Help me buy a Taco

Which Taco should I get?

Looking at one in the next 6 months. Hard to resist the dealer incentives on 2018's, but might have to wait since I started a new job.

Here are my interests: biking, kayaking, fly fishing, camping. Planning to pull a ~3000 Tab 400 trailer, so towing capability is a definite requirement.

Need a double cab and AWD. No mudding, little offroading except to pull the camper on dirt/gravel roads. Lots of snowy driving anticipated.

I am an MT guy but have another MT (Miata) and don't really care if the truck is MT. I assume better for offroading but not as good for towing, but I could be wrong.

Things I like: upgraded sound system, comfortable ride on roads. I test drove a MT OR and liked it, but I wasn't sold on the MT. I'm leaning toward the OR because I like the looks and softer suspension.

Things I don't care about: moonroof, leather seats, climate control. Not planning on modding or plastidipping.

I would LOVE to buy used but there aren't great values around here compared to new. Still looking though. If anyone has a thought about a good year/trim for buying used, please comment.

 

It sounds like the TRD Off-Road with the double cab and Technology Package (but not the Premium Package) are what you want. I just got a 2018 Off-Road like that. The Premium Package adds leather trimmed seats, dual climate control, auto headlights, and moonroof for about $2,900 (MSRP) more than the Technology Package--pretty pricey for a few more amenities.

I think the TRD Off-Roads with Technology but not Premium only seem to come in Super White.

 

I cannot tell you enough make sure you test drive the heck out of these Tacoma’s before you buy because there are some pretty significant quirks with the transmission and motors on them and if you plan to tow I would look at something with better tow capacity like a full size because unloaded 3,000 lb with gear people and other cargo will quickly put you close to capacity on the taco

 

The easiest was to narrow down your choices is to decide skewp or no skewp.

 

TRD off-road with tech sounds exactly like your needs. I have one and am super happy with it I agree that there are some quirks with the transmission logic, but the latest TSB’s from Toyota seem to have really helped there. Also, there’s a $770 aftermarket tune that does wonders for it too.

Read up on towing. Many complain about it. Many also don’t. It’s a high revving engine and that seems to grate on some. Capacity in the DCSB OR is about 6400 lbs, so you have some margin with your 3k tab. Just add up your other weight and see where you come relative to 5k. Also, how often do you tow? If weekly, then perhaps consider alternatives. If 6-12 times a year.... the taco is great for all the times you’re not towing.

It sounds like you lead an active outdoor life and that is what the taco was built for. If it’s big enough, there you go.

 

If you're an M/T guy... well get the M/T.

Note: You'll still need to get the latest calibration update to make it drive "normal".

TEST DRIVE as long as they'll let you!

You'll thank me later.

 

Don’t want to be towing anywhere near capacity.

 

Buy a 2nd generation 2012-2015 at a dealer or here on the forums. You'll get a better bang for your buck.

 

Looks like the TRD Off Road is what you're looking for. Like others have said here test drive, test drive, test drive. I have the TRD OR with Auto and I really like it. Like you we do a lot of camping and biking and it works great for that. We had to get a little creative with how we pack out camping gear, but it works. The Taco is great truck if it meets your needs.

 

Significant towing is for Tundras. Otherwise get a Tacoma. If you do buy a taco, make sure it has the latest computer calibration.

 

I know you said you like the soft suspension on the OR, but your description of how you will use the truck leans towards a Sport. You'd give up lockers which seems like you'd never use. On the pavement, the Sport suspension is much better (Opinion) . The soft suspension on the OR and leaning on turns can be annoying to some so I'd suggest you give both models a good long test drive. City driving, highway and some curvy roads taken at some speed if they'll let you.

 

Thanks for suggestions. Dry weight of camper is 2600 lbs and not much extra added weight, and I think there should be plenty of capability in the Tacoma to pull it 8-10 times a year.

 

If you have room in the garage, need room in the cab, don't care if you have a MT and need to tow I would go with a full-size.

 

If you are towing, make sure you are putting all the extra cargo in the trailer. No point in weighing down the truck when you already have a 3000lb trailer behind you.

 

Go MT and get the Off-Road. Double the badassness! Sports are good, but I still would trade the scoop for a locker 10/10 times. This is just my opinion so the scoop squad can stand down!!!

 

I use my scoop every day to catch bugs and mess up airflow. How often do you use your locker? I thought so lol.

 

More than you. I used it twice today. Plus I plan on using it two more times before dinner.

 

I will echo the other guys, make sure you Test Drive.

 

No, and no to the first two. We had the possibility of buying my fiancee's aunt's '08 Tundra, but neither of us wants a full–size truck as a daily driver, plus horrible gas mileage.

 

I have had 2 WRX's, so used to the scoops. I went for an oil change at the dealer once, and the mechanic called me back and showed me that a bird was stuck in my intercooler. Had no idea I had hit a bird at any time.

I do think it looks cool but function over form, you know.