Newbie needs Tacoma direction

Hello all. Been checking out this site for about 2 weeks and decided to risk it and join. I don't own a Tacoma, yet. I was deciding between one and an FJ Cruiser. After debate and advice I'm going to get my first Toyota. Ive test drove a family friends 05 TRD, 4wd with a 3" lift and I can get used to the ride I think. My primary purposes for wanting a Tacoma are daily commute 24 miles round trip, help family with cargo transportation and do a little off roading. I live in Santa Cruz and coach football, basketball and track teams. Im a school teacher so I don't need the bed for construction purposes. My dilemma is I don't know which Tacoma would fit my needs. I've read up on the Double cabs with short beds and long beds. I don't have kids nor married so I think the DC would be unused for the most part. I like the idea of the AC and full size bed with a shell for the day I start camping, SUP, and kayak stuff. I just moved here from Missouri so never got a chance to do those things. My previous car of 14 years was an 04 Honda Element.

Any advice? What years should I avoid? I'm trying to stay under $20,000 with my car loan. Also 2wd or 4wd? I'd like to check out Lake Tahoe and learn to snowboard this winter since it doesn't snow here. Also, venture up into the Redwoods to see the sites. Is it better to buy one already modified?

 

Welcome!

I have an access cab, and it is perfect for me. I am married, but no kids yet, so I really have no need for a double cab. The longer bed has come in handy several times.

4wd is nice to have. If it’s in your budget, I would definitely get it. It’s nice to know it is there if you ever need it.

Good luck on your search.

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Thanks. Seems the AC 4x4 is hard to find in the Bay area. Found 1 but its totally stock. No mods and no camper shell.

 

Buy one. You won't be sorry! Welcome.

 

Thats my plan. Looked at the Nissan Frontier too but there are more Tacomas here than any other truck. I figure repairs would be easier to have done. I just don't know which configuration Tacoma to get! At my age I don't see any kids coming. Only kids I may have to drive are my players when they need rides after games. And 4x4 would come in handy more if I lived back in Missouri. Real winter weather!

 

Also, is it better to get the PreRunner or a 4x4? There's obviously no snow where I live now unless I take the 3.5 hour drive up to Tahoe. But thats maybe 2 times a year.

 

I'm an old-timer and don't really offroad. I bought a base doublecab 4x4 for my hunting trips and for when I head north to visit family during the winter. Couldn't be happier with my truck. Routine maintenance is easily performed. Anything I need instructions on how to do can be found on this site. Loads of helpful people here.

 

I would get the 4x4 if you can afford/find one. It may not be needed all the time but I have a feeling you will want to use it once you get the truck even if you don't think you will now, plus in the snow unless you have dedicated winter tires for that couple times a year, 4x4 is a must with a pickup with such a light rear end. I bought my 07 access cab 4x4 6 speed V6 with 63,500 miles for just under $17,000 and couldn't be happier. I do really wish I had the full size cab though. If I could change anything I wanted to all I would do is make it a double cab long bed. The extra foot of bed is pretty important for me. Glad I didn't go with the 5 footer. I would probably want to sell it by now if that's what it had because of how much I use it. So in a nutshell, I would go double cab, either long or short bed depending on how much you will use it, and 4x4.

 

Thanks. I think I found one that I like. 2011 AC 4x4 with low miles. No mods at all. Asking price is $16900

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

Welcome! It's better to have 4x4 and not need it much, than to not have it and get stuck. The down sides to 4x4 are less gas mileage and a few more expensive parts that need maintenance and possible repair. JMO.

 

You don’t need mods. A stock Tacoma is an extremely capable machine. I would seriously consider the double cab. It sucks to be able to only have one passenger... who wants to cram in the back of an access cab? And a short bed is ok... until you need a long bed. I’ve never had a long bed and said I wish I bought a short bed. As far as 4x4. Well as stated earlier the Tacoma is very capable stock as a 4x2 but personally I would get the v6 because the MPG saving on a 4 cylinder is very minimal. Once again I’ve never had too much HP but I have had a engine too big for my needs and sucked has like crazy. The one downside is Tacoma’s 4 or 6 cylinder are not know for being extremely fuel efficient in any arrangement so your not going to wish against a double cab or longbed or a v6. But you COULD wish the other way. Anyways, get one stock and over time do your own mods. Remember anyone that mods there vehicle did it for a reason. A honda lowered, exhaust, intake etc has been driven hard. And more likely than not big tires and lifted has had some premature wear on the vehicles normal wear and tear than stock would depending on how well the mod was done and the drivers driving habits. Just my two cents.

And the frontier. Ugh forget it. The only thing that comes close to the Tacoma in performance and reliability is the Honda Ridgeline and that thing is freaking ugly and can barely by definition be called a truck and it’s a LONG second place from Toyota. Count how many Tacoma’s you see on the road tomorrow and that should solve your apprehension

 

Welcome to TW! I'm single with no plans for kids and chose to buy the DCSB. I like to drive and dont trust 1/2 the people out there to drive me around if I'm out with a group so 4 door seemed like a good option. It also gives me more room for my dog in the back seat and hes grown to be 66lbs and enjoys using the full back seat. It will also have more room when I get a second dog. 4wd could really help to get up to the slopes safely since you want to learn to snowboard. It could also be useful if your "light" offroading turns into more than that. Getting out for "light" offroading and having weather come in on you could cause problems in a 2wd vehicle on a slick muddy road. Stock Tacomas are very capable stock and can hold there own with just a set of tires. As far as helping family with cargo, a shortbad can hold a lot but for large items the extra ft of the long bed might help you more. I've carried quite a bit in my short bed and it has done me well. Good luck with your search! Heres a pic from helping a friend move with the bed loaded with a couch or love seat, king or queen mattress and box springs and more boxes of stuff in the cab. I'm not sure an extra foot in the bed would have helped much in this situation.

 

Trucks come in handy like the brother above. Helping someone out let’s say you need 3 guys. Well either one squashed in the back or you’ll need another vehicle. Or just get a short bed, 4 cylinder, extra cab with roll down windows and no a/c and no carpet. Just kidding. Don’t buy what you won’t need but buy what you COULD use. Unless your going on the medium to extreme side or have extra cash to spend stock is more than enough taco as anyone on here will agree with

 

That's how I bought mine, all stock, in great condition and should do everything you need it to for a good long time. That's the exact price I paid for mine too haha

 

No mods is actually not a bad thing. That way you can decide what you want and don't want... and not be stuck with someone else's idea of a good mod.

 

And welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Going with a truck is a great idea for your purposes. Being a coach, you'll have to haul around equipment from time to time. I would very highly recommend getting a 4x4 if you plan on doing anything adventurous at all. A little rain can turn a dirt path into a nightmare.

As far as AC vs. DC..it all depends on your situation and what you really want to use it for. Maybe it would be a good idea to have a DC for taking players home, getting something to eat, ect. If you plan on making your truck a camper..go with the AC. Again...it all depends on what you are really going to be using it for. I have a shell on the back of my DC but it is mainly for keeping my outdoors equipment dry.

Good luck in your search!