Help choosing my first Tacoma.

Hi guys,

I have always liked and wanted a Tacoma but I always told myself when the third generation comes around I would finally get one. I need help on choosing what model is best for me. I am a father of three boys, I live in Los Angeles, we love going to baseball games, and the beach. I am torn between the sport and OR models. I like the look of the sport model more than the OR due to the plastic fender flares. I am also not sure if I should get a 4x4 since hey you only live once? Will I ever use the 4x4? Does it make more sense to just get it since I am already making this big purchase? Lastly am I better off with an SR5 model which is the cheaper of them all? Thanks for your help guys!

 

only you can choose the options you want when it comes to body colours, and gadgets inside. as for 4x4 up north it's a must, where you live if you never ever see yourself going off road then 4x4 not needed, but if you think you may want to venture off the beaten path it's a good thing to have. do you ever get just out of town into the mountains and have to deal with snow? a 2wd pickup with stock tires is probably worse in the snow than a mustang...

 

SR5 with all options.

 

You live in Los Angeles? I think you meant to go here: http://priuschat.com/categories/gen-3-2010-2015-toyota-prius-forums.93/

 

Rarely do we go to the mountains when it snows because we do not have an adequate vehicle, but now with this truck I would like to take those type of trips.

 

I have an sr5 4x4 with tow package, Upgraded entune stereo and the actual rims not hubcaps. I do love it, it is also a double cab. I can fit five adults in it for short distances its great, for a road trip would be a little uncomfortable. Might wanna consider the tundra more room. As for 4x4 not a bad thing to have never know of you'll need it or if you decide go explore nice to have handy

 

A Tundra in Los Angeles? You might as well drive a Semi-truck to the gokart track

 

I'd get a TRD OR 4x4 double cab w/ the premium package if I were you. I personally think the OR's look way better than the sports from the factory but that's just my preference.

Considering you might see snow and want to take trips to the mountains, I'd say 4wd is justified.

 

Limited 4X4.

 

Sounds like you would be really happy with an SR5 4x4 DC with a few upgrades. No need for the OR unless you actually are going to OR a fair amount. I would get the 4x4 no matter what trim though. It keeps its value in resale if not some extra and you never know when you will use it in a pinch.

 

How did you find that forum? Researching your next purchase?

 

Uh. Googled "Prius Forums."

 

Again all preference... I love mine does everything I want to do and more

 

4x4 > 2wd if you can afford it. It's good to have since you might need it someday though I've owned 4x4's since 2001 on all my trucks and for going up the mountains when there was snow, I've only used it once in 2007 during an El Nino winter. If it's purely a daily driver with some occasional light off road, you can skip the 4x4. In the immediate family, we have 2 pre-runners (2009 & 2015), 2 4x4 Tacoma's (2003 & 2009) and 2 4x4 SUV's (2007 FJ & 2010 4runner). With the exception of the 2003 going off road and using 4x4, none of the other 4x4's have ever needed to switch to 4x4 on snow or rough terrain given they all use good tires. As far as SR5 vs Sport or OR, all to your personal preference. I do know the SR5 have stiffer seats thus less comfortable.

 

4x4 or not, these trucks hold their value significantly well in the LA area. I would think CA overall.

 

Yeah I was looking into a used 2015 and they are just as much as a new 2016 if not more. Great re-sale value on these trucks.

 

I wouldn't even consider used as new ones are only about a couple of grand more. My 2011 purchased for $30,700 still sold for $28k.

 

Ah, so you were just being insulting for no reason... got it..

 

The premium price of the OR is almost worth it for the more comfortable seats alone. 4x4: It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

 

Sr5 if you plan on changing wheels and suspension, I couldn't justify the extra cost since that's what my plan was from the start was. My seats are fine but my ass doesn't know the difference, I could be missing out. Now that the 16 offers the OR in a DCLB that's very enticing. Whatever fits your life style. Test them all.