New TW Member in South Texas

Hello everyone! I've been looking around the forum for a while, learning as much as I can about the Tacoma. This is a great forum with lots of knowledgeable members - looks like I'm in the right place. Retired Marine here, still in government service, self-proclaimed gear head, certified shade tree mechanic, love the outdoors, motorcycles, aircraft, camping, hiking, running, cycling, target/recreational shooting, history (all kinds), music, and a fan of just about all things with an engine and wheels.

After visiting and talking to several dealerships in the South Texas area (albeit frustrating at times), my wife was finally able to order our Tacoma:

2016 SR5 AC
4X2
V6
Quicksand
SR5 Appearance Package

Barring any unforeseen delays, our Tacoma should be delivered before Christmas. I'm very excited and looking forward to becoming a Tacoma owner. I've owned two full sized trucks in the past, a 2003 Silverado Extended Cab V6 which I traded in for a 2007 Avalanche. Both trucks were great to me and served their purpose well. In the end, and right before a deployment, I parted ways with the Avalanche. A full sized truck was just too much of a vehicle for my wife and I. Since that time, we have owned several cars and if ever there was a need for a pickup truck, a friend or family member was usually close by who could assist.

Fast forward to 2015. I read about the redesign of the Tacoma but wasn't too interested. In fact, I never really liked the Tacoma much, and that is only because I failed to do thoroughly research the vehicle. I've been in the market for a new vehicle since July and considered the Challenger, the 2016 Camaro (yet to find one to drive), Subaru Legacy, Ford Mustang, and yes, the Colorado. Along the way, I felt the frustration of dealerships with little to no product knowledge of what they are selling or a finance department all to eager to sell their once in a blue moon rates. In a salesperson's defense, they do need to be familiar with the overall product line, and not one specific model with seemingly endless options. In the end, I decided on the Tacoma. For me, I had to have the Quicksand color. Several tours in the Middle East made it an easy choice for me. Some love the color, others may just not realize they love it yet .

I don't have many plans for the Tacoma at the moment, other than some floor liners - am currently researching Husky and WeatherTech. I am also keeping mind the Toyota all weather mats as a possible option. I asked the dealer if I could order the AA option Black Alloy Wheels from the SR on the SR5. Best I've been told is I could get them from the parts department at a discount. One dealership even quoted me an additional $1000.00 for adding the wheels (double MSRP?). I don't think it would be a difficult option, size is the same as the Silver Alloy wheels; TPMS should also be the same. I could be missing something, but my thought process is the Tacoma could leave the plant with the AA option wheels or they could be installed at the Houston GST Facility. Anyone's thoughts on this?

For those who stayed with me, thanks for reading this far. I'm looking forward to being a TW member and enjoying the Taco once it gets here.