Downsizing?

Enough · January 8, 2020

A co-worker has a 2018 4WD Tacoma. At 5'10" and 185 pounds when we go to lunch and I sit in the passenger seat that's it. I sit and can't change position much at all.

When he first got the truck it had street tires and rode great but only got 20 MPG. Being young he had to get a leveling kit and put one size larger than stock Goodyear Duratracks on it. Now he is lucky to crack 17 MPG and the truck rides like crap but he still loves it.

Different strokes for different folks.

NWI Denali · January 8, 2020

7 hours ago, mistermcgoo said:

Yes, I do hear that they excel off road.

Does anyone else here feel like Toyota uses their "reliability" reputation as an excuse to justify charging a hefty premium for their trucks while skimping on basic things like regular updates (both mechanically and aesthetically) and features? I don't have a problem with Toyota vehicles in general, but I've always felt that way.. and it comes off a bit greedy to me.

They do for sure. The Tacoma still has drum brakes on the rear. Absolutely pathetic for any vehicle in 2020. More money in Toyotas pocket. And people scoop them up like crazy and drink the koolaid.

Danyoda · January 8, 2020

Same. Before I purchased my 2018 Sierra I was researching for two years. Silverado’s, Sierra’s, Colorado’s, Tacoma’s, even the new Ranger. But like most of you I couldn’t wrap my head on paying the same amount on a mid-size as you would for a full size, especially when I plan on doing some light towing. Now I saw someone ask how we got our pricing, when I did my research a Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 or TRD Off Road 4x4 both were at $38,000-$40,000 same price as an LT Z71 Silverado Crew Cab with a 5.3 and you know Toyota you pay sticker because Tacoma’s sell regardless. I put into consideration my passengers and I knew putting them in a mid size like a Colorado or a Tacoma they’d be hunching their heads to get in and out and with a full size pickup there’s so much more room. I will never not own a full size pickup. The reason I went Sierra was because I purchased it late 2019 as a certified pre owned and the price I paid was great for the amount of miles and trim, and I wasn’t quite fond of the new body styles unless it was a Trail boss or AT4 but those were out of my budget.

YukonXL04 · January 8, 2020

I use my truck like a truck. I haul trailers, boats and a travel trailer. I keep 2 large tool boxes in the bed. I couldn't fathom going to a smaller truck. If anything my next one will have atleast the standard bed, might even be a 3/4 ton next. And my wife drives a Yukon XL. I cant get her to even consider a short yukon. Once you get used to having all the room, it's hard to go to something smaller. We have 2 boys, a huge German shepard and a husky, so when it loaded down, its packed lol

Penguin VII · January 8, 2020

11 hours ago, NWI Denali said:

They do for sure. The Tacoma still has drum brakes on the rear. Absolutely pathetic for any vehicle in 2020. More money in Toyotas pocket. And people scoop them up like crazy and drink the koolaid.

Toyota's reasoning for that is it's "better" for offroading, and people eat it up. Like everything people drink the koolaid they are fondest of. I find the Toyota crew to have an Apple like cult following, I also find it somewhat ironic that a lot of the big Toyota guys I know seem to have a new one every few years, which kind of goes against the whole reliability thing, but hey.

mistermcgoo · January 8, 2020

47 minutes ago, Penguin VII said:

I find the Toyota crew to have an Apple like cult following, I also find it somewhat ironic that a lot of the big Toyota guys I know seem to have a new one every few years, which kind of goes against the whole reliability thing, but hey.

Ha my thoughts exactly. I'll say it again.. I don't hate Toyota's, but the blind cult-like following and blatant overpricing are not a good look for the brand or the fanboy demographic in my opinion.

Donstar · January 8, 2020

If they could put a full-sized interior into a mid-sized truck then I'd be interested. I am no longer doing larger projects or hauling a trailer so carrying/hauling requirements are minimal. I can live with the parking challenges of the larger exterior for the comfort that is achieved by extra interior space. I love my airspace!(unless.... ) The only reason for me to go smaller would be for cost saving. However, manufacturers have significantly tamed the gas guzzling attribute of the American full sized pickup!

jonny24 · January 8, 2020

I'll be the first to admit I don't REALLY need a truck. It is certainly handy at times, and it meets all my needs so I'm happy with mine. Have towed maybe twice and filled up the bed a number of times, but not with anything that I couldn't have done with an extra trip instead. So I would consider a small or midsize truck if I ever needed to get another vehicle.

HOWEVER, there is one problem...

Other than an RCSB, NONE of the current trucks on the market are short enough to fit in my driveway. As it is, if I back in so that I'm an inch or two away from my brick porch pillar, my front bumper overhangs the sidewalk by ~3". I think parking enforcement gives me leeway because it is absolutely backed in all the way, as I've never gotten a ticket, but my brother got one when he was ~6" away from the pillar (no backup camera).

So, until I move, which I have no plans of doing, RCSB only for me, since I don't want to be forced into permanent street parking. And since none of the mid-size trucks come in a 2-door, they're not an option. The Ranger is almost 6" longer, the Colorado is almost 8" longer, and the Tacoma is over 7" longer.

....Not that I'd ever buy anything other than a RCSB any way

Capt Bob · January 8, 2020

Ha my thoughts exactly. I'll say it again.. I don't hate Toyota's, but the blind cult-like following and blatant overpricing are not a good look for the brand or the fanboy demographic in my opinion.

While I prefer my full size, both my sons drive Tacos (2013 and 2015). They do their own maintenance and since both are single, the interior size isn't a concern. The older one does have a crew cab but the younger drives the Access model. 70K on the 15 and still bone stock except for tires. 40K on the 13 and stock also. Neither has been to the dealer for any repairs since purchased and they have been good platforms for the boys (men) to hone their maintenance skills. Still, they are not for everyone and not for me.