Truck Options

Starting to get some results on the toyota tacoma double cab search. Specified must have SR5 package (ac, tilt steering, inter. wipers, radio, etc.) and 16" alum. alloy wheels. Specified cannot have conv. package (power windows, cruise control, etc.).

Was informed that the 2005, comes with power windows, keyless entry, etc.--no choice. Also being told that if they can locate a truck without conv. package and with big wheels, it will likely have the off road package. This package includes off road tuned suspension with high pressure gas shocks, p265/70r16 bfgoodrich tires on 16" 5 spoke aluminu alloy wheels, locking differential, all of which I have been told makes the highway ride harder and does not handle as well in the sand as your street package.

What is your opinion with respect to the off road package?

Specified cannot have conv. package (power windows, cruise control, etc.).

Can't speak to your suspension package, but if you travel over the road any, cruise control will save you gas and most importantly save you a ticket( assuming you set it below a "ticket speed". It keeps you from "drifting" over the speed limit, especially going down hills. The keyless entry was something I used to think was a waste of money too.....until I got it. Keeps yoiu from getting soaked in the rain if your doors are locked and its raining. If you're picky about scratches...ever notice how you get all those tiny scratches around the lock on the drivers door( from all the other keys dangling down as you open the lock), using keyless everytime will eliminate those as well. What was once a luxury add on is now a standard item it seems.

Stock suspension is fine for beach driving. I like the double cab too but if you are any size its really a useless back seat. Have you considered an extended or a regular cab? They get a little better fuel economy and you are more likely to find a strip down like you want. The Yotas are hard to beat. Lp

If I read your poll right, you will be driving the truck only on road for the the next seven years before it hits the beach. If that's the case, go standard and have a softer highway ride. When you do put it on the beach full time, just take it a little slower. When the speed limit is only 25 mph on the beach, no need for a mountain climbing, gully jumpin stump puller. As for the extra's, enjoy them. My only new vechicle was a 1985 Dodge Ram. I drove it for 14 years on a daily basis. It was bare bones transportation. No A/C, no radio, manual transmission. When I bought a used 97 Ram 4X4, it was like going from 0 to 100 in the comfort levels. Power windows, automatic transmission, tons of storage pockets in doors, over head map lights, driving lights ect. If you can get a good deal on a used model in what you looking for, got for it. Let someone else take the hit on the depreciation. I buy all my vechicles now with scratches on them. Makes it less painfull when I do put one on it. Just my .02

With respect to the conv. package, our prime concern is the enviornment down here--salt spray, sand, etc. This is of more concern in later years when the truck is moved into beach use.

With respect to an extra cab, we have one now--1997. It is fine for storage but access with the 2 door is so bad our 2 border collies can barely get in an out even with the 60/40 split bench pulled forward--people, forget it.

We were hoping the double cab with the 4 doors would help here and allow for passengers when needed (not often). We may have to rethink this option to get what we want but I hope not.

With respect to the conv. package, our prime concern is the enviornment down here--salt spray, sand, etc. This is of more concern in later years when the truck is moved into beach use.

I can understand that concern, but hey, life is short, enjoy it while you can.

I assume since you are going to drive it on the beach eventually, you need 4 wheel drive. Can you buy a 4x4 without the offroad package, or am I missing something here?

'cause that's the way they came.

It was used extensively on the beach and was parked outside at my place in Salvo. In Hampton it was parked outside and I back up to the bay with the salt wind there too. Just ran it thru the BP car wash in Avon every now and then or a similar wash in Hampton. Never had a problem with it until some yahoo playing with his cell phone in a big delivery truck hit me from behind at about 50 mph when I was stopped to make a left turn on RT 12 in Salvo. The 4 Runner was about 4 years old at the time with about 80K miles.

I have another 4 Runner now mainly because I came out of the collision without a scratch even though it sent me about 300 ft down the road and into the ditch and in the 80K miles only one minor problem. Had to reglue one small portion of one of the door gaskets. Other than that only the recommended maintenance. I frankly would not worry about the conv group stuff on a Toyota.

My other vehicle is a '91 Accord. It has all that power conv stuff because that is the way they came, except for keyless entry. It has had same outside living as the 2000 4 Runner since 2000 except of course it ain't been in the sand. It also did a 3 yr TAD in Northern England in the mid '90s without a garage and in view of the Irish Sea. At 160K miles, never had a problem with things like power door locks, power windows, etc.

Me, I wouldn't worry about salt air and the conv grp. Enjoy it as the wife and I have.

Off-road means bigger (more expensive) and noisier A/T tires that are useless on the beach and a harder riding suspension that won't be any fun at all on those tire track ripples. I also skipped the trailer package option when I got my F-150 because of the stiffer suspension. Not necessary if you're pulling half your towing capacity or less. I got an after-market hitch and it was cheaper.

P.S. No problems with power options so far on my '99.

I assume since you are going to drive it on the beach eventually, you need 4 wheel drive. Can you buy a 4x4 without the offroad package, or am I missing something here?

Yes, you can.

Hey Guys,

I have the 4 DR tacoma with the offroad (TRD) package and the bigger tires. It is not nosy and it handles and rides quite well. As far a beach driving it is at the top of the list!!! I have Electric Windows etc... Skipped the running boards. The TRD package occasionally comes in handy for pulling stumps etc... POSI-Traction rules!!!

Bottom Line... Love the truck!!!

Send me an email if you want more details

Rich

rich.donner@langley.af.mil

Be wary of All Wheel Drive (AWD). Many of these systems are not designed for serious off road use. Make sure you know what any AWD is good for 'cause it may only be good for the soccer mom on rain/snow slick pavement and not deep sand.

Be wary of ground clearance. Don't believe the brochures in this area. Look under the vechile and see what is sticking down to drag in the sand. Some vehicles have braces going to the back wheels that are just a little above the tire sidewall height. Not good for deep sand.

Look at the trailering capability of the vehicle. Generally a trailering package will have a larger radiator and a transmission oil cooler. Both are good investment for use in the sand. My 4 Runners came standard with this (not an option)but I had to purchase it on a previous Jimmy.

Got 3 bids on double cabs with all the stuff--lowest price didn't have sliding rear window or 1 touch 4-wheel, otherwise comparable. Dealers saying they want to move their 2004, please take them. Bids/offers made running $700 over invoice to $300 under invoice--only the lowest really seems to say take me.

Bottom line all right around $25,000, while it looks like I could do a 2005 access cab for right arond $22,000 or $23,000 with almost what we want (steel wheels instead of alum., can always replace when rust) and nothing we don't want. That is $2,000 to $3,000 less than the 2004 double cab.

Add to that the fact that they have added some really nice design features that utilize dead space or add functionality. For example, the only reason for the double cab was to access the back, with the access cab we can do extended cab and get our full truck bed.

Does this sound nuts--just does not seem like we are getting the discount that would give one the incentive to take a 1 year old (used) truck?

Sending you a P.M.