$25K Question. Tacoma SR ACLB vs F150 XL SCSB

Unfortunately the F150 is the boring obvious choice. What bothers me is it was only a couple years ago that you could get a base V6, AC, 6spd, 4wd Tacoma for $26,250.

The wind resistance and mountainous terrain are my concerns with the 2.7L Tacoma.

 

I run a topper, and use the trailer to camp out of too since I hate setting up tents, just toss a cot in there. Think cheap bastard's toyhauler.

 

true if you are in a hilly area you will be feeling the hills with the 4 clinder. Califorina has huge hills in my area and you dog it up them with the 4 clinder. I plan on regearing to help, but nothing beats a v6 trd taco. The v8 f150 doesn't look bad at all. I would still pick the tacoma, but I do that our of love for the brand.

 

Yeah, now that configuration is what $32K++? Don't want to spend that much. Used low mile (under 30K) V6's aren't cheap. Looking at the classifieds...150K is now considered "low mile"...gotta laugh at that. It is too bad they don't offer the ACLB V6 Manual in the SR. I might up the budget $3K for that. I just can't see paying over $32-35K for a Tacoma.

Do like some of the features on the F150 Super Cab, like the rear door opens 170-180º(?) that and the flat floor. Be great for gear storage.

 

It is pretty mountainous here, commute is flat ...it is heading up to the mountains on the weekends that concerns me. I drive the speed limit, but (while loaded down) don't want to go so slow that I am danger to other motorist.

 

If your looking for storage & being able to tow over 3k get the Ford. If your looking proven reliability and towing 2-3k once in a while get the Toyota. You'll have no problem getting over hills with your 4 cylinder engine. Won't win any races but you'll be fine.

 

I think the plan on having the Ford for 15 years is a bit unrealistic, but it'll be more useful hauling and towing.

The Tacoma will easily last 15 years but will have a hard time accepting hauling and towing.

Again, you could go used and find a lower mileage V6 Taco and will also have no problem lasting 15 years. <- This is what I'd do.

 

With a topper and a enclosed trailer, have plenty of storage with the Tacoma. Load no where near full capacity...more about keeping the gear out of the elements than anything.

After being long time Toyota owner of 25 years, kinda hard leaving the brand...though the Ford peaks my interest.

 

I agree with that, I just don't see it as long term vehicle without needing expensive repairs. My current Tacoma didn't really need "too much" other than basic maintenance until about 285K.

I have been looking at used V6's. Tacoma's resale value is good thing, and yet a bad thing. For those prices might as well buy brandy new, even if it is a bit underpowered for 10% of its' use. 90% of the time it will be running empty.

 

Definitely understand. I'm sure you'll know what you want when the time comes. Good Luck ! Post pic of which ever you end up with .

 

I would take both out for a few hours..if the dealer won't let you..find a different dealer...

I had this same dilemma . .. and before anyone laughs.. it was between a 2008 z71 4wd Colorado or a 2006 prerunner tacoma..

I drove both for a few hours around town and on the highway.. and ended up with the tacoma (obviously)... why? because it felt more put together for my needs... yes..the Colorado had more capability... v8.
4wd.. z71... but felt "half assed and cheap plastic"... I just didn't feel comfortable in it...

 

Thanks.

And will do.

 

Years ago, they let me have one 24 hours. Not sure if they do that any more. I have also rented vehicles for a week or so, to make sure I like it or not. Was thinking of getting a Subaru Outback years ago for a daily...rented one for 2 weeks on vacation...found out I hate Subarus and cars in general. Could not wait to get into my Tacoma after those 2 weeks.

 

I've helped people do that..rent a car for a few days.. the 80 bucks or so you might spend to rent a car for a few days is worth the cost of finding out you might hate it...

 

IMO i would still go with the taco. but thats just me. ive lost all trust in ford over the years

 

Do you need 4x4? If not just get a v6 SR5 with the towing package. about 28k

But i see you live in eye-da-hoe so you may get a metric shit-ton of snow.

 

If you can hold out and be patient you may find something..I also know the feeling. I was looking at Chevys for awhile before I got my Tacoma. Came from nothing but Hondas and always loved the rep of the Toyotas...in the end I decided that I knew I would be kicking myself if I didn't go with the Yota over the Chevy.

Average paid on 2017 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab V6 SR 4WD shows just under $30k.

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/new/s...d311&zip=83203&distance=500#listing=150253066

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...ned&sortDirection=undefined#listing=158570970

 

IMO, if you have the space, F-150 you'll be satisfied with its towing, fuel economy, and space for years to come. Tacoma... Great go-getter truck but when it comes to payload work it comes up a little short.

 

I would go with the F-150. Towing with a 4cly would get old pretty quick.

As far as reliability, I just sold my dad's 2010 F150 with 5.4L which had 200k miles on it. Nothing outside of maintenance was done to the truck. My cousin has a 2011 F150 with 3.5 ecoboost that has about 175k miles and once again, nothing outside of maintenance.

My 99 Prerunner with 2.7L snapped the crankshaft at 32k miles for some unknown reason.
My 07 Tacoma had the 4x4 actuator go out at around 60k miles and the starter went out at 100k miles. I'm at 115k miles now and so far nothing else.

Point is, it's luck of the draw with vehicles and everything is much more reliable these days and pretty much anything will give you 200k problem free miles.

 

For what you want I would get the Tacoma