Help choosing a Tacoma

[millerfish]

Help choosing a Tacoma

I am looking at picking up a used Tacoma and would appreciate some opinion on what to get. My requirements are:
Long Bed
4X4
Double Cab
Automatic
What I would like to know is what years, engines, Packages, ect… would be the best way to go. I will be using this truck camping and some moderate off roading. I will be pulling a small off road trailer. Any suggestions of what to look for or stay away from would be a great help.
Also I would like to stick to an American over the Mexican made Tacoma if possible.

Thanks

 

[pwr2lbs]

Well they don't make a long bed in the first Gen style, So it looks like you want an 2005 and on second Gen, and the four doors only come with the 4.0L V6 I believe.

 

[millerfish]

Is the V6 a better power plant? I like the idea of the bigger motor. I have been in full size trucks for a long time and will be moving from a E350 diesel. So is everything from 05 up pretty much the same?

 

[DaVikes]

The drivetrains are pretty much the same from '05 on up. In '09 there was an upgrade to the electronic systems, and I believe that is year that side curtain airbags became standard. If you want a longbed, the 4.0 V6 is your only choice. And, coming from a diesel, you don't want the four cylinder. You also cannot get the off road package in a long bed, although that is not a dealbreaker. You can always add a rear locker later.

 

[millerfish]

Is the TRD package really any big deal? It looks like the only items that would increase the trucks ability is Bilstein shocks and 17-in wheels the sliding rear window and the 115W/400W AC power outlet would be nice also.

 

[enzo]

You have 2 different TRD packages. Sport and Off Road. You probably want the OR version as it has a rear locker. I'm not going into great detail on the packages as there are several sites that have covered this topic millions of times. Go to Tacomaworld.com and do some research. Warning-that site is addictive so be prepared.

 

[KJP]

I just bought a 2013 Tacoma SR5 long bed. I went with the SR5 since it has the tow package... which for towing wasn't that big of a requirement but the tow package comes with engine oil cooler, tranny cooler, heavy duty alternator - all of which to me is a bonus when putting together a backcountry vehicle. I looked at the TRD, but unless you get the package with the locker, I figured that I would just be replacing the suspension anyway with something aftermarket - so why spend the extra money on the TRD. If I could have found one with the locker at a good price, that may have been a deal changer.

 

[p nut]

You may want to check out 1st gen Tundras. They have a longer bed, are plenty capable for off roads, and will better pull your trailer. Just thought I'd mention just in case.

 

[montypower]

You may want to check out 1st gen Tundras. They have a longer bed, are plenty capable for off roads, and will better pull your trailer. Just thought I'd mention just in case.

I agree. Plus the 1st Gen Tundra is nearly identical in size (width) to the 2nd Gen Tacoma. But they typically sell for less money. Plus, bigger engine.

 

[Plannerman]

Why an American made Tacoma over a Mexican? Having had one of each, I feel very comfortable saying that they are the same. Same items have worn at the same intervals. Although it was my American Tacoma that got lemon lawed.

IIRC, 2009 was the last year of production in America


Sent via fat thumb

 

[WHEC724MK]

Ive got a 2013 T-Force Taco with the upgraded dual resivour bilstien shocks sock sliders and skidplates yadayadayada. No TRD package but you can easily do any mild off roading and camping with it. Id grab a SR5 4X4 and not thing twice and about 4-5 grand cheaper than the TRD 0ffroad

 

[juicebox]

I'd say keep your options open and just look for the best deal. Certainly do your homework and check how the models differ from each other. I was actually pretty set on getting a base/sr5 model d-cab, then adding an ARB or some other locker later on, but I ended up finding a TRD model much cheaper than any others in my area. Like I said... If you aren't dead set on one particular model, you'll leave your options open to find a good deal.

 

[millerfish]

Thanks for all the input. I agree with KJP if I can't get the locker OR package with the long bed the sport package is really just the shocks. And they can be had for 100 each. The tow package however looks like a good thing and as far as I can see all V6 DC have it. As far as wanting to buy an American truck, It's not that the Mexico trucks are not good I would just prefer (in these difficult economic times) to see an American worker with that job...

 

[Plannerman]

The TRD packages also come with improved seats. Much better than base.

The American Tacomas were built at the NUMMI plant in Fremont, CA. That plant was shut down in 2009 shortly after GMC went bk. however, I think the beds for all if the trucks are still built in Long Beach, CA


Sent via fat thumb

 

[millerfish]

The NUMMI line moved to Texas according to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TMMTX#Production

Kinda hard to find here in CA but if the VIN starts with a 5 it's a Texas build, 3 is a Mexico build.