New and asking for advice on a Tacoma

Hi everyone, I just found out my car is totaled so instead of getting a new car I want to fulfill my dream of getting a Tacoma. I have always heard nothing but good things from Tacoma owners but I never imagined there were so many options, add ons, customizations and what not. I'm overwhelmed.

I want a simple sturdy truck that can do truck things like towing, and take my dog, husband, and me on road trips and camping adventures. The back seat will belong to our dog so I wanted an access cab but the dealer says it's too small for the dog (80lbs). He didn't have an access cab on the lot so I couldn't test it but now I'm more confused.

I visited a dealership yesterday where the guy said my budget of 30k was unfeasible and I'd be paying at least 40k. I was asking about the SR and SR5 in 2 wheel drive and 4 cylinder engine because my needs are simple but I'm getting push back that the V6 and 4 wheel drive is necessary for camping. That's thousands of dollars that I don't want to throw away and it also worries me that it's just more stuff to break and higher cost to maintain. Am I limiting myself by insisting on the 4 cylinder engine and 2 wheel drive? Are there better older models than the 2023? Should I wait for the 2024? Any and all advice is appreciated.

 

My local dealer here in Indiana currently has three SRs, all 4cyl 4x2. Two are listed at $28,676, the 3rd is just over $30,000.I'd steer clear of adealer asking $40,000 for an SR 4x2.

So many variables here its hard to give you a good answer, but start with basics, like the type or terrain you plan to cross and the amount of gear you'll haul/tow.
If you are primitive camping in a "park like" location a 4 cylinder 4x2 might be fine. If you are getting "off the beaten path" and hualing gear for 3-4 days of reasonably comfortable camping, probably not.

 

My basic recommended truck: V6 4x4 double cab, 5 foot bed.

A locker, (is available in the Offroad, not sure in what other trim), is nice but not necessary for the use you describe.

Not sure about the packages nowadays, I got the tow package it did come with an up graded battery, upgraded alternator, 7 pin connector, external oil cooler and tow hitch.

Aftermarket, large dog carrier mod: rear seat delete

 

welcome

the sales weasels was feeding you a lot of BS, but some truth

what do you want to tow? the V6 with Tow Package is a little over 6000 lbs. A loaded trailer can get there rather quickly.
Non Tow Package is around 2700 lbs if I remember correctly

 

If you’re gonna towing you’ll want the v6 and the tow package imo.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thanks everyone so far, this is such a kind and welcoming community.

We plan on buying a small sailboat in the next few years so that'll be a definite thing we'd need to be able to tow with us. I'd like the ability to tow a small trailers for moving purposes too. Also to keep in my mind, we were driving through the Texas blizzard a few years ago in my husband's 2 wheel drive RAV4 while the roads iced over, snow built up on the jack pumps, and miraculously we made it through the snow to a motel for the night but the old RAV4 was not built for that environment and it was incredibly stressful. We told ourselves our next vehicle is going to be a truck no matter what. I'm thinking of this as our apocalypse truck that we can all feel safe in, capable in, and can have whatever fun we want to in.

So, I guess I'm getting my eyes opened that a V6 is a necessity for towing?
What about 2 versus 4 wheel drive? Am I wrong about the 4 wheel drive being harder to maintain and fix on our own? If the 4 wheel drive is needed for getting through snow and mud, then I guess I'll have to change my mind on that too.

All the extra bells and whistles I am more excited about being able to customize on our own from what I've learned here in tacomaworld without adding those things at the dealership.

Is it worth it to drive to dealerships out of town to check inventory there? Any thoughts on going with an older model or gently used if the V6 and 4 wheel drive in a brand new 2023 is just out of my price range?

 

gently used 3rd gen Tacomas tend to only be fracunaly cheaper than new to the point that many here have just bought new

depending on what you want to tow the Tacoma w/ a V6 still might not be the correct vehicle. a full size truck has greater capacity.
ever see those pictures/videos of Suburbans and Navigators flipped on their side from the Travel Trailer they were pulling?

Rav4s being FWD usually do well in snow if they have proper tires and chains. RWD trucks need ballast loaded in front of the rear wheels and proper traction tires/chains in snow to have any chance. a 4WD in snow without proper tires/chains will fair no better than the Rav4 did

 

Around here a good 2014 DCSB v6, 4x4 Sport trim w tow package $28-30k

 

What is the weight of the small sailboat you plan to tow? What is the terrain like where you live, flat, hills, mountains?

 

The boats we're looking at are between 2,500-5000 lbs maximum but smaller the better. So everyone's right that I've got to change my budget to get the V6 engine and I've just read that when using a boat ramp you need a 4wd.

We're in the south and often drive from Texas to Florida so most of the off roading when in the truck alone would be to get through muddy (sandy) wetland areas. I'm grateful for the feedback about still needing proper tires and chains for snow safety so I won't drive us through a blizzard thinking that 4wd is enough.

The dealer here has a 2023 TRD Sport for 42k and it's so cool looking I'm starting to get swayed that the extra $6k from an V6 SR or SR5 is worth it now. Is it really better truck for us or just cooler looking?

 

Get a 4x4 if you're buying a truck. Slimy boat ramps will make you want 4x4 once in a while.

 

I think double cab is good advice for an 80 pound dog, ours is 110 pounds.
When we camp I also make good use of the long bed.
Welcome to TW!

 

I don't know about boat ramps, but not necessary for camping; one can still get to many awesome locations with only 2wd:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/truck-camping-photo-thread.166072/page-365#post-27586600

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/truck-camping-photo-thread.166072/page-367#post-27715485

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/truck-camping-photo-thread.166072/page-368#post-27912648

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/truck-camping-photo-thread.166072/page-371#post-28399621

etc., etc., etc.

 

Are you considering the used market at all? You could spend 20K on a used 4x4 door that'll last you at least a decade and leave room in your budget for customizing.
IMO buying used tacoma with low miles is financially a no brainer compared to a new one. Check the used trucks for sale section on Tacomaworld

Edit: I'd fly to Atlanta and buy this before spending that money at a dealership on a new truck. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rage-kept-atlanta-interior-pics-added.804009/

 

I was originally assuming used is the best option until I looked in my area and found that all the used vehicles are either the same price or only 1-2k cheaper than brand new. I'm still 100% interested in used it's just this crazy car market that turned my head towards new. That truck would be amazing but I have a strong disposition against black vehicles as being ovens when you get in during the summer.

 

Those pictures are inspiring! Still I've been convinced that I'll be too afraid of boat ramps without 4wd. I think our plans for sailing are trumping the worry that I previously had about 4wd.

 

Is there a way to search by location in the Tacomas for sale thread? All the ones I've seen are 1000+miles away.

Edit: I just saw this in Oklahoma. Thoughts from y'all? thishttps://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2021-army-green-toyota-tacoma-trd-or-tech-package-hard-tonneau-cover.802791/

 

I would say definitely go with a V6 4x4 option. As for TRDs and trim levels the only absolute major difference is at TRD Pro and TRD Offroad levels with a rear locker and terrain selector. The TRD Sport itself (I have one) does not offer anything absolutely essential over an SR / SR5 besides creature comforts. I would say to minimize cost, go a V6 4x4 SR with the tow package and you should be set!

 

Welcome to the Forum !!

My 2000 Extra Cab was quite big enough for my 80-100 pound Dog Pictured.

What part of the Country do you live in??

Are you looking for a Brand New Truck?

I would go used 3.4 4x4 If your going to get off the beaten path far from any real road or camp ground. Have need to get out before the snow plows.

Happy Hunting !

So Sad people think women are still so clueless.