Thinking about buying a 2023 Tacoma, suggestions needed

May not be what you're interested in, but I would consider a 4runner right now then when you need to replace the truck get a Tundra. By then it will be a few years into the new model and issues will be worked out. Tundra is a great truck and better than any other full size out right now seeing all the problems the other 3 are having.

 

I have a TRD..2023. it is very capable off road, for hunting. I only go off-road to go fishing or hunting, and it is super capable for at least that. I didnt buy the top of the line TRD which has all the bells and whistles for off road, but I only have the garden variety 4x4 version. ( I didnt want monthly payments and I only saved enough to buy the one I got) I haven't had to lock the rear diff yet.

reliability is why I bought it. I also have a 2006 TRD and that thing has hunted six states with me. some dirt trails were ROUGH!! I pulled out many many cars and trucks with that thing and with 4-season tires, it was unstoppable. I hope my 2023 has the same reliability trajectory but I can't comment on it yet. too new.

going into 4wd is easy. it just clicks in and out. way smoother than my 2006, which clunks in and out.

same rules apply in snow. its universal. you won't bind if there is some level of slippage.

I rode in my lead workers top line TRD and his heated leather seats are nice!! I wish I got those. and he hasn't messed with that overhead knob on his truck either, and he does off-road.

I think it is a good truck.

 

Thanks everyone.

im exploring the forum and it appears that these trucks are pretty friendly for the at home mechanic.

I fully restored a 280zx in high school and have done my fair share of working cars, nearly became a tech. It seems like this Tacoma is a bit of a throw back to when manufacturers let people work on cars.

 

Another for the TRD Offroad based on your scenario..

 

I think that’s an option too. I prefer a pick up but I think the wife would love a 4runner. She wants to stay in a half ton so she is thinking to maybe go tundra but I’m not sure I wanna shell out that kind of money. Could nearly buy 2 tacomas for the price of a tundra lol.

 

Yea, what mic_sierra said.
4WD ≠ AWD, Do NOT use 4WD (4Hi/Lo) on dry pavement.
Sounds like you need a TRD OR

 

Another +1 for TRD Off Road.but I’m biased.

 

TRD Off road. Just realize that this is NOT a Lexus inside or out. Finishes are sub par and its a bit clunky on the road. But get it off road and that is where it really shines. Don't get me wrong. It is an amazing truck. But it's a truck and acts like one.

 

Fellow Canadian adding my two cents. TRD Offroad is a good option, but for some reason in Canada we don't get that trim in a longbox . Not sure how important that is for you but just so you know. Base, SR5 and TRD Sport are available in longbox, but if a shortbox works for you then perfect.

 

There are two kind of Toyotas, the real Toyota which makes trucks, and the Uber Toyota which makes camry, rav4, prius, highlander etc. ( Highlander wasn't in list but it joined when it lost the 4.0L )

 

Already have a 4runner and need a new car now. Long time lurker and have been eying a DCLB SR5 3.5 but outside of reliability have no reason to get one over another 4runner in that I don't need the bed. Am I crazy to think that


This is my current situation...Wife already drives a 4runner and honestly am having a hard time not buying two. For the sake of utility and not wanting to be that family with two of the same cars a Tacoma naturally came to mind. Have no real need for the bed outside of homeowner stuff and the practicality of maybe going to the beach to toss the junk in the bed. Been eyeing a DCLB 2023 SR5 that has a mrsp of around 36k. I do not do any serious off roading and will use the 4runner for any real trips. #1 draw is reliability and resale (when it is time to go full-size when the tundra figures its shit out)

Long time lurker and can only see timing chain leaks being a worry maintenance wise (this seems to be a pin drop in the millions of sales), AC drip (mod fix), and the transmission shifting weird (tune fix).

Am I missing anything? Car shopping in 2023 sucks I don't want anything turbo or I have to worry about for at least the next 3-5 outside of tires/brakes/oil.


Tacoma vs. another 4runner (DO I really want to be that guy? Yes...I do vs. IS350 (this is how I have landed on tacoma...I have much less of a need for a luxury sports car than a bed)

Good problems....still stumped and looking for any perspectives on the Tacoma.