Newbie Question

I’m currently exploring the option of getting a Tacoma and am wondering if a person is better off getting a TRD Pro or getting a lower model and doing an aftermarket lift and suspension. It seems like the Pro has some more options from the factory but not sure they are worth it and I also worry about the short box. This vehicle would be a daily driver so I wouldn’t be looking for a huge lift and bump in tire size as I would want it to drive pretty nice, would also be used for long family road trips, spend a decent amount of time on gravel roads and maybe light 4wheelin. I currently drive my dream truck which is a 2020 f350 diesel with a few nice additions but our family is thinking of selling our travel trailer which would make the F350 overkill. I would want to love the Tacoma as much as I love my F350. Any input is much appreciated. Given what I can sell my F350 for in this crazy market I would have a few bucks for a Tacoma assuming I could find one.

 

Welcome to the forum. If you want a long bed then the Pro is out as they only come in short bed configurations. I’d go Off Road and modify it to your taste. My 2 cents.

 

I got a loaded OR and modified it. If you're into making it your own and don't mind spending money then I'd do that. If you just want it done and can live with what it offers get a Pro.

If I could have gotten MGM I would have gotten a Pro and slapped a front bumper on it.

 

What is MGM an acronym for?

 

I have a TRD/OR if I had known I was going to mod it out like I have I would have gotten a sport.

But if you're wanting a one and done all together deal and don't plan on going all out the Pro is probably a fine choice.

Personally though I think all the Pro's off-road gizmos are not much more than gimmicks and aren't worth it if you want to do the crazy off-road stuff.

Front and rear air lockers pretty much negate all the Pro's shenanigans with greater reliability and fewer electro sensor failure points.

The suspension is great (for a stock suspension) but there's tons of stuff out there that's better.

 

The color

 

Magnetic Gray Mica.

Metallic dark gray color paint.

 

Magnetic gray metallic but yeah

 

If you dont plan on doing any hard off roading I would get an OR and mod it to your liking. The Pro's are very cool though but they do get pricey. Tacomas will handle 90% of what you will be doing off road bone stock anyways I took my truck to some pretty cool places when it was stock and its just a Sport model. Tacomas are really likeable if you ask me, they certainly have a character of their own. if you stick around on this forum it gets pretty hard to keep it stock though

 

I love Taco. It’s perfect for me. But it’s definitely a smaller truck than you currently have.

 

Off Road model and slap a lift and some 285s and skid plates on it. Add other stuff as necessary.

 

If you currently drive your dream truck then you should keep it.

 

Unless you want to pay upwards of 60k for a pro . Best option would be a lower tier and upgrade to stuff u want . Prices are out of control .

 

Get the TRD OR, it has the softest suspension vs other trim and has rear locker which the Sport does not have.

Keep it stock initially for light off roading as you might find you do not really need a lift and skid plate and bigger tires.

Manual transmission is a better fit for the Taco V6 as it better overcomes the Taco's wimpy power at low rpm. Or get an aftermarket tune, or keep the F350 if you want power.

 

I can’t justify keeping a 1 tonne truck if we are not pulling a trailer. Dream truck or not it’s overkill if you are not pulling something.

 

A Tacoma is overkill for a daily driver. You will never ever use it to it's offroad capacity so that makes it overkill as well. Get a little awd Subaru. That is not overkill for a daily driver.

 

My wife has a Subaru cross trek and it’s not big enough for our family road trips with two kids, a dog, mountain bikes, etc. I looked at an outback as an option but I often use the box in my current truck for stuff hence the reason I’m looking at the Tacoma.

 

honestly man I would say tacoma is the best all around truck on sale. and if you find you dont like it you can always re-sell it for damn near what you payed. I would also say go for the manual trans. if you dont mind rowing gears. I really like the 6 speed in my truck

 

Welcome to Tacoma World.

Ultimately, Toyota will dictate what truck you get depending on what your priorities are. For example, if you want a manual, then you are only getting a DCSB or an ACLB. Depending on region there are other limitations. Here in Canada the manuals are DCSB TRD Sports, ACLB TRD Off-Roads or TRD Pro models. If you are looking at an Auto your options open up, but as you already know there are limited in each variant of truck, like the Pro only coming in DCSB. Regardless of the version you get (if you decide too) though IMHO you can't go wrong, because at its base the Tacoma is a great truck to start off with. Everything else is bolt one noise that you can pick and choose.

Good luck with your decision.

 

When you say ‘family’ I always worry about people’s expectations. The Tacoma can be a ‘new family’ truck, but it can be hard on full size kids.