Newbie here... looking to buy a new Taco. Advice?

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NewGuy80

Member
I'm looking to buy a truck, and I've settled on the Tacoma, but I need some help navigating which model to get. I think it's down to either the SR5 or the TRD Sport.

I won't be off-roading (at most mountain roads for camping), but I want it for utility and some light towing. Must seat 5.

Some things I need in either:
- Double Cab
- Long Bed

Things I could use advice on:
- 2x4 or 4x4?
- Do they come with bed liner/coating? If not what's recommended?
- must-have and nice-to-have accessories/mods
- SR5 or TRD S or other?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I have driven trucks before (mostly Ford's and Dodges) when I was a park ranger, but this will be my first truck and first new vehicle for my 40th!

Help me get it right. Thanks!
 
Welcome to the forum! The SR5 and Sports are nice Tacos. They hold their value pretty darn well. Both the SR5 and Sports come with either Access cabs or Double cabs and both come with choice of long or short bed. If you live in a state that gets snow then 4WD would be nice....however, if you don't get snow and aren't planning on off-roading then the 2WD will serve you well. The beds are composite so don't have to worry 'bout them rusting. I suppose you could put a coating on it if you'd like...if you're planning on getting NEW then have the dealership throw in a bed mat in the negotiating.....they don't move, protect the bed and anything on them doesn't slide around. If you're planning on towing then consider the V6 over the 4-cyl. Once choice to make is auto or 6-speed manual. Quite a few options to choose from but the Sport is the nicer of the 2 with a few standard accessories not available on the SR models.

I'm sure some others will chime in here with recommendations and suggestions for you! Pretty knowledgeable folks here.
 
B-Man said:
Welcome to the forum! The SR5 and Sports are nice Tacos. They hold their value pretty darn well. Both the SR5 and Sports come with either Access cabs or Double cabs and both come with choice of long or short bed. If you live in a state that gets snow then 4WD would be nice....however, if you don't get snow and aren't planning on off-roading then the 2WD will serve you well. The beds are composite so don't have to worry 'bout them rusting. I suppose you could put a coating on it if you'd like...if you're planning on getting NEW then have the dealership throw in a bed mat in the negotiating.....they don't move, protect the bed and anything on them doesn't slide around. If you're planning on towing then consider the V6 over the 4-cyl. Once choice to make is auto or 6-speed manual. Quite a few options to choose from but the Sport is the nicer of the 2 with a few standard accessories not available on the SR models.

I'm sure some others will chime in here with recommendations and suggestions for you! Pretty knowledgeable folks here.
Click to expand...

Thanks for you input, B-Man. You reminded me that I will have to drive in snow occasionally around Tahoe (passing through 2-3 times a year), so it sounds like 4WD.

Also, I think I'll have to stick with automatic as I have very limited manual experience.
 
4WD can serve ya well when ya need it. Never know when you might need it but good to have in case you do. I have the auto also in my '17 OR. I like it. Was thinking' bout getting the 6-speed then the wife reminded she can't drive a stick. Some folks say the auto is a bit lacking but I've been happy with mine. Then again, out here in south central Nebraska we don't get too many hills.
 
Welcome to the forum. I have a SR5 4x2 v6 auto and completely satisfied with mine for what i need. We get little to no snow here and I don't off road but from what you've said a 4x4 might be more inline for you're needs. The composite beds are nice because they don't rust or scratch up but a bed mat is an absolute necessity, nothing stays put without one. There's absolutely endless reading in this forum for just about any question or problem you might encounter, sit back and enjoy.
 
NewGuy80 said:
I'm looking to buy a truck, and I've settled on the Tacoma, but I need some help navigating which model to get. I think it's down to either the SR5 or the TRD Sport.

I won't be off-roading (at most mountain roads for camping), but I want it for utility and some light towing. Must seat 5.

Some things I need in either:
- Double Cab
- Long Bed

Things I could use advice on:
- 2x4 or 4x4?
- Do they come with bed liner/coating? If not what's recommended?
- must-have and nice-to-have accessories/mods
- SR5 or TRD S or other?

Thanks in advance!

P.S. I have driven trucks before (mostly Ford's and Dodges) when I was a park ranger, but this will be my first truck and first new vehicle for my 40th!

Help me get it right. Thanks!
Click to expand...
17 Sport, manual, 4x4 here. 65k miles.
I don't know how to drive an automatic... lol
4x4 comes in handy a lot more when it's available... lol I'm around Tahoe quite often myself.
Looked up my KBB just a couple weeks ago and it's within $2k of my purchase price... [emoji106]

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk
 
It extends the life of your vehicle. Bed and body rust, security, protects paint, add mpg, protects cargo, and add looks. But if you dont want the add protect don't buy a cover.

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2e02990f3aa7284f58a608308d73805c.jpg
 
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Just out of curiosity what made you decide a Tacoma is best? It is a great truck for sure, but curious what has drawn you to it.

I’ll go ahead and say the back seat is very tight. You said seating 5 is a must and that seems like a taco isn’t the best fit unless it’s only for short trips and those in the back are smaller people. There’s a zero percent chance I would be able to ride in my back seat behind myself.

The #1 complaint I have about this truck is a ridiculously small back seat. So much so, that even though I just got it about a year ago, my wife thinks I need a bigger truck again bc we can’t road trip in it with the kids.


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