which tacoma model?

Howdy all,

First time poster, long time lurker. I'm in the market for a new generation tacoma but am overwhelmed with all the model/trim choices out there. I intend to use this as a 2nd vehicle for my biking and snowboarding adventures. May occasionally tow a small trailer or a med-sized bowrider at times, but not on a regular basis. Dont' plan on going hardcore off-roading, but I do live in a mountainous BC area where there is snow and lots of hills. I haven't actually test driven one yet, but plan to this weekend. From reading the forums here, it seems like it won't be a rocket ship, but I'm realistic about it and have no high expectations from it (I currently drive an 2015 ML550 biturbo V8 403hp). All I know is that it has to be a double cab and an automatic (girlfriend doesn't know how to drive manual). I would actually luv to get a fullsize truck, but I need to drive it in Vancouver at times and driving a fullsize there is a PITA. My questions are the following:

1) Which model? SR5, Offroad, Sport, Limited? As much as I like the looks of the TRD Pro (especially in cement gray!), everything else on it would be overkill for me.

2) Longbox or shortbox? Which has better resale value?

3) Is it worth it to wait for the 2018's for the TSS? I don't plan on modding it so the TSS should be affected.

4) Do you have any buyers remorse? Would you have gone with a different trim level? Different truck altogether?

Thanks all!

SC

 

I would buy a trd offroad 4x4 if not that one at least the OR model with rear locker. I have a sr5 and no regrets on mine. I have a long box and needed one. If you don't need one then stick with the short bed. It has a shorter wheel base and will not leave you high sided and stuck. Plus SB's are easier to turn around in tight places.

 

Yes, get the TRD Sport 4x4. You can't beat the looks of it. Or if you got cash to spend.. get the TRD Pro.

 

let your girlfriend figure it out. get a manual. my last car could run your biturbo off the road and it had paddles... it was fun, but I'm here to tell you this Tacoma MT is by far the most fun vehicle I've owned and that's on road and off, both. I've done some setup to it, but it is a very fun and engaging drive everytime and can break the tires loose through 2nd gear.

or get the AT.

 

TRD OR is the most popular around Van. You can't go wrong with that choice and it would suit all your needs. For me, I wanted JBL and leather, had to buy the Limited here to get those options. To be honest, any trim level would suit your needs. Just get a 4X4 of your choice and you'll be fine for BC driving. Go LB though, it's probably 90% of what I see on the road, so that shows you what people want around here and will help with resale value.

 

3 impt things to remember: 1. Most impt. -- Get what you can afford 2. Get what best fits your needs and uses, and 3. Get what you like!
-- no one here can tell you the last two, and the first one --well if you don't know what you can afford -- you don't need a new car/truck in this price range.
Now for the disqualifier --If money is no object you can reverse the order of the 3 things above and forget about #1.

 

Welcome. Truthfully the main differences between models is the options. Engine, transmission, frame, etc is same. Interior layout is same. More money gets you more stuff. It' that simple. Go to Toyota.com and use the compare feature. Good luck.

 

I second. The MT is sooo choice.

I say go 4x4 ACLB if you don't do passengers frequently, DCSB if you do.

 

The Cement is a nice Color, if you wait for the 2018 you can get the Off Road or Sport in that Color.

 

Was finally able to go and take a look at all the midsize offerings and go for a spin in each. The Canyon Denali is pretty pimp and the nav system with Apple Carplay makes life so much easier....pretty quick truck, but not sure how reliable things are with it....already had some squeaks and rattles in it and it only had like 200kms on it. Drove the ZR2 diesel as well since it was there....not my cup of tea....just don't like how the diesels deliver their power (I had a GL320 Bluetec for a few years just to "tick off the diesel box" on my bucket list, but sold it cuz it was so slow). The Black edition Ridgeline was actually really nice....truck was very nicely put together and I actually liked the interior the best, but I just could not get over how the front end looked.....so it's a no go for me. The Tacoma looks the best in my opinion, but I do agree with most on the forums here....the powertrain leaves a little to be desired. The tranny was just weird....hesitated a lot and just seemed laggy. I forgot to try out the ECT/PWR button unfortunately, but from what everyone here says, it makes a big difference. Anyhoo, I've decided on the 2018 Tacoma in the end....supposed to come out late this month from what the salesmans told me. I really want the cement! Thanks for everyones opinion....hoping to join the Taco crowd soon!

sc

 

Haha I would actually say the exact opposite, I see significantly and I mean significantly more Sport's than I do OR in Van. I personally really like my Sport LB for the added cargo in the bed, really came in handy when we went camping... I love the look of the OR tho.

 

2018 TRD OR 4x4 6MT with tech and prem in Cement. It's the one to get these days. Swap the MT for an AT if you must but it's a mistake anyway you chop it.

 

I have the DCSB Sport MT and LOVE IT and would not trade it for any other model. However, crunching the numbers and lurking in these forums, it seems the Off-road DCSB MT is the best bang for the buck. For me, my truck is 90% pavement / dirt roads, so I love the Sport. Ideally in a perfect world, it would be a DCLB Sport with the MT. Cheers

 

Get the Off Road!!!

 

I would say you may be right. Thinking about it, I do see a lot of skewps, but I definately see a lot more LBs.

 

Both beautiful trucks!! I honestly wish i got the short box but not unhappy with the extra space. I think a shorter wheelbase would be nicer when I mall crawl.

 

LOL, too much time at Metrotown? Go to Coquitlam Centre, you'll fit!

 

HAHA oh man Metrotown thanks for reminding me to stay away

I am only joking of course about everything, I actually find the truck easy to park, love backing in

 

Just put a deposit on a 2018 TRD Sport with upgrade package in cement. Needed the doublecab to haul my biking buddies around. It's interesting why they didn't offer the cement with the SB....i kinda like how the SB's look, but from what the salesman told me, the LB have a bit better resale value....not sure if I believe it or not, but who knows. Will hopefully take delivery sometime in Jan 2018.

Now for accessories.....what are some must haves? All I know is that want a hard tonneau cover, but haven't decided between a trifold or a rollup. Thanks all!

SC

 

This is you!