A Tundra for my Tacoma? What would you do?

[Youngunner]

I've been considering the idea of ditching my 03 Tacoma for a 00-05 Tundra. Either selling outright or trading if I find the right Tundra. I would like something capable of towing a horse trailer and car hauler occasionally, but still set up for expedition/off-roading. Would this be a wise move? I need input!

 

[freeze]

How much does the horse trailer weigh?

Maybe go with the newer gen Tacoma?

 

[laxtoy]

i am torn a good deal about this as well, but i tend to run some tighter trails where a full size wouldn't be as comfortable and live in the city, so a taco is nicer for parking and such. i really wish i had the bed space though, being a remodel carpenter, i sometimes have to pack every tool under the sun, and just can't fit it all, where my coworker with a tundra has no problem (the bed/tailgate especially feels a LOT stronger as well). if i were you, and needed the room and ability to tow a horse trailer and don't feel you need a smaller truck for the trails you like to take, i think i would trade up.

 

[PHXtaco]

Have you considered just adding a TRD supercharger to the taco?

This is assuming that the only reason you are wanting to trade your taco is towing capability.

 

[RR1]

Maybe go with the newer gen Tacoma?

I would do a 2005+ Tacoma with a super charger, about the same size as a first Gen Tundra, plus you can get a manual transmission...much better for towing. IMO.

Looked at the 1st gen Tundra''s when I was in the market, they didn't do it for me. That year Tundra the interior is down right awful, I spend a lot of time in the vehicle. I have a fullsize Ford right now, considering downsizing to a 05+ Tacoma...seems like the perfect size truck. Not to too small not too big. Test drove one the other day, very impressed.

 

[J*C*M]

I've got a 05 tacoma, my dad has an 05 tundra. As far as comfort goes, i would take my truck any day of the week no questions asked. I prefer the layout, the controls, the seating, just about everything.

I opt'd for the 2.7 because i don't tow more then a motorcycle, and the 4.0 just hadn't been tested yet. All things considered, i don't get much better mileage then the 4.0 guys, if i were to do it again i would get a 4.0. Obviously the Tundra has better out of the box towing, but not that much better...

All things considered, unless you need the bigger bed, which it doesn't seem you do, i would S/C a 4.0 Tacoma.

 

[Ryanmb21]

Why not get an older Ford F150 (or similar) to use as your tow vehicle? Keep your sweet taco.

 

[wanderer-rrorc]

HAVE YOUR VIN CHECKED!!

I have several instructors on campus that have taken their taco's in for service and discovered they were recalled...given FULL vehicle trade in (as if it was flawless trade)...which ammounted to over $5K for some...THEN..get ya a used tundra...

win win!!:coffeedrink:

 

[Overland Hadley]

x3 on the Gen 2 (05+) Tacoma option.

 

[jim65wagon]

Get the Tundra, an 05-06 would have the vvti-V8, gets nearly the same unloaded gas mileage as a Tacoma, gets better mileage towing, and will fit almost anyplace a first gen Taco will go and everywhere a 2nd gen Taco will go.

 

[mtnbike28]

Tacoma love?

why no 1st gen Taco love?

OK I have an 02 DC, I love the truck and it looks great.
With lift, 235s, bumpers and armor, I get ~17 mpg day in and out, but towing
my 1500lb trailer I avg 13.... that sucks for long range trips! I spent $1000 in gas on a two week trip with it.

If I had a Flip-pac (can't really sleep 3 in a 5 foot bed) I would stay with the 1st gen. But if you are trailering I would suggest an 07 Taco or the Tundra's James suggested!

as always YMMV

 

[ol' scott]

HAVE YOUR VIN CHECKED!!

I have several instructors on campus that have taken their taco's in for service and discovered they were recalled...given FULL vehicle trade in (as if it was flawless trade)...which ammounted to over $5K for some...THEN..get ya a used tundra...

win win!!:coffeedrink:

Either I'm confused or your instructors got ripped off. I was pretty sure on the frame recall folks were offered Blue Book Value + a certain % of that. Not trade in value.

I've driven a 2000, 2.7l Tacoma Regular Cab, 2004, 3.4l Tacoma Double Cab, and my current 2002, 4.7l Tundra. I've towed with all three and of course the Tundra was the best of the bunch. The Tundra is far more comfortable in my opinion, certainly hauls better, and of course has more power. The only downside is the turning radius with the Tundra sucks compared to my old Regular Cab Tacoma.

We towed a two horse trailer with one horse in it with the 3.4l Tacoma and it was a bit dogish. I'd certainly opt for the Tundra if towing anything near the upper limits of the Tacoma. Better too much power than not enough when it comes to towing (both starting and stopping wise).

 

[Youngunner]

So...pretty much, everyone has a different suggestion! I have thought about the newer tacomas, I'll have to look in to them more, maybe take a test drive. I think they would be prefect with a v8...

Keep the ides coming folks...

 

[nucktaco]

ive got a 08 DC LB taco with the 4.0L auto and my dad has an 07 crewmax limited. the rear seat space and power is nice with the tundra but as an all around DD/mild hauler/expo rig i would definitly stick with an 05+ tacoma. the seats in the trd sport models are amazing!:victory:

 

[greg mgm]

I've been considering the idea of ditching my 03 Tacoma for a 00-05 Tundra. Either selling outright or trading if I find the right Tundra. I would like something capable of towing a horse trailer and car hauler occasionally, but still set up for expedition/off-roading. Would this be a wise move? I need input!

The safest way to tow your trailers is with a Tundra (Or whatever full size) but the trade off is maneuverability. I can't comment on the 00-05 Tundra, but I have a '10 that I absolutely love. Tows and hauls like a champ and rides great. I don't like it for running errands because of the length (extended cab short bed) and on the trails it would be limited because of it's size. Although some people off road their Tundras, the ideal situation IMO is a Tundra and a smaller trail runner/ off road vehicle.

Any way you could swing buying an older full size truck and keeping your Taco?