Downsizing... Need some feedback

I'll say keep the Ram. The kids will grow, you haul, and the Tacoma doesn't get good mileage for its size. Sounds like the payments aren't a whole lot lower either to justify the switch.

 

another item to note is you will need to do something to the rear leaf setup if you plan to carry much or tow. just to add to the initial expense, basically a dakar leaf pack with the aal to work with what is likely a small load for you. then you need to lift the front to match and the rear... my tacoma would sag with stock leafs and camping gear for two ppl, as in sit bro in the back

 

I just did exactly what you are thinking of doing. I went from a 2013 mega cab to a 2013 tacoma access cab. I was not getting nowhere near the mileage you are. I was averaging 15 mpg. That does make your choice a little bit harder. I must say I have no real regrets. The ram was nice and had all the gizmos and gadgets I thought that I wanted but the tacoma is just different. It's simple. Parking is a breeze. I live in Wyoming so driving around in my home state and parking was not much of an issue but I have to go to denver for work and trying to park or get around with that many people became a real pain. Some things that helped me make my decision: gas around here is about 50 cent cheaper per gallon, insurance went down a little not much but a little, oil changes all though come more frequently are not as expensive, 35s cost about 3x the price of stock tacoma tires, was easier to park, for all the hunting and fishing it's nicer for me to not have that huge heavy truck, and it's a lot less harsh of a ride off road. Those are just some of the things I looked at and have found after making the switch. I think the mega cab has a place in our family but not for me to use as a daily driver. I would love to have the tacoma for everyday work and play and use the mega cab for the long road trips and vacation. Seeing as I can not afford both at this time the tacoma does everything I NEED it to do and at a cheaper price. Someday I would like to have the big ram just sitting at the house waiting for our next trip.

 

oh and my 360hp f1f50 gets the same mileage as my tacoma, yet can carry and tow double if needed.

 

We haven't really looked into refinancing yet since we've just started to consider the trade in over the past few days, but it's definitely been discussed. We're just looking to save a little more each month (since childcare is so damn expensive!) and are thought the truck payment would be a decent place to save.

Like Kyle Butler mentioned though, kids grow and I do like having the truck to tow when I want/need vs having to borrow a vehicle. The more I think about it and read your comments, I think keeping it and refinancing would make the most sense. I've already been making payments for 1 year, dealers tend to screw you on trade in value, and I'd hate to trade it in and find out it doesn't really help our situation. After all, what's a Tacoma w/o some sort of lift, aggressive tires, 8,000 lb winch, etc., etc,...LOL.

Bubbastaco, how often do you find yourself regretting your decision, if at all?

I will keep you guys posted on what I do.

 

Only had the tacoma for a couple of weeks but so far I have no regrets. Like I said it does everything I need it to do so far. I am sure there will be some things that pop up as we use it more day to day but there is compromise in everything we do. Never had a truck of this size before. Also ran full size dodges but so far the tacoma has been a blast to drive. Mamma didn't like the idea of downsizing but in a few short days it is even growing on her. Just the other day she said its a pretty cool little truck. She calls it our tonka truck now. It just seems to go wherever we point it. Lol. Best of luck in your decision. Any other questions feel free to ask.