I might be buying a Tacoma. Can I get your inputs?

Hi there.. I used to drive a Dodge Dakota, and put over 230K on her.
Never liked the size of 1st and 2nd Gen Tacomas, but liked the quality and look.
I searched for about 6 months and researched alot of others, but bought a 2016 SR5.. its a GREAT truck, a little wanky on mountain highways with 6 speed. But off-road 4x4 power is a dream! I get about 22-24 MPG with stock tires around town, but Baby it. Dont drive like an ass.

 

I’ve owned jeeps since high school days (70s). My first was a 79 CJ5...my favorite too. I’ve owned my OR Tacoma for 12 months....bought it new and have put 42k on it during that time. I love the truck , transmission is fine, very capable stock....zero issues. My only complaint was I wanted used but bought new for only a few thousand more. Good luck.

 

Bought a new 2005 Prerunner, SR5, V6, 2WD in 05, (326,000 miles and running great), gave it to my son on Monday after purchasing new 2020 SR5, V6, 2WD also on Monday. $30,300 plus taxes, tag out the door. Loved my 2005 and love the 2020 even more!

 

you going to a AT Tacoma just makes me nervous. it's not clear if the ATs are sorted now or not.

 

OP Get manual trans

 

For every three bitching about the trans there's 200k happy with it. You just don't hear from them.

 

I can agree with just about everything here. I have not had a single issue with my 17s auto transmission. No odd gear hunting or anything. I've put a 1000 highway miles on it since buying it 2 weeks ago. Although at 38 you'd likely be a millenial technically lol (but we won't get into that).

I have a 96 Tacoma SR5, 33s, 3 inch lift, etc. I love that truck but it blew a head gasket. I bought a 2017 TRD Sport. I like the way it looks compared the OR (scoop and color matched items) not to mention I never had a locker, CC, etc on the 96 and I never needed any of that and doesn't seem like you do either honestly but for 3-4k I would spend the extra little bit and get a truck that will have a better resale value and have all the 'fancy' features. I personally wasn't a fan of the SR or SR5 entertainment systems and I really wanted the wireless charging. I also plan to lift it so the OR shocks would be dumped so no real reason for me personally to pay for the added little bits I will never use.

But do what your heart tells you and what your wallet tells you. Only you know how much you can comfortably afford.

 

Sounds like you want the auto trans. regarding sr5 and trdor, i was looking for a sr5 when I bought my 2019 back in august. Didn't need crawl control or a locking diff. I really wanted the power sliding rear window (which i use a ton). I ended up with a 2019 TRD OR SB, v6 auto. I've used my locker once as I wanted to get myself in a situation where I needed it. It works great, but not necessary especially if you say you dont plan on trailing hard. If I remember correctly, the difference in the sr5 and off road was the shocks, crawl control (gimmick imo), and locking diff. The grill may be different and the key may be different.

I actually had a couple SR5 on the table at the dealership and was going through the paper work to buy it, when they came back and told me someone else had purchased them. This was probably fucking bullshit and still ticks me off a bit. The trucks were at different dealerships so I call bullshit. They brought out a TDOR and brought the price within 1k of the SR5 and I got it.

I haven't noticed transmission issues, they say a software update can fix the earlier 3rd gens. I love the smart fob with keyless entry. I had an expedition with the num pad to get in and I wish I had that, but keyless entry is good too. I do enjoy not needing to pull keys out of my pocket to get in and drive.

The outlet in the back is there, but I haven't used it yet. Idk what to use it for. i've been told to take a blender and make margaritas when i tailgate.

Both SR5 and TRDOR had premium audio that I wanted.

Or course if you're going used, its just whatever is available i guess.

 

Keep the Jeep for any real off roading and get an SR V-6 to keep the wife happy. I also have a TJ and when I bought the tacoma I kept the Jeep. Truck is mostly for daily and for hunting etc., so no serious off road...that's what Jeeps are for.
I bought the SR5 DCSB, but kind of wish I had gotten the SR ACLB...

 

If you think about your decision too long based on others opinions, it may drive you to the other side, and you’ll end up purchasing a Ridgeline.
Best wishes on your new purchase.

 

A low mileage 1st gen 4x4 with no rust is going to cost you more than 1/2 of what you paid for your new 2020 SR.

 

I've had 2 TJs, both with 33s. Absolutely loved them. I had a 2nd gen Taco and now I've got a 3rd gen OR.

From a 4 wheelin' perspective, totally different feel. There's nothing like taking the top and doors off a TJ and crawling through the trails. You're connected to everything that happens, for better or worse. It can't be beat...except maybe if you strip down a FJ-40.

That said, just about every time I pass a Wrangler on the road I have a brief moment where I reminisce about the good ol' days of the Jeep wave, but then quickly realized how much happier I am with my taco. They drive better. They're quieter. You can haul wayyy more gear. Engines are more reliable. For an everyday driver/weekend warrior chariot...I'd never go back to the Jeep.

I do miss the manual when it comes to wheeling, but, ultimately the AT on the taco does great. I personally wouldn't want a manual in this type of truck. Not sporty enough. That's my bias, though….MT guys will certainly tell you different. These days I spend too much time in traffic on steep grades for a MT.

On the TRDOR, the smart key is great. The bed outlet is meh…doesn’t put out a lot of power (there’s some threads on here that go into the details). I don’t personally like to use the crawl control. I’d rather be in 4lo and use multi-terrain select.

The locker is what you make it. In my Jeep days we’d run the trails in 2wd until we got stuck, then flip over to 4wd. Same same. It’s worth the markup when you are out in the middle of nowhere and need it. Even if it’s just that one time.

 

Muhahahaha!! Generational periods. A wide array of numbers and a theory so to speak. All think tanks have different calculations. I made the cut off with 1981. Just a couple months shy of being a Carter baby and lucky enough to be beaten as a child. Lmao

 

My only advice is to really think about the features that are important to you and get what you want the first time.

No regrets.

 

If he's buying used he's probably not looking to pay two insurance payments. I'd imagine keeping the Jeep is not an option.

 

Buy a Tacoma to last 20 years, buy a Jeep to last 4.

 

Meanwhile, I've had my TJ for 17 years, over 200,000 well abused miles and still going strong...meh

 

Test drive the different variations including short bed and long bed, manual and auto. You might find a preference in one suspension over another. For me the OR is the most comfortable for daily driving. You may like a Sport or an SR5 instead. Try ‘em out, and make your own decision.

 

Had my '96 for 24 years and 414,000 trouble-free miles.

 

Get what you need of a truck from the factory. I have found after many of wrenching days that I would rather have it factory installed.