going to buy a Taco in a few months. double cab or ext.?

The reason why we got the DC was if we needed to haul the family somewhere, or if me and my friends are going out.

Imo, the A/C is like having a portion of the bed on the inside to store things you don't want to leave out in the open. I don't know how comfortable it would be for passengers lol, i have a DC .

 

Funny thing is that I was looking for exactly that, but it doesn't exist, I drove the manual tranny and I didn't like it, even though I'm a huge manual guy, then I was looking for a DC 2x4 LB with a locker, used with like 25,000 miles on it, searched for months, even had a dealership who deals in useds tacos looking as well. Couldn't find shit. When the Unforgiven popped up, I wasn't really looking for 4X4, but I needed to make a decision so I pulled the trigger. I knew I wanted the DC cuz occasionally I will haul people and I like the fact that I can lock tools in there and the 4x4? Well now I find reasons to go off-road!
Definitely get the DC, with a long-bed and a ball hitch you're right about 20 feet long so make sure you're OK with drivin a school bus. I gave up tryin to park in lots with small spaces, either they are too narrow or they are always too short. I usually pull through the opposite space and pull through just enough not to stick the front too far out into traffic. This means I am taking a little bit of the first space as well. OR, I just roll in and take up like four spaces like I own the joint!
You may want to consider the later years, the ones that have the rear-camera option (08+?), I usually know that I am far enuff back in a parking spot when I punch in the front license plate of the car behind me with the ball-hitch!

Just kidding, I don't really punch people's plates in.........most of the time.

 

I know how driving a big truck is, neither of my current trucks are nimble, and right now I have my dads 4d, long bed(8ft) Dodge 6sp because he stole my Honda to go to Arizona in... I havent driven a Toyota pickup since I got rid of my 89 extended cab, v6, manual trans in 06, which I absolutely loved. There was a DC SB TRD auto at the chevy dealer in my town, but the day before i went to look at it it sold, of course. I would like to drive both and decide on my own. Everything I own right now is auto, and I hate it. Plus I like the 1st gear, 4 lo coming down steep hills, autos try to run away.

 

Heres the thing, the DC can do anything the AC can do plus some. And if you have things you want to haul inside the seats fold down and form a nice cargo area. Or if you have a dog through down a blanket or mat like I do to keep them from sliding around and away you go. Its easier to load people and stuff in and out of etc. Don't get me wrong I think the access cab is nice and for some it fits the bill, but if you have a family or ride with more than one friend from time to time the DC is the way to go.

 

DCLB 4x4 does everything I need it to do , it all depends on what you intend as the primary use of the truck .

 

I just bought a Tacoma last week, and took months to decide. Here what made my decision.
If you can buy it, get the Double Cab, TRD, 4x4, longbox
Thats the kings shit right there, best Tacoma to buy.
If thats out of your budget, then get the cheapest one that you like. I couldnt afford to pay the 40-45 k for the exact one I was (DC, long box, TRD) so I bought an access cab 2.7 SR5. Still love the truck I got and will do me fine. Wouldnt be able to live with myself if I spent more and still didnt get EXACTLY what I wanted. I dont mind the I4 motor because Im not trying to go fast, and the trailor I will tow is well under the 3500lbs max. The rear seats are small yes, but I would inpregnate my girlfriend anytime soon and ruin that tight little body she has , so really why do I care about the seats? Still has the 6' box, and love the look.

 

EXACT same for me. I drove the V6 manual and fucking hated it. Crappy short gears, and just overall didnt like it. Auto was nice though, loved that

 

We just got our first Tacoma about 3 weeks ago. We got the access cab TRD Off Road 4x4 auto V6. We looked at the I4, and the we didn't think it would do for what we wanted, so we looked at the V6. Great truck, even at just the base model, and it's only a tad more for the SR5, and only just a tad more to get the TRD. So that was that. The auto works great, and after 12 years of manual (not including the years of military driving), it's a nice change, especially with my back condition, to just point and shoot. Just look at all the options on the Toyota site and compare based on what you need and what you can afford. What ever you get well be the right choice for you. Best of luck on your search.

Also welcome to the forum. I think you'll be able to find all the information you need to help in your search here.

Frank

 

4 lo in first is fine with the auto, i suspect it would feel the same in a manual. Not to echo what the other guys said here BUT, the DC long bed is the shit dude, absofrigginlutely LOVE this truck! If fact I like my truck more than i like most people!

 

Hmm the double cab sounds like the right way to go haha.
I also plan on doing a lot of off-roading as well. So the trd offroad 4x4 will probably be suffice. But is there a difference in the length of the truck with the regular and short cab? I don't plan on hauling a lit..just when I need it.and some towing as well

 

And a stick shift too
More of a challenge it seems like then just pressi.g the gas pedal and turning the wheel lol

 

While a longer wheelbase provides a nicer ride on the highway it makes things more difficult offroad. (less maneuverability on tight trails, easier to hangup on berms, etc.) Toyota knows this, and kept the longer wheelbase options away from the "Offroad" version. As far as the 6speed TRD offroad...they are available if you order it that way from the factory but to find one just sitting in a dealer's lot is very rare.