Decisions decisions

A friend told me about these forums and that it would be a good place for some guidance on Tacoma. Will be a first time truck owner. Found a trd off road double cab LB in midnight black metallic new for a really good price. I’ve been doing research and of course it’s a divided decision between long and short bed. I’m also stuck as since someone told me black will show everything such as scratches easily. I guess I’m torn and any input would be appreciated for this first time small truck buyer.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
Lots of complaints on here about black paint being SOFT, also shows swirls and water spots. White paint chips off easily at various places. Haven't seen any complaints in here about Cement or Luna Rock.
DCLB is one long truck to negotiate on trails through the bush, expect scratches if off roading.

 

If you plan to lift and wheel 100% short bed. If going to use as a work truck than go long bed. The short bed double cab already has a pretty long wheel base. No reason to have that long bed dragging on the trail.

As for black paint just never touch it.

 

I want to enjoy out doors. Drag my bike places, surf, and if possible maybe go to rough road and camp overnight somewhere. I definitely don’t plan on hauling lumber or things like that. It will also be my everyday ride. I just want to make a purchase that will last me a bit and gives me the opportunity to throw stuff in the back and go for an adventure. Thank you for replying!!

 

Only you can decide bed length based on how you will use the truck. I wanted a long bed and didn't need the 4 doors, so I went Access Cab. Same total length as a 4 door short bed.

Black is sharp on a street queen, particularly in a lowered sporty version; one that is regularly washed/waxed.

Over the years I've owned a few black vehicles, and I'd never pick that color for a vehicle I used off road, even gently.

 

Test drive both bed lengths. Pay particular attention how each one maneuvers in and out of tight parking spaces. Color wise, that's personal preference. For me, I will NEVER own a white or black vehicle. I like the sandstone because it won't show dirty, but love my army green Pro.

 

I’ve owned 3 tacomas. Never had problems with any of them. Had 1 long bed, dinged that a couple of times when going in to tight spaces but I’ve learned to drive much better. It sounds like you want to use it more for outdoors and take your bike, it might be a little tight for short bed but you can just leave the bed door down or better yet get it on a trailer. If you plan on doing lots of mods and use it outdoors, I suggest you get a TRD off-road.

 

I liked the functionality of the long bed, but hated the look. Short bed seems to be the most popular choice. Yes, black is a difficult color to maintain, but if you have the time it looks awesome.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Just drove a used short bed. No long bed available at all. Short didn’t feel bad at all. Of course don’t know what the long bed feels like. They have for the moment the model I want however, only in super white (some kind of white) SB TRD off-road 4x4 which is in transit if someone else doesn’t claim it. After all your responses I will aim to avoid black (even though it seems to look so nice). and can’t thank you all enough for helping me with some helpful input. Seeming like short bed is what’s in my future. I just want something I’ll enjoy and will last. Wish this choice was easier. These trucks are such sexy beasts.

 

My opinion is that long beds don't look right on double cabs. It throws off the whole trucks' proportions. Access cab long bed or DCSB.

And everybody drives either a black truck or white truck. Get something different.

 

I guess last question seeing as trying to even get my hands on the truck how I want is difficult. All I have bumped into are automatics. I asked about manuals and was told they don’t have any in sight for months. All they have coming in are automatics. I found other places and found a manual but it was an sr5 Tacoma 4x2. Is automatic in Tacoma alright? So far it’s looking like white trd off-road automatic is what will be my choice (no other colors either coming in unless it’s a pro in grey). Thank you ahead of time for the input.

 

I have a 2020 automatic. After the engine and transmission learning process of around 500 miles, you will realize it doesn't shift as well as it should and has an accelerator lag when you start. I think the blame should be toward EPA standards. But, don't worry, there's an easy fix. Get the KDMax tune. Well worth it and your truck will drive like it should. Now the only problem is I tend to drive it like a sports car when the light turns green. The "D" stands for drag mode. Once you get up to speed, the "R" does NOT stand for race.

 

So I've seen this posted several times here before, but I still don't understand exactly what it is. Is the KDMax a software upgrade or hardware? It needs to physically be installed by someone?
Sorry if this seems like a dumb question.

 

Thank you for the insight. Just aiming to make sure I’m not making a bad decision on the automatic. Every small car I’ve had except one, was manual. Didn’t think trying to find a manual Tacoma at the moment would be so difficult in the trim I wanted. So overall I should be safe with my selection of trd OR automatic? I will def look into the KD max tune.

 

When I was younger, I only drove standard (manual). My first car also didn't have power steering or brakes. I still miss my '86 Toyota Pickup w/ 5-speed. But, as I've gotten older, I've learned to appreciate automatic. Especially when I had knee surgery or back problems. Just as there is no such thing as a perfect human, the same goes for a car or truck. Everyone has things you'd like to change. But, in my opinion, my 2020 Army Green Tacoma Pro w/automatic and the KDMax tune comes pretty close. Your possible TRD OR automatic will handle the same.

 

Your question is not dumb. Its a software install that "calibrates" your engine and transmission for better performance. Instead of what Toyota has to do to meet federal regulations. I did mine myself, but after doing it, I recommend you pay someone else to do it. Toyota repair won't see the changes unless they specifically go looking for it, which will take too much time.

 

so just to confirm SB is 5ft and LB is 6ft? or is LB 8ft?

black is horrid, our truck is only a few months old roughly at 20k km since May and within a day or two after washing looks unwashed. scratches show very well, the door handle part looks like a million people have tried to open it and scratched it with their nails.

we got the paint protection (ceramic coating), but honestly makes no difference in our opinion.

even without any real selections other then we wanted a sunroof it took about a month for delivery. [fastest out of the 5/6 places I called, and had deposit at 2 other dealerships] way better then how long most folks had to/have to wait.

we go on the forest service roads (FSR) lots but realize if we were to venture into the inner FSR's we would want to get better tires and more clearance to avoid hitting the back end on some of the dips intentionally put in to stop the general public from venturing too far in.

btw we got the 6ft bed. realized that when we put deposit for a cap and sales person was like heads up you have a 6ft not 5ft. Not that we care, better for us anyways.... more truck right.

 

You could get a F-150 super crew with the 6 foot bed, if you're considering a DCLB Tacoma. The Ford should do everything the Tacoma can, and offer a little more power while doing it. Ford might have their version of army green for 22.

 

Lots of good advice above. Points made about black paint are true, but a clean black truck sure turns heads at nightime. Welcome from ATX.