Looking to buy fairly soon--some questions though

Good luck with your truck search!

 

Good to know! I'm not really too familiar with truck comfort. I was pleased with the Tundra the short time I had it though.

I'm 6'1" and an out of shape 185. I'd like to get to a fit 200! Just need more time in the day to work out.

thank you

 

Pugga, thanks for answering each question as well! Good stuff. Yes I am somewhat limited as far as colors go. Even with the basic in mind (black, white, gray/MGM) + speedway blue, it's hard to think of which color I'd prefer. I like to hear others' opinions as far as keeping it clean/scratches/getting tired of their color.

I'm in no real rush to buy the Tacoma, but at the same time I'm trading my current car in so the longer I wait I know my Maxima will decrease in value.

 

Your truck will fit fine

 

Probably not in my range, but what year did backup cameras start getting put into Tacomas? Were they included in a certain package, or always just an add on at buyer's request?

 

2009, on only the TRD models, I believe. But it definitely started in 2009. That was also the first year for the new ALSD (open diff with simulated LSD) that was on every TRD (and maybe SR5, I don't know). But it's different from the mechanical LSD on previous year Sports. Also, 2009 was the first year for A-TRAC.

 

Where is the screen for the backup camera? I've looked at 09s online, and there is just a standard CD player unit even in TRD equipped ones. Yes, I've heard some people like 08s and earlier due to all the "electronics." I honestly don't know enough about them to have an opinion. Thank you for your reply!

 

It's integrated into the rearview mirror.

 

Oh okay, thanks. Must be pretty small camera then! I'll have to youtube that & see if it's even usable.

Wow that is small! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpYT_8IXlM0

 

It's sufficient when you're actually using it. Especially since its not meant to be the primary aid for backing up. Certainly but as nice as a larger display like vehicles that have it into the navigation system but its fine. Had it on my Tacoma and now on my Tundra in the same location.

 

Surprised to hear Tundra's in same location. Thank you for the info!

 

1) Are any of your DCLBs fitting in the garage? I did a quick estimate based off my wife's Highlander (188 inches), and even the DC SB will barely fit in the garage. I know the long bed won't fit. I would like the extra room of a long bed, but I don't want to spend nearly $20K for it to sit outside.

I have a DCSB it fits in the garage with about 2 feet to spare. If i had a DCLB it would fit too. No sure what you mean by extra roof of the long bed.

Granted, I live in TX and we hardly get any rain even, but I like to keep my vehicles clean. Watering the yard a couple times a week creates water spots all over. I probably would hardly take advantage of the long bed to be honest. Not a big hauler/tower or anything, but it'd be nice if I needed to move something larger and have that extra roof of a long bed.

2) Does the Auto V6 accelerate well? Can anyone compare it to that of the Highlander? I feel like the Highlander's V6 doesn't really accelerate well when stepping on the gas. I guess best thing to do is just go test drive one.

Yes, it accelerates very well. Sometimes it is scary fast. The highlander probably has different gears.

3) comfort? I know this will vary person to person. I have been pleased with all of the Toyotas I have owned in the past (Camry, had a Tundra for a short time, Highlander). Once again I know I'll probably just have to test drive one.

I have the TRD sport seats. They are super comfortable. I hear complaints that tacoma seats are too short. Not true for TRD Sport seats. Not as comfortable as Sequia seats though. I forget I am in a truck sometimes. My tacoma has less road noise than my CRV. Toyota does a really good job on comfort.

4) How do the Tacomas drive in rain? I'm going with the DC TRD Sport for sure, leaning more towards short bed. Once again, it doesn't rain much in TX, but I am curious. I don't have much truck driving experience. Just remember was with a buddy once, and we fishtailed-did a 360 on the highway! He may have had really worn tires though-not sure.

With the stock tires I have never felt any control loss.

5) color choices for '07-'09? I'm sure that's the year range I'd have to stay in to be under $20K. I don't think spruce mica/speedwayblue/MGM were offered in those years is it? Want to know my color choices besides the obvious black/white/silver. If none of those are offered guess I'll go black.


Go black or grey. Grey looks better IMO. I have black because that is what was available. Very Happy. Buy one you won't be unhappy*.


*Full disclosure, I benefit when you buy a Toyota. My wife works for Toyota.

 

I'll 2nd this! To me it is great enough to use in that sticky backout situation where you really need it. I went to someone's house once where their driveway was steep and ridiculously winding, and the camera guided me out perfectly. Otherwise 99% of the time I take a quick glance at the camera and then turn my head around to back out normally.

 

Tundras with the navigation system do have the display in the dash. Those that do not (like mine) have it in the mirror. Not sure on other brands but I know the F150 is the same way with the location dependent upon having navigation or not.

I still use the regular mirrors and look over my shoulder. I just glance at the camera to check the blind spot to make sure no little kid has ran behind or something and if I'm parallel parking to make sure how close I am. It's also awesome for backing up to the boat trailer.

I will say I will never buy a truck without a backup camera.

 

Sorry, typo, meant I'd like the extra room (not roof) for hauling that a long bed provides. Highlander is definitely NOT scary fast. Good to know about the Tacoma. Loved the acceleration of the Tundra, but that of course had the V8.

I am definitely leaning towards black or gray (MGM which was only in '09). Wish MGM was in '07 or '08. White looks nice but like others have said too common in work trucks. Speedway blue is nice-little flashy for me I think--would like to see one in person. I like red too. I just need to go around and see them in person I guess.

 

Just so you know, there's only like 17" difference between the DCSB Tacoma and a Toyota Camry. Add another 13", and you're in DCLB territory. Personally, I came from a 2011 Camry, and the DCSB felt more like a car to me in terms of around town. Initially, I wanted that and was afraid that there would be too much of a difference going to the LB. second time around, LB was for sure...don't have an issue now that I got used to it.

 

Yes sir, having one will definitely help me out--esp. at first!

 

Thanks for putting that into perspective. Yes just something I'd get used to. Searching online LB definitely are harder to come by though!

 

I'm actually a fan of the mirror-screen. Super slick IMO, and what would i want to be looking at the dashboard for when I'm backing up? Put the screen in my mirror, where I am already looking, thank you.

 

Yes, they are. Personally, I think that's a good thing in and of itself...