Should I buy a Tacoma? Coming from a sports car

[OminousSkitter]

You might consider test driving some of the other mid-sized trucks and see which you prefer. Even if you come back to the Tacoma, you'll know you made the right decision.

If you aren't going to use the off-road features, you might consider saving a bit with a different trim.

In and out of construction sites means it's likely to get scratched and dinged--you might want to look at gently-used ones so the heartache is less when you walk back to your truck just to find that the paint is no longer new and it wasn't something you did (like pinstripes).

But, yeah, you came to the wrong place if you're expecting people to go, "Nah, get a Ridgeline--it drives more like a car, so you'll be more comfortable in it."

Edit: If you're going to be carrying a lot of weight in the bed, you might consider something that has rear leaf springs. My use case is more light-weight bulky items on roads with lots of washboard, so the coils are great, but there's a reason most pickups (especially the ones marketed as work trucks) still use leaf springs in the back. Just be sure to watch the payload capacities when you shop and get the right truck for your intended use.

Sponsored

 

[MJB4450]

It all depends on two things. First, is all you have ever driven was small cars? If so, a Mid size truck would be a big difference. Even the current Tacoma is about the size full size trucks were 20 years ago. I used to own many full size Ford, Chevy and Ram trucks and I downsized to the Tacoma because it feels the same. Full size truck have become enormous. Second, where will you be driving it when off work? If you're primarily city driving then it may be too much truck. Consider a small truck like the Ford Maverick for the utility or Hyundai Santa Cruz for the comfort and features. In any case when I was looking for a mid size truck again (I had two Dodge Challengers at the time) I waited for years for the promised but not delivered new Ram mid size. Not being thrilled with anything on the market, I did extensive research and test driving of the available mid sized trucks. The Tacoma won for the following reasons, Better engine and trans, Better dealership service departments, Dual port and direct injection rather than the carbon fouling direct injection only the other brands offered, nice light steering feel, roomier and brighter interior, ease of maintenance and I found a dealer who doesn't rip off their customers. It's not a perfect truck. The paint is thinner than air, the nanny systems will drive you nuts until you disable them all and the hard plastic interior is reminiscent of the 1970s. But overall, I think it's better than the competition. So if you're dead set on a mid size, I do recommend the Tacoma, unless you want to wait for the yet again promised Ram mid size that's supposed to be here in 2027. If you don't really need a 4WD at the work site, get the 2WD. The 4WD guys complain about bad mpg. My 2WD gets 26 mpg combined city/hwy. Watch this video before you buy. This is a real review not a cupholder review.

 

[fjtotaco]

Get the TRD OR you will love it. You can go anywhere you want to and get back home.

 

[franx]

Keep the Honda and add the Tacoma IF you can afford it. I have always had minimum of 2 cars most of my life, a truck (always a Toyota) and a car (varies from practical to sports cars). I need a truck for hauling, towing etc. Not my daily driver. The cars are the daily drivers, either mine or my wifes. After owning Toyota trucks for 36yrs no regrets. Today its used alot to haul my mt bike to the trails...

used a

 

[MT-Taco]

Yeah, you won’t regret it.

 

[AmbyBomb]

I went from a Lexus IS500 to my Tacoma. I do miss the power of my IS; nearly 500 HP made for a fun drive. I also miss the sound of a V8. However, that all came with some cons, like winter performance/peace of mind, the utility of the vehicle, etc. I don't regret my decision even though I still miss aspects of my old IS500.

 

[crepr12]

jmho..A car guy is never satisfied with a truck...truck guy is never satisfied with a car...disclosure I'm a car guy and my taco is used as a utility vehicle by me and a daily by the wife...We are lucky in that when have other vehicles for weekends/road trips...Good luck OP

 

[Mercedes]

Yes, I think you should seriously consider purchasing a truck. I do feel the Tacoma is a great option.

Thinking of the state of construction sites in my area, your current ride would not be suited. Ground clearance issues, occasional mud and debris of all kind would drive you to fits.

It's difficult to beat the inherent practicality of a truck. Virtually every situation appreciates the additional clearance and traction of a 4WD.

It's a good time to buy a vehicle. Discounts are easy to come by. You can start by studying the local dealer web sites to get a feel for how they operate. One in my area was traditional (opaque about almost everything), while another dealer, the one who got the sale, was upfront about pricing and availability.

https://www.google.com/search?q=tac...HTIICP4QrQIoAnoECBkQAw&biw=1460&bih=740&dpr=2

I started the process by identifying one truck at a dealer site, then sending an e-mail about it. Within moments someone called. The conversation gave me an initial feel for things, if it was worthwhile to go down and walk the lot.

Agree with others: put hands-on, maybe take a test drive. Initially, I started with an SR5 4x4, but after looking at the different trims, the TRD Sport hit the sweet spot. I selected a truck that was confirmed built and being transported.

https://www.toyota.com/tacoma/features/mpg_other_price/7558/7544/7598

For any mid-sized truck, if you have family members or ferry people often, consider the size of the back seat/s. While you might be comfortable up-front, passengers could be struggling for leg room. The occasional ride would be fine. Regular duty might have you considering something else.

If you've not bought a Toyota before, it's not like other vendors. Toyota builds what they think people will buy, and you can search locally or nationwide for something that matches. Being in Dallas, this shouldn't be an issue. If there's a specific feature or option that's a must-have but not immediately available, you can discuss that with the dealer while looking at other sites.

If you begin discussions with anyone, after settling on the price of the truck, confirm no dealer add-ons and what the doc fees will be. Dealer add-ons can be convenient, but the quality and the pricing often leave something to be desired. Some dealers are great with pricing, then try to make some of that back with high doc or processing fees.

If you decide to purchase, get the truck out of their hands as quickly as possible. They can do the Pre-Delivery Inspection, then just park it. Ask them not to wash it or detail it. The things I've seen.

The dealer will encourage you to register for Toyota Connected Services. It involves adding the app to your phone, creating an account and later associating the truck with that account. You might find some of the services worthwhile, or not want them at all. You can unsubscribe and disable at any time.

https://toyotaaudioandconnectedservicessupport.com/toyota/home

https://www.toyota.com/connected-services/connected-services-plans/

If you can keep the existing ride, that's great. If not, reach out to Carvana to see what they'd offer for it. Carvana will buy it with a dead body in it. They often offer good pricing and no-hassle buys. If your car has many mods, a private sale might be best. Placing it at any of the local car shows like Cars and Coffee could bring about interest.

While I was leaning towards another Tacoma, I did review the Ranger. The styling was so-so, but some of the engineering just wasn't there. The amount of problem threads and recalls were off-putting. If considering other brands, find forums supporting those, monitor them and their discussions.

https://www.toyota.com/owners/warranty-owners-manuals/vehicle/tacoma/2026/

The 4G is a great truck. Best Wishes in whatever you decide.

 

[gmalkmus]

I had a 2019 civic si before the Tacoma, still have my 5.0 Mustang manual. My Tacoma is the manual - no regrets. Don’t get an automatic if you are coming from a type R. Autos suck.

 

[Gear_yyc]

It sounds like you've realized you can't ask your Civic to do truck things. Similarly, if moving to a truck, don't expect it to do Civic things. I have an IS F alongside my Tacoma, and I enjoy driving them both, but for VERY different reasons.

 

[BTAO]

Hey! Been there too. I've had all the WRX/STi generations, and wanted more of a practical vehicle for the changing lifestyle. I still wanted something that was fun, but in a different way. I went for the 2024 Crosstrek Wilderness. It was just that, rugged, trail worthy, fun in that get dirty kinda way. It towed way more than any Subaru had before. I loved it because it was like a car to drive, small and nimble, despite almost 9" of clearance.

But... it still never met the full work/fun needs I wanted. I could tow the little trailer to get stuff that would fit in a bed, but was a pain, and you couldn't just jump in and go, or carry stuff around all the time. I live in a cabin in the woods, have a workshop, fly fish religiously, and tinker around. I wanted full time capability, and more capacity. The Crosstrek was smol. My girl's got an Outback already, and Subie didn't do any better. They also are 15 years late in a proper new gen STi to steer me back to the dark side of high insurance and popo's.

Right around that time I got a better job, and we were bored one saturday, and said I liked the new Tacomas, and she said "let's go test drive some cars!" She drove, I researched, and my dream truck had always been the TRD Pro Tacoma. I fell in love with the red interior, but saw a YT clip that said don't waste your time if you have kids, of which I have a teenager. I had to see it for myself, so we drove across the state to the closest dealer with a Pro. Got there, it was right out front. Met the salesman walking around, opened it up, and yeup. Complete no go. Those isodynamic seats made the most expensive truck they make a hard no go. Then he said, "hey, have you seen the new Trailhunter?" I told him I saw it on the ride over but never in person. So we walked inside where they had a white one. I fell in love with everything but the color. Really had no idea what it was until that day. They weren't going to have the Bronze Oxide, the only other color I would have taken, for 2 months. Drove to another dealer on the other side of the state and bought it that evening. Had it for 6 months now and absolutely love it, highly recommend the Trailhunter.

Things to note like some others have highlighted, it's quick, but not fast, and not a sports car. It will take you to new places, let you do lots of new things, and give you something new to learn and play with. It's a different kind of toy that lets me have fun without the anxiety. And hey, the hybrid is great and helps with insurance. Speaking of.... factor this in. My insurance on this truck with full everything is under $100/mo lol. I couldn't believe it, it was cheaper than almost every vehicle I've owned, despite being the most expensive by far. Total monthly cost is the same as the last STi I had over a decade ago, which was half the sale price, because of the insurance.

Good luck!

 

[Twodan]

As the title says, I’m considering getting a Tacoma and I’m coming from a Honda Civic Tyle R. My question is if it’s worth it?
The one main reason why I’m considering is because I landed a job as a sheet metal apprentice where the job sites will be mainly construction sites.
The car sits low and I would constantly be worried about getting her scratched and damaged. Not only that, I have been eyeing the new Tacoma or Tacomas in general since my father purchased a 2022 TRD Pro couple years back. I’m leaning towards getting the TRD Off Road trim for myself.
I’m at the point in my life where I think I’m done with cars for the moment and want something that would help me in the future. Maybe one day I can purchase a car again. If you were in my shoes what would you do? I know this is a question for myself to answer but I’d like to hear your inputs. I’d also like to know what’s it like having a Tacoma.
Thanks in advance!

I have both. 2025 Taco Limited as daily and 14 yr old Carrera.

 

[djevans]

Well, I really really like my Tacoma Limited. I drive it constantantly over a newer and even better equipped LEXUS RX Luxury version. It (a very well equipped Tacoma) just seems to have the right road feel. It's definitely not a sports car feel , but it just feels "well behaved" on the road. Definitely the best truck I've ever owned. If you love your Civic the way I love my Tacoma, you might not be happy. If you "NEED" the truck and can't afford the Civic at the same time, then that has to be "your call."

 

[thewraith]

Been there, done that- with everything from Vipers to gtrs and ferraris to custom abominations like the 1300hp 2j rx7 fd in my profile pic here.

They are all great, but once you get that truck- it's tough going back. Another big "plus" to me is that I tell myself the TRD pro taco is like a truck "civic type r"- it's exclusive, looks great, doesn't really age, and it kinda performs.

For the type of work you do, a truck would be a "no brainer"- if you want to keep your civic, buy the previous gen Nissan Frontier, they last just as long as any Tacoma.

Now for me to actually buy a taco..

 

[Miqie]

One slight thing to consider............might encounter some issues bringing a foreign truck onto a construction site. Look around next time you're driving past a work area. Rarely see anything but American vehicles. (Yeah, we don't need to get into the fact that 'American' vehicles have many foreign parts, may be built outside USA, or that foreign manufacturers have assembly plants inside this country.) BTW, I have a 2024 Sport, but I don't work in construction. Just pointing out things I've noticed.

Sponsored