Tacoma Size vs Full Size

Hi, I registered here to ask this question to the experts in owning this truck. I've had a full size pickup for a few years but it is getting a little aged at this point and the repair costs are starting to mount (2006 F150 Crew short bed). As I look at pricing for new full size trucks they are all well into the mid 40's, and it seems negotiating 10-15k off is commonplace and the resale value is not great. However, I wonder if I actually need a full size truck. I do not tow ever so I do not need a V8, I do haul house stuff, and my family (3 kids in forward facing car seats) but it is not the main family hauler.

Anyway, I am just looking to see if you all are satisfied with the size of the Tacoma, cab and bed size. Hauling plywood, doors, other building materials for home projects, etc. I recently loaded up my F150 with 25 bales of hay (3x5ish rect bales) which was quite a feat.

The Tacoma would offer much better fuel economy day to day (assumption) and really great resale value, however I fear I will miss the size capability.

Any thoughts/experiences are greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

Welcome to TW. Test drive and see what you think.

 

Go with a tundra? Full size and holds resale value

 

Don't miss my F-250 at all. If I need to haul something more than fits in the bed I have a trailer that gets the job done nicely.

 

Hey OP - I just downsized from a Tundra to a Tacoma last week. Albeit, I don't have a family but I do often load up the bed of my trucks with motorcycles, car parts, lumber, etc and I ended up going with a short bed Taco. Honestly, there is a bit of a fear in the back of my mind that I won't be able to tow enough or haul enough; but the great gas mileage, creature comforts, and maneuverability of the Tacoma is quickly winning me over. I would suggest a long bed if you do end up going with a taco, and I can't really comment on the interior space as it's just a smaller truck - fwiw these Tacomas have come a long way, even since the previous generation (which I sat in and immediately ended up buying that Tundra). They really can haul and tow like the full size trucks of yesterday.

 

I've had fullsize trucks, but can't stand driving them. Just too big. I like the midsize platform. Especially when going off-road and down tight trails. Buy a trailer if you need more hauling capacity. I've got 3 kids and they all fit fine in the back. (all under 10 years old). Maybe once they get bigger, it'll be tighter, but can't imagine them riding much with us after they hit 16. I may give them the truck once the first hits that age anyway. I'll have to teach her the ancient art of driving a manual then.

 

Welcome to TW.

I don't mean to sound negative, but I suspect a recent model F150 actually gets better mileage economy than a Tacoma. My 2017 Tacoma has averaged just over 18 mpg since I bought it brand new in April 2017, with just over 36,000 miles on the odometer.

I had a Ford F250 regular cab for a few years, then upgraded to a Dodge 2500 4x4 extra cab Cummins with long bed, whcih I owned for 15 years.

It's really a matter of personal choice, and what you may most likely use the truck for.

I can list several factors about my full sized truck that I prefer over the Tacoma, and also several factors about the Tacoma that I like better than my former Dodge.

If hauling large objects (full sheets of plywood, drywall, or large timbers / firewood is a frequent need you have, a full sized truck has that advantage (although I see your F150 was a short bed).

If towing heavy trailers is a concern (you didn't mention towing), then of course a full size truck has that advantage also.

But for most parking situations, the Tacoma has that advantage. As well as price, and possibly vehicle registration and insurance costs, depending on which state you live in. For me, my auto insurance costs were actually just about identicle on my Tacoma and Dodge, though the DMV registration is much higher with the Tacoma, since it's a 2017 model, and my Dodga was a 2001.

I loved both trucks, though for my personal circumstances today, the Tacoma is the better overall choice for me.

 

Appreciate all of the responses! I found a 17 SR5 DC with under 9k miles I am waiting for final numbers on. Hopefully it will work out!

Disappointed in no CarPlay but I guess the entune will work for me.

I didn’t really want a newer F150 and I’m sure this Tacoma will get better than the 12.4mpg I was averaging on my 2006 F150!

 

In most cases, for a low-mile Tacoma like that, it usually makes more sense to just buy new. You'd end up saving a few hundred dollars.

 

One thing im not too fond of is the fact that you won't even stand a chance against the high school ricer in his 140hp Corolla revving up a storm at the light. I get that it's a truck not a sports car but I like to have fun some times and it makes me sad knowing this big ol 4.0l v6 has literally no balls at all compared to my old tundra but the 6 speed is just so much more enjoyable than the automatic imo

 

I downsized from a Titan and I miss the interior room on road trips and the passing power. Other than that don’t miss anything about it the Tacoma has done everything I’ve asked of it hauling lumber, sod, soil, etc.
I don’t tow anything so if you do take that into consideration. Also with the little ones won’t be a problem now but as they grow the legroom is severely compromised.

 

I tried that route. SR5’s were up around $35k $37k and they would only give $4k for my trade. This was listed at $29k and they started with $7k for my trade. Still trying to work it down a bit but I wasn’t able to get a new one down that far. Even at the end of May.

 

12.4?!? Holy crap, explains why ford went with all aluminum...gotta increase those MPG’s somehow I guess.

 

Important thing is to make sure the Tacoma is comfortable for you. Cabin is much smaller than an F-150 or F-250. I'm 5'11 with a lean build and am comfortable inside the taco.

Common complaints among people shopping for Tacomas seem to be that the seat is low to the floor (this is a Toyota truck thing), and "cramped interior". I agree with above poster... test drive the truck and see if you like it.

 

Haha, yea, I’m well past caring about that stuff. This will be a great upgrade from my 06 5.4L triton with an exhaust leak.. I do wish it was a manual...

I’m sure there will be times that I miss it. My father in law already told me he has a trailer I can have that should fulfill that need as well.

Eh, they’ll be fine when they grow. I remember sitting in my dads nissan with the sideways fold down seats. Builds character..

 

I don’t haul and this is my first pickup truck —came from Jeep Wranglers: IMO the only reason to get a midsize pickup is for added maneuverability on the trail and in the city. That’s it.

Full-size pickups are a lot more comfortable, more refined, more powerful, and in many instances, more fuel efficient.

Good luck.

 

Did you get a carfax? Make sure it's not a flooded car, buyback, or have had other issues in the past.

By the way, almost all new Fullsize trucks (except Tundra) all get about the same MPG as the Tacoma (and other midsize trucks). Gas efficiency wise, I don't think you will gain any ground over a fullsize 1/2 ton.

 

I drove it, it isn’t quite as comfortable as my current truck but I’ll survive. Toyota is clearly doing a different thing than other manufacturers. The inside seems more for durability imo rather than a bunch of fancy interior components that will break.

 

I love my 3rd gen, but my biggest complaints are the seats. I HATE the seats in these.

 

Also, really shop the price of a used vs new. Tacomas hold their value so well that used often costs about the same as new.