Managing expectations. Noob on a budget looking for recommendations.

I appreciate those thoughts. I think I would re-gear even if I kept stock tire size. My work vehicle is a stock 2016 TRD Sport and I've driven a friends who is re-geared. I think it would be worth it across the board. Past that, I don't know. Where we hunt is brutal in terms of terrain, but that's a small part of what I do. I might just drive it after re-gear for a year and see what I think.

Several people are recommending full-size. My hunting partner has a stock 2018 TRD Off-Road Tundra and we have clearance issues all the time, and the mileage sucks even worse in addition to them being more expensive vehicles in general. I'd be pretty bummed to have to go with a Ford or something just to go full-size and stay in budget. It's possible I just buy a Gen 2.5 taco as a hunting rig and second vehicle, though I really don't want to do that. Opinions is why I'm here. I want to make the right decision for my family.

 

Or fish, garden supplies, ect. I need a truck for a reason. Been there, done that.

 

Look at used 3rd gens or a 5 year old 2nd gen either modified or recently traded in. With what is going on you night be able to snag a deal on a truck that has low miles and has maybe better rubber or a bumper or regear ? Vehicles aren't exactly flying off the lots right now maybe you can find something that gets you a freebie of 1 of the things on your list.

I just saw you're in oregon so you know how Tacomas keep value here, even more than normal.

 

I have an Acura TL SH-AWD that I use when I transport more than one person... that sedan is more comfortable in the back and has a ton more legroom compared to my Taco.

How about 4runner, but have an offroading trailer for your equipment/dinner?

 

I don't think a Tacoma is the truck for you with all your needs, it's small. Maybe a Tundra, possibly another bigger truck from one of the "big three" like a Ram 1500. I am already planning on removing my rear seats to make better room for two dogs. If you are dead set, take 3 car seats to a dealership. I would bet they would let you test fit one. I know my friend upgraded to a 4runner since her 15 year old was cramped and hated being stuck in the back seat, so for long term use, that is another issue.

 

Sounds like there isn't a vehicle that will check all your boxes, maybe a Gladiator but they are still an unknown on reliability.

 

I have a 2.5 yr old and if I had any more I would get a 4Runner or a full size. Do NOT do a Tacoma with 3 kids bro.

 

Maybe I'm just being too picky. I could, in theory, lift a Tundra. I just kinda had my heart set on a Taco.

 

3 car seats. Sorry bro. Tacoma not for you. Might wanna take a look at a 4runner or even full size truck.

I have a kid and sometimes feel like I should trade for something bigger for more room. Good thing we got a 4R as well.

 

If after ALL those responses you STILL want a Tacoma..

Be patient and wait for the right used SR or SR5. Historically depreciation is low and slow for Tacomas. If you buy low then you can sell it without taking a beating when the kiddos grow. The lower end models have the same engine and transmission as the trd pro. hang a winch off the front end and you can get stuck/unstuck like a pro.

My one recommendation is to get an SR or SR5 that has the color info screen instead of the monochrome digital display.

Congrats on doing your homework and good luck on your new vehicle (whatever it may be!)

 

Sure. Or one of those hitch platforms that'll hold a couple hundred pounds.

 

I've got one kiddo and most car seats do not fit well behind the driver or passenger seat,n especially in rear facing mode. Unfortunately for me my child is such a lightweight she's gonna be rear facing for quite some time. For three car seats I think you're gonna want something with more legroom in the back.

 

Ive got 2 in boosters and a newborn in a car seat. It works for me because I don’t have to make a trip more than 5 miles with all three and my wife has an suv with a 3rd row for family travel. They fit, but it’s right... I’d highly recommend a full size if your set on a truck or some
sort of SUV if you want to off road.

As I said, it works but I wouldn’t recommend making that investment as a main family vehicle for a
5 person family, especially if you want to hold on to it long term as they start to grow!

 

4RUNNER WITH A TRAILER!!!

 

I believe Diono car seats can fit three across. I bought 2 for that specific reason. But you lose back seat storage, you lose under seat storage. If you take the car seat in and out it becomes a huge hassle. Of course the kids will get older and you wont need those seats eventually. If you’re saying you need to fit 3 then that means you’re considering having them with you in the truck quite a bit. Everyone is just resonating the same thoughts here, so just speaking from my own experience. It’s definitely not the most convenient choice, but can you do what you want off road wise in a full size truck is what you might want to look at.

There is someone with a 2nd gen who has a little older set of 3 kids I believe with an off-road set up though. So can be done!

 

That is the issue. I have zero experience with the 4-runner. Is it even comparable or is it an entirely different beast altogether?

 

Tundra or 4runner

 

Minivan

 

#bangbus

 

#turnthatfrownupsidedown