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

Those with balls in our pants don't need to compensate by getting a truck with balls. But, since she is a woman, maybe she should get the V6, simply for the added balls.

 

Spoken like a true insecure imp

 

Actually been a handful of some 2016s in the shop search around the forums. Engine rebuilds, trans replacements. Etc. Warranty or not doesn't mean it won't break down.

 

A truck is not a truck unless you have at the very least a V6 underhood!

 

Where do you live?

I think that a well configured (to her "needs") 2016 is a bit out of your current price range, as others have said.

Locally, you have to drop all the way to 2013 in order to find TRD SPORT at under $30k for sale via private party. A TRD Off Road you're looking at 2011 where a stock Off Road with a rebuilt title is being sold for $21,500. Dealers are asking well over $30k until you're to a 2012 with well over 50k miles at "non negotiable pricing". You could likely negotiate, with the other dealers who are around $32k, but will the locals paying cash for these things they've become spoiled and negotiations are short.

 

Technically, a V6 with at least 4 liters of displacement.

 

Get a 15

 

FIFY.

 

Why 09?

 

Holy moly I gotta move and sell my 2013 TRD OR DC 4x4 V6! Damn I only paid $29500 for it.
It's undercoated to boot!
As far as the OP, if you are thinking 2016, go V6 Manual Trans SR5. Order it up.

 

Probably because an 09 will be less than 25k.

 

Op's girfriend no longer needs the truck. She went broke building a Tacomaworld custom and is now back in school pursuing a higher degree that no longer requires fieldwork.

 

The 4 cylinder really doesn't put up (noticeably) better fuel economy numbers than the V6 and the V6 cost-adder isn't all that much. In terms of resale value alone, it may be worth it to consider the V6.

This is a great read if debating between the two engines.

http://truckyeah.jalopnik.com/the-4-cylinder-toyota-tacoma-is-completely-pointless-1724669002

 

Agreed. I get better mileage on the highway with my 2014 V6 double cab than I did with my 2010 4-cyl access cab.

Interstate driving at 70-80 kills the 4cyl mpg. RPM's just screamed when I'd down shift to pass. Any wind and it gets even worse real quick.

 

How were the company trucks set up/equipped? Figuring that out and comparing how they were set up to the current Tacoma offerings should answer your question best. You'll get a whole bunch of guys recommending things that you probably don't need here. Funny thing is most of those guys probably don't really off road much, and now we have a woman who is actually going to use the truck for what it's intended for as opposed to all these guys who sink thousands into their truck but are probably super quick to wipe off a spec of dirt and probably only use it to take the kids to t-ball practice. That's awesome, and I bet that a 4x4 SR5 is more truck than you'll need.

 

You're also describing the characteristics of the 3rd Gen 6 cyl.!

 

Buddy of mine does a bunch of forestry work. Drives down unimproved roads and some more gnarly fire roads pretty regularly. He just has a bone stock 4x4 SR5 with a 4cyl and manual transmission. The only mod is a set of decent AT tires. Sure having the V6 he would probably climb some mountain pass roads a little better, but he gets around just fine with the 4cyl. I've ridden around with him a bunch and it does fine, just don't ever expect it to get up on the highway that quickly lol.

Myself, I've gotten down plenty of gnarly roads in TN, getting up to cabins and hunting spots, with a stock 98 RAV4 with some Michelin AT's on it. I think that if you're smart about picking a path, and don't try anything foolish, you can get plenty of places with pretty normal vehicles that have decent tires. When you get reckless and go against common sense is when you'll get in trouble.

 

Yea, man ... but I look badass taking the kids to t-ball practice. Badass, mang. I tell you what, baaaaadass.

 

Still a V6 argument?

She can barely pay for a base 4 cyl 4x4.

A V6 is several grand over budget.

 

Sadly, you nailed it.