Am I crazy? Help me decide on a new Tacoma...

So I'm looking at picking up a new Tacoma relatively soon. I've owned Toyota's before, but never a truck. The vehicle I'm coming from is a Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6 Pentastar with a manual transmission.

I'm looking to get a truck because I move frequently due to the nature of my job. My base in the winter is usually near Park City, UT, up a steep dirt road that is often only cleared when it snows more then 8 inches. I want a bed to haul skis in the winter, camping/fishing/mountain biking gear in the summer. I also do some off-roading, but nothing too crazy. Usually just fire roads to get where i'm going, not climbing rocks in Moab.

My dilemma is this; I've had manuals before, and that's how I prefer to drive. With the amount of moving I do and the gear I haul, the longer bed seems far more practical. I am looking at possible getting a 2016 SR ACLB MT 4x4 with the 2.7...Is that a bad idea? I had an older generation Rav4 with the 4 cylinder engine (the same one?), and it did fine for me on the highway, but obviously this is a different vehicle.

My other option is getting a 2016 DCSB Offroad 4x4 with the 3.5...More power, but several thousand more, and less bed space...

Also, I have an awesome border collie who comes along with me on a lot of this shit. So space for the dog is very important as well.

The Sport is a slightly cheaper option, but with just the looks and very little substance I'm not very interested...Plus I don't want those 18in wheels off-road...I've been looking to test drive, but no one has the 2.7 around here in the new truck for me to try. Thanks.

 

my suggestion get this :

7559 - TRD SPORT ACCESS CAB 4X4 V6 M/T LB - $ 29362 | $ 31320

the more power will help a lot in the mountains, carrying a full load in the long bed, and having the cab packed with stuff and the dog.

all that weight will bog down a 2.7, especially in the hills.

but that's just my opinion, I prefer v6 over a I4 any day.

 

Sounds like you need an F150.

 

I personally prefer the DC over the AC. Better internal platform for dogs in my opinion with the rear seat up or down. More dry storage in the cab for winter. Rack the top for skis. SB front rail RockyMounts for the bikes.

 

There was an article that i reas, basically saying 2.7 is pointless. Not much saving in mpg, plus lotless power obviously

Get the 3.5!!!



Heres the read: http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/the-4-cylinder-toyota-tacoma-is-completely-pointless-1724669002

 

The 2.7 is a poverty engine for people on a budget.

 

2015 Access TRD OR

If you can find one

 

I'm confused. What 2015 has the 3.5?

Either way, get a v6. I4s on trucks and off road vehicles are dissapointing. Especially if you want to actually tow and haul crap.

 

He is saying his other option is 2016 SR 4x4 with the 2.7 engine. So i recommended not to go wih that and just get the 3.5

 

Right. I wasn't confused on his options. But in the OP, it clearly states that one option is a 2015 3.5. To which I say, they only came with a 4.0. Maybe it was supposed to be 2016. But honestly, 2015s aren't a bad choice either.

 

For the use you describe, I'd be in a DC v6, and while I love manuals in sports cars, in these trucks the auto is quite nice. That said, find the truck with the rest of the configuration you like, and if it has an auto, don't fret over it.

Counter to Mr. Moleman's opinion, the 2.7 can be a great choice when it matches the need. In my base 5 lugger I get significantly better MPG than in the other configurations, because my diff has a more friendly ratio. I don't need clearance, 4wd, lift, bad boy tires, etc. My bed does quite well with bikes, kayaks and assorted home project stuff. I can also pull a small Boston Whaler, McKee Craft or jet skis with no problem here in flat land.

 

Well discribed the difference in these two truck engines. The auto six will be great as it allows you to shift through the gears quicker then a manual when in sport mode......one other thing......have good winter tires !!!!!!!

 

Sorry, I did mean 2016. Corrected.

 

To add, I will be putting a cap on the bed of whatever I buy, and then a Thule ski case on top of that.

I don't understand why Toyota just didn't put the V6 in the SR access cab with a MT? For $26,000 that's a no brainer. $25,000 for the 4 banger access cab vs. $31,000/$32,000 when I just want the motor is a tough pill to swallow. I'm on the edge of being able to able to afford it...but damn...

 

+1, no way I would get the 4 banger. No mpg gain and lot less power. Auto is better in snow and mud

 

2nd gen FTFW

 

Though you like a MT, it doesn't help performance and the sport shifter that Toyota uses makes manuals obsolete. You will not regret the six over the four especially if you slap an FG cap on. I have a Lear Cap and the just mounts to the rails with adapters......makes for quick removal if needed.

 

Its "could've" or "could have". Same with "would've" or "would have".

"could of" and "would of" is not proper.

No offense, seriously.

 

4 cylinder discussions bring out the "worstest" in us.

 

HAHA damn....