Need advice on ExPo Taco models!

[katuah]

So there's a moderate possibility that I will somewhat-unexpectedly be buying a new vehicle sooner rather than later. I decided a while back that I wanted my next vehicle to be a pickup, and really prefer the Tacoma, but I've not yet had time to do much research on best models, things to watch out for, etc. Hence this thread. If this works out it will have to be newer than about 2012 for reasons of financing. I want 4wd, crew cab/4-doors, will do it up for expo'ing as best I can on a budget. Have been going back-and-forth on short vs long bed. Long = easier to camp inside a shell, short = easier to navigate on trails...? So all y'all ExPo'ers, what do you recommend I look for, and/or look to stay away from? Assume I know very little, cos that's true. I researched my last vehicles incessantly for months ahead of time so this is feeling pretty weird. I am willing to read some but wont have lots of time, links are good but not too many please. Ergh.

 

[AggroCrag]

The easy answer would be Double cab TRD Off Road. That is the prefered flavor because of the stock features (LOCKER, ATRAC). The question really comes down to this: do you want to sleep in the bed of your truck? if yes, then you need a long bed. You cannot get the long bed with the TRD off road package unless you go with a '16 model. If you do decide on long bed, I would personally try to find a nice used SR5 long bed, double cab 4x4. I personally hate the stock TRD Sport wheels, and there is no sense in paying more for something that doesn't lend itself to overlanding. Just my opinion.

 

[Xrunner]

What's your budget?

 

[Martinjmpr]

I want 4wd, crew cab/4-doors,

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Well I hope you don't want rear disc brakes. eepwall:

 

[katuah]

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Well I hope you don't want rear disc brakes. eepwall:

I saw that thread. Am not Going There.

 

[katuah]

What's your budget?

Depends on what I can get for my current vehicle, probably around $28-30K total.