Am I crazy? I am lusting after a 2013 2.7 Tacoma regular cab, but is it healthy?

[NH Moto Expo]

Biggest thing I've always hated about reg cabs is I'm over 6 foot and I can't recline the seat even a little. I sat upright and my head was always right at the back glass. I hated feeling the cold glass right behind my head. OK...so maybe that was a problem because I'm also folically challenged...but I still didn't like it.

I would see how you fit in a reg cab before committing to one.

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

Have you ever owned a regular cab mini truck before? I've owned two, an 85 Toyota 4x4 and an 84 Mazda B2000 4x2. Here's the thing you may not realize: Those cabs are pretty small, especially once you put two people in there.

That's back in the day when 'mini trucks' were actually mini.

I had a 1999 Standard cab tacoma. I loved that truck...and, as time went by, felt that it was a little small inside. Then I got an FJ cruiser. While similarly sized to new tacomas, it felt gargantuan on the trails because it was a big block o truck with crappy visibility. Now I have a 2003 AC Ford Ranger. So, I'm back to a smaller 1st gen tacoma cab width but with the extended cab. I'm ready to go back to a standard cab tacoma. I feel like I want the cab width more than the cab depth. Plus, extended cab trucks are long and are just that much more of a pain in the rear to maneuver around if you live in the city or an apartment complex. I can't wait for the short, maneuverable little tacoma. Of course, it's just me and my fiance so we don't really need anything bigger. We've also found that it's really no big deal to rent a bigger car for a weekend on the odd occasion when we have family in town. Most people don't think of that option, but it's really a great deal if you don't want to pack around the bigger (and more expensive) truck all the time. Just really think about how often you really need those extra seats.

Auto or stick? Whichever you like, of course.

There are a ton of sleeping options. Shells, RTT's, trailers, tents, hammocks, etc. You'll find the right solution for you.

 

[TRDPARTS4U]

I love my '06 single cab, but it is a 3rd vehicle.

 

[STREGA]

I don't think you are crazy for wanting a RC Taco at all, there is a lot to like about them. My brother bought a 2012 RC 4x4 with a AT and I'am surprised at how well it performs. He pulls a So-Cal teardrop with it here in Colorado and it gets the job done. Granted it's not going to pull it over a mountain pass quickly like a V8 but if you are not in a hurry (and my brother is not) It will work fine. We looked at a few used Tacos in the '08-'11 year range and found them to be almost as much as a new truck so getting a new one with a warranty made sense. Since my brother hadn't held a driver license and driven for over 10 years we decided a AT would be best for him to get back into driving with, he loves this truck. If I was looking for a new ride I would seriously consider the RC 4x4 with an auto.

 

[Martinjmpr]

I can't wait for the short, maneuverable little tacoma. Of course, it's just me and my fiance so we don't really need anything bigger.

Might want to double check with the fiancee before you pull the trigger.

'Cause if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Ask me how I know that.

A short drive is one thing, a multi-day trip is something else.

 

[dnorrell]

I really appreciate all the thoughtful input. There is quite a variety of opinions, and that's great.

Though I'm about 6'2, I fit in the RC when I drove it with room to spare. Much of that comes down to preferred driving position, and I like being more upright than reclined. When I placed the seat in my comfort zone, I still had room to spare for reclining and positioning the seat further back. I will agree, that is a major consideration for the AC, as the passenger can recline the seat and catch a few Zzzs while on a longer trip. That said, I've been running my JK with a pet barrier directly behind the front seats, so I have virtually regular-cabbed it and survived long road trips just fine.

I've also owned a regular cab truck before, but it was a bit bigger than the current Tacoma (Chevy 1500). Even still, I miss that truck: roll-up windows, rubber floor, long bed, 4x4.

This Tacoma will be a third car, at least for the time being. I am shocked at how well the little RCs hold their value. I have looked for late-model used ones, but with current pricing incentives on new there isn't a ton of pricing gap to encourage me to skip one that comes with a warranty.

I think my next step is to drive the RC and AC back to back, without the salesman riding along asking me a ton of questions.

STREGA, I'd love to see a picture of your brother's set-up if you've got one!

Cheers!

 

[1 Bored Clerk]

Might want to double check with the fiancee before you pull the trigger.

'Cause if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Ask me how I know that.

A short drive is one thing, a multi-day trip is something else.

Haha, we've had this discussion. She gets fully on board with the RC tacoma every time she has to back out of our parking spot or parallel park the ranger in downtown Portland. Besides, the suicide doors on extended cab trucks are a wicked pain in the butt in parking spots. We still toss groceries in the back of the truck because of this. The FJ Cruiser I had was the same. Just before the extended cab Ranger, we had a 2wd regular cab ranger with vinyl seats, and no A/C for 2 years. (back to school for a career change...best thing I ever did!) Cab size wasn't really an issue...other than having some width would have been nice...and fabric seats! Vinyl brings the MAJOR suck in all weather conditions. We have had a couple of Rangers due to their super cheap buy in costs compared to Tacomas...and their relatively great condition compared to tacomas of the same vintage. People seem to LOVE to beat on their toyotas. Can't wait to get back into a Toyota though...there is a HUGE difference and don't let anyone tell you different! (feel, design, engineering, execution, reliability)

 

[2025 deleted member]

If I was single with no kids than the RC would be my choice. It seems like my back seats just ending up holding crap that I dont need and should clean out of the truck anyways.

 

[dnorrell]

I had an extended cab Ranger around 2004, bought it new. It was a great little truck, but I see exactly what you mean when compared to the Tacoma. Not long after that I had a double cab Tundra (2007). Gosh, I loved that beast, but it was so big and - IMHO - not practical for trail use, or city parking Sadly, we were rear-ended on I-25 and the poor Tundra was totaled. Otherwise, I would probably still be driving it. That said, I have no interest in driving another one. My heart is with the Tacoma.

...with a Flippac, so it seems. Anyone know the owner of this little fella?

I came across it in this thread last night, and since it is in Colorado, I would love to come take a peek in person! :drool:

 

[STREGA]

dnorrell, I don't think I have a picture of the truck/trailer together but I will check and if I do I will get it to you. My brother is actually living in Denver now so getting a pic if I don't have one now may be a while. The tear drop and truck do look good together, but it look even better behind the FJ Cruiser.

Flip Pacs are interesting but I wonder how well they do in high winds? I kinda like the 4Wheel pop up camper basic shell, kinda fits the keep it simple idea of the RC Taco.

 

[p nut]

...Flip Pacs are interesting but I wonder how well they do in high winds? I kinda like the 4Wheel pop up camper basic shell, kinda fits the keep it simple idea of the RC Taco.

I haven't heard any complaints from Flip Pac owners regarding the sturdiness of the tent. I think it makes more sense to get something like a FlipPac for a RC due to limited cab space. Having the tent up top leaves a TON of cargo room in the bed.

 

[dnorrell]

STREGA, is there something specific you are thinking of (model/manufacturer) when you mention "4Wheel pop up camper basic shell"? I am very curious, as all the ones I have seen are $$$$. I am also curious about Flip Pac with high wind. I like the idea, but would prefer something with a hard top and possibly fabric sides like a pop up.

Thanks!

Edit: I think I found an example, like the Four Wheel Camper shell model...

 

[STREGA]

STREGA, is there something specific you are thinking of (model/manufacturer) when you mention "4Wheel pop up camper basic shell"? I am very curious, as all the ones I have seen are $$$$. I am also curious about Flip Pac with high wind. I like the idea, but would prefer something with a hard top and possibly fabric sides like a pop up.

Thanks!

Edit: I think I found an example, like the Four Wheel Camper shell model...

That would be it. The shell model is still high $$$ but quite a bit less than the fully equipted models and you can do your own interior build to suit your needs or leave it empty.

 

[Area52]

Might want to double check with the fiancee before you pull the trigger.

'Cause if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy. Ask me how I know that.

A short drive is one thing, a multi-day trip is something else.

This is good info.

I've owned many reg cab Toyotas, mostly when I was single.

In 2006 I bought my base model Taco, which I intended to use for commute and light duty.

I drove it to PA from TX with no issues by my self, and overall I really liked it.

When traveling with the spousal unit, things changed. On long trips, limited in cab storage and not being able to recline the seat was a PITA.

I would recommend at least the access cab.

I currently have a 2012 double cab, which is an awesome rig.

 

[surlydiesel]

To add a bit more, I bought a 2008 Access cab 2.7, 4X4, roll up windows and non power locks, brand new when my 1999 Tacoma got bought back. I owned that truck for 5 months and 10,000 miles and really didn't jive with it. It did not seem near as well built as the 99 and the electronic throttle had such a lag time, I really got frustrated on steep hills, waiting for the motor to rev so I wouldn't stall from a stop. I appreciated the extra space when it was my only vehicle and I could jam a person in the back but it was a damn big truck but with very little payload and it didn't fit in all the places that 99 would fit in. I sold it and drove a 2002 Tundra for 2 years and it felt basically the same size but at least it had some load carrying capacity. Once I sold my house, I no longer needed a "truck" to move firewood and such as often and I wanted a small truck with good milage again. I right away wanted a 2004 or older and was in love with the reg cab idea. Once a week or so, I wish I had an extended cab but it hasn't been enough for me to sell the reg cab and get an extended cab. When I have to turn around in a tight space or slip through a spot getting to a hiking trailhead, I love the size!!! After all this rambling, I would prob own a 05+ reg cab, it would feel huge compared to my truck and I'm sure I would not need an extended cab. Auto vs Manual is a driver preference, I drove a 95 F350 crew cab long bed diesel for 5 years along with the different yotas and it was a manual and I wouldn't own an auto anything if I didn't have a 2nd driver who is really not interested in learning. Get what works for you and enjoy it for years to come!!!!
Cheers,
Jorge