Really close to committing to a new Tacoma

Hello all! I am strongly considering a new 2021 Tacoma as my next vehicle. I have only ever owned cars in my life, and my current car is at 250k miles so she has served her purpose and it's time for her to retire. I have wanted a truck for years, but not interested in off-roading at all. Really it's more just having what I've never had before I guess, and also being able to haul the occasional 75" TV or insert other large item that won't fit in a car/suv here. I am really interested in all of the latest convenience and tech features that exist in vehicles today as my current car is an '09. After doing some research and talking to a rep at one of our local dealerships, it seems the Limited would be ideal but I could save a little bit of money and go with the TRD Sport. I guess my question is am I setting my sights too high for what I would actually be doing with the truck? I don't have a trailer or a boat so probably won't be doing much towing, but would be nice to know that if I ever needed to then I could. Also considering the Colorado, Canyon, Ridgeline and the new Ford Maverick that's coming out in the fall, but my attention keeps getting drawn back to the Tacoma. Another thing that needs to be considered is I have a 4 and 6 year old and there will be 2 car seats in the back. I adjusted the front driver seat to where I would be comfortable in the Limited that I sat in, and checked the space in the backseat and it seemed sufficient so not sure that would be an issue. Are there any other things that should be considered? I tend to ride my vehicles until they pretty much don't want to ride any more so I would expect to keep whatever I purchase for a long while, and I hear that Tacoma's are really good about keeping their value so that has also played a part in this. Just curious if anyone has any thoughts that I may need to consider or words of encouragement before I go all in.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

The Ridgeline would be more comfortable, but most people on this forum agree that the Tacoma is the better truck. Plus, there is much more demand for used Tacos than Ridgelines if you ever needed to sell. Good luck with your decision and welcome to TW.

 

Hi! Well when I was shopping I tried out the Ridgeline too (2019 version) and here is my comparison. If you are looking for a nice interior with more space and a car like ride. Ridgeline all the way as it's basically a minivan with a bed and looks ok too.

The Tacoma was kind of love at first sight, I like looking at her just like I did my Mustang. Drives like a truck I mean bouncy rough etc. (TRD off road has a softer ride, sport and base all have a stiff ride). Interior is a bit more cramped as you noticed but yeah reliable and resale value is just silly. My truck is worth as much as I paid for it if not more... Tacomas have almost become an inflation hedge at this point.

Have had mine for 2 years and have a 6 year old in a booster in an access cab. Works great and we take it out more than our SUV. Just my 2 cents if you want something different go with a Tacoma if you want a car go with a Ridgeline.

I do like the Fords but I tend to be skeptical on reliability until they have a few years under their belt. I did hear the Maveric is pretty cool though and it shares its mechanicals with the Bronco sport which a lot of folks seem to like. I just hate being the guinea pig. That said my old Ranger was unkillable I just hope the new Fords can replicate that. Mustang was beautiful but POS many recalls and quality was just bleh and resale sucked lost half my money on a 3 year old 30k mile car.

 

Thanks for the quick responses. Yea that was the impression that I got with the Ridgeline as well is that it would be a familiar feel because it was more like a car. I agree with you about the Maverick as well, and that's what would scare me about going that route. Would hate to commit to it for the sake of being one of the firsts to have it and then find that it comes with all kinds of issues. Tacoma's seem to have a proven track record and that's really appealing. At this point I really feel like it may be between the Ridgeline and a Tacoma, and I should probably do my due diligence and talk to a Honda rep and test drive one and compare the drive. At this moment though I still feel that the Tacoma is going to be the way to go. I see a ton of Tacoma's on the streets. More than I see Ridgelines and that speaks volumes as well about how people feel about them. Thanks for all the input/advice!

 

Good luck! Either way you'll have a reliable truck for a looong time =)

 

Keep in mind, the Tacoma’s have crazy resale value!!

 

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