Toyota Tacoma??

[jhynesrockmtn]

My life has changed significantly since moving from Seattle to Spokane and taking a job working in a non profit that uses horses in therapy programs for the disabled. My days range from feeding horses, moving hay, meeting with donors, working in classes, etc.

I currently drive a 2005 Acura MDX which I've owned since almost new. 135,000 on it. I also have a 2010 GTI that is beautiful but just not very practical in these parts.

I'm seriously considering trading both in on a new Toyota Tacoma long bed double cab. They are hard to find and expensive. I'd get a 914 or finally get my 72 911 running to have a sports car in the garage for weekends and the occasional track day.

I've looked at used but they are almost as much as a new one. I've tried to sell the GTI on Craigslist but 99% of the responses I get are idiots with one line lowball offers that are less than the trade in value. I'm finding I don't have the patience for dealing with people.

I rarely buy new vehicles but these Tacomas seem to hold their value really well and I'll own it for at least 10 years. I can get in to a new one for the trade on both vehicles plus about $12,000 cash. I don't do debt.

I realize the truck is a compromise but I mountain bike, tow a trailer (my race car is a Formula Vee so very light), dump runs, dog in the back, etc. It seems like a good one vehicle compromise for my life now. Mileage will be similar to the Acura so not great.

Am I crazy?

[wdfifteen]

I don't think you're crazy. I would probably do the same. Is there a reason you don't want a full sized half-ton like a Tundra or an F-150?
There is another thread here where Eric explains why mid-sized pickups aren't popular. It's basically that they cost almost as much as a full-sized half ton. Personally I don't like the trend to making half-tons look like monster trucks and I can understand why you would want the Tacoma, but they are pricey.

[berettafan]

I prefer, and own, the prior model Tundra (not the giant truck currently out) and find it a good compromise between the two.

[cnielsen]

I'm a HUGE Toyota fan but I agree that you should check out a full size truck just so you have explored your options. The purchase price is similar as well as economy and maintenance costs. Personally, I would check out a dodge diesel. They get amazing fuel economy and hold their value very well. Don't be afraid to check one out that is a couple years old.

If I lived in Spokane, I think that is what I would be driving.

[Seahawk]

Not crazy at all, Jerry.

A perfect combo for me is a truck and an old sports car, just like you're thinking about.

Whatever you get, and trust me on this, if you are doing farm/ranch work do not get cloth seats. Spend the money on leather whatever: it wears and cleans better even if you get seat covers. There is nothing worse than trying to vacuum wheat seeds, alfalfa stems, etc. out of cloth seats.

It is hard to go wrong with any truck on the market. I have had two absolutely trouble free Tacoma's but the newest is now my son's and it is 15 years old. The 1990 I gave to a friend of mine's son is still R-22ing along at 280k without any engine work.

My F-150 is now 11 years old. I love it but guys I trust (Eric, OWP, Speeder) tell me the newer versions make the ride and comfort of my truck damn near prehistoric.

Best of luck.

[stomachmonkey]

Decide 1st on the idea of the truck then look for value from the different brands.

Personally I'm a fan of GMC products.

Good friend of mine owns a large landscaping business, has over 150 trucks in his fleet. All Ford.

My brother works for Toyota so he has a bias but he loves the Tundra.

As utility vehicles they'll all perform the same basic function.

[onewhippedpuppy]

My in-laws just bought a new 2014 TRD Sport Tacoma Double Cab 4x4. Nice truck, but not any nicer inside than the domestic competitors (like my 2012 F150). It's a nice driver, though the V6 felt far coarser than I expected. The back seat is really only usable for two adults, and only if they aren't that big. Most full sized crew cabs can fit three NBA players in back. Gas mileage is mediocre, they are doing pretty good to get 22 MPG on the highway. Really the only advantage in my opinion is maneuverability, the smaller size makes it easier to park in an urban environment.

I'm a huge Toyota truck fan, and I like the Tacoma. But for me it just doesn't add up. Any of the three domestics and the Tundra can offer more cab space, more bed space, more towing capacity, equal quality, similar MPG, and for less money. The gap between Toyota and the domestics is really in perception only, I chose my F150 over a Tundra because it offered more features, better power, and equal perceived quality for about $5k less.

[jhynesrockmtn]

Thanks. Exactly the type of feedback I was seeking. I was leaning toward the Tacoma vs. a half ton because of in town usage, rare need for carrying people but want the option and Ford is the only domestic I'd look at. I'll check out the F-150's. I can't make myself consider GM with their history and have similar ill will towards Chrysler brand products. I spent half a day with a used 2012 Tacoma yesterday and it fit me well, I liked the way it drove and damn, it's a Toyota. It felt rock solid, fairly quiet, not a rattle anywhere. I may have bit on this one but they want a premium for it with the Leer shell on it and I don't want a topper at this point plus I think I'd regret not getting a 6 foot bed in one.

I'll continue to ponder. I hate car dealerships and I drive them crazy because I won't bite right away. They literally have no new ones on the lot though, these things are hard to come by.

Trading the GTI is driving me a bit crazy, it is such a well set up car, has some nice aftermarket equipment and is so cherry but keeping it to use occasionally just makes no sense. I should have sold it before I left Seattle. The Spokane market is so much smaller.

[biosurfer1]

I don't think you can go wrong with the Tacoma. I had a 2003 (bought new) that I sold last year for exactly 50% of what I bought it for new. It had a little more than 125,000 miles and I kept it in great shape with all records. Clean cars with records make easy sales.

In those 125,000 miles, I had the power steering pump replaced under warranty and that is it besides regular maintenance.

[herr_oberst]

I'm with Matt on this, but I'll go one step further and say that I think Toyota quality has diminished to the point that the domestic product is actually a lot better... I did a direct comparison at the auto show earlier this year, and overall, the Toyota felt flimsier than GM or Ford. (Dodge is still Dodge - the fit and finish in nothing like the T/F/C products, and resale is horrific.)

If I'm ever in the market for a new truck again, I'll start at my friendly local Ford dealer...

[craigster59]

I drive an '07 4x4 Tacoma as my DD with 165k on the clock. Zero issues except having to re-solder the temp/ compass module and MacGyver the console latch which broke.

Oil changes are a snap (top mounted filter) and brake jobs are very easy as well as other maintenance. When it finally takes a dump I'll probably get another one.

[IROC]

Originally Posted by biosurfer1

I don't think you can go wrong with the Tacoma. I had a 2003 (bought new) that I sold last year for exactly 50% of what I bought it for new. It had a little more than 125,000 miles and I kept it in great shape with all records. Clean cars with records make easy sales.

In those 125,000 miles, I had the power steering pump replaced under warranty and that is it besides regular maintenance.

I have a similar story. I bought a Tacoma Double Cab when they first came out in 2000 (I paid $21,500). I sold it this year to a friend (so I cut him a deal) for $10k. Models like mine routinely sell for $12k or so around here. In 13 years of ownership, I had to replace the O2 sensor (besides oil changes, etc).

To me a Double Cab is almost the perfect vehicle. I used mine as a tow vehicle (3500 lbs of 911 and trailer), family car, commuter vehicle, junk hauler, etc. and it did everything just fine. I'd buy another one.

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by craigster59

I drive an '07 4x4 Tacoma as my DD with 165k on the clock. Zero issues except having to re-solder the temp/ compass module and MacGyver the console latch which broke.

Oil changes are a snap (top mounted filter) and brake jobs are very easy as well as other maintenance. When it finally takes a dump I'll probably get another one.

^^ This ^^ is why the Tacoma still exists:

"My last Tacoma was great, so I'll buy another Tacoma"

But for those who are considering a truck for the first time it's this:

"I don't want a huge truck to drive around town, and I want better fuel economy, so I'll buy a little truck, and my only choice is a Tacoma"

Both types of buyers would prefer to ignore that a full size truck might be better suited. Ford F150, GM Silverado, and Ram 1500 all get better fuel economy than the Tacoma. And the exterior size difference is truly negligible.

Since the OP prefers to politicize his car purchase and "vote with his checkbook" he's going to miss out on the new midsize Tacoma competitor, the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

[tadink]

Originally Posted by jhynesrockmtn

Thanks. Exactly the type of feedback I was seeking. I was leaning toward the Tacoma vs. a half ton because of in town usage, rare need for carrying people but want the option and Ford is the only domestic I'd look at. I'll check out the F-150's. I can't make myself consider GM with their history and have similar ill will towards Chrysler brand products. I spent half a day with a used 2012 Tacoma yesterday and it fit me well, I liked the way it drove and damn, it's a Toyota. It felt rock solid, fairly quiet, not a rattle anywhere. I may have bit on this one but they want a premium for it with the Leer shell on it and I don't want a topper at this point plus I think I'd regret not getting a 6 foot bed in one.

I'll continue to ponder. I hate car dealerships and I drive them crazy because I won't bite right away. They literally have no new ones on the lot though, these things are hard to come by.

Trading the GTI is driving me a bit crazy, it is such a well set up car, has some nice aftermarket equipment and is so cherry but keeping it to use occasionally just makes no sense. I should have sold it before I left Seattle. The Spokane market is so much smaller.

You don't specifically mention 4x4, and perhaps it is just assumed, but having lived in Spokane before, I would STRONGLY encourage the 4x4 version of whatever you are considering!!!

td

[onewhippedpuppy]

I will say that I find the Tacoma to be easier to maneuver and park. But I like being able to haul 6000 lb of boat and trailer at 85 MPH with six adults in comfort, and for less money than the Taco.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by kaisen

....the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon.

Don't want to hijack, but these look interesting to me - are the reviews good?

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I will say that I find the Tacoma to be easier to maneuver and park. But I like being able to haul 6000 lb of boat and trailer at 85 MPH with six adults in comfort, and for less money than the Taco.

There's less than 3 inches difference in wheelbase between a Tacoma Double Cab Longbox 4x4 and a Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab 4x4

So much of that is in sightlines and placebo effect

[craigster59]

I've been paying attention to both the Colorado and Canyon ever since you posted about them in a previous thread Eric. Looks a lot like a Tacoma and the fact that they will be offered in diesel in 2016 is another plus. Do you think GM will offer some good incentives on them seeing as how they have been plagued with bad press as of late?

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by craigster59

Do you think GM will offer some good incentives on them seeing as how they have been plagued with bad press as of late?

The bad press doesn't make much difference.

What will impact Colorado/Canyon pricing is what is happening in the half-ton market. Right now (as usual) you can get a loaded half-ton pickup of your choice (Ford, Chev, Ram, Titan, Tundra) for about $10K off MSRP. If a $44K Silverado can be had for about $34K, how much less does a smaller Colorado need to be before you'd seriously consider it? That will determine rebates and incentives.

Any new product will be strong out of the gates. The second model year is always the indicator, unless other market conditions change dramatically.

It will be interesting to see how the 2.8L diesel fares. My guess is not as well as enthusiasts expect.

[IROC]

Originally Posted by kaisen

There's less than 3 inches difference in wheelbase between a Tacoma Double Cab Longbox 4x4 and a Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab 4x4

My father-in-law has been in the car business for decades. He worked at a Chevy dealer for years (~20) but was transferred to the Toyota dealer (the owner owns both dealerships). He has always been a full-sized pickup guy. After working at the Toyota dealer for a couple of years his mind started changing. He recently sold his Silverado and bought a Tacoma Double Cab and loves it.

He tells some interesting stories about the differences between Chevys/Toyotas, but I'll leave it at that. His insight into the business is different than most, though.

Bottom line, Toyota enjoys it perch at the top of the resale value mountain largely as a result of perception. People think Toyotas are better/more durable/more reliable/etc and so they are willing to pay more. Are they truly better? Doubtful, but that's the way the human mind works. We all have our prejudices and biases and we all feel better spending our money on what we think is the best whether it really is or not.

One thing is for sure, though - I would not buy a domestic pickup truck if resale value is important.