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Test drove a couple 2016s

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by TBV, May 15, 2016.

  1. May 15, 2016 at 12:16 PM
    #1
    TBV

    TBV [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Oakland CA
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    2017 TRDOR 6MT
    1. TRD Sport 4x4 Double Cab M/T

    I tracked down the only M/T in the area, and had to give it a go. Initial thoughts seeing this beast in the lot: dang, this thing is huge! I drive a 95 reg cab 2WD. The Sport is like a freakin yacht in comparison. The 17s and skoop really make it seem massive, like a taco on roids.

    Taking a closer look, I realize I don't love the double cab aesthetic. That's a personal thing though. I didn't like it from the outside and I didn't like it when I got into the vehicle.

    The manual transmission felt smooth enough, easy to learn. Bopping around surface streets in traffic, I noticed immediately how large this vehicle is. With the Sport suspension it feels like driving a boat. You're up high and it doesn't lean in turns. I'm basically idling at this point in stop and go. V6 feeling pointless.

    I drove up some windy neighborhood roads. Truck felt fat on narrow streets, and I couldn't get the engine going. Kind of frustrating. As advertised, the Sport suspension felt quite stiff. No lean.

    I dug into the throttle getting up to speed on the freeway. What a strange response from the V6. Put her in gear and slam the pedal - not much happens. Waiting, waiting. Oh, there's the power. It doesn't open up until around 3500+ RPM. Very odd having a V6 but not having immediate power on tap in the low end, even with the stick shift. I find this... concerning? Even the little 2.4L in my fleet truck responds better. At least I know what it can do, and I can dig in and go when needed. Maybe that's just a matter of acclimation.

    Overall: I dislike double cab; The V6 is strong but a little weird; Sport suspension seems good but would take some getting used to; the M/T is smooth and really easy to use; 3rd gen is big!

    --

    2. SR5 AC i4 4x4 A/T

    Immediately the SR5 trim and Access Cab strike a more familiar tone. This is what I'm looking for, I think. Again, personal decision. The SR5 just seems less gaudy. Getting into the Access Cab feels a lot more familiar and truck-like. I think this is what I like. Extra space behind the seat, finally! I can't even fit a backpack in my 95 cab if there's a passenger.

    SR5 suspension is more familiar. Soft around turns, leans in. Not sure if I like this more or less, but it's what I'm accustomed to.

    Immediate thought: I like the Auto with this truck. Something about the size of the truck. It just feels safer having one less thing to worry about. The M/T was a little stressful in traffic.

    I drive down some windy roads. This feels like my 95. I drive back up. Man... this 4cyl is pretty gutless with the A/T. I dig into the throttle climbing a hill, and nothing really happens. Concerning. I'm sure the 4cyl would do most things I need it to, but is this fun at all? I want a fun ride for this kind of scratch.

    --

    Overall impressions: Having driven a barebones fleet truck for 15 years, I was expecting to be blown away by the 3rd gen. I wasn't. For the price, that's kind of a drag.

    I wish they offered a simple SR/SR5 AC V6 4x4. For all the grades and trims, if you start adding V6 into your requirements, prices skyrocket because they force you into TRD price range with the mandatory upgrades.

    I wonder if the i4 behaves better with a stick shift. I'm guessing it does. There aren't any in the area at the moment so I can't test it out. I certainly won't be placing any orders until I've at least tested the final drivetrain configuration.
     
  2. May 15, 2016 at 12:23 PM
    #2
    Launch21v

    Launch21v Well-Known Member

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    Sr5 and limited have the same. Both TRD have different suspensions
     
  3. May 15, 2016 at 12:26 PM
    #3
    COskimtb

    COskimtb Well-Known Member

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    I came from a regular cab 90s Toyota pickup and it took a little while to get used to the size. Doesn't really bother me now.
     
    Kilokato, DustStorm4x4 and TBV[OP] like this.
  4. May 15, 2016 at 12:30 PM
    #4
    thors.hammer

    thors.hammer Well-Known Member

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    Double cab really comes in handy when other people need a ride, children, dogs, lots of luggage or whatever. I would never own a regular or access cab again after having the double cab.
     
    Herniator likes this.
  5. May 15, 2016 at 12:35 PM
    #5
    TBV

    TBV [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for that comment. I can really see how that's true, but I've had 2-seaters my whole adult life, and for the most part it's worked for me. I don't have kids, and most of the time it's just me or me and the missus. If I really needed full seating I'd probably just look at SUVs or crossovers. Which, after these test drives, I may start doing. :(
     
    CusterFan likes this.
  6. May 15, 2016 at 12:38 PM
    #6
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    I think a 4cyl manual would be more up your alley, the one I drove didn't have the lag that the auto did and felt more peppy, especially off the line.

    Its definitely a turtle, dont get me wrong, but preferable to the a/t in my opinion. Give it a go if you get a chance.
     
    TBV[OP] likes this.
  7. May 15, 2016 at 12:40 PM
    #7
    Launch21v

    Launch21v Well-Known Member

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    If you didn't try using the ect pwr button try it again on a v6 auto. It will give you the power and shifting that you're looking for.
     
  8. May 15, 2016 at 12:40 PM
    #8
    saeedibijan

    saeedibijan Well-Known Member

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    This actually really hoped me with something unrelated. I have an SR5. Came from a 08 Silverado lifter 6 inches. My only complaint was that I love how mellow the suspension was at first but the more and more I drive my taco I hate how the nose dips down significantly when I apply the brakes. Almost makes me feel like I applied the brakes too late. Also when I make a right turn there is so much body role. I've been contemplating between buying someone's TRDOR suspension vs sport vs 5100's. As much as I would love something to level it out I think ride quality would be my #1 concern.

    Back to your thread my Silverado was an access cab and I absolutely hated it. Again preference none the less but anytime I parked and had to let someone in and out of the back we would have to shimmy around and figure it out, or people closing the front door before the back. Honestly probably one of the biggest reasons why I got rid of it, but just my preference.

    Anyone know if there is a right up between OR vs sport vs 5100 shocks/struts?

    Also anyone know if the the OR/ sport socks struts and springs will make the truck sit any higher? I feel like everytime I pull up to a 3rd gen TRD they always look higher to me
     
  9. May 15, 2016 at 12:44 PM
    #9
    TBV

    TBV [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It sounds like you're just looking for a suspension upgrade, and a lift. Other tacos probably seem higher because lifts, mods and upgrades are popular among many owners.
     
  10. May 15, 2016 at 1:13 PM
    #10
    TBV

    TBV [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am starting to think you're onto something. And that's only available in the SR grade, which keeps prices and bling down. Will keep an eye out.
     
    eon_blue[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. May 15, 2016 at 1:20 PM
    #11
    TacoJonn

    TacoJonn Well-Known Member

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    First time I have heard anyone praise the auto over the M/T. lol
     
    Kilokato likes this.
  12. May 15, 2016 at 1:23 PM
    #12
    eon_blue

    eon_blue If I would, could you

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    Yup, exactly why I almost got one when I was looking for a Tacoma. Don't want or need the bling and creature comforts, and Toyota's 2.7l is a proven bullet proof motor. I ended up snagging a mint condition 2004 though but if I was going to go new, that's the route I would've gone.
     
  13. May 15, 2016 at 1:30 PM
    #13
    Johnny919

    Johnny919 Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like your choices are either 1. SR5 AC V6 4x4 A/T (Try ECT) or 2. SR5 AC i4 4x4 M/T . Good luck
     
  14. May 15, 2016 at 2:36 PM
    #14
    TBV

    TBV [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. Know what's crazy, is you can't even build #2. So if you want Access Cab w/MT, you either have to pick SR (no keyless!) or TRD with tech & tow. And the SR5 w/V6 forces tow & appearance, which puts you into TRD range. No real middle ground.
     
  15. May 15, 2016 at 2:37 PM
    #15
    saeedibijan

    saeedibijan Well-Known Member

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    Maybe, just didn't want to spend too much money since mines a lease and not planning on keeping it when the lease is up. Figured it was worth a try to see if it is the result I'm looking for
     
  16. May 15, 2016 at 2:47 PM
    #16
    Joe D

    Joe D .

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    Dude 8 post in 8.5 years? You need to get off TW and spend some time with your family! :boink::D
     
    KB Voodoo likes this.
  17. May 15, 2016 at 2:48 PM
    #17
    JoeRacer302

    JoeRacer302 Well-Known Member

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    Pasadena, CA
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    2016 DCSB OR MT Inferno
    Front: 5100's @ 0.85 Rear: 1/2" spacers 265/75r16 on RAY10
    The TRD OR shocks are close enough to 5100's that you won't notice any difference performance wise between them. Sport shocks are Hitachi and generally people consider them to be of lower quality than the OR Bilsteins. I would just get some 5100's off of jet.com for ~$250 and call it a day. If you happen to find some OR stuff for cheaper locally then they are a good option, but for how cheap 5100's they're a great alternative.
     
    saeedibijan[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. May 15, 2016 at 2:53 PM
    #18
    LuckyToy

    LuckyToy Well-Known Member

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    I get the V6, I had 3 2.7L, granted the 4 banger is pretty reliable but underpowered for me. I am much happier with my V6 and gotten better mpg.
     
    Kilokato likes this.
  19. May 16, 2016 at 9:39 AM
    #19
    TBV

    TBV [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Funny, right? All that time ago I was about to buy a 2007 4x4 4cyl and got cold feet. In hindsight, wish I had bought it. But my little 95 just keeps on trucking...

    Thanks for the comment. Assuming you have the AT? No issues there? What grade/trim you got?
     
  20. May 16, 2016 at 12:46 PM
    #20
    LuckyToy

    LuckyToy Well-Known Member

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    SR5....wish I got the TRD OR but maybe in a couple years.
     

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