[05Moose]

1) Do the seats on the newer models sit up off the floor more than say the 96 model like she has? This is the only part of the truck that is uncomfortable to me. I feel like I'm sitting right on the floorboard. I hope the newer ones sit up off the floor more.

Not sure how they compare to the older tacoma's, but they definitely sit up higher than the old toyota pickups (had a '91). I don't feel like we're sitting too low anymore.

2) I went to the Toyota build your Tacoma section and noticed a couple of things. It wouldn't let me pick a double cab 4x4 in a long bed or even standard configuration, it would only let me choose short bed. Have they dropped the long bed option in the double cab 4x4 configuration? If I chose the SR5 Sport model, it would not let me choose the locking rear differential option. What the heck is up with that? I like the look of the Sport model, but I want the locking diff option.

My guess is that the long bed, DC 4x4 option isn't available in your area. Interesting enough, I tried it myself using a fort worth zip code and confirmed it does what your saying. I then tried it with my zip code. Not only can I get it in my DC 4x4 LB configuration, but it uses a completely different view/application in building a vehicle in my area. Just to confirm what was said above, the locking diff is only available with the off-road packages...which you cannot get in a DC LB config.

4) I don't buy new trucks so I will be looking at a used one. Is there a preferred year model or any year model to avoid?

Depends. There are some things to watch out for that are vehicle-specific problems. If looking at an '05, just check the welds on the driver's side engine mount. There was a problem with the weld on a few of the first ones out the door (although I haven't experienced this myself). If you're looking at an automatic, then you don't have to worry about the clutch squeak problems. And if you look at an '09 or newer, make sure it doesn't have the acceleration lag that some experience. I won't go into the other nitpicky things others experience on the various years. Really there aren't any major year-specific problems to steer you away from a specific year, just mostly vehicle-specific problems.