells later.

Is 4x4 necessary? Depends. For most off-roading it sounds you'll be doing? IMO: No. It was a requirement for me because where I live it snows. I put sandbags in the bed each fall, and I rarely need to engage 4wd. (but I'm glad I have it)

Last: All of the Generations in my opinion are very good... "best" is a matter of opinion. With a straight-face: I can say any Tacoma with the 2.7L 4cyl is one of the best ever made if it has this engine. My son's 2005 2.7 stick has 255,000 miles on it and runs like a Swiss Watch.

And AFAIK: 4wd is was available on any model of the 2nd-gen, and maybe any other generation in any trim package. Good luck with your search.

Welcome to TacomaWorld.

 

1st gen, but since you want low miles Im thinking you dont know how to wrench i mean you can learn off of youtube vids

 

Not errone has time to self-train & accumulate tools to DIY.

3 kids? Maybe a career to handle? Dunno.

 

From my experience, I would recommend a low mileage 3rd gen. I was able to get one of the last ones off the line in late 2023. You can find a SR, 4x4, DCSB,. It has tow package and street tires. Honestly i enjoy the basic look and appointments of mine. no fender flares and just plain old steel wheels. I have needed 4wd twice so far in the few months I have had it. We have a property on a dirt road and just recently had Hurricane Debby let loose with a bunch of rain. I would not have been able to get in my driveway without 4x4. I think it wouldlikley help with resale if you ever wanted to sell or trade.

 

Thats true but if you wana offroad you should learn

 

Whatever dude. What are you, 19? 24?

Adulthood doesn't work that way, there's limited hours in the day.

DIYing is fun and I do it and respect it but it doesn't WORK for everyone.

 

never said it does

 

Thanks everyone. I truly appreciate it. Yeah, I definitely don't know much about fixing engines, etc, but my kids do. One of them is already restoring motorcycles, dirt bikes, etc, so he can help me. And that's part of the point of this sale....I want to have something we can both work on as a bonding opportunity. We'd be towing his bikes, etc out to dunes, ocotillo wells, and more. So this has all been helpful. Now I'll start looking deeper. I'll definitely have more questions in future. Thanks.

 

Sounds like a plan!... and fun! Don't forget to circle back and add pics. We like pics....

 

I agree with the second gen reliability. Love my ‘14!