Why should I buy a '09 Tacoma?

Hello all, I'm indeed new to this forum but familiar with online automotive forums. First off, as far as my background goes, I currently own a '07 Mazda3 but our family have been strictly Toyota owners. ('85 Van, '89 Cressida, '91 Previa, '07 Prius and '07 Corolla) Our Previa just died and we are trying to take advantage of the government rebate for junking non-fuel efficient vehicles usable towards the purchase of a new vehicle. Since everyone in the family is driving, the Previa was used for transporting home improvement materials, yard work, etc.

We are looking to take advantage of the "junk" money towards a 2nd gen Tacoma. My father is looking to spend the very minimal as possible and is looking at the 2.5L I4 2x4 Tacoma Access Cab with the SR5 package. He would have gone with the Standard Cab but the absence of power locks and windows deterred him from considering it.

The problem now is that he got suckered into the Nissan Frontier King Cab SE with their $3000 instant rebate. As far as specs go, the Frontier has very similar specs with the exception of having a 2.5L I4. I honestly think the Tacoma has better build quality and the feel of a true pickup. I've driven a Frontier and really wasn't impressed at all...

Basically, I need some help to convince him to go with the Tacoma. Any features or specs I can highlight for the great debate? Thanks everyone.


These are the two in consideration.

 

The Frontier is not a bad truck. I'd say the 2 are pretty evenly matched. This only real difference is the 4 cyl engine...and it's not a huge difference...but still a plus for the Taco.

Taco = 2.7L, 159 hp and 180 lbs. ft. of torque
Nissan = 2.5L, 152 hp and 171 lbs. ft. of torque

 

4x4 Double cab all the way. You wish you had it later......

 

Have your Dad make the "deals" come to him..DO NOT be bashful...These guys need to move inventory and may the best "truck' win....
Toyota has a GREAT reputation ,product and following BUT Nissan is trying...I would like to see him/your family in a TOYOTA but deals are made/lost on the showroom floor....

Good luck and welcome to the best Toyota "Hideout" on the "Net"..

Snoope back quiet

 

i believe she said something about a budget.

 

Haha, 4x4 would be nice, but I'm having a hard enough time convincing him that he needs power windows... Although I live on an island, everywhere we go is well paved. I have a cousin on a neighboring island that drives a lifted '05 4x4 prerunner and goes off-roading every weekend. We were running through mud pools and loose sand. It was awesome.

As for staying on topic, does anyone have and ideas for uhh, winning my father over on the Taco Access Cab?

 

Well I was in the same boat as you are since dad bout my taco for me for a graduating present. I spent as much time as I could with him (sucking up to him). And about after a month of looking at trucks we found mine. Ever since he bought me this truck I have kinda left him behind which makes me feel bad about it.

 

Did you make sure the new vehicle fits the MPG requirements for the government program?

 

Aloha no kakou!

My Ohana is from Maui, Grandma and uncles still stay there.

Anyways back on topic, I'd vote for a Taco not only cause I own one but because I believe in value and dependablity. If I'm not mistaken the Nissan trucks will rust out faster, being on an island with all that salt will do much damage to your truck. I had a Nissan literally fall apart on me. After that, once a month, I'd wash and wax my truck and put a sprinkler underneath to clean off all the salt. I don't know where you live but unless you stay up country, I'd say your gonna see some salt. Anyways, Toyota's reliabilty and resale value speak for themselves, not to mention when you have an issue, just jump on board and we'll help you out! Oh and the access cab will allow you to fit more stuff in da back! And stretch dem legs!

Rob

 

x2 Previa gets about the same mileage as a taco.

 

Haha, no ways! We live in Wailuku so we still get the salt spray. I take care of the cars for my family. (wash, claybar, wax) I drive my mazda around, but I wouldn't mind taking the truck to work. (work the graveyard so the truck will be back before he needs it) I'm really hoping for the Toyota... I'm trying to get him to think about keeping his toolbox in the access cab's back. I'm gonna steer him towards TracRacs and maybe buy some OEM alloys off of craigslist. Seems like it's the norm these days on Maui to have a pickup and TracRacs ever since AirGas Gaspro started selling em. All the mokes wanted um but neva use um.

 

Okay, we looked up via the epa.gov's site for vehicle MPG and the combined MPG was 18MPG for the Previa. (16 city/20 hwy)

The Tacoma gets an average of 22.5MPG (19 city/ 26 hwy for the 2.7L atx)

Under the House bill, car owners could get a voucher worth $3,500 if they traded in a vehicle getting 18 miles per gallon or less for one getting at least 22 miles per gallon. The value of the voucher would grow to $4,500 if the mileage of the new car is 10 mpg higher than the old vehicle.

And we recently sold my sister's '02 Maxima and that will be used towards the new truck as well as the rebate.

 

Well, it's weird really. This will be HIS truck. For his home DIY and yard work... I just want to see him drive something nice for once. He always scraped the bottom of the barrel when it came to cars and options. He went by a strict nothing over 20 grand policy and stuck with it until we got the Prius in '07. I think power locks/windows with keyless entry would be nice, not to mention the reverse camera for when he drops off the scrapped materials off at the landfill. (he has a bad depth perception) I'll probably be taking care of it until I move out, but I don't mind at all. Just want to see him live his retirement in a little "nice-ness".

 

Awesome, try do da sprinker trick, it will do well to save da undabody! TracRacs are cool and will be very useful, yeah remind him of the good use of space in the back. Put dark tint and it'll be hidden from dem sneaky buggahs!

And you should know, being on Maui, you see way more Toys than anything, so the rep should speak for itself! Tell pops no scared um go get um! But I'm sure Servco is not dealing like the Nissan dealers and there's a reason why, the Toyotas are in much higher demand, rightfully so, good luck!

Rob

 

LED tail lights - ohyeah, it's the bling

Checkout JD power surveys, consumer reports (since their both asian, the bias they have won't matter) anyways, other consumer reports publications.

Then test drive them.... I drove a GMC Canyon - rode like a tractor. Had a lot more power but all it did was spin the tires. More road noise, and didn't take the turns as flat. Not as comfortable.

You can't possibly make a decision without test driving both.

Would you get married without a test ride? .... rest my case...

 

Funny you mention it. He "threatened" the Toyota dealership back in '88 to go to the Honda dealership to buy an Accord while expressing no particular interest in the Cressida. He settled for under 20 grand and drove off with the Cressida. We may try using the Frontier as a bargaining tool...

 

Yeah, we might buy from Oahu because the only Servco here sells da Lexus and Suzuki's. We only have the Maui Toyota stealership here. At least $2000-$3000 markup above MSRP. Of all the years my parents have lived on Maui, not one Toyota has ever been bought from Maui Toyota. even the Prius AND Corolla. haha...

 

We sold my sister's Maxima on cragslist in under 2 hours from posting. The buyer offered what we wanted in cash, picked up the car the next morning and we were done. He didn't even want a test drive. lol. But in all seriousness, he'll take a test drive, or two, or maybe even three at different dealerships. For him, the price is what determines handing over his check. I just want to plant that seed in his mind that the Tacoma is the better buy...

As for the taillights...already tried. He said, "Why do I care about what people behind me see?". He had a point...but I agree, nothing beats those OEM Toyota LEDs. The Prius simply blinds everyone. Even those 4-runners. Wows.

 

Damn I forgot, too bad the super ferry is no longer...

Yeah, they got you nailed on Maui, much less Hawaii. I used to ride bikes for years and would laugh when I went into Harley dealerships only to see the $5999 sportster was "marked up" to $9000! What? You nuts cuz! Before the reg taxes my Pake dad bought our car in Oregon and shipped it back home! I hated living with the "mark up" in Hawaii! $3000 more cause I live on an island? Please...

Rob

 

Okay, after pointing out the excellent points of the Tacoma vs Frontier battle, a decision has been made...

My father decided on a 2009 2.7L I4 2x4 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab w/SR5 Extra Value Package with Additional Options $1,165

-Remote keyless entry, cruise control, variable-speed wipers, chrome grille surround and rear bumper, color-keyed front bumper & overfenders (PreRunner and 4x4 models), fog lamps (V6 models), sliding rear window with privacy glass, metallic-tone instrument panel trim, leather steering wheel with audio controls & shifter (A/T models only), sun visors with mirrors and extenders, backup camera [5] and auto-dimming inside mirror with monitor, SR5 badging

Grand total estimate through costco.com was $20,495.00 including packages/transport fees. He'll be bringing the quote costco emails him within the next few days and shop around with local dealers for the best price.

He decided on Super White and I agree with that color as well. Provides a nice contrast with the black grill and bed. Well, thanks everyone for all the help. It really helped me push him over against that Frontier.




Looks like you'll have a new Taco World member...
Mahalo from the Valley Isle!