Tacoma vs. Tundra

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M1Accord

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For a similarly equipped (minus engine size, of course) what is the price difference between the two base model with 4x4 and some performance upgrade such as transmission oil gauge.

Also, which is a better all-around truck. I like the styling of the Tacoma and its gas mileage is easier on the wallet. However, the Tundra is a big plus to tow my Bronco to the beach or trail a year or two from now when I get that ready for off-road and Tundra can haul larger items for home improvement, which I plan on doing myself to save money. However, the Tacoma is better off-road due to its smaller size, better on gas, easier to park and drive for other drivers in the family, and has better after-market accessories.

I am seriously looking to treat myself to one.
 
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
For a similarly equipped (minus engine size, of course) what is the price difference between the two base model with 4x4 and some performance upgrade such as transmission oil gauge.

Also, which is a better all-around truck. I like the styling of the Tacoma and its gas mileage is easier on the wallet. However, the Tundra is a big plus to tow my Bronco to the beach or trail a year or two from now when I get that ready for off-road and Tundra can haul larger items for home improvement, which I plan on doing myself to save money. However, the Tacoma is better off-road due to its smaller size, better on gas, easier to park and drive for other drivers in the family, and has better after-market accessories.

I am seriously looking to treat myself to one.




Check each of the manufacturer websites and "build your own" truck the way you want and see what they each cost...

You don't really consider a transmission oil gauge as a performance upgrade, do you??
 
I believe the Tacoma will have a higher % resale value. If you are going V6/Auto in the Taco, don't expect much mpg difference between it and the Tundra though. Just doesn't pan out in the real world.

I echo the Tacoma being more fun. If you can live with the smaller truck, get it.
 
I am going to go the other way here and recommend the Tundra. It is bigger, almost the same gas mileage and it will haul what you want...all for the same price or cheaper than a Tacoma. I like the Tacoma look, but the better value is in the Tundra IMO.
 
Originally Posted By: chubbs1
I am going to go the other way here and recommend the Tundra. It is bigger, almost the same gas mileage and it will haul what you want...all for the same price or cheaper than a Tacoma. I like the Tacoma look, but the better value is in the Tundra IMO.


That same point can be said if you were comparing a Chevy Colorado to a Silverado. The bigger truck gets practically the same mpg but with much more utility and comfort. I was never a small truck fan, but I do understand thet it fits a need for some and that's all the matters, I guess.
 
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
For a similarly equipped (minus engine size, of course) what is the price difference between the two base model with 4x4 and some performance upgrade such as transmission oil gauge.

Also, which is a better all-around truck. I like the styling of the Tacoma and its gas mileage is easier on the wallet. However, the Tundra is a big plus to tow my Bronco to the beach or trail a year or two from now when I get that ready for off-road and Tundra can haul larger items for home improvement, which I plan on doing myself to save money. However, the Tacoma is better off-road due to its smaller size, better on gas, easier to park and drive for other drivers in the family, and has better after-market accessories.

I am seriously looking to treat myself to one.




Well....you could have your cake and eat it too with a 5.3 V8 equipped Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon...small truck, big engine!
grin2.gif
 
I concur with the two posts about the little difference in gas mileage. I found that to be true with my 2003 Tacoma, which is why I got rid of the Tacoma and kept my 5.7 Silverado, and a friend with the current Tacoma has found it to be true compared to the F-150 he was considering.
 
The only answer I can give you is: "it depends".

I recently had the exact same decision and my answer was to get the Tundra.

The 4.0L V6 in the Taco is a great engine - it's the same engine in my 4Runner. Solid, strong, and good pull with 236 horses.

The 5.7L V8 is also solid but delivers 381 horses. What are you hauling?

I have a friend with a 2010 Taco TRD. While pulling a Coleman pop up trailer, he had to add air bags to his rear to keep the truck level. He can pull it well and I have only seen him struggle a little on I-90 going over Snoqualmie Pass. But you know it's there.

With my Tundra Rock Warrior (both have factory Bilstein shocks), I barely noticed the trailer. I've also pulled trailers that he can't as well as more gear.

He gets between 19 - 21 MPG. I average between 15 - 17 MPG.

Price difference was $2K more for my Tundra though I have a few more options. In other words, the price is a wash.

The biggest decision maker for me were the seats. In the Taco, I felt like I was sitting very low. Like sitting on the floor with my legs straight out. With the Tundra, I feel like I'm sitting in a chair with my legs bent. I prefer the seats in the Tundra for long drives so went that way. I also thought the Tundra cabin a bit quieter.
 
My plan is to get a big trailer and haul my Bronco to off-road camps. That is why I am leaning toward the Tundra because the Bronco is very quite and I know people who traded in their 4Runner, FJ, and Tacoma after having a hard time pulling large trailer/camper due to poor visibility and horrible pick-up power going up hills from stops.

My concern in regard to fuel economy is that I'll be using this vehicle to drive 80 miles to work at least twice a week. Therefore, it will adds up in cost saving. Additionally, I don't think my wife can drive this vehicle and that would mean I would be using it 5 days a week. My 2 buddies got Tundra and one of them only use it once in awhile.
 
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
For a similarly equipped (minus engine size, of course) what is the price difference between the two base model with 4x4 and some performance upgrade such as transmission oil gauge.

Also, which is a better all-around truck. I like the styling of the Tacoma and its gas mileage is easier on the wallet. However, the Tundra is a big plus to tow my Bronco to the beach or trail a year or two from now when I get that ready for off-road and Tundra can haul larger items for home improvement, which I plan on doing myself to save money. However, the Tacoma is better off-road due to its smaller size, better on gas, easier to park and drive for other drivers in the family, and has better after-market accessories.

I am seriously looking to treat myself to one.




Check each of the manufacturer websites and "build your own" truck the way you want and see what they each cost...

You don't really consider a transmission oil gauge as a performance upgrade, do you??


If it keeps the transmission healthy then it is a performance upgrade. It is part of the Tow Package, which also includes transmission cooler. I prefer to know what's going on with my vehicles with gauges instead of Oops lights. If it was up to me, I would have the fuel pressure gauge as well.
 
My first attempt to reply spun off into space so if there is a duplicate post - sorry.

When you need a big truck, you need a big truck.

Perhaps you can ask your friend if your wife could take his Tundra around the parking lot?

My wife was initially intimidated by the size of the Tundra. But she wanted to do a dump run while I was downrange. The first time she drove it, she said it felt like piloting a large barge. The second time wasn't too bad. Now she borrows it often.

Side note: She won't fill the gas tank...oh wait, she will as long as she's using my charge card.
 
For power Tundra for gas savings Tacoma. I had about 4000 lbs behind my little 3.4L driving 1500 miles. It was a litle struggle going up steep grades but it handled its own.
 
An off-road Bronco on a trailer is NOT a small load. I'd say you need the towing power of the Tundra, ever the 5.7L 381 HP version.
 
Originally Posted By: kkreit01
A big trailer + your Bronco can easily surpass the tow rating of the Tacoma. Buy the Tundra if this is your plan.


+1 what he said. Tow rating on Taco is only 6500#, IIRC, your Bronco+trailer will be at the top limit of that. You do not want your cargo to be heavier than tow vehicle.

PS you WILL have to upgrade suspension on Taco, no buts or ifs. It comes with 2+1 leaves from the factory, my 2005 DC TRD OR bottomed out with 500# in the bed (less than half of rated carrying capacity). Plan on begging dealer for the 3+1 leaf TSB+ add your own Timbren Bumpstops for regular truck duty + airbags for towing duty.
 
I know some one will bash me for this but I would look at all the big trucks if you decided not to go small.

I have to give it to toyota for their small trucks but when it comes to big trucks the field is so tight that it is really worth it to look what else is out there and see what your money gets you.
 
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
Originally Posted By: GMBoy
Originally Posted By: M1Accord
For a similarly equipped (minus engine size, of course) what is the price difference between the two base model with 4x4 and some performance upgrade such as transmission oil gauge.

Also, which is a better all-around truck. I like the styling of the Tacoma and its gas mileage is easier on the wallet. However, the Tundra is a big plus to tow my Bronco to the beach or trail a year or two from now when I get that ready for off-road and Tundra can haul larger items for home improvement, which I plan on doing myself to save money. However, the Tacoma is better off-road due to its smaller size, better on gas, easier to park and drive for other drivers in the family, and has better after-market accessories.

I am seriously looking to treat myself to one.




Check each of the manufacturer websites and "build your own" truck the way you want and see what they each cost...

You don't really consider a transmission oil gauge as a performance upgrade, do you??


If it keeps the transmission healthy then it is a performance upgrade. It is part of the Tow Package, which also includes transmission cooler. I prefer to know what's going on with my vehicles with gauges instead of Oops lights. If it was up to me, I would have the fuel pressure gauge as well.


I agree with your opinion on gauges 100%, the more the better. But a gauge still doesn't improve vehicle performance.
grin2.gif
 
Tacoma rides like a skateboard compared to a Tundra.

Driving a 2000 4wd Tundra(parents own) and 2008 Tundra(friends) both feel like a luxury car. The suspension is dreadful on a Tacoma in 2000. It has improved as of recent larger model but pales still.
 
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