Getting bored with the Tacoma

I have had my Tacoma for 2 1/2 years. It's not like I am making a life altering decision. I was just looking for some ideas from people who bought similar vehicles. The LX470 is to big, I would just buy a Tundra for the size and gas mileage. I know that a lot of Toyota buyers probably don't like VW but they really do make very nice cars, I've had a few at the same time as owning a Toyota/Lexus. When I came up with my list of what I wanted, across all makes, a Touareg is what seemed to fit, well I have been eyeing a Cayenne also, but it's the same difference. I know the best thing financially is to keep the truck for a long time, so I was hoping for some motivation to do just that. I think when the dealer has to call you for 4 days to come and pick up your car because you don't really care all that much about having it, maybe it's time to spend your money elsewhere.

 

I've got it!

J/K! Sorry, couldn't resist.
Sounds to me like maybe you should lease until you figure out what you want.

 

Since you asked for suggestions, here it goes.

Besides all my Toyotas (my first was a brand spanking new 1987 4WD Xcab Turbo), I've owned lots of VWs, Hondas, & a couple of Nissans. All my domestic experience came from 25 years military. I gotta tell you the VW Toureag was a bomb & my X (and me) couldn't wait to dump it. I drove it personally several times & felt it was the biggest rattle trap VW ever produced. Little things (the wipers, water satuarated fog lights) to bigger things (ill-shifting trans, wacked out ecu). At 60k the thing was ready to fall apart. Very different from all my high mileage VWs. We traded it for Nissan Murano which imo is a very luxurious SUV for the money. Believe me, we methodically test drove them all. I absolutely have no complaints with this SUV other than the logo & the grill which has totally been revamped in the 2009 model. The cabin is layed out beautifully & the controls intuitive. Lots of bells & whistles and handles like a dream in all weather conditons here in the Northeast.

Granted nothing will make me get rid of a Toyota truck, but I really, really like the Murano. Its worth a look.

 

It's hard to know what will fix "bored".

Based on personal experience with VW and the curernt reliablity reports on the Touareg, I wouldn't touch that thing with a 10 foot pole. Personally, I would not consider the Porsche, BMW, Audi, or MB SUVs. They don't typically get good marks for reliability. Plus, the standard service and insurance costs are way up there.

If you're looking for more luxury without going to a full size truck, there really isn't any other truck that is comparable to the Tacoma. The Nissan Frontier has a few more bells & whistles, but I think that would be trading down from a Tacoma based on the quality of the interior materials. The much maligned Honda Ridgeline does have a few interesting features, but I could never really get excited about it.

If you are looking for towing capability and 4WD and you've ruled out all the trucks, then that leaves you with SUVs.

Here would be my recommendations:

Acura MDX - There is a lot to like. Good road manners, lots of nice luxury features, comfortable to drive, and reliable. It won't stand up to a Tacoma offroad, but it is much higher class inside.

Lexus GX 470 - If the LX 570 is too big, then the GX might be just the ticket. Based on the 4Runner platform, but with a lot more features and luxury.

Honda Pilot - Since you are shopping luxury brands, you'll probably turn your nose up at the lowly Honda. I had a Pilot prior to my Tacoma. It was a great vehicle. I'd still be driving it if I hadn't decided that I needed a truck more than the 3rd row of seats. The 2009 redesign might be worth a look, unless you really want a status brand.

 

Get a 1990 BMW 325is 2 door!

on a more serious note, you mentioned Toyota owners not liking VW's, i dont think thats really true. i got Toyota because of their reliability and reputation. Thats why i love old BMW's so much. I use to love VW but not anymore. back in the day BMW, mercedes, VW, toyotas and Hondas were all awesome due to reliability, although i have always hated honda with a passion, not sure why. BMW and VW use to make cars that would last forever but not anymore. the new BMW and VW's are both crap. i hear VW makes a good diesel car but their gassers suck. i think Mercedes still makes good cars. Relieability and ability to take my abuse is my first priority with a car. some of the new 4runner's are really nice inside. Nissan also makes some nice SUV's

 

I know you ruled out Chevy but I have quite a few friends that are driving some nice Z71's that are making 22+ miles per gallon. And they pay under 30,000 for them.

 

Or the new Tundra. Those would be the only two reasons I would trade in my Tacoma. Even then though.. mine is paid for and I just can't get rid of it .. bored or not. It's going to outlast me and save me a lot of $$$ in car payments.