Sell me on a Tacoma

[carpsniperg2]

Looking at the Tacoma pretty hard. Need a smaller truck with decent gas mileage that I can take on longer road trips. Won’t ever pull much max around 3500/4k.

Will be a auto and 4x4

What model of Tacoma and what motor would be best to fit these needs?

[pianoman9701]

Is this going to be a hunting vehicle? What's the most difficult terrain you expect to traverse? I've been liking mine except for two things. Apparently it's a magnet for bad drivers - I've been hit three times in parking lots. And the seats are quite uncomfortable for long rides. I'm doing a mod this weekend to fix that for about $43. I'll let you know how it goes.

I have the 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road Manual 4WD Double Cab Short Box with a 3.5L V6. It can haul up to 6,600 lbs and has enough juice to do so without a problem. Mileage is a real issue. The sticker said 18/22. It's more like 16/19, and that's if you keep it under 65 on the highway. The stock tires are street tires but I think they have kevlar linings. I got 10-ply all terain tires for about $1K. The 4-L options are amazing, especially crawl mode (watch a video on YouTube about this). Basic features are BSM, Lane maintenance, 120V AC outlet in the bed, collision avoidance. Storage is a little lacking - jockey box, small center armrest box, and a couple of utility storage under the seats in the back.

Overall, I'm pleased. However, knowing what I know now about mileage and comfort, available storage, if all were even, I'd get a Tundra again. At the time, I was going into Portland a lot and parking the Tundra was a PITA. Now, I don't go into Portland and it wouldn't be an issue.

[3nails]

 You mean 35,000 to 40,000?

[pianoman9701]

You mean 35,000 to 40,000?

I believe he was talking about how much he'd be hauling.

[BD1]

That might be what he ends up paying  My father in law and brother in law both have them. They seem to be great rigs...BIL put bigger tires on it and it looks really nice. Neither have had issues in the past 5+ years. If I was looking for a smaller truck I would probably go that direction.

[teanawayslayer]

The 3.5 is a turd! Terrible fuel mileage. I would look for a low mileage 4.0.

[Mfowl]

Look at the new Frontier and the Ranger as well. I have an 09 4.0 Taco, original owner, just turned 200k mi. Been a fantastic rig, besides my own abuse, its been low maintenance. I will echo the fuel economy, never close to what it was rated and it tanks when you tow anything. But still been a great rig for me.

[carpsniperg2]

The new rangers I have looked at a little they are getting bigger and might work ok as well.

Nothing crazy for terrain mostly just gravel roads and highway getting from hunting spot to hunting spot.

Yes indeed 3500/4K for towing weight.

Prices are up so probably be 40/45k price tag.

I have been worried about the 3.5 if it’s going to be a good one or not.

[buckfvr]

Many 1/2 ton pick ups get as good or better mileage with WAY WAY more comfort.  I liked mine a lot but had to have more room and comfort.   

[Sneaky]

Many 1/2 ton pick ups get as good or better mileage with WAY WAY more comfort.  I liked mine a lot but had to have more room and comfort.   

 

Look into a tundra.

[MR5x5]

I think there is about to be a fire sale on all used vehicles once the fed kicks interest rates into high gear.  I'm thinking by next spring at the latest.  Personally I'd look for a low mileage Gen 2 between 2007 and 2015.  Should be able to pick one up for around $16k soon I hope (I'm looking for another myself). 

[Widgeondeke]

I sat in a Tacoma when shopping 2.5 years ago. Seats had no adjustment for up/down. Very little head room. I sat in the back seat of all the options.. Comfort was a big thing for me when shopping 

[Ingwe]

I have a 2017 off-road 3.5 double cab 4x4 and I like it. As far as comfort if you are taller than 5’10” probably not going to like it. I put a thin seat cushion in mine and that made a big difference as far as comfort. We have driven it to Phoenix twice and on those trips I got over 21 mpg. But I don’t hurry as we are retired. Keep it under 70 mph. It does good in the hills hunting but I also have a 2003 tundra that I use more for hunting

[carpsniperg2]

I love the tundra and the serria's but the dang 50-80k price tags are getting nuts for a hunting rig. Hoping to be like 40k out the door.

[JakeLand]

I ordered my 2022 TRD off-road this last week 4 door long bed . Ya my 2011 has over 300,000 miles and the only thing other then tires and brakes that I’ve had to replace are both front hubs . As some people know my truck is ran hard especially September through March hunting and trapping and it’s been a bullet proof truck .
The 3.5 is a little unresponsive but a peddle commander fixes that and then some , and a old man emu lift and tires it’s going to be fun! You won’t find a better truck for running the hills