First time Taco buyer - Help !

Hey Guys

Great forum, amazing community that seems to love sharing information and ridiculing the hell out of each other! Awesome!

I have just received the go ahead from the CFO (wife) to buy a new to me Toyota Tacoma. With two kids in University this fall, a new purchase is not in the cards for a few years. So a good condition used vehicle is now being hunted.

My usage...

I live in British Columbia and spend time commuting 4 days a week to Vancouver...150kms round trip with 70% highway driving, sometimes more as my shifts are for the most part non rush hour (Law Enforcement...we work at night!)

My days off find me flyfishing and hunting so some off road use although nothing crazy, just gravel roads and the odd bit of mud and of course snow.

Would like the long box as I haul my little aluminum flyfishing boat with me and double cab. Obviously 4x4.

My questions are (and yes I have used the "search" feature and spent numerous hours reading, almost too much as I seem more confused now than before!):

What are the major changes between SR5, TRD Sport and Off Road?

What are the major year to year changes from 2005-2010 (those years are the ones that seem to fit the budget) ?

Would I be better off buying a 2006 with low kms (130,000kms/80,000miles) or a 2010 with high kms (200,000+kms/125,000miles)

As mentioned the majority of time this will be a commuter vehicle so comfort important.

So basically looking for a Tacoma Double Cab long box automatic 4x4 but SR5 or TRD? Low mile older one or high mile newer one?

Appreciate the advice guys...

Rich

 

If you really want the long bed, you won't be able to get the TRD Off Road, unless you go for a regular or access cab. You'll need to look at the Base, SR5 or TRD Sport if you want the double cab. TRD Sport comes with some exterior upgrades (body color bumper, grill, fake hood scoop, turn signal mirrors on the newer models), better seats and slightly better suspension. The only "major" change in those years you mentioned was a switch from mechanical to electronic limited slip, I think in 2008 or 2009. Frame rust is a pretty big issue on almost all years if you live in area where they salt a lot so keep an eye on that while you're looking.

 

the only big change that I know of was in 09. anything 09 up has all the little traction nannies that beep and whistle when you go out and start playing. as far as I know they are easy to disable (push the button) and not really a hindrance.

I personally have an 08, and the only electronic bs it has is the tire sensors, which im ok with. no matter what you are getting a nice truck. rust may be an issue for you up there, so that may steer you to the younger trucks, regardless of mileage

 

Welcome to TW. I live in Nanaimo and noticed this truck a couple weeks ago. It's an access cab but very low mileage and many would say the 1st gens (before 2005) are better built trucks. Either way I really don't think you could go wrong with this one if you were willing to go access cab. It's way cheaper than a 2005+ with the same mileage.

http://www.usedvancouver.com/classi...-Toyota-Tacoma-52Ks-4X4-Extended-Cab_21830089

 

Thanks

neverstuck I prefer the 2nd Gen due to the fact that I have a fat ass and has a bit more room. Drove a buddies 1st gen and my knee on the transfer case shifter was an issue...

Appreciate the heads up though just the same!

 

...

 

Well pulled the trigger yesterday on a 2010 TRD Sport Double cab 4x4. Super white from a dealer was a lease return. 125,000miles (200,000kms) on her and from all photos I have seen is in decent condition. Can't wait to take delivery (tomorrow) and then is time to refresh all the fluids and play!

 

Congrats on the new truck. Pretty high miles for a 2010 lease return but these things last forever if you keep up with maintenance... or until they rust out. I would suggest a good coat of Formula 3000 underneath. It even penetrates through dirt to get to the metal and keep it oiled up and rust resistant.

http://reviews.canadiantire.ca/9045/0477985P/rust-cure-rust-cure-formula-3000-reviews/reviews.htm