Thinking about trading in 2019 Ram for 2021 TRD

Greetings all, new member here.

Situation: currently own (fully paid) 2019 Ram Bighorn with 20,000 miles, 5.7L Hemi 4x4. Absolutely love the truck, been mostly problem free and one of the most comfy rides I’ve ever experienced in a truck.

now, the temptation: I’ve always wanted a manual transmission and there are at least 10 Tacos in the area (N Virginia) with the 6 speed manual. All are either TRD Sports or TRD ORs.

So I’m just casually entertaining the idea but I wanted to consider the experts opinions on here.

Pros:
smaller, more nimble truck (mid size vs full size)
fun factor (6 speed manual)
Toyota reliability

Cons:
Losing a bunch of utility (full size to mid size)
Losing a bunch of power and towing capability

Fuel economy is roughly the same… I get 16 city and 20 highway with the Hemi.

Numbers: my truck has an insane resale value today. I bought it new in 2019 for $38,700 (before tax title and license). Trade in value today is between $43k and $46k. The brand new Tacos are being advertised right around $43-$44k. Good prices?

I’m also absolutely dead set on LED headlights… it’s a must have for me due to my eyes and lots of night driving. My Ram has the full factory LED packages and it’s the best illumination I’ve ever had in a vehicle. Looks like the Tacos for sale only have the halogen projectors. What is the process involved to convert to factory LEDs? (I understand only the TRD Pros come with the factory LEDs.)

Please chime in with whatever great advice y’all have… good idea or stupid? Go with the Sport or OR?
Thanks a bunch,
Rambandit

 

Keep it

 

Ok. Reasons?

 

You have the option of LED on the Offroad also. (I believe) Or you can buy the lights and install them like I plan to do. I imagine that will be about a grand, but yes worth it.

Get the taco. Keep it for a year and go back to the Ram if you miss it. Manuals won't be around much longer, and driving should be fun, so if you like driving stick do it. You can aways go back to a Ram and if you're making money on the deal it seems like a no brainer to me. The Ram will definitely be more comfortable than the taco though so be prepared when you miss the luxury in a year and go back. Or maybe by that time the new Tundra will be out.

 

It’s paid for. You like it and it’s better to tow with. Edit: and that stereo is second to none

 

Sell it. 6MT for the win



…..but test drive it. They are very different trucks.

 

Impressive MPGs for the 5.7!

 

Get the new green one!

 

LED’s are an easy swap for the Tacoma.

my vote is also to keep the ram. The Tacoma is a HUGE downgrade when it comes to the cush factor. Didn’t the ram get an award for the interior?

also the power, towing ability, etc.

I personally think the rams look better as well. I’ve never been a huge fan of dodge, but if the only real complaint you have is the transmission, I would absolutely keep it

 

I did the opposite, went from a 2017 taco to a 2020 ram. I did it specifically for towing purposes.

you are going to hate the ride quality of the Tacoma after the ram. And it only gets worse if you increase tire size.

Also, depending on if you have passengers ever, consider the Tacoma a mid size car interior, compared to a full size+ amount of space in the ram. The Tacoma is going to feel tiny inside it, might not matter to you, but it’s an obvious difference.

mileage is a wash, you are correct there based on my experience.

acceleration and speed wise, the Tacoma is a dog compared to the ram, even with the manual.

95% of ram owners would hate downsizing to a taco after having the comfort and power you currently have. That being said, the moment I don’t have 2 car seats or need the 11k+ towing capacity, I’ll be getting another Tacoma, but that’s just me.

 

Ew

 

I think this pretty much puts it into perspective for me. I do worry a lot about losing the comfort factor, plus the bed size and towing capability.

Regarding the truck being paid for.. yes it is and based on the resale value I’d come out about even, not owing anything.

I do appreciate the replies and am not ruling it out in the future.. I could always buy a used manual Taco at some point.

Thanks for the replies!

 

Agreed, and I promise I’m not making it up.. It was one of the reasons why I chose the Hemi vs the 3.6L V6. Plus it sounds beastly!

 

Some Tacomas come with OEM LED heads. That being said , test drive first. You are losing lots of power.

 

Awesome truck!

All of the manual Tacos at the dealers here have the halogen projectors it seems..

 

PS. Here is my ride

 

I installed hikari ultra LEDs in my halogen housings and they are pretty bright. Just actually installed led fog light housings and no complaints with light output at all.

 

I doubt you'll get 43K on a trade-in at a Toyota dealership.

If you can get that at carmax, etc, i would probably think about it hard.

 

Do they tend to low-ball? Not familiar with the Toyota brand.

 

I didn't think they allowed those kind of license plates in Virginia anymore.

Communist state. I mean Commonwealth state.