What other vehicles did you look at before buying your 3rd gen?

I knew I really wanted to get back into a Tacoma after owning 3 1st gens, but I also looked at/test drove a new 19' Silverado 1500. That truck was a beauty as well and very spacious inside. Ultimately went with the 3rd gen due to off road capabilities and size. What other vehicles did you look at or test drive before settling with your 3rd gen?

 

Test drove an access cab Nissan frontier. I really enjoyed it. It reminded me of 2nd gen Tacoma’s a little bit. Tacoma won for me due to a smoother ride and fairer price for what you get. Plus the reputation of long life and Toyota reliability. If the Taco didn’t exist I’d have bought the Frontier.

 

Tundra but was too big for my needs.

 

I agree with you. I also test drove a Tundra about 2 years ago, and it was huge. Didn't have trouble parking it, since I've always driven bigger vehicles, but i just had no use for the size of the Tundra.

 

None

 

I drove a white access cab 6spd 3rd gen for two days, then looked at a cement double cab 3rd gen, test drove a longbed DC gray 3rd gen, and thought really hard about a TRD Pro 3rd gen.

After considering all my options and much deliberation.... I ultimately decided on my orange DCSB 3rd gen.

 

Nothing. Brought my '03 tundra in to get the airbag recall done (dealer took forever to get parts). While waiting I walked around and looked at what there was. Had thought the crawl control was neat so spoke to a salesman to buy one.

 

Colorado, Wrangler, Model 3, Model X, Crosstrek (own an Impreza now that I love). Pretty sure I wanted a truck. Settled on a 2020 Tacoma for Truck + Moonroof.

 

None. I knew I wanted a mid-sized truck. I did some research, test drove a Tacoma, liked it and took it home.

 

None. Not impressed with the Frontier or twins, and the used Taco's were too much $$ vs buying new. There was no Ridgeline or Ranger in 2016, but I would have looked at both of those if they were available as I like Honda quality / reliability (not looks these days) and Ford would be worth a look.

 

I was coming from a Jeep Wrangler built to climb mountains.

I considered the RAM 1500 Rebel, RAM 2500 Powerwagon, and the Jeep Gladiator, but the higher cost for each of those seemed pointless for my immediate requirements, and I'm still not 100% sold on the Gladiator's appearance.

I suspect that I'll probably trade up for one of those, a Tundra, or maybe even something like the electric Rivian 5-6 years from now.

But, for now, the Taco is perfect. I fucking love it!

(One caveat: I'm starting to see more Gladiators built with 37-40" tires and I'm quickly becoming a fan of how they look once they're built up... which annoys me a little bit... lol)

 

Frontier, Colorado, F150, Raptor, Sierra 1500. Moving to a pickup after a 16 year hiatus I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted. Started looking at Raptors, but between the size and price (even pre-owned) it just wasn't in the cards. Looked at the F150 and Sierra anyway, but still too big for my liking. The Frontier was just too dated for the money (IMO) and the Colorado was only appealing in ZR2 trim which wasn't readily available at the time I purchased my Tacoma.

 

I looked at a Frontier just to say I did my homework, but I knew I was getting the Taco.

I will say though, I liked how the Frontier felt and drove... very old-school, in a good way. That bland interior design made me want to gouge my eyes out though. I couldn't live with it day to day. Plus the Taco is just all-around a better truck.

 

2nd Gen tacomas.

 

A third gen.

 

Audi RS3,4,5/S4,5

 

I was coming from a ‘14 Jetta, so I knew I was in for a totally different ride. I looked at a Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, and a RAV4. I was between the RAV4 and Tacoma and it ultimately came down to how good of a deal I could get on the truck, as my first choice. Glad I was able to get the Tacoma.

 

Frontier, Wrangler and F150.
Frontier - Dated but proven. No AC 6MT.
Wrangler - Jeep$$ for a Fiat?!
F150 - a bit bigger than I really need but definitely a future option if I'm willing to give up the MT.

 

Highlander and T4R. I’m a Toyota guy for almost 40 years.

 

I traded in a 5.7L Tundra for my Tacoma. The only other vehicle I even considered was a 4Runner but the Taco won.