New Year New Truck

Hello everyone!

I didn't know if I should put this in the new members section but since my post is specific to the 3rd gen Tacoma I figured I'd start here.

I'm looking to get a Tacoma sometime in 2018. I usually try to hang onto cars as long as possible, but in October of 2016 I bought a new 2017 GTI. Now I also want a boat and I need a truck to tow it, and do other truck things. I hate taking the depreciation hit (and I love the car as well) but hopefully all will turn out alright in the end.

I've got it narrrowed down to an OR 4X4, 6spd manual for sure. The only option I'm really interested in is the tow package. I haven't figured out the exact color yet. I actually sent a quote request through COSTCO to a local dealer but the sales manager completely ignored my desires and just kept trying to shove a vehicle with 7k in options down my throat. God, I hate the car buying process. That prompted me to take a step back, save some money, and find the exact right truck for me.

I'm sure I could ask a billion questions but I'll try to search the forums before I do that! Looking forward to feedback from you guys and a new truck for the new year.

Mack

 

Welcome.

That is a challenge with dealers. They pretty much want to sell you what they have, not what you want.

 

First things first, if you are considering a boat, what kind of boat and how much does it weigh and how far will you be towing?
The answers to those questions may have you looking at a full size truck, or you may be just fine with the Tacoma.

 

I'm looking at a bay boat in the 20' or so range. Most of the ones I'm interested in have been topping out around 3-4 thousand pounds. I prefer the dimensions of the Tacoma to a full size truck, and also really would love to keep being able to drive a manual transmission! In my research I determined that with the tow package the max towing capactiy is arounf 6500 lbs, correct? Thanks for the response!

 

Welcome!

 

As someone who owned a 2016 GTI autobahn, you’re in for a world of hurt when you get that trade number.

 

Mine's a 4 door S, so I had less going into it at the front end. Got it for just under 21k. How much did you get on your trade in? I think I'll go through the hassle of a private sale just to avoid the crap number they try to give me at the dealership on a trade.

 

You’re in better shape going with the S. I was offered 21-24 on trade and I paid 30,500. This was 6 months later with 8k miles. Ended up selling in on Craigslist actually, for 26,500.

 

Oh ok gotcha. I've got a little under 11,000 miles on mine currently. I was hoping to get 20k from selling it but I'm not sure if that's a pipe dream. It's in great condition (though a little road rash on a wheel from city parking) and kbb values it at 20.5 in excellent condition private sale.

 

Mine was perfect, manual, tune, down pipe and nuspeed RSE bronze wheels.

 

Where are you located? What region you buy in matters. For example, I'd never buy new in the SE or Gulf States regions, because they'd never make it like I wanted. They are private, and have their own fixed 'port' add ons.

But a good idea is to email all the dealers within 100 miles. Tell them exactly what you want, how you will pay (be preapproved or have cash) and ask they reply with their best offer.

Mention that if they reply related with a model/trim other than what you specify that you won't be responding to their offer.

If you get nothing, widen your search.

 

This is sound advice! I'd really like to avoid going into the dealership other than the day I pick up the vehicle. I'm in North Carolina, by the way. Raleigh area.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/what-toyota-region-to-buy-in.443026/

Post 8.

I'd be shopping N or W from your location.

I'm not saying 'don't' shop local, but just be aware that if you find exactly what you want, you will be very lucky, or you match the SE Toyota outlier profile.

 

I traded in my 12 gti for my TRDOR. I miss the handling and efficiency of it, but have been happy with my truck. I will say the VW felt more solid and gave me fewer issues in 5 years than my taco has in 1. No regrets though, just the way it goes.

 

I appreciate the input! I research cars pretty thoroughly however I'm not the most savvy when it comes to purchasing. I'll definitely take this into account while looking.

 

Haha, interesting. You would think the VW would give more hassle than the Toyota. Although I must say I haven't had any issues in the year and a half I've had my GTI.

 

I had a heat shield rattle fixed and that was it in 5 years. I had a base gti with a dsg and I drove that car way harder than my truck.

Don't get me wrong, truck has never let me down, just yeah, it's surprising that a VW was better than a Toyota.

 

My clutch was about toast, but that was because I was well over what the stock clutch was rated for power wise. Was a fun car with 330 wheel horsepower, but I HATED fwd. it was my second car at the time so I didn’t care too much about the quality. Tacoma has been great so far, and i got my truck in Texas exactly how I wanted.

 

My Ex-fiance just traded her 2010 Jetta in, she put 250k on in 7 years and was awful at doing maintenance, the only issues I recall her having was some Carbon build up and an Alternator.

 

Hey OP... the Tow Pkg. is THE best bang for your $ in the Taco...!!

It's a MUST.....!! Get it..