Tri-Cities, WA Meetups and BS

Getting Ready to Order My First Tacoma - Some Questions

(I originally posted in the New Members thread, later I discovered this thread. I am located in Tri-Cities area so maybe this is a better place to post)

Greetings folks. I've been driving Silverado and Sierra pickups for many years now, and I'm getting ready to order a new Tacoma. It will be the first time I've ordered a new vehicle rather than purchasing from dealer inventory, but these days it seems that is the only way.

My main reason for purchasing a Tacoma is the desire for a rock solid and reliable truck. The GM products have been good but I have had some issues and I want a truck I can drive for 200,000+ miles with minimal trouble. I also do not need the larger truck since all of my carrying and towing needs can be easily handled by a Tacoma.

I live in the Pacific Northwest and will use the truck mostly for daily commuting, with occasional light hauling, towing, and some camping/fishing.

I'm leaning heavily on ordering a TRD Pro. I haven't searched through other threads on this forum yet but maybe I can get some feedback here.

My reason for going with the TRD Pro is less any plans for off-road driving than wanting the 'top' model and very much liking the looks and features of the Pro. My other choice would be the Limited which is nice but very plain to my eyes. I also like that the Pro is much less common to see on the roads, so it has some uniqueness that the other Tacomas don't have.

My biggest question is whether or not the Pro will have a harsher ride on normal roads vs the other Tacoma models, since it does have the different shock absorbers and higher lift.

Since there zero new Tacomas at my local dealer, particularly no Pros (new or used), I can't drive one for myself to see the difference.

I also have just a small amount of hesitation in ordering a 2023 now, since I know that a year from now the next generation Tacoma will be released. I do not need a new vehicle now, I could wait a year - but I also think that a 2023 Tacoma is a proven platform and from a reliability standpoint it can't be beat. Plus there are tons of aftermarket parts available, whereas a new model will take time to develop those kinds of choices.

Thoughts??

 

Only because you are asking. Haha!

IMHO, the OR is the Taco top model when factoring price versus features. I've ridden in Sports, ORs, and Pros. The OR has the best stock ride, on road or off. The Pro suspension is nice, but it is roughly comparable for a lot more money.

The OR gets a locker, an upgraded electrically boosted braking system, and other things. Basically, everything the Pro has, minus badges, Skewp, and the Fox bits. With the price difference, you could get better adjustable suspension when the stock stuff wears out.

I ended up with my Sport for different reasons and have been happy.

 

I've had 3 Tacos in the last year and half. 1st was a long bed Sport AT. 2nd was a short bed Off Road AT. 3rd and current is a Short bed sport with MT. I've driven all trims. The Pro is nice but very hard to find. You're going spend about $6,000 extra for a Pro and get a small lift, exhaust, Pro badges and stickers, Pro head, fog and taillights, Pro stitched seats and floor mats.

Ride quality will be VERY minimal between the trim levels. Pro will sit a bit higher because of the stock lift kit.

I tend to stay away from the first year of a new generation, so I'd try to get a 2023 if available. STAY AWAY FROM SUPER WHITE PAINT!

If you want to send me a DM. I'll give you my number and can answer any questions you might have.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'll look at the Off Road more. Agreed that the Pro is expensive. I do like the appearance, wheels & tires, etc, more than the others including the Off Road. Not thinking to get White, right now the gray looks best to me. The new Solar Octane color is sharp but too attention getting for me. Do you guys think that the dealer in Kennewick is good to deal with? At least they do not seem to be marking up the prices. It's painful enough to think about paying full MSRP. I also agree that I'd have some anxiety about buying the first year of a new generation, even from Toyota.

 

You're welcome!

The Pro wheels are certainly very nice. I'm personally a fan of 17s, including the wider selection of tires with them.


I would not touch the 1st MY for the 4th Gen. They completely blew the 3rd Gen launch, by Toyota standards, and the Tundra has had some odd issues.

 

Kennewick dealership was good to me. I bought the first 2 from Hermiston. I have Salesmen to recommend to you from either dealership. Like I said send me a DM. @tonered , myself and @NomadicCypress can help you out with anything.

 

Right on!

 

Much obliged. I've already been talking to one of the salespersons in Kennewick, otherwise I'd take you up for a recommendation. It will take me a bit more time to get closer to a decision. I'm not in a particular hurry but on the other hand the wait time seems to be 2-3 months after placing an order, and if I change my mind before taking delivery then the deposit is refunded. It almost seems like the only way I'll get to test drive a new Pro (or whatever I decide to purchase) will be to order one and then drive it when it comes in. If I don't like it then the next person in the line gets it!

 

If you can drive a manual you can take my pro for a little test drive. If not you can still come check it out and I’ll take you for a spin so you can see how it rides. I’ve had a TRD sport, off road and now pro. The suspension in the pro is fantastic but a little squishy.

 

The Kennewick dealer is alright. The only redeeming quality they have is they sell at MSRP but otherwise they’ll low ball you really bad on any trade and a lot of the sales guys are pretty sub par in communication.

 

@NomadicCypress is the man.

 

I'm Roman live in pasco this is my 2020 tacoma

 

+1

He let me drive his before making a decision as well!

 

Thanks everyone. I'm still debating what to do, my GMC Sierra is still in the shop, I had hoped to have it back before now but dealer has run into multiple problems, long story. I'm comfortable with the Pro, appreciate the offer to see & drive but not quite ready for that yet. Kennewick dealer tells me it will be 10 months to get a Pro, leading me to think that when I am ready to purchase perhaps I should be looking at dealers further away who may have more availability. Frustrating situation. I will stay in touch here and also follow the discussion on activities in the area, very good to have found the forum here and receive such helpful responses. Much appreciated.

 

Send me a DM. I think I still have deposits at two dealers where I’m next in line for a pro…just been lazy to pull my deposit. I bet we could work something out where you just take my spot

 

Decided to get a Limited, realistically I won’t be doing anything that would make use of the capabilities of the Pro. Deposit today on 2023 Limited, Black, 5’ bed, nighthawk edition. I’ll probably have it in 2+ months. Impulse buy! (Kind of)

 

Ditto what Tonered said

 

Hey everyone, I've been absent from TW for a bit, but I'm glad to see this thread still had some life in it! I'm in Pasco, so if ya see me rollin around, wave hello!

 

Whatcha got there for the hood/vents?

 

Race Louvers RST

https://racelouvers.com/tacoma-16-22-center-hood-louvers-rst-truck-trim/

They even used my pictures (with permission) for them!