My GF is planning to by a 2016 Taco. We'd appreciate some advice.

until you have a tire off the ground then chains=useless

 

We're trying to stay at around 25, after all negotiating has taken place.

 

You're looking at a 2010 TRD Off Road

 

Forget about the 4Runner Trail that was mentioned....

 

For 25k, a 2016 SR 4x4 seems like the best bet. I just went through this dilemma; 4 year old truck with 50k miles but locking diff (TRD OR) or a brand new truck with no locker (SR 4x4 v6). To me it's an absolute no brainer. You get the truck with the warranty.

The 2016's issues are nothing new, despite what these forums have you believe. They are great trucks.

 

Get a 2016 that best fits your budget. SR 4x4, SR5 4x4, etc. I'd rather have a new truck with warranty than a used truck, no warranty, and questionable history.

I'd also support the winch - will get her out of any sticky situation as long as there is a tree or something to hook it up to.

And beware the trolls here - some have a minor issue with a 2016 Taco and therefore treat it as the worst thing since our current (nameless) presidential hopefuls.

 

If she won't be towing or loading heavy payloads then an SR with 4x4 is probably the best option.

 

Only if you have an open diff.

 

I don't see you rolling a 2016 Tacoma 4x4 in any configuration off the lot for 25k. The cheapest 4x4 config IF you can find it is the Access Cab 4-cyl Manual Trans. Good luck finding it and they are over 23k invoice.... so add another 10% for Tax Title and License, you're still over your budget.

Invoice / MSRP

7513 - SR ACCESS CAB 4X4 4-CYL. M/T LB............... $ 23274 | $ 24825
7514 - SR ACCESS CAB 4X4 4-CYL AUTO LB............... $ 24728 | $ 26375
7594 - SR DOUBLE CAB 4X4 V6 AUTO..................... $ 26786 | $ 28915


People buy used Vehicles every day and have no issues with them. This is the reason Toyota holds value as a used vehicle because they traditionally have been very reliable / low maintenance vehicles. Buying used is financially a smarter option and you will also get a lot more vehicle for your money given the budget constraints.

 

My SR 4x4 MT Utility package was right on her budget. Hope she can drive a manual trans vehicle.

 

^^ Exactly.

And why buy a brand new truck if it's going to be on shitty roads, and off road every day?

Shit, I'd be looking for something 10 years old and half the money.

 

YEP...you are right on target

 

25K did i read that right? Ha! Good luck man, you cant touch a new Taco with the config you need for even close to that.

Why even consider a Taco, does she need the bed?

Go with a 4 runner and dont look back.

 

I'm in the camp that wonders why buy a new truck for a lot of trail work? I'd get a reliable beater for that duty. I'd only get a 6cyl if I was hauling loads, other than that a 4 banger standard cab Toyota would suffice. Keep the wheelbase short of you can help it, especially trail duty. If it's really snotty stuff then the locking diff comes in handy, but as previously mentioned chains can save your butt. I routinely have to chain up to get to some of the places I go in Montana, regardless of what I drive.

I've got a Toyota Tacoma 4dr long bed on order, but I'm not selling my 1998 Jeep Cherokee. It's my dedicated snotty trail rig. Simple, reliable, capable 4.0 stock with 31" tires, OME lift, homemade bumper with winch and a set of 4 chains in the back. I've got less into that rig than a new 4 wheeler, lol.

 

You said, "you can't touch a new Taco for even close to that", but then turn around and suggest a more expensive T4R...OK.

OP, look for an SR I4 4x4. Perfectly capable and stout truck for your needs. I really haven't seen any issues related to the SR I4 4x4. I honestly can't believe some of the suggestions on here. 20+ year old Land Cruisers?

 

This truck will still be over 25k out the door even at invoice pricing at a base configuration.

 

Only issues I know of with the I4 is that it lacks any balls.

 

He said he was trying to stay around 25K, not that 25k was his absolute negotiable limit.

 

4 Cylinder no good for a lot of highway driving.

 

For everyone questioning why buy new... If it's a work truck one would imagine that it needs to WORK... Consistently... And if anything goes wrong on an older truck that could mean downtime and lost money... On a new truck if anything goes wrong you should get a loaner from the dealership while they fix it.