Is it wise to buy one of the first 2016 Tacos off the assembly line?

I pre-ordered a 2016 Taco a few days ago (TDR Off-Road, Access Cab, 4x4, Magnetic Gray--no options) for the MSRP. I had an offer to take $500 off MSRP, but it was taken back once the dealer learned I didn't want the towing package. Had to put $1000 down, and delivery is supposed to be 6-8 weeks.

My only real concern is whether it is wise to buy what has to be one of the first vehicles off the line. Isn't there likely to be quality problems, given that line workers won't be as familiar with what there're doing yet? Or are most of the critical functions now done robotically, making this less likely (or perhaps more likely?).

 

I gotta tell you, I wouldn't worry about it. They've already built quite a few 2016's for show's, testing and PR's and such. It's gonna be under warranty and a first year is a first year. If something happens so be it - life is too short.

Enjoy your new Tacoma!!!!

 

There's always a risk in buying the first-year of any all-new model, especially if there is a major powertrain update (which in the Tacoma's case, there is). That being said, Tacoma is world renowned for its reliability and it is highly doubtful that Toyota would drop an absolute lemon in one of their most legendary vehicles so you should be fine. But if you're like me, you play it safe anyway and go ahead and wait a year to let them iron out the kinks.

 

It depends... My buddy Jay works there and he told me they're planning to spit inside one of every 5 of the first 300 to roll off the line...

 

SOMEBODY has to be the guinea pig...May as well be you!!

I would say it's never "wise" to be an early adopter of something as complicated as a motor vehicle, for a lot of reasons, but when emotions come into play, they trump reasoning.

I will likely buy the first year Tacoma but possible later in the run. Looking forward to those early real reviews, although I don't think anyone who drops $30K+ on a vehicle will be sorry and reflect those sentiments in their reviews

 

I'm sure Toyota's quality dept. would catch any major flaws in the manufacturing process. I wouldn't worry about that. As far as whether the truck will be trouble free and reliable, I just shot Edgar Cayce a text and am waiting to hear back.

 

I saw this and watched the video in this article a couple of days ago. I have no idea how they know for sure that it "retains its reliability."

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/28/a...yota-tacoma-retains-its-reliability.html?_r=0

 

Yeah they've been hyping the 2016 like it's a conspiracy or something lately, like every single day now - makes you wonder.

 

My big question is why you don't want the tow package.
Even if you don't use it, it is a part of resale value.
Oil cooler, trans oil cooler, if auto, upgrade battery and alternator.

 

Hmm, OP's choice.

From the original post, they'd take off $500 if you got the tow package, which is $650. So for $150 you could've gotten the tow package?

 

Yes, I know that getting the tow package for $150 was probably a good deal. My problem with it was that the dealership did a 'good cop, bad cop' number. They had one guy commit in writing (e-mail) that the discount was good without options, then they put another guy online to tell me that no, they wouldn't do the discount without the tow package. Price is important, but I didn't want to deal with what seems to me to be a dishonest dealership. If they play games on this matter, they probably play games all around. Price wasn't my only consideration.

The dealership I'm going with is supposedly one of 4 nationally that has received Toyota's customer satisfaction award for twenty-something years in a row. Maybe this means exactly nothing, but they did approach my inquiries in a straightforward way. When I thought I was going with the $500 discount and informed them of this, they didn't come back with a "better" offer, but just wished me the best with my purchase elsewhere. Again, this may all be an illusion that this dealership is more honest, but small signs like this seem to be the only way to make a tentative judgment.

 

OP, good luck. I just didn't have all the info you just provided.
Factory tow package does help in resale value.
You always feel like you need a shower after talking to the sales people.

 

I guess I will be a beta tester. I'm in a bit of a bind in that I recently moved to a mountainous area on a dirt road. During last winter I got stuck and had to be towed twice in my Honda. So I need a 4 wheel drive before the winter weather sets in. Having decided I wanted the 2016 Taco, I felt I had to order now in order to get it before winter weather.

 

Congratulations on your new truck, you are going to be fine.

 

They don't....LOL

When I bought my 07, I was hoping it'd be just as reliable as my 96. Not that I ever doubted their reliability.... *These days???* EVERYTHING has gone downhill in quality.

I'm glad to say...that after 8.5 years, I'm still impressed with the reliability. Granted - I didn't abuse this truck like I did the 96....but there's enough guys on here who abuse their trucks, so I think its fair to say....the reliability is still good.

Buying off the assembly line?? Personally - I can't buy a vehicle without first touching, feeling, and driving it first. They'll have to be on the lots for me to buy. Not only that...but I want to see a listing of exactly what I'm getting (or tell them exactly what I want and see a list with costs) and be able to negotiate a price face to face (Thank God my husband does that LOL). I've never purchased a *1st year* vehicle and I've never had to order a vehicle and wait for it to be built either. So...I really don't know what I'll have to do (but I know I want this baby loaded!)

 

... and you will use it every time you drive the truck, towing or not. The added cooling adds life to the tranny and engine. For an extra $150 I would call them back and do the upgrade.

 

Congrats on your new truck! I think that you'll be just fine and I wouldn't be worried. Everything is under warranty also if something would go wrong. I'd have to see it n drive it in person before buying but that's just me.

 

hope they pick mine!

 

It is wise for me to have some one else do field testing of a new vehicle. Even if it is reliable, I want to see owner opinions of cars before I buy one for myself. I welcome others investing their money before I do myself. Here are a few cars that get low satisfaction ratings by owners which lead me not to buy them. The newer 4 Runner has dropped to average, the Yaris has always been a pig, several Scion models. People love their Tacoma's ....for now. I welcome OP writing an owner evaluation for me before I buy.

 

You'll be glad you're getting 4wd now and will be prepared for winter. That extra sense of security from being able to put power and get traction through 4 wheels instead of 2 is completely worth paying for, even if you only need it for 1% of the time.