Downsizing from a Sprinter to a Taco

Good morning ya'll,

I finally came out of the shadows last night so I could post up on a TW classified listing. Ive been on the hunt for a new (to me) rig for quite some time but I think I'm about ready to make the switch.

For the past 3 years, Ive been driving a high roof Sprinter van that I built out myself. I have no regrets buying and building that thing out but the big van is no longer serving me as I had intended. It fit my lifestyle very well for a few years when I was working on the road all summer and then traveling around the Southwest looking for the best climbing/weather in the winter. I was also single for much of that time or at least dating someone that had a compatible lifestyle. I still travel for work but, these days, I'm more interested in spending time at home here in western Colorado and going on day/weekend trips locally rather than traveling around indefinitely.

I'm pretty keen on a manual transmission 2nd or 3rd gen Tacoma. My first few cars were stick shift but I had to switch to autos when I started driving vans. I'm sure many of you can relate to this but I have an obsession with shifting that I just can't shake despite all the logical reasons one should get an automatic instead. It's a shame that more vehicles aren't offered with a 3 pedal option these days but, fortunately for my monkey brain, it's probably good in that it severely limits my options of vehicles.

I checked out the new Gladiator awhile back and, while I actually like them, my girlfriend despises them and won't acknowledge the truck jeep as a real jeep. I also worry about the reliability of them, the resale value, and the high cost of even the lowest end model. I like the 3rd gen 4runners and the 1st gen Tundras but finding one in good shape with a stick shift is proving to be a challenge. I haven't set in a 3rd gen 4runner recently but I worry about the headroom.

My lady and I both really dig the 2nd and 3rd gen Tacomas though. Being 6'2" and a little bit of a techie, I love that the 2020 models are coming standard with the power seats and CarPlay; the optional LEDs look pretty clutch as well. I'm usually pretty resistant to buying a brand new off the lot vehicle but, in Toyota land, the slightly used rigs don't seem to be much if any cheaper than brand new. I'm still perusing listings for a used Cavalry blue, Cement, or White TRD OR ideally with a shell and cross bars but I may wait another month or so for dealers to get more 20's on the lot and purchase one through the Costco program.


Some nice looking Yotas hanging with my van


The old van and the new side by side


Glamour shot in St George

Anyways, that was definitely too much information but there's my intro. I'm looking forward to being a part of a new family of vehicle enthusiasts. I don't plan on doing anything too crazy to my Tacoma as they look capable and aggressive enough for me off the lot but I'll be adding some functional accessories as time goes on. Cheers,

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome aboard

 

dude welcome!! 3 years of travels you gotta have some good stories...we like storytime just as much as pics...looks like you take some great pics...whatever you end up in post it up...good luck on your search

 

Welcome to TW and good luck with your search for a new Tacoma. Look forward to hearing/seeing what you end up with.

Edit: BTW... great user name

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I picked up an 18' OR with a stick shifter from a fellow TW member. It feels like a sports car compared to the van. So far though, I'm super happy with it. It's super fun to drive and I think it will suit us well but... holy moly this thing gets crummy gas mileage.

 

Welcome, glad you went MT! Awesome name too

Yeah, mileage not the best, but it's a truck. I avg 18/gal right now with winter blend, a little hypermiling(easier with the MT) and lighter wheel/tire combo will help you get a few mpg back!

 

Uh I want to upgrade to a sprinter

 

The sprinter van has been an awesome rig but I built it out for a particular lifestyle and it no longer fits in with that. I'd like to get a 4x4 sprinter in a few years and do another build but we'll see.