Which Toyota truck to buy?

auskip07 · Aug 9, 2021

FlyingWolfe said: ↑

My husband told me to get a Tundra.. he was right.
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Just for emphasis

FL_TRD Sport · Aug 9, 2021

I went with the Tacoma even though my main purpose in getting a truck was to have the ability to tow....but....I'll be towing 3-4 times a year at most, and the trailer and cargo weight will be 3,000 lbs at most, give or take depending on which trailer I get (a full size touring motorcycle on a UHaul trailer). I looked at the Tundra, and while certainly more roomy and a more capable hauler, the gas mileage estimate was significantly lower than the Tacoma. Not to mention it was a good bit more expensive. I also will not be going off road. The most this truck will see is the occasional flat dirt or gravel road. For me the Tacoma made more sense. I went with the TRD Sport 2wd, and I have a long bed mainly because that was what they had on the lot with the trim and options I wanted. That longer bed has already come in very handy. So far it's been a great truck.

Steves104x4 · Aug 9, 2021

2wd Tundy sounds like a plan

Carmaker1 · Aug 15, 2021

Bishop84 said: ↑

Tacoma is the same, just new colours. 2023 or 2024 will be update.

Tundra is delayed, but out shortly.
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2024 MY, September 2023. (Always subject to change, but current at this point in time)

Andiamo · Aug 15, 2021

Jeff Bezos still drives a 98 Accord if that helps you in your search

GOTSAND?18 · Aug 15, 2021

If you plan to do a lot of towing this truck ain’t it go full size .

TexasToyLover · Sep 19, 2021

Texoma said: ↑

I would suggest if you are dead set on a Tacoma, and you plan on towing with it, get the V6. The 4 cylinder is gutless for towing. Where in Texas are you? If you're going to be towing in the city, I'd suggest an auto trans just because of the hassle of traffic. Other than that, the manual trans trucks offer a better gear ratio which is helpful for towing, at least in the 3rd gen Tacomas. 05-15 trucks all have the same gear ratio except the 4cyl models had a slightly lower gear. For the 3rd gen trucks, there are also aftermarket upgrades that can help with power as well such as a regear and a tune which will help with towing. Let me know if you need any guidance, I'll be happy to help.
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I want to thank you for your advice and offer for future guidance. Everyone in tis forum helped me so much!
I bought a new 2021 Tacoma from Universal Toyota in San Antonio from the most AWESOME salesman named Rocco.
I LOVE MY TOYOTA TRUCK!!!
i have no idea how to use the electronic gadgets, like set the radio buttons, pair my phone, maps, etc. My 1995 didn't even have automatic windows. Rocco said he would help me with it though.
Turns out I won't be towing cars after all, so I didn't get the Tundra.
Thanks to everyone for your help! I appreciate everyone's time spent on replies.

Steves104x4 · Sep 19, 2021

Exlnt and congrats! 2wd or 4x4?

TexasToyLover · Sep 19, 2021

Toyko Joe said: ↑

Were you towing vehicles with your 1995 Corolla?

If it’s for your business you should definitely consider a full sized truck that is equipped to tow regularly.

I’m confused on what you are trying to do here with your informed decision because you have too many boxes to check and all of them are worlds away from a 1995 Corolla.
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I'm so sorry that i couldn't find your response before. Sorry to have confused you. Thanks for taking the tie to reply.
I wasn't towing with my 95 Toyota but I thought I would with my new truck but as it turns out, I won't be.
I bought a new 2021 Tacoma, thanks to everyone's help on here.

TexasToyLover · Sep 19, 2021

Steves104x4 said: ↑

Exlnt and congrats! 2wd or 4x4?
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2WD

Steves104x4 · Sep 19, 2021

TexasToyLover[OP] said: ↑

2WD
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Perfect. I can hardly wait to spend your money on this!

TexasToyLover · Sep 19, 2021

GOTSAND?18 said: ↑

If you plan to do a lot of towing this truck ain’t it go full size .
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Thank you!
Changed my mind about towing. Bought a new '21 Tacoma!!!

TexasToyLover · Sep 19, 2021

GOTSAND?18 said: ↑

If you plan to do a lot of towing this truck ain’t it go full size .
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Thanks for your advice!
Changed my mind about towing and got a new '21 Tacoma!!!

TexasToyLover · Sep 19, 2021

FlyingWolfe said: ↑

I had a 2015 TRD Sport Tacoma with the 4.0 and switched a year later to a 2018 Tundra TRD OffRoad for the towing capabilities. The Taco absolutely was not capable of doing what I needed (safely/comfortably) but I liked the look of them and wanted a smaller truck.
My husband told me to get a Tundra.. he was right. If youre towing regularly, get a full size. Just a cautionary tale.
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Thanks for taking the time to reply. Found out I wouldn't be towing so ended up buying a new '21 Tacoma.

TexasToyLover · Sep 19, 2021

ret42 said: ↑

Cherry picking some points here...

This totally depends on you, but the EPA says the Auto gets better fuel economy. Manual will only be available for the TRD trims of the Tacoma, and to a later point, mostly exclusive to a double cab.

To 4-cylinder's tow rating is like 3,500 lbs I believe? Definitely not enough unless you're towing civics on car dollys. Even the v6 is limited to around 6500. If you're towing over mountains, it's going to be rough, but on flat ground you should be fine. There was a post on here recently of someone towing vehicles and hitting 300k miles with his Tacoma.

The '22 Tundra isn't smaller, but pick it up with some running boards and it should be easy enough to get into. I haven't seen fuel economy numbers for the Tundra yet, but I would imagine it's close or better than the v6 Tacoma.

I would get the 4WD if you get a manual for one reason: Reverse gear is awful. Backing up a steep hill is a pain, let alone with a trailer in tow. LO gearing helps immensely, and if you search the 2LO mod, that will allow you to use the Low gears to back up. Now that I think about it, I think the manual only comes in 4WD anyways so this may be moot.

ret42 said: ↑

Cherry picking some points here...

This totally depends on you, but the EPA says the Auto gets better fuel economy. Manual will only be available for the TRD trims of the Tacoma, and to a later point, mostly exclusive to a double cab.

To 4-cylinder's tow rating is like 3,500 lbs I believe? Definitely not enough unless you're towing civics on car dollys. Even the v6 is limited to around 6500. If you're towing over mountains, it's going to be rough, but on flat ground you should be fine. There was a post on here recently of someone towing vehicles and hitting 300k miles with his Tacoma.

The '22 Tundra isn't smaller, but pick it up with some running boards and it should be easy enough to get into. I haven't seen fuel economy numbers for the Tundra yet, but I would imagine it's close or better than the v6 Tacoma.

I would get the 4WD if you get a manual for one reason: Reverse gear is awful. Backing up a steep hill is a pain, let alone with a trailer in tow. LO gearing helps immensely, and if you search the 2LO mod, that will allow you to use the Low gears to back up. Now that I think about it, I think the manual only comes in 4WD anyways so this may be moot.

Used prices are ridiculous, but as you mentioned buying new is difficult, and you may not have the time without a vehicle, so getting into an older used full-size truck while you wait for a '22 Tundra or Tacoma to become available may be the best route. It sounds like the refreshed Tundra offers more for what you want, especially because of the towing, but the only way to know for sure is to get into one and test drive, and see what you like more.

In October I was looking at a 2019 with around 33k miles for around $37k. The math didn't add up, between a higher interest rate to finance, an almost expired basic warranty, and the mid-generation refresh that took place in 2020, it just made sense to buy new. I ended up with a better outfitted brand new truck for less than the 2019 I test drove. I had to wait a while, but the patience was 100% worth it in my case.
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Used prices are ridiculous, but as you mentioned buying new is difficult, and you may not have the time without a vehicle, so getting into an older used full-size truck while you wait for a '22 Tundra or Tacoma to become available may be the best route. It sounds like the refreshed Tundra offers more for what you want, especially because of the towing, but the only way to know for sure is to get into one and test drive, and see what you like more.

In October I was looking at a 2019 with around 33k miles for around $37k. The math didn't add up, between a higher interest rate to finance, an almost expired basic warranty, and the mid-generation refresh that took place in 2020, it just made sense to buy new. I ended up with a better outfitted brand new truck for less than the 2019 I test drove. I had to wait a while, but the patience was 100% worth it in my case.
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I so appreciated your reply and I considered everything you said before buying a new '21 Tacoma that I LOVE!!!
Turns out I wouldn't need a truck for towing after all, so the Tacoma was perfect.

TexasToyLover · Sep 19, 2021

buckhuntin-tacoma said: ↑

Welcome to TW!
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Thank you! Believe i'll stick around a while, now that I have a new '21 Tacoma!

FL_TRD Sport · Sep 19, 2021

TexasToyLover[OP] said: ↑

Thank you! Believe i'll stick around a while, now that I have a new '21 Tacoma!
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That could be very, very dangerous to your wallet

If you haven't already, get yourself an OEM bed mat. Your dealer should have it (or can get it for you in a day or so). Should be around $90. You won't regret it unless you like chasing stuff all over the back of your truck's bed

Texoma · Sep 19, 2021

TexasToyLover[OP] said: ↑

Thank you! Believe i'll stick around a while, now that I have a new '21 Tacoma!
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Well, let's see a pic of the new ride.

woodsy · Sep 19, 2021

So, what did you end up getting?

Just kidding. Congrats on your new Tacoma!

Swampdog2019 · Sep 24, 2021

There are good videos to watch on YouTube to learn more about your new vehicle.

All the new technology can be overwhelming at first, your dealership will be able to answer all of your questions.

Read your owners manual to help figure out some of the information you are looking for.

Congratulations on your new Tacoma, sounds like the perfect fit for you, good luck!

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