Toyota Tacoma - Your Thoughts?

[Wnc3]

F150? Why take a step down? There's a reason the Tacoma costs as much or more.

Others may consider it a step up.
Reason being an earthquake and the Yen?

I drive a Dodge diesel, so I don't have a dog in this hunt. Just pointing out another option to consider.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

We were considering the F-150, but we can't even get a new bare bones 4x4 crew cab for the price of a new loaded Tacoma...At least from looking at auto trader...

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...101&searchRadius=50&listingId=315893197&Log=0

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...101&searchRadius=50&listingId=312515425&Log=0

 

[jeffsw6]

Max towing is around 6500lbs.

I do not know about the newer Tacomas, but I had an older one, I think it was around 00 model year, and that thing sucked at towing. I think the tow rating on those things is very exaggerated, more so than other mfrs.

With that said, a BX25 on a trailer isn't huge. If you are fairly sure that is the largest thing you will tow on a routine basis, a Tacoma will probably be good to you.

You are on the right track with the Tacoma Double Cab, 4x4, and I would suggest getting a 12' trailer for the BX25 - dual axle with brakes might be overkill, as the BX is 3000 lbs and trailer to fit would be around 12-1800 so under 5K total weight should be fine with the Tacoma V6. They are pricy tho, it seems the loaded Tacoma double cab is about the price of a new Tundra xtra cab 4x4 which you can find a good deal on now..

They will want a trailer with brakes and probably a break-away system. My state requires both for all trailers over 3000# but I do not know how common that is. It is nice to have trailer brakes especially if you use highways at all.

Single axle 5K trailers aren't as common as tandem ~6K and such. I have no clue why. I don't think a BX25 is 3000# unless you are also including some implements or tire fill. Seems like there are several threads on this forum about what is a good trailer for it though, since that is a common tractor.

More trailer length is usually a good thing.

 

[Ron JD670]

The Tacoma is the best small truck on the market.

I have had almost no trouble with my T100 or our Camary which we gave to my son and would strongly recommend Toyota.

How far will you be towing? I would check the towing capacity carefully. You need a margin of safety. You may want to look at the Tundra or other larger Truck.

I thought I would be able to tow my new used JD670 (about 2500# est. + trailer) with my T100 Toyota 6 cylinder. But when the guy delivered the tractor with a full size dodge diesel and I mentioned my plans to tow with the T100 he felt I would be pushing it for anything but a short haul under good conditions and being careful.

Good luck
RoN

 

[Monster5601]

The Tacoma is the best small truck on the market.

Is there a reason or is this your personal opinion?

 

[Monster5601]

I have had almost no trouble with my T100 or our Camary which we gave to my son and would strongly recommend Toyota.

How far will you be towing? I would check the towing capacity carefully. You need a margin of safety. You may want to look at the Tundra or other larger Truck.

I thought I would be able to tow my new used JD670 (about 2500# est. + trailer) with my T100 Toyota 6 cylinder. But when the guy delivered the tractor with a full size dodge diesel and I mentioned my plans to tow with the T100 he felt I would be pushing it for anything but a short haul under good conditions and being careful.

Good luck
RoN

I've had 182,000 plus care free, trouble free miles on my 2003 Tahoe. I recommend a Chevy.

Better towing ability, more inside room and comfort, and about the same gas mileage.

 

[scesnick]

I also drive a dodge diesel so I really have no personal opinions/experience either. but if the price is about the same why would you want to squeeze into a Tacoma when you could have much more room in an F-150 and have a ton more room in the bed to haul stuff?

I know people say the Tacoma is bullet proof but at the same time didn't they have a HUGE issue with rusted frames? So much so that they were buying back just a ton of these trucks? So they are bullet proof as long as you don't aim at the frame I guess.

 

[Kyle241]

The Tacoma is a great truck overall. I did not know about the rusted frames though and have not researched. If you want, you can find a problem with Chevy, Ford, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota..... My two cents, we considered the Tacoma back in 2006 as I have always wanted one. Always loved the old Tacomas that I would see out there that were 7+yrs old and they just kept on going. Unfortunately we chose against the Tacoma and for no reason other than it did not come in manual shift (or there was no inventory can't recall which) and Toyota would not honour a warranty if we towed it behind our RV. So we traded in our Titan and purchased a Frontier. I wouldn't hesitate to get a Tacoma based on my research I performed years ago. I would check again to ensure they have not had new issues over the last 6 years.

One other point. Towing is not an issue if you get the tow package. Also mpg, a least on my Frontier is not great and it's a 6 speed. Getting around 14 in the city and maybe 16-17 highway.

 

[Dmace]

Unless it's purely an off-road truck or city truck where small size is better, I feel mid-sized trucks are a waste. Compared to a full size truck, they're smaller, weaker, have less abilities yet cost just as much, get the same fuel mileage (less when towing) and can barely fit 4 people comfortably let alone 6...

A crew or quad cab 1/2 ton with a V6 or base V8 will do everything better.
If you really want the best truck under $30k...
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2011/09/30000-pickup-truck-shootout-introduction.html

Here's a good,mid sized comparison. You'll see all the trucks push $30k.
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks.com/2012/01/2012-midsize-shootout-overview.html

 

[PapaPerk]

Just my opinion but I would buy a Tundra. I prefer full size trucks. Get the smallest V8.