Looking to buy my first taco.

Well guys my name is brandon, i am a junior in college, environmental science major, and i work for a hazmat company, i am an avid outdoors-man, i hunt and also fish when i have time. I used to shoot competitive 3d archery and took 2nd in the national indoor championship in my class.

The reason for me joining the forum is that i have been reading alot of the threads on here to try and find the right truck for me. I have a friend that has a regular cab 5 speed 4x4 4cyl. Its a pretty cool truck but I am concerned about space. I am 6"4' 250 and i do alot of driving so i dont want to be cramped up, also i would like to see 20 mpg min on the highway driving to and from school its about 45 mile highway drive on way.

So with that background, my goals for the truck would be a mild overland/daily set up. RELIABLE, mild bolt ons, small lift. i want the truck to be ready for just about anything. I kind of have a prepper mind set. And I love lights, my current vehicle has retrofitted headlights, a tacoma will, and i love LED light bars too.

So with all of that information what would you guys do? Whatever truck i get it needs to be a manual. The only thing i am concerned about is the extra weight on the 4cyl in an access cab.
Please guys voice your opinions based on what i want to do. I have read alot of threads on here and i keep going back and forth on body and motor. Hope to be a taco owner soon and Im glad to be a member of the TW community.

Thanks,
Brandon

 

IMO in your case get the v6 if just for the bucket seats. Welcome to TW!

 

Since you say you're an outdoorsman but it also sounds like you won't be doing much off-roading for the sake of off-roading but rather as a means to get to hunting and fishing spots, I would recommend a model with the long bed. An access cab would probably work well for you.

 

I would also like to add that i am 20 years old and i kinda want some power. I am always told that hp can be bolted on. but wouldnt it be nice to have it from the factory? plus i am a kind of person that once i get a vehicle i like i will keep till it dies. also forgot to mention i am looking at 2nd gens only.

Steve, thank you for the reply sweet looking truck!!

 

Also I forgot to mention that the towing package comes with a higher power alternator if you're planning on running lots of lights.

 

I would like to offroad. more or less snow wheel too. I see videos of access cabs and double cabs off-roading are the i know they are capable but hte long wheel base can hinder that. If anyone has seen Due Norths taco on youtube i really like his set up.

Good to know about the tow package! thanks

 

The access cab (which has a long bed) has the same dimensions as the double cab with the short bed. I was more or less just suggesting against the double cab long bed. Tons of members out there are off-roading in all the different models though so it's definitely possible.

 

at this point i am more or less stuck on what motor i want in the truck

 

I've never driven the 4 banger but I know that I wouldn't want any less power than what I have with the V6. Although I live in Denver so my power takes a hit from the altitude.

 

i drive through the mountains of WV alot. just up and down the hills on the highway maybe backroads every once in a while

 

Get a six, period. Not trying to start a shit storm Op, but your gender is listed as female.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thanks for catching that shelf life. and thanks for the welcome over da hill. Also besides power what makes the 6 better. Mpg is a large thing for me with the amount of traveling i do

 

Threads on here in the past state the mileage difference isn't that great. I like the speed and power of the six. The only time I get less than 20mpg is if I'm going 75 or better with the truck loaded with vacation gear.

 

I had a 2013 regular cab, 4cyl. It was OK. I now own a 2015 access cab 6 cylinder and LOVE it. I'm 6'2" and don't feel as near cramped. The long bed is useful and the 6cyl definitely has more pep. The truck came with the SR5 package which has a lot of the "niceties".

 

I found a 4 cyl access cab sr5 but i kinda wanna hold out for the v6 I heard the 4cyl trans is better tho

 

Also it seems to be more difficult finding a 6 speed in the v6.

How is the auto?

 

Some say the auto trans is better than the manual and some say the manual is better. In reality, they are both pretty bulletproof and reliable and it comes down to personal preference. My taco has the auto transmission (the first auto of any car I've ever owned) and it hasn't let me down or been a disappointment.

 

I wanted another manual. But it's weird cause I multi task while I drive but I think I'll hold out for a manual for a bit. See what comes up. I found a truck I am interested in but it's put on the list for getting a new frame, leaf springs, and brake lines.

 

Multi tasking while driving? How about no.