New member - Currently in Australia

Hi everyone - I've been lurking here looking into, and learning about the Tacoma.

This will be my first pick-up ever... I did have a 2001 Toyota Land cruiser back in the day as the only other 'truck' I've owned.
I am looking for a vehicle to use to do some light off-roading, to get to far off places, and mostly as a vehicle to get my boys and myself to mountain-bike trails, camping, etc. so I am looking for a bit more 'utility' than an SUV would provide...

I will likely go for a camper shell for that purpose.

I would really like any of my future vehicles to be electric - but electric truck prices are still quite high (If/ when available). So maybe one vehicle in the house will still be 'old' tech... may as well be aTacoma!

I'll be looking for a manual transmission - this is important. (I will not have an MT in an electric vehicle, but the torque availability curves in electric motors are such that gearing is not an issue. - it certainly is in fuel engines - and I am just used to the MT...)

I am currently in Australia, the land of the outback and equally capable off roaders! It seems like every other car on the road here has a snorkel and a fold-out tent on the top! People certainly enjoy the outdoors down here. - My boys will definitely want a snorkel! (Desert air intake for Toyota).

We have the Hilux here (the Tacoma is not common), the Patrols and Prados are very popular, and there are a LOT of Land Rover 'Defender 90s AND 110s', a ton of Landcruisers (I am a big fan of these last two, and I almost bought a Defender 110 while living in Europe...). I drool all the time at the trailhead!

There are also a myriad of Diesel engines available for all models...

I am looking at a move back to the US (California, Maybe?) and so I am doing a bit of 'homework' in advance.

I like the 'Odd' colors. Cement, Cav. Blue, Army Green. - I'll choose one of those. (I wonder what other color 2021 will bring...)

The TRD PRO has caught my eye... but the must haves are Double cab, short box, 4WD, Manual Trans, and the V6.

I joined as there is a lot of good information here provided by very knowledgeable people.

Thanks in advance for all your input! - See you on the forums!

 

Welcome to The Forum!

How's the weather down there??

 

Welcome!

 

Sweet! Welcome!

 

Welcome aboard

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW

 

Awesome. (We are in the Summer months...)

There is really not much to complain about down here...

 

Fantastic!
They say that we are in the middle of winter (February 8th) but it was a sunny 72° here today. No complaints, I'll take it!