Tundra or Tacoma?

[GunghoRanger]

Hey guys, I know this is probably a common topic, I've read a few threads with this title already and have learned a bit but everyones situation and needs are different. So I'm hoping I can get some solid info here.

I currently drive a 02 Tundra access cab SR5 (no TRD) V8 245hp. I love it to death, except when my parents bought it, back before I had my license(I'm currently 19) there were using it to tow and haul mainly, no offroading so they didn't get 4x4 or the TRD package. If it had that, I would be SET! because it is an amazing truck.

For various reason my dad wants to trade it in and gave me the option of choosing a new tacoma or a new tundra (he would prefer the Tundra).

Basically what I'll be using this for is regular commuting, school/friends/etc... occasional hauling, moving stuff, wood, w/e... and possibly towing in the future, maybe a small boat, some dirtbikes/quads, possibly even a sandrail. But thats all just a possibility at this point. I would also like to use it for offroading w/ a small body lift and front susp. lift. For some reason when I picture it in my head in its "final form" it resembles a baja truck( like the ones you see in the baja 5000) except obviously not modified to that extent.

Heres what I think so far:
Tacoma- Smaller, more nimble, not as much of a hassle to drive, less power, looks like it might be more fun to offroad in, it won't look GIGANTIC w/ a decent lift on it.

Tundra- Big engine=lotsa power, its also a very big truck, seems like it would be kindof a headache to commute as well as offroad in, wouldn't traverse as well as the tacoma, bigger bed for hauling, bigger tow capacity(which I wouldn't really use at this point)

I know there is a "supercharger" available for the tacoma, but its like
$4470 plus installation. Is that really worth the increase in HP and torque? I've test driven both and I'm really torn between the two. I love the power of the bigger tundra, and honestly it handles very well! But it just seems alot bigger than what I'm looking for.
And upon driving the tacoma, one thing that really bothered me is that the rearview mirror is in an awkward place and restricts my view a bit , but that can be overlooked. It doesn't have a lack of power per say, but its definitely noticeable next the the tundra's massive engine.

I'm sure I have more to say, its just lost in my head somewhere. I'd appreciate any input you can offer! Please help!

-Drew

[Dana_15]

I'm biased, get the Tundra



... occasional hauling, moving stuff, wood, w/e... and possibly towing in the future, maybe a small boat, some dirtbikes/quads, possibly even a sandrail.


^^^Based on that statement I would get a Tundra. You really can't lose either way!

[RONE]

My '08 6spd auto Tundra gets better gas mileage than my '07 6spd manual Tacoma did, as long as I drive easily. I very quickly got used to the larger size of the Tundra, and now it's easy to drive. I miss my Taco, but I love my Tundra enough that it's not a problem. It doesn't matter which of the two you chose, you'll love it.

[tundrahq]

I got to say being 19, you might want to think about where you want to spend your money. I had a cool Chevy truck a few years ago when I was in college - it was fun, but it was a gas hog and I had to drive a lot. So...I spent a lot of money on gas, which meant I spent a few extra hours a week working. It worked out OK, but if I had it to do over again, I would have got some POS Corolla or something and not worked. None of my college friends had a nice car, and I spent most of my time on campus anyways (cheap or free parties all over the place, and that's where the girls lived).

But that's just my experience - your situation might be completely different.

If I had to choose, I'd go Tundra too. The gas mileage isn't much different, it's got plenty of power, they're getting easier to soup up every day, and you can still off-road pretty good.

[ifko]

I was wondering the same thing prior to me purchasing a 07 tundra crewmax, this is what made the decision for me.

First of all I wasn't concerned with gas mileage all that much because i would be using it for social/recreational reasons and not commuting to work. Gas is expensive specially here in Calgary, AB @ $5.31/gallon.

The price difference between the two wasn't a concern either because I was getting a better deal on the tundra due to an end-of-year promotion.

Then when i was thinking about the size difference, I realized it isn't as much as it seems. The DC (6.5ft bed) tundra is 6 inches larger in every dimension compared to DC (6ft bed) tacoma.

I wanted a DC because i would have friends/family in the car often and I want everyone to be comfortable. The last thing I want is to take someone elses car on a trip because mine is uncomfortable. I sat in the the DC tacoma and was pretty tight especially if there is a few ~6ft people in the truck.

After driving the truck for 3 months i've come to the following conclusion.

It's an awesome truck and I have no regrets. It is a big truck but that means you may have to park further away in parking lots or be more careful when navigating tight spaces but you'd have to do this anyway in a tacoma (just to a lesser extent). I also feel like a tacoma would be better ofroad mostly because it's lighter and more nimble.

plus theres a proportional relationship between hitting the gas and getting a grin on your face.

[xrunnrcanada]

I know there is a "supercharger" available for the tacoma, but its like
$4470 plus installation. Is that really worth the increase in HP and torque? I've test driven both and I'm really torn between the two. I love the power of the bigger tundra, and honestly it handles very well! But it just seems alot bigger than what I'm looking for.
And upon driving the tacoma, one thing that really bothered me is that the rearview mirror is in an awkward place and restricts my view a bit , but that can be overlooked. It doesn't have a lack of power per say, but its definitely noticeable next the the tundra's massive engine.

If your looking to do alot of offroading in the future the smaller the better i.e. tacoma. I'm sure the tundra is alot nicer ride but i'm sure the tacoma is more than capable at towing midsize boats on the occasion and for day to day travel i'm positive the tacoma would be the cheaper way to go. at 19 that's alot of cash to be throwing around, unless you have a fancy job, although sometimes spending money on a truck rather than a girl is more fun.

You can pick up those trd superchargers for about 3600$ but yes that still isn't cheap. Cheaper online than from a dealer. Too bad those idiots want to void your warranty in canada for installing one.

Frankly i'm not too impressed with the fuel economy on the new tacoma, i'm driving an x-runner and it almost felt like my 01 quad cab 4x4 tacoma with an automatic had more pep. I'm waiting for the next gen tundra's, hopefully a diesel.

[Impelled]

In the senario you described....I'd opt for the Taco.

[stryker709]

381hp......nuff said.

[NMGeorge]

One point, in addition to all the others... where do you park at night? I have a friend that wants to be able to park in his garage... and the Tundra will not fit. The Taco will. Either way, you're getting a fine truck.

[SlateLtd]

I think this is a factor, yet maybe you have more restraint than myself, but the Tacoma isn't as speed friendly and should prove to be a nice daily driver and speed limits are easy to obey, yet the Tundra is Sooo easy to drive very fast in and find yourself doing 90 easily, if you cool headed and can control that happy pedal then get what you wish and enjoy, but if you know you will mash that throttle and possibly loose that license due to speeding tickets, which is easy at 19, then i'd opt for the Tacoma for that simple reason, it's more practical, yet get very similar mpg. Oh and insurance on the Taco will be less since the value is less.

Just a thought, don't listen to me, my advice is over-rated and probably useless at best <--- has had license suspended twice when was your age, so speed killed his driving, but that was nearly 19yrs ago.

Enjoy whatever you get and thank your Parents for their kind assistance, unless your paying the bill.

[eyedoc]

Originally Posted by Dana_15

I'm biased, get the Tundra



... occasional hauling, moving stuff, wood, w/e... and possibly towing in the future, maybe a small boat, some dirtbikes/quads, possibly even a sandrail.


^^^Based on that statement I would get a Tundra. You really can't lose either way!

I can do all that with my tacoma. however, I'm biased...

I get ~20-21mpg with my 4.0 taco double cab TRD off-road edition..... I hear tundras are lucky to get 14mpg.... BIG difference, IMO...... both are great though..... Tacoma will be cheaper via insurance, gas, etc.....

[Dana_15]

^^^I'm getting 17 mpg right now, mostly highway.

[eyedoc]

Originally Posted by Dana_15

^^^I'm getting 17 mpg right now, mostly highway.

that's pretty darn good.....

with 3.42 or 4.10 gear?

[-SCWEET1-]

Originally Posted by Dana_15

I'm biased, get the Tundra



... occasional hauling, moving stuff, wood, w/e... and possibly towing in the future, maybe a small boat, some dirtbikes/quads, possibly even a sandrail.


^^^Based on that statement I would get a Tundra. You really can't lose either way!

HEAR!! HEAR!!!!

[Dana_15]

^^^I forgot you have a Tundra, you can moderate here now as well....

Originally Posted by eyedoc

that's pretty darn good.....

with 3.42 or 4.10 gear?

4.30 actually, tow package.

I believe the V6 has 3.90s, the 4.7 3.90, 4.10 with tow package. The 5.7 4.10, 4.30 with the tow package.