Help me spec out a new 2017 Tacoma

[2025 deleted member]

Man, then you'd better start looking back a few more decades. Even your trucks got a butt load of computerized "gee-gaws". My father in law had an old f100 and used to tell me about the jankiest ghetto fixes on that thing that would in no way work on any modern trucks, including the barebones SR Taco.
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The best solution is to just embrace the changes. Autos are AOK. Say it with me. Autos are AOK. ABS is my BFF. Gee Gaws make me Hee Haw.

I don't think he would say that if you had a gun pointed at his head.

 

[Clutch]

Man, then you'd better start looking back a few more decades. Even your trucks got a butt load of computerized "gee-gaws". My father in law had an old f100 and used to tell me about the jankiest ghetto fixes on that thing that would in no way work on any modern trucks, including the barebones SR Taco.
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The best solution is to just embrace the changes. Autos are AOK. Say it with me. Autos are AOK. ABS is my BFF. Gee Gaws make me Hee Haw.

We had those old 70's trucks...nothing really to them. Man some of the "fixes" we did to them. Yeah, can't do that with the new stuff. Compared to those, I don't consider a SR Taco barebones, kinda shocked how much stuff they come with. Also what is shocking, is most people don't think it comes with enough stuff. Amazing what people need in their vehicles these days. Car people are changing trucks tha is for sure, guys who never owned the old stuff...nor ever owned a truck...thinking that Tacomas are basic...no, not really.

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ooooh, getting tired of change to tell you the truth, every time you turn around things keep on changing at a faster and faster pace. While I love our new locale, that moved about killed me. No more change please I just want to maintain.

That's another thing I just don't get with the line up. Why can you get a double cab V6 SR 4wd but not an extended cab V6 SR manual with a utility package?! It's maddening! The SR5 V6 is auto only and it's $8,000 more than a SR 4wd Utility package GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR. For what? Cruise control and two cylinders.....awesome.

This past weekend camping (uberlanding) I pulled 21mpg on a 4 hour trip out of my 16 year old 150k mile 4wd 3.5 (200 hp) Sport with 265/75r16s, a roof rack, and some off pavement. Guess that's why I still haven't bought anything newish that's 4wd. Heck I'll probably end up just buying a second one for $2500 as a back up some where and instead buy a new Miata or 124 Abarth for daily duty. The new stuff in the 4wd market is awfully lame or $40k+

The Tacoma optioning is wonky, isn't it? You have to spend the money to get a TRD to get a stick. I suspect Toyota doesn't really want to sell manual transmissions. An SR5 Access Cab with a V6/6-speed is exactly what I'd want and I bet that would be the case with a lot of people. I'd get the SR 4 cylinder/5-speed if I had to replace my truck right now but it's only because I don't think the TRD Offroad price is justified when all I really want is the e-locker.

I have the TRD OR but I got it used so the calculus was different. I've been removing things I don't want so I'm in effect cratering the value of my truck by taking a TRD to a quasi SR/SR5 kind of thing. I have a line on base model doors with crank windows, for example. I'm taking out the inverter, which is under the center console and right where I want to put a Tuffy box.

Yeah, can't stand how Toyota packages their trucks now. Another reason I am having a hard time letting go of mine, seems like it has "just enough" tech without going over board. EFI is about the only thing I want, and have manual everything else, though power windows sure are nice, don't have to stretch over and wind down the passenger window.

To get a V6 manual in the ACLB, I have to spend another $7-8K, money I rather spend on something else. Guys spending $40K on a damn pickup truck just seems crazy to me....Hell, $25K for the SR is too much, wonder if they could get the price lower if all the standard electronic equipment was an option? I can find base model V6 4WD domestics closer to $20K...but no manual trans anymore.

Not sure what to do, mine I am getting tired of fixing it, since it is 18 years old, with 350K miles on it. Buy another and just keep them in rotation as they break. Or buy a new one, and no longer have to fuss with it?

Do you think that's profit driven, or just the lack of resources to make various options available? Same thing's happening with the Tundra. i.e. you have to get at least SR5 Premium to get the bigger 39 gallon tank. That's what drew me to Ford--you can get any engine (at the lower trim levels), any rear end with an optional e-locker. I'm hoping that's the case with the new Ranger as well.

Think it is purely profit driven, since Toyota has plenty of resources, they are simply stream lining the production line. Look at FWC campers over the years, they keep on raising prices because they are now making what was optional equipment is now standard. Gone are the customizations too. Good for business, bad for cheap SOB curmudgeons who aren't ever going to buy new anyways, but like to ********** and moan on the intergoogle machine of how it "should" be. While any truck old or new will get the job done for them.

Kinda waiting and seeing what Ford does with the Ranger, having my doubts that they'll do a base XL. Since the other manufactures have no problem selling theirs at $40K. Is kinda crazy that you can get a base 1/2 ton cheaper than a mid-size.

Chevy does have the V6 available in their base Colorado 4WD....just no manny...honestly like the looks of the Chevy over the new Tacoma.

 

[PirateMcGee]

Clutch, I recently drove a 15 Utility Package with the 2.7, 4wd, and 5 speed. Power was fine but that's here in TN and I still had to go to 4th to maintain 60 up a smallish grade on the interstate. However, the rpms were quite low at 60-65 which was awesome.

If I was towing (even a snowmobile) and living back west again (oh how I wish it was so) I think I would end up with a 03/04 V6 5 speed with the lowest mileage I could find or a 05/06 Tundra Extended cab or a RCSB 07-14 Tundra (especially with the 4.6).

 

[p nut]

Kinda waiting and seeing what Ford does with the Ranger, having my doubts that they'll do a base XL. Since the other manufactures have no problem selling theirs at $40K. Is kinda crazy that you can get a base 1/2 ton cheaper than a mid-size.

Chevy does have the V6 available in their base Colorado 4WD....just no manny...honestly like the looks of the Chevy over the new Tacoma.

I'd be kind of surprised if Ford doesn't do a Ranger XL. They offer the stripped work trucks for all models, including their vans. I'd imagine they'd add it to their line up based on the amount of demand from all companies looking for fleet vehicles.
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But that doesn't matter if you're looking at a FWC. Just go half or 3/4 ton. Grab one of those FS vehicles with a V8 manual and call it good.

 

[Clutch]

Clutch, I recently drove a 15 Utility Package with the 2.7, 4wd, and 5 speed. Power was fine but that's here in TN and I still had to go to 4th to maintain 60 up a smallish grade on the interstate. However, the rpms were quite low at 60-65 which was awesome.

If I was towing (even a snowmobile) and living back west again (oh how I wish it was so) I think I would end up with a 03/04 V6 5 speed with the lowest mileage I could find or a 05/06 Tundra Extended cab or a RCSB 07-14 Tundra (especially with the 4.6).

I drove the new 2.7 too, felt like it it plenty of pep for driving around empty, it is having loaded down towing 2-3 bikes on my 5X8 open trailer headed up to the mountains is what worries me. The dealer wouldn't let me toss 1000 lbs in the bed so I could test it, go figure!


I have been looking 1st gen Tundras, will have to give my manny, but of well. Even though I am getting tire of fixing mine, other than the original engine and trans/transfer case. Whole driveline has been rebuilt. I have thought of throwing in a fresh super charged 3.4 in mine to tote a FWC. Though I think a 1st gen Tundra would handle it better. Seems like I can those for around $10-15K .

I'd be kind of surprised if Ford doesn't do a Ranger XL. They offer the stripped work trucks for all models, including their vans. I'd imagine they'd add it to their line up based on the amount of demand from all companies looking for fleet vehicles.

It will be interesting what they do...wish they would hurry up.
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But that doesn't matter if you're looking at a FWC. Just go half or 3/4 ton. Grab one of those FS vehicles with a V8 manual and call it good.

Going that route would still be under budget [$25K] Just have to decide if I want a new daily that is used to haul a camper occasionally, or have a a full time camper...and another vehicle for a daily. Which I already have two of those. The current Taco and my Trooper. And to be honest...a full time camper, will probably sit mostly, maybe get used twice a month during riding season.

Have been watching Iggy's thread on Taco-World. Kinda diggin that, bare bones, super qucik setup... which I like. but a better wind and rain resistant version of what I have now...wouldn't mind daily driving it either. Could just leave it on the truck, where I wouldn't with the FWC. The 2.7 SR might be "ok" too.

 

[p nut]

I would nix the two car plan. Such a waste of money to see the camper/tow vehicle just sit and rot.
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That's a nice set up. I'd imagine you wouldn't have issues with a 2.7L with such a light set up, but that plus towing a trailer....I don't know....
I wouldn't leave an Alaskan on the truck, but FWC? I don't see it being any more cumbersome than that set up above. You don't drive that far anyway on a daily basis, right?

 

[Clutch]

Clutch, I recently drove a 15 Utility Package with the 2.7, 4wd, and 5 speed. Power was fine but that's here in TN and I still had to go to 4th to maintain 60 up a smallish grade on the interstate. However, the rpms were quite low at 60-65 which was awesome.

If I was towing (even a snowmobile) and living back west again (oh how I wish it was so) I think I would end up with a 03/04 V6 5 speed with the lowest mileage I could find or a 05/06 Tundra Extended cab or a RCSB 07-14 Tundra (especially with the 4.6).

I drove the new 2.7 too, felt like it it plenty of pep for driving around empty, it is having loaded down towing 2-3 bikes on my 5X8 open trailer headed up to the mountains is what worries me. The dealer wouldn't let me toss 1000 lbs in the bed so I could test it, go figure!


I have been looking 1st gen Tundras, will have to give my manny, but of well. Even though I am getting tire of fixing mine, other than the original engine and trans/transfer case. Whole driveline has been rebuilt. I have thought of throwing in a fresh super charged 3.4 in mine to tote a FWC. Though I think a 1st gen Tundra would handle it better. Seems like I can those for around $10-15K .

I'd be kind of surprised if Ford doesn't do a Ranger XL. They offer the stripped work trucks for all models, including their vans. I'd imagine they'd add it to their line up based on the amount of demand from all companies looking for fleet vehicles.

It will be interesting what they do...wish they would hurry up.
_

But that doesn't matter if you're looking at a FWC. Just go half or 3/4 ton. Grab one of those FS vehicles with a V8 manual and call it good.

Going that route would still be under budget [$25K] Just have to decide if I want a new daily that is used to haul a camper occasionally, or have a a full time camper...and another vehicle for a daily. Which I already have two of those. The current Taco and my Trooper. And to be honest...a full time camper, will probably sit mostly, maybe get used twice a month during riding season.

Have been watching Iggy's thread on Taco-World. Kinda diggin that, bare bones, super qucik setup... which I like. but a better wind and rain resistant version of what I have now...wouldn't mind daily driving it either. Could just leave it on the truck, where I wouldn't with the FWC. The 2.7 SR might be "ok" too.

 

[Dalko43]

I am not saying like it is bad thing. Honestly I think they have gone a little far with the electronic gee-gaws. Some of us still want a mostly basic truck, which is nearly impossible to get any more. What was once an option like AC, power windows, automatic trans, etc...is now standard.

Heck, very hard to find a manual trans anymore...Toyota gives you only 2 trim levels if you want an Access Cab and a manny. SR 4 banger...or jump up to the V6 Sport, nothing inbetween. So if I want a the bare bones ACLB with a manny and a V6 I am SOL. Kinda lame on Toyota's part.

We really don't get the basic utility trucks here, like they do over seas. Even those come with a bunch of now standard "options" of yore.

Other than the manual option, what "standard" options are you yearning for? No A/C? Manual Windows? Manual seats? Why worry about that kind of stuff? The modern engines, even those used overseas, are all electronically managed now, so if the electronic gee-gaws go, the windows, radio and power seats malfunctioning will be the least of your concerns.

Also, there most definitely are basic utility trucks for sale here in the US:

Ram 2500 Tradesmen, single cab long bed, 6.7l cummins, 6-speed manual transmission with manual transfer case shifter, cloth seats, basic radio, optional h/o alternators, auxiliary switches, and PTO functionality (if you step up to the 3500 model with the Aisin). As well, plenty of different options with the chassis models: ambulance prep, snow-plow prep, different fuel tank configurations and gearing, ect.

Switch out the diesel engine for the a Hemi v8 and you are limited to an auto transmission but still get all the other 'utility-focused' options.

Ford has similar models, not sure about Chevy.

Also there is the Ram Power Wagon, which also comes in a no-frills Tradesmen trim.

Point is, there are utility-focused 4x4's offered in America. You're just not going to find them in Toyota's offerings here in North America.

 

[Clutch]

Other than the manual option, what "standard" options are you yearning for?

Hand crank starter....(I kid, I kid)

Point is, there are utility-focused 4x4's offered in America.

Yeah I know, think it is more about me being a Toyota fan boi, than anything. Afraid to try something else, even though the others offer better choices. Honestly any one of them work for I what need no matter the brand.

 

[PirateMcGee]

I would nix the two car plan. Such a waste of money to see the camper/tow vehicle just sit and rot.
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That's a nice set up. I'd imagine you wouldn't have issues with a 2.7L with such a light set up, but that plus towing a trailer....I don't know....
I wouldn't leave an Alaskan on the truck, but FWC? I don't see it being any more cumbersome than that set up above. You don't drive that far anyway on a daily basis, right?

View attachment 405187

Eh the two car plan works great for me.....I have a 60 mile commute (round trip). The Fit gets 40mpg, tires are cheap, long time between oil changes, it can dart around traffic, run for groceries etc. This allows me to keep miles off my expensive to replace 4wd vehicle and leave a bunch of camping gear in it so it's no big deal to run out on the weekends for fishing, hunting, and camping at the drop of a hat. When I lived in CO I was able to ride my bike to work at which point two vehicles was silly but if you have a commute it makes a ton of sense and opens up the possibility of a Tundra adventure vehicle. All total, the Fit nearly pays for itself just in fuel costs.

You can get a excellent commuter for 5-7k and an extremely excellent adventure vehicle for 10k (or half that for Mitsu ).....far less than even a stripped SR. It's also really helpful for DIY maintenance.

 

[Clutch]

I would nix the two car plan. Such a waste of money to see the camper/tow vehicle just sit and rot.
_
That's a nice set up. I'd imagine you wouldn't have issues with a 2.7L with such a light set up, but that plus towing a trailer....I don't know....
I wouldn't leave an Alaskan on the truck, but FWC? I don't see it being any more cumbersome than that set up above. You don't drive that far anyway on a daily basis, right?

View attachment 405187

We had 3 for about 8 years, that VW Westy...yep it pretty much sat, maybe used it once or twice a month, was nice to have when one of the other vehicles went into the shop though.

Her commute is only 3/4's of mile, mine is 28 (one way), 95% freeway. I wouldn't want to commute daily with a camper. She could daily the camper to keep the miles off it, and I use the Trooper. No reason to buy a commuter car for me, since I literally paid $1.00 for the Trooper. $15-20K for a basic commuter sedan buys an awful lot of fuel and repairs for the White Whale.

2.7 might be ok, since 98% of the time I only tow my bike, she is so busy with the new job she does get to go very often. I "think" things will calm down "if" she gets tenure in 2 years. I dunno, new truck would be mostly a daily, tow the dirt bike once a week...then camp once or twice a month. Which is being generous on the camping thing, here it is mid June, and I am finally getting to go for the first time this year this weekend, mainly because of weather (lotsa snow and rain this year) and have been too busy.


I do like those 1st gen Tundras, funny I was just looking at that guy's setup. Not too big, not too small...just riiiight. Shame they quit making that size, or at the very least should of had a V8 option in the 2nd-3rd gen Tacoma.

 

[p nut]

Eh the two car plan works great for me....

I had the same set up in the past. In fact, had a 1st gen Fit that was an excellent daily driver (still miss that car). There are a LOT of benefits, as you mentioned. Maintenance is easier/cheaper on the commuter, better MPG, etc. I came out net positive when I sold the vehicle. But few minor things ended up with me ditching the commuter. One, my commute got shortened to 25 miles round trip. Second, I started simplifying everything. Clothes to bikes. Made sense to just have one car (two, including the wife's). Plus, not having to worry about maintenance and registration details on 3 cars was nice. And I found I really like driving my truck. All personal though.

We had 3 for about 8 years, that VW Westy...yep it pretty much sat, maybe used it once or twice a month, was nice to have when one of the other vehicles went into the shop though.

Her commute is only 3/4's of mile, mine is 28 (one way), 95% freeway. I wouldn't want to commute daily with a camper. She could daily the camper to keep the miles off it, and I use the Trooper. No reason to buy a commuter car for me, since I literally paid $1.00 for the Trooper. $15-20K for a basic commuter sedan buys an awful lot of fuel and repairs for the White Whale.

2.7 might be ok, since 98% of the time I only tow my bike, she is so busy with the new job she does get to go very often. I "think" things will calm down "if" she gets tenure in 2 years. I dunno, new truck would be mostly a daily, tow the dirt bike once a week...then camp once or twice a month. Which is being generous on the camping thing, here it is mid June, and I am finally getting to go for the first time this year this weekend, mainly because of weather (lotsa snow and rain this year) and have been too busy.


I do like those 1st gen Tundras, funny I was just looking at that guy's setup. Not too big, not too small...just riiiight. Shame they quit making that size, or at the very least should of had a V8 option in the 2nd-3rd gen Tacoma.

You might be ok with the 2.7. I mean, people used to drag these things all over the world.

 

[Clutch]

You might be ok with the 2.7. I mean, people used to drag these things all over the world.

Just need one of these stickers on the tailgate and call it good!

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Thinking about it, a FWC might not work, since I use my truck so much for other things besides camping, what I like about my Wildernest is that is you can still use the bed of the truck.

 

[PirateMcGee]

I had a 0-60 in 2-3 minutes sticker on the back of my 22re 4runner. I got pulled over once in it doing 55 up a hill in what was apparently a 45; told the cop I didn't know it could go that fast....he let me go.

 

[Clutch]

I had a 0-60 in 2-3 minutes sticker on the back of my 22re 4runner. I got pulled over once in it doing 55 up a hill in what was apparently a 45; told the cop I didn't know it could go that fast....he let me go.

Ha ha!

After owning an air cooled bus, the 2.7 Tacoma feels like a rocketship.

Had a couple of the 22RE's, man... those were slow. There was a reason I started buying slow Toyotas, used to be into muscle cars, but after getting my license suspended for street racing, needed something that forces me to go slow. Have been doing it for so long now, I'll often catch myself going below the speed limit. yeah, I am "that guy" that everyone else hates.