Tundra or Tacoma?

anonymousguy · #1 (**permalink**) 11-08-2002, 09:51 PM

I am a recent college grad and am in the market for a new vehicle.
I have owned a small 2wd pickup for about 4 years now and I don't see how I can buy and drive a car again. Anyhow I am completely committed to quality and am going to throw down about 30 grand or so on a new pickup. the one thing that has me concerned about Tacoma is that they are going to redesign it for 2004. This has me leaning toward the Tundra, but the gas mileage on the V-8 (apparently an awesome engine design from Lexus) is a little low. I am concerned about future possible high gas prices. The Sport-Trac is a much smaller possibility. I haven't actually driven one yet but I like the exterior. The interior not so much.
Any Thoughts?

Kev

NoChevyonlyToyota · #2 (**permalink**) 11-09-2002, 01:12 PM

Well, what are you looking for in the truck? Regular cab, extended cab, double cab, short bed, standard bed? This can all help you make your decision......

anonymousguy · #3 (**permalink**) 11-09-2002, 04:01 PM

I should have said.
I am thinking double/access cab depending and 4wd with everything including leather.
I am also leaning toward the shorter bed versions of either model Tacoma or Tundra. That is of the 4WD full 4 seat versions. I am also going to probably include the towing and TRD packages.

NoChevyonlyToyota · #4 (**permalink**) 11-09-2002, 05:09 PM

Well with what you are saying then the Tacoma Double Cab would be your best choice, and in order to get leather you will have to get a Double Cab limited which will also include the TRD package...... I have a SR5 Double cab and absolutely love it.... It is the best truck I have owned.....

anonymousguy · #5 (**permalink**) 11-09-2002, 05:29 PM

Yeah...I love the Tacoma also...if only they weren't going to redesign it next year. I have a number of years in the Auto retail business (when I was younger) and I know that the worst time to buy a particular model is when they are in the last year of a particular series. Not to mention the drawback of making payments on a truck that will be the "old" body style in less than a year. Still, the Tacoma with the higher resale value may be what I decide to do, I think that it is an awesome truck.

doodosr8 · #6 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 04:15 PM

I have a 97 tacoma and it's a great truck. It's still running like new with just a little over 100k on it. When I'm towing my fishing boat on the flats, it tows it fine but on inclines, I sure wish I had a Tundra with the extra uuummmp!. They are great trucks but I'll take a tundra over a tacoma anyday. However, right now, my tacoma suits most of my needs.

DevinSixtySeven · #7 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 04:29 PM

http://www.offroadsolutions.com/imag...becue_0294.jpg

anonymousguy, that's a 2001 doublecab tacoma with a 3" suspension lift, swayaway in the front and alcan in the rear. 4 bars...nice

. if you're planning on towing or hauling (or just want more space in the driver's seat), get a tundra with the v8, the offroad performance is very similar to a tacoma. if you don't plan on towing or hauling often (or very much weight), that double cab tacoma is pretty sweet...

-sean

anonymousguy · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2002, 06:37 PM

I appreciate your comments. If I had had a Tacoma for 2-4 years I would be extremely happy. At this point with the body-style change coming, and also with the Tundra gas mileage not really that much different considering the power and more truck you get, I have decided to go with a stepside 4X4 limited Tundra. Black or Jade, not sure yet which.

Nice Taco DeepStealth! How much extra wear and what other drawbacks did you encounter with the lift-kit?
I have heard that there can be problems.

Sequoia2003 · #9 (**permalink**) 11-22-2002, 08:16 AM

I used to own a 94 4x4 Toyota, then a 96 Tacoma SR5, then a 1998 Tacoma Limited TRD and now I own a 2000 Tundra Limited TRD. After driving the Tundra, I would never go back to a Tacoma again. Why, too small, too under powered when compared to the Tundra and can't tow over 4,000lbs without crying about it up the mountain passes here in Washington. With my V6 I was getting 17-19 miles to the gallon anyway, so the Tundra at 15 miles to the gallon is not so noticable. Also the interior of the Tundra is much more roomier for a guy like me weighing in at 240lbs at 6 feet and 1inch tall. The Tundra weighs 1,000lbs more then the Tacoma and thats a comfort feeling when driving around town.

Now here are the points that I greatly miss my Tacoma for. Smaller, so it was easier to manuver and park, was a much more capable vehicle offroad due to its size and the rear locker plus when I did get stuck anyone could pull me out. With the Tundra, it takes another full size truck or two Jeeps to get me free. The Tacoma was more stable around corners and easier to zip in an out of traffic with.

Bottom line for me was size! So much that I am now looking at stepping up to a 3/4 ton as I have out grown my Tundra. I am looking at the new Dodge 2500, but only wish Toyota put out a 3/4 ton so that I could buy another Toyota.