Want your buying advice before I jump into a Taco

I currently drive a 2002 F-250 7.3 Lariat. It's a good truck and has been good to me, but I need to downsize to something smaller since I don't need the towing capacity.

I have had good experience with Toyotas, especially overseas (Hilux) but also here in the States. My dad has owned a couple Tacomas and they seem to be trouble-free and last a long time.

So I am looking at trading/selling my 7.3 for a 2nd gen Tacoma (I'm not buying new).

Before I jump into a Taco, what I want to know from you guys is anything you wish you would've known before you bought yours.

What should I be looking for? What are common problems these trucks have?

Should I be looking at 1st gen Tacomas instead?

I'll be using the boat to tow a 195 TXW Bass Tracker, weighs ~3,000lbs fully loaded out. Sometimes I'll trailer it out of state (I live Louisiana and occasionally visit other places).

Thoughts? Comments? Ideas?

What homework should I be doing?

 

Coming from a diesel to a midsize you’re gonna be wondering where the torque is. When I switched from driving a 6.7 to the taco I was like “why is nothing happening when I push the gas pedal” lol. Lots less room for both people and cargo. The truck should pull your boat just fine.

 

a 3,000 lb. Bass Tracker?
whoa dude!

Welcome to TW

 

Yeah, the TXW's are wider, beam is 98"!!!!

https://www.trackerboats.com/boat/specs.cfm?boat=4283

Total Package Weight is 2541lbs, according to their site.

And that's before I start throwing stuff in it, so I figured 3k is a good round number.

Thanks for the welcome!

 

IIRC... 2012's have some issues with something I can't remember.... Sorry

 

Look for a 2013, that year has the most features, of course get 4 wheel drive, 6 cyl. First gens have a frame rust problem, if you can go for a 2nd gen trd. Be aware these used trucks are expensive. Get at least an access cab, if you carry more than one fishing buddy get a double cab as the access rear seats are only little kid friendly. Throw in a kobalt tool box, weather tech floor liners and window deflectors, a bed mat, front seat wet okles seat covers.
If you do a fibre glass topper plus the tongue weight of the boat you may need rear springs or an extra leaf added.

You will enjoy this truck after you get used to the big one being gone.......good luck, welcome to T/W.

 

look at the frame and rear springs there has been recalls on them but other than that I have had great service from my 11 ( till I totaled it) I pull a 16 ft. dove tail all the time with no issues I got a 09 now and it does a good as the 11 but I do recommend a king cab or 4 door

 

I came from the exact same truck. I miss the size, comfort, and payload of my Ford. You will very quickly outdo the payload on a Tacoma. And the Tacoma really cannot handle going over its capacity like my Ford. I’ve gotten 3500lbs on my 250 once. You try to haul too much over capacity with a Tacoma and you’ll pretty much ruin the stock suspension.

If you don’t need that payload and are comfortable in the Tacoma it will be a fine move.

I have a 2013 and I love the new tech. I added heated leather seats (clazzio) to increase the comfort level in the truck to match more of the Lariat

 

I still have my 04 silverado 2500HD, just use my taco to pull the small trailer, read your owners manual about towing, mine says to pull trailers in 2nd gear. 2.7 auto

 

Thanks guys, I appreciate your input. This gives me a good starting point to do my research and get into the right Tacoma.

 

For me a double cab, 4x4, 6cyl is must have. I had an '01 for 11 years with only minimal maintenance and just recently traded it in on a '14. I'll never own anything besides a Taco. Like others have said, get a bed mat, either a toolbox or locking hard cover, and some weathertechs...you'll be set.

 

Welcome aboard. I downsized from an F-150 to a 15 DCLB. After having an 8 foot bed on the F-150 I had to have the 6 foot bed on the Taco. Haul too much wood and logs so the 5 foot bed was too small.

 

Why does that create a 'need'?

 

i had an 09 access cab, that I had to replace the front wheel bearings. what a bear of a job. I now have an 18, and they redesigned them to be bolt on, vs pressed in.

 

I noticed the same things coming from a Ram Hemi about size and torque. I got used to it quickly, 160,000 miles now and would not go back.

 

Everyone covered everything well, Ill mention this...the 5 best years of a 2nd gen imo are 09-11 and 13-15.

 

#1 thing to do is check for frame rust, especially if the truck lived in any area that sands roads during snow.

 

I went from a 05 dodge cummins, miss the payload, dont miss the parking issues. I can now fit in a parking garage. Dodge 1ton dually crew cab 4x4. Love the tacoma no issues with mine.

 

Hey Devin, I have a 15 4x4DCSB with a factory tow package. I recommend getting a 4.0 with the factory tow package it has an extra oil cooler and transmission cooler for towing.
It will tow up to 6300 .lbs Specs below.

 

If you want a backup camera then you need at least a 2013. Mine is in the rear view mirror. They are great for hooking up trailers. I use my truck for work which includes heavy towing. The 4.0L was made for trucks and has good low end torque.