Back to Tacoma??

Hello all thanks for accepting me to the forum. Owned a 2001 Tacoma as the original owner until 2017, 16 years of enjoyment. At the end of 2017 decided to go bigger to a Tundra for a few reasons but now find myself looking at downsizing. Great truck, great performance, great color, great Toyota reliability. Not towing anymore, gas prices, solo driving, and used car values has me questioning need. Thinking if I can swap out for new Tacoma, Tundra only has 13,000 miles, should I go for it? Thoughts?

 

You'd do great to check out trade value but also get a car maxoffer. They're giving stupid money right now.

 

Tacoma’s are much more fun to own than Tundras, unless you need a big truck.

I drive a full-size for work and look forward to zipping around in the little Taco in my off hours. For me I have no desire for a huge truck as a personal vehicle.

 

Go for it. Welcome to TW.

 

If your not towing or hauling I'd go with a tacoma

 

The new Tundra's get close to the same mpg as the current Tacoma's. Just a thought. Your v-8 will still be in demand in a couple years.

 

Do we get to vote in new members? I didn't get a vote!!.... well you're here now, I guess...

Welcome

Since you have already experienced a Tacoma, then you know about them already. If the deal isn't horrible and you get what you want then you can't go wrong.

Good luck with the decision

 

I would do a long test drive first because it's alot different drivetrain

 

Based on what you say, it seems a Tacoma would work for you as far as what you need in a truck. Used values are really high right now so you’d get a good bit for your Tundra but on the flip side, you may not get the best deal on a new Tacoma. Just something to think about…

 

Sounds like you're the exact demographic for the Tacoma, I'd do it, but I would recommend you drive one first, as it does drive quite different than the Tundra.

 

Do it, do it!

 

Like Al Bundy said….Ohhh they all come back!

 

Thanks for all the responses. Funny thing, I headed out for work and at the car rental where you can select your own car is sitting a new 2021 TRD Off Road V6 Tacoma. Jumped in and off I went. Driving this around for the week should help with decision. Having fun so far, like a new toy!

Some thoughts:
Acceleration not too bad but would like to boost. Any recommendations on gains? Turbo, super charger? Without breaking the bank.
Need to level and lift. I did bilstein 5100’s on the Tundra, something similar on Taco? May need a little more height on this…
Don’t shoot me, but wheel and tire favorites? I have Fuel Vectors and Ridge Grapplers on the Tundra.
TRD Sport hood? TRD Pro grill? Or aftermarket alternatives?

Rental photos

 

How many miles are on your rental?

 

That’s the best rental ever! I only have either Kia / Hyundai or if am lucky a Dodge. Never a Toyota let alone a Tacoma.

Make sure you drive it with both the ECT button on and off . This will get you a feel of the different transmission behaviors on our Tacomas.

 

About 9,700

 

Yea, like vivid said, be sure to run around town with ECT pushed and enabled.

When not using ECT, put your foot into the gas pedal. You’ll learn where that powerband is pretty quick.

And lastly, flip the drive stick from D to S4. Not only is it a top gear lockout, it also disables learning from previous drivers.

 

ECT is a huge difference in this truck. Best bang for your buck is a tune to make it a little faster, but they're not a race car at the end of the day. I run steelies as my winters, konig countersteer 16x8s (0 offset) as my summers, with Hankook Dynapros, and love em. I personally really like the stock grill, so I'm sticking with it.

 

2 Wheel Drive on the rental?