[Advice Request] New to Tacoma (Hello!)

Hello everyone! I thought the forums would be the best place for friendly advice for my purchase. I'm planning on trading in my 05 Toyota Camry for a Toyota Tacoma. I currently live in CA and want to move some things to CO where I'll be spending my time in Grad School. I want to finally get a Tacoma that I've always dreamed of owning since I learned how to drive. Although the financial opportunities never presented itself, I've saved enough where I think I'm ready to make the purchase, but would like some advice so I may make a smart purchase.

I tried searching the forums for a sticky post for new members on buying and enthusiast terms, but I haven't found much luck. I'm eyeing a double cab, TRD off road spec. I'm thinking 5ft long bed with a cover to block snow from getting into the bed. I'm not very familiar with the terms or things like gear differentials (other than definitions from google) and other widgets/wodgets.

Once again hello everyone I hope to learn lots here!

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm very impressed with the local community feel the forum offers. I guess I'm just paranoid that I'd be overpaying for things I may not necessarily understand, and I definitely want to make the best out of my purchase.

Should I consider 4x2 or 4x4 in my purchase? Does it make a difference in snow or other conditions?

Are there other considerations I should note when buying the vehicle?

Are there special considerations I should be aware about in snow environments? I'm pretty foreign to the concept.

As a first time Tacoma owner, where would I first look for a performance upgrade?

 

I would start by saying you wan't 4x4 if you will be driving in Colorado in winter months. I have never lived there but have friends that do. They have plenty of snow stories. On what tacoma you want,depends on your needs and hobbies,how much money you want to spend,and how many miles per year you anticipate.

 

Welcome to TW from sand diego

If the finances are available go with the 4x4, you never know when you may need it.
And just so you know the TRD off road only comes with the 5ft bed with the 4 door model.

 

Hey Colton,love that profile pic!!

 

May I ask what the benefits are for the 4x4 over the 4x2. Is it something I'll learnt to utilize naturally with driving the truck?

I'm hoping for new around 27k is my hopefully budget. Anything above that I'll probably be grinding teeth.

 

Welcome, X2 on the learned talent and GO SLOW. Remember every year the first snowfall you need to refresh yourself. There are a ton of theory's and opinions about whether or not, and position of weight in the back. I use about 300lbs of sand.
ABS will make you understeer in corners, and in 4WD your front tires will tend to pull you into deeper snow.
Good luck on your purchase and enjoy the ride

 

Hello and thank you! I'm doing some browsing for prices, and as far as true car is concerned there doesn't seem to be an option for the TRD Off Road 4x4. Would I be at a disadvantage by purchasing a "regular" 4x4 tacoma vs a TRD Off Road version of the 4x4?

Source

 

Thank you! Seems like 4x4 is the way to go apparently. I'm hoping to spend 27ishk, I am planning to go pretty deep into my studies. I should only be driving a few miles a day back and forth from school. With the occasional groceries and gas hopefully. On holidays I'm really hoping to head into the mountains ^^ for snowboarding and such, would be really great. I'm definitely looking forward to breaking in the Tacoma and avoid such things like this: Not excited for this

Edit: Not*

 

Duly noted! TYVM!

 

The main differences between a TRD off-road and a SR5 model would be, on the TRD you gain more comfortable seats (the TRD seats are more comfortable to me), with the off-road model you get a locking rear differential, which is helpful when you're stuck, and all TRD models get a power inverter in the bed.

Also the TRD off-road gets Atrac (advanced traction control) which to some is very useful, it is mainly used for off-roading or getting unstuck.

 

Welcome to the TW...like other members have said, you'll need a 4x4, good tires and practice driving it in the snow.
Good luck with the forthcoming purchase

 

Welcome aboard!

 

Holy thread revival Y'all, the OP was made in '14.
This thread is so old I've moved twice (almost 2K miles) since I last posted.

 

Hide your wallet as well being on the TW forum!