As promised, I test drove the auto again...

Please John, get a manual. You won't be second guessing about the transmission. You will tell if what to do, when you want it to. It's not my money, but yours...yet, if I came across across good deal I'd go for the 4x4 DCSB TRD OR 6MT. Manuals are not dead, and there's a very strong case for why they should exist despite the competing auto tranny.

 

Ha. This was my 3rd test drive. 2nd at this dealer. First sales guy learned to stop bullshitting me after he realized I knew way more than him.

 

I want a DCLB. Waiting for new Frontier. Auto isnt that bad. You're gonna have to rev high to maintain that speed with a manual too.

 

Fair enough. I think that's a wise decision on waiting for the new Nissan Frontier. I don't like the fact of having that large of a wheelbase especially for offroad... might as well step up to a full size truck. What made the Tacoma popular was reliability, and it's practicality as a small truck... the DCLB is moving away from that. The only advantage over the fullsize manufactures is its reliablility, and resale value...Dodge 1500 Eco boost blows the Tacomas mpg. Give me an access cab 4x4 trd or 6MT, and I'll be happy..until then, 2nd best choice is its cousin, the DCSB configuration.

 

There is definitely that thought of "The DCLB is already big, why not get a full size?". Today at the gym parking lot I saw DCLB parked next to a Ram the DCLB Tacoma looked like a Smart car in comparison. It's no secret the full size get trucks are more efficient I simply don't like driving full size trucks. I like to daily livability of a Tacoma. I'd rather have my Tacoma a little stressed out the 10x per year I tow rather than driving a tank 365 days a year.
I think there is a misconception that people chose small trucks because of money factors. I tend to think that that is not the case, some people just prefer a smaller truck. I realize I could get a Hemi, Vortec or EcoBoost and have power in abundance but I do like that the Tacoma is easier to live with. I plan on testing the DCLB later this week for my 4th, yes 4th test drive!

 

You hit the nail on the head. This is the exact reason I got a DCLB Tacoma over getting a new F150 with the 2.7. I don't tow much at all and would rather have a more nimble truck for daily driving and for the light off-roading I do to get to my favorite fishing holes.

 

Our dealerships rarely ever have salespeople do ride alongs.

 

New frontier isn't coming out for another year. Maybe if they get there shit together they will have them as a 2017 available in September

 

I love my '14 Access cab TRD V6 auto, but if I was in the market for a '16, I would go with the 6-spd manual. I hate auto trannys that shift around too much, especially on the highway...

 

I've read from a few owners posts here that the engine and transmission also pick up around the 3k mark. If you do pick an auto that might be an extra improvement.

 

Same here, I just don't need the extra size of an F150 or Tundra and in some places that size is more of a hassle. A lot of down town areas where I live are tight one ways where everyone parks 4 inches apart. The extra width sticks you out further into a street so someone can side swipe you and the extra length just limits what spaces you can fit into. You can still get 5 in there and make a short trip of it.

 

I am less worried about it now. For some reason I thought a smaller displacement engine would wear faster while towing, but I guess that is what the tow package is there for. Also, I don't really tow that much to begin with. I would probably tow more though if I had a vehicle that could actually do it with greater ease.

 

Yeah I watched it. If you watch the RPMs they are a lot lower when driving normally. The GMC Canyon revved just as much and if you watch the 2.7 Ecoboost gauntlet test you see the RPMS going into the stratosphere too. I feel a lot better about towing my little Casita with the 3.5L. Having the trailer brakes and tranny cooler is extra peace of mind.

 

I've been thinking about getting a trailer but have been concerned about weight. Thanks for sharing the info about the Casita, will seriously think about going that route. Seems to be the answer for the two of us. Seriously miss camping since getting rid of our tent trailor a few years ago.

Good posts here, thanks to all!

 

Thanks for the advice! It's only the two of us now, so a smaller one will probably suffice. Just from what I've read, Airstream is expensive, but I haven't really compared pricing. I know they are top rated, but for the amount we camp, I'm not sure it's worth the extra $'s. I'll take a look though, thanks again. I don't want to go anywhere near the maximum towing capacity because of the mountainous terrain I live in. I don't want to rev around max RPM. Maybe I'm just old school, but don't believe that's good on an engine long term.

 

Yow, that is expensive. Maybe worth it, but not at 40 cents on the dollar we are seeing today. Damn exchange rate!

 

I'd go the fiberglass route. Scamp, Casita, Escape, Bigfoot etc. Check out this site to see what is out there. Not sure if you want used or not but at the very least you can see what there is on the roads on this site. http://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/scamp-trailers-for-sale . My Casita is great. Holds it's value just like my Tacoma. You gotta a ton of creature comforts and space for 2500 lbs. Here are a few pics of my Casita I got two years ago. 2500 lbs dry weight. Indoor/outdoor shower, AC, bathroom, all that I would ever need at least. A little dirty in these pics but since has been power washed. =)

 

That looks like it would be perfect for us, thanks for posting the pics and the advice! We will spend some time doing a little research on trailers. Not really planning on long haul trips, mostly weekend getaways, so something like your Casita would be ideal. Only 2500 lbs is a huge bonus. One question though, I notice that there is a microwave, does the trailer come with an Inverter, or do you need plug in power?

 

The microwave and AC only work when I camp at a developed camping areas that have hookups. Wont work on battery power. To be honest though, I never camp in developed spots and I am totally fine without a microwave. The marine battery lasts a long time so you don't have to worry about lights going dim and whatnot. Propane tanks last forever for heat and stove. 2 years with it and I have yet to add more propane. Nice to know the option is there to have hookups though. You can hook up plumbing and water at developed campgrounds too.