Potential new owner

[C-Dog]

Hey!

I'm in the process of considering a new Tacoma. I know it doesn't sound like I'm very committed at this point, but I like to do a bit of research before I buy. (I lurked for a while before joining this forum).

I have one concern regarding buying a Tacoma...will my husband fir in it? He's a big guy (6'5"), and I just want to be sure that someone his size can not only fit in it, but drive it comfortably (no point owning a vehicle that we both can't drive.)

I'm looking at a 2022 TRD off road, manual trans, double cab short bed; there's actually a couple local to me. What say you forum? Will he fit? Any other big guys out there driving one?

Comments/advice always welcome!

 

[bonifacio]

Find one without a sunroof, I know that clears a little space. Most people I know that are tall but shorter than your husband do mention lack of headspace. I've read some guys getting some type of riser for the rearview. Some even grabbing the spacers for front/rear/both. Just the angle of the seat helps some. I could see if you raise the front, it might alleviate some pressure on the lower back allowing a more comfortable slouch or something. Don't get how some say lifting the rear helps. I know I had lower back discomfort until I got the spacers for the rear. I'm only 5'8".
Might just have to take him and try it out. Works for some, not for others. Always see both sides.

6' guy saying too small.
6'7" guy saying it's comfortable.

Might be more of a body type, posture, resting position, how far the seat is recline, driving style preference.

 

[C-Dog]

Years ago, I wanted an Isuzu Amigo, and stopped at a dealership to test drive one. When we got in, I already knew it was a lost cause, because the top of the windsheild was at about nose level for him (definitely no good). Then, 4 years ago, I wanted a Subaru Baja; the windsheild situation was better, but the seat and leg room were even worse. We stopped at a Toyota dealership this afternoon, and found one he could test fit...he says pretty comfortable, so it looks like that's one hurdle crossed! Now it's just a matter of waiting for the one I want.


Thanks for weighing in.

This forum seems to be a good place to research; I've found quite a bit of useful info.

 

[C-Dog]

Just got a call from the dealership telling me that they had my truck coming in by the end of March.....only to find out that it really wasn't my truck after all. Went from "Woo Hooo" to "awww, bugger" in 3 seconds flat. A new record (but not surprising considering the way the rest of my day went.)

 

[Bird dog]

Have fun with it. It can be quite the journey.

 

[C-Dog]

Can't wait to start it! After years of owning/driving beaters, this will be my first new vehicle.

 

[Meclizine]

Can't wait to start it! After years of owning/driving beaters, this will be my first new vehicle.

Dude, same here. Fanciest thing I drove before this 4WD technological marvel was a 2007 Corolla.

Owning a 4G Taco will be like:
"Good morning, Hal. Please start so I can go to work."
"I'm sorry, I can't do that."
"I promise I'll buy you that lift kit, but I have to go to work to afford it!"

Just kidding. Hal's copyrighted, Tesla already got in trouble for that.

 

[C-Dog]

Dude, same here. Fanciest thing I drove before this 4WD technological marvel was a 2007 Corolla.

Owning a 4G Taco will be like:
"Good morning, Hal. Please start so I can go to work."
"I'm sorry, I can't do that."
"I promise I'll buy you that lift kit, but I have to go to work to afford it!"

Just kidding. Hal's copyrighted, Tesla already got in trouble for that.

My mornings go like this....

"ok George (I call him George), time to start".
"Ahhh, maybe I will, maybe I won't".
"Come on, dude, I'll wash the bird poop off later, after the hose thaws, I promise"
"Fine. I guess...."

 

[TACOHUNT4x4]

I have a 2022 OR, Manual trans, Double cab, short bed and I'm 6'.....no issues. My buddy is 6'4" tall and drives a 2018 extended cab and he has no issues....you can only fit an ice scraper behind the seat.... lol!, but he has plenty of leg room. I had a 2019, Sport. manual trans, Double cab, short bed before this one and the power seat on the new one is much better to find that comfort zone. My old one with the non-power seat was a little more effort getting in and out......the power seat allows you to lower it more, so it's easier for us larger framed guys. Once your in it though, you can't beat them........they are an awesome vehicle to drive. Good luck and enjoy it when it finally arrives!

 

[Lava road]

Driving around Hawaii…Ok for all sizes of people… my daughter who lives on the mainland..( continent of USA). You guys car drive for hours & hours one way…. Anyone 6.5 feet tall ? Seems like a full size truck ..maybe more comfortable? Just a opinion here…
I still have to bend just to get into my Tacoma…

Please consider his needs ….& comfort? Leg room , headroom, and wider seats? Safer too…full size trucks vs mid size? Seat belts… off course they sell extended seat belts…

Jack Reacher ..book , he is 6.5 feet tall…
Aloha

 

[C-Dog]

Driving around Hawaii…Ok for all sizes of people… my daughter who lives on the mainland..( continent of USA). You guys car drive for hours & hours one way…. Anyone 6.5 feet tall ? Seems like a full size truck ..maybe more comfortable? Just a opinion here…
I still have to bend just to get into my Tacoma…

Please consider his needs ….& comfort? Leg room , headroom, and wider seats? Safer too…full size trucks vs mid size? Seat belts… off course they sell extended seat belts…

Jack Reacher ..book , he is 6.5 feet tall…
Aloha

He drives a Subaru Crosstrek, and fits pretty well in that. Before the Subie, he drove a VW Golf Tdi with no issues. We both also used to drive Suzuki Samurais, which are surprisingly roomy (after you remove the useless back seats). It's always a crap shoot, though, which was why I asked here first, then found a "tester". The only vehicle we've ever found that he actually had to move the seat forward was my 88 Audi 90quattro. That thing was MASSIVE on the inside!

We found an 2022 OR and he tried it on for size, and said it actually felt pretty roomy...like noted above, the power seat made it pretty easy for him to find that sweet spot.

I've found a Sport in the configuration I want. I'm thinking that I may end up with it....since the only major difference I've been able to find between the OR and the Sport is the OR has the locking diff. Since this truck will be a primary daily driver, and weekend jon boat tow truck, I think it would be perfectly fine. I'm not really into rock crawling (especially with a new truck), so the locking diff isn't necessarily a must have.

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Meclizine]

Just to add that there are a few more features the ORs come with (MTS and Crawl Control, really), but as you said you don't plan on off roading a lot. And the off roading I've done so far hasn't needed them, anyway. If you go with a 4x4 drivetrain, remember to exercise it approximately monthly! A seized actuator is no fun.

 

[Lava road]

Boat ramps..some are more slippery or hilly …Yes having a locker is a big plus!

Glad to hear a 6 ‘5 “ man feels comfortable in a Tacoma… Kona had two trucks that slide off into water while lunching a boat…one was a Tacoma…
Lockers makes a big difference…I have seen two wheel drives with lockers, out perform open 4x4s at boat ramps…sometimes it so funny how people believe, just because it says 4x4 ..it better then a two wheel drive ….lol. Lockers is the key!
Aloha

 

[C-Dog]

Even with the OR I can't really see myself using either of those features...like I said, no rock crawling in my future. I tend to be a little wimpy, and didn't really enjoy rock crawling in my Samurai. Not sure if the manual trans has the crawl control feature anyway; if it doesn't, then no big deal.

For the most part, the boat ramps in the area we go fishing aren't very steep...the Crosstrek easily pulls the loaded trailer out, so I can't imagine a Tacoma having much trouble there. Although we'd probably throw it into 4wd for that particular job, so it would get a weekly workout during the spring, summer and fall months.

It just seems like the only way I'd be able to get into the OR would be if I'm willing to settle for an automatic, and I'm just not.

 

[Meclizine]

The potential problem is a lot of features are restricted to the automatics. Crawl control, MTS, push button start, and not all trim/body styles have the manual option. For example, my long bed double cab TRDOR doesn't come in a manual as far as I know. Weird stuff like that. Just be careful about which features are deal breakers for you folks.

Also, I've seen chatter about the reverse gear being a bit tall in these trucks, which people complain about after backing a boat down a ramp. I've noticed it myself but I don't tow so it isn't an issue for me. Those people usually get a 2low harness to allow for low range while in 2WD, which these trucks can't do from the factory.

 

[C-Dog]

The potential problem is a lot of features are restricted to the automatics. Crawl control, MTS, push button start, and not all trim/body styles have the manual option. For example, my long bed double cab TRDOR doesn't come in a manual as far as I know. Weird stuff like that. Just be careful about which features are deal breakers for you folks.

Also, I've seen chatter about the reverse gear being a bit tall in these trucks, which people complain about after backing a boat down a ramp. I've noticed it myself but I don't tow so it isn't an issue for me. Those people usually get a 2low harness to allow for low range while in 2WD, which these trucks can't do from the factory.

Good to know about the reverse.

I've seen OR with manual, but they are like unicorns. I can find Sports with manuals all over.

As far as the features go, I really have no problem with turning a key to start, and I really don't need crawl control (or MTS either for that matter). I'm sure they are nice features, but I can't see paying for them if I'm not going to use them.

 

[TCOTUE]

Good to know about the reverse.

I've seen OR with manual, but they are like unicorns. I can find Sports with manuals all over.

As far as the features go, I really have no problem with turning a key to start, and I really don't need crawl control (or MTS either for that matter). I'm sure they are nice features, but I can't see paying for them if I'm not going to use them.

I love my Sport. These trucks are far more capable than people think. Mines an auto, but I have no issues with it.

I'm honestly not sure I'd want a manual, kinda nice to just hop in and go. Hell even my wife enjoys driving it, she daily's a Acura RDX A-Spec.

 

[C-Dog]

I love my Sport. These trucks are far more capable than people think. Mines an auto, but I have no issues with it.

I'm honestly not sure I'd want a manual, kinda nice to just hop in and go. Hell even my wife enjoys driving it, she daily's a Acura RDX A-Spec.

I just like to row my own gears, but I get it...it's just a personal preference thing. We had a 2004 Duramax with an auto, and it was a nice truck to drive, especially in heavy traffic. I've just always preferred a manual.

The dealer near my home said he'd be contacting in the next couple of days when his allocations list come in. Maybe I'll get lucky.

 

[406Camper]

Even with the OR I can't really see myself using either of those features...like I said, no rock crawling in my future. I tend to be a little wimpy, and didn't really enjoy rock crawling in my Samurai. Not sure if the manual trans has the crawl control feature anyway; if it doesn't, then no big deal.

For the most part, the boat ramps in the area we go fishing aren't very steep...the Crosstrek easily pulls the loaded trailer out, so I can't imagine a Tacoma having much trouble there. Although we'd probably throw it into 4wd for that particular job, so it would get a weekly workout during the spring, summer and fall months.

It just seems like the only way I'd be able to get into the OR would be if I'm willing to settle for an automatic, and I'm just not.

Don't settle for an automatic. You can always add an aftermarket locker if you want to.

 

[C-Dog]

Thought I'd found my unicorn yesterday.....turns out that it was presold. The dealer said he tried to contact the person who put the deposit on it to make sure he was still interested, but he wasn't in, so he could take my deposit for the truck. I told him no way, I wasn't going to "snipe" someone else's truck, that wasn't right.

So, I've got my name on a couple lists...looks like I'll be waiting for a while. Bummer.

 

[Trudog]

My take being 6'-2" defiantly no sunroof / you will gain about 2" of head room, second suggestion is install some Desert Does It front seat jackers only, not the rear which create better seating position for taller drivers...hope this helps and enjoy your truck to its fullest potential!

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[TACOHUNT4x4]

Thought I'd found my unicorn yesterday.....turns out that it was presold. The dealer said he tried to contact the person who put the deposit on it to make sure he was still interested, but he wasn't in, so he could take my deposit for the truck. I told him no way, I wasn't going to "snipe" someone else's truck, that wasn't right.

So, I've got my name on a couple lists...looks like I'll be waiting for a while. Bummer.

It sucks you have to wait, but it will be worth it! I had a Sport with a stick and my new OR has a stick…..both great trucks and capable of doing whatever you want them to. Hold out for the stick……You know what you want……never settle. The Tacoma is an awesome little truck and a lot of fun to drive with the third pedal! Hang in there C-Dog….it will happen for you.

 

[C-Dog]

It sucks you have to wait, but it will be worth it! I had a Sport with a stick and my new OR has a stick…..both great trucks and capable of doing whatever you want them to. Hold out for the stick……You know what you want……never settle. The Tacoma is an awesome little truck and a lot of fun to drive with the third pedal! Hang in there C-Dog….it will happen for you.

Oh for sure, I refuse to settle. I'll own this truck for a long time, so I want what I want. I'd much rather wait for the right one than jump at something I'm not crazy about. I want to love my truck, not tolerate it!

 

[C-Dog]

Well, keep those fingers crossed!

I checked out a Sport today, but the dealership put a $7500 markup on it. I sent the salesman a text telling him that if he can lose that markup, I'll but it tonight.

Of course, he has to talk to his manager, lol. Still waiting on the verdict.

 

[B-Man]

Well, keep those fingers crossed!

I checked out a Sport today, but the dealership put a $7500 markup on it. I sent the salesman a text telling him that if he can lose that markup, I'll but it tonight.

Of course, he has to talk to his manager, lol. Still waiting on the verdict.

Good Luck!

 

[C-Dog]

So, the "manager" wasn't willing to ditch the markup, and managed to find a sucker willing to pay it immediately, so I lost out.

But, I just may have located another (which hasn't been built yet, but also hasn't been sold either) so maybe in a few weeks I'll have my truck.

Not holding my breath at this point, but we'll see.

 

[Mike_570]

So, the "manager" wasn't willing to ditch the markup, and managed to find a sucker willing to pay it immediately, so I lost out.

But, I just may have located another (which hasn't been built yet, but also hasn't been sold either) so maybe in a few weeks I'll have my truck.

Not holding my breath at this point, but we'll see.

I don't know where you are or how the dealerships are there, but when my truck was being built I had to put a refundable 500 down in order to guarantee first dibs on the vehicle. You're probably going to be in the same situation if you actually want to get a truck, you might want to call the dealership that one is going to be arriving at if you haven't already. Especially if it's not marked up...that's rare anymore.

 

[Takotruck]

The dealership where I bought my Tacoma back in 2020 has five new ones on the lot. They are in the $38-$45,000 range.

 

[Mike_570]

The dealership where I bought my Tacoma back in 2020 has five new ones on the lot. They are in the $38-$45,000 range.

The question is if they're actually on the lot or not. I had to run over to the dealership that I got mine from a few weeks ago and while they listed 39 on their website they were all manufacturer pictures like that and not a single one was on the lot. Glad I got mine when I did...the dealership I got mine from was the only one within a few hours that wasn't marking them up. Just looked and now they're adding a 2k market adjustment fee. Ouch.

 

[C-Dog]

The question is if they're actually on the lot or not. I had to run over to the dealership that I got mine from a few weeks ago and while they listed 39 on their website they were all manufacturer pictures like that and not a single one was on the lot. Glad I got mine when I did...the dealership I got mine from was the only one within a few hours that wasn't marking them up. Just looked and now they're adding a 2k market adjustment fee. Ouch.

That's a low markup, around here (Maryland) it ranges from $5000-$7500. I don't mind paying the sticker price, but I'll be damned if I'm going to pay an extra $7500 on top of that. Market adjustment fee is just a fancy way of saying "Hey it's a popular truck, so we're going to really screw everybody that wants one, and get a HYUUUUUGE commission".
In 2004, we bought a 1 ton Duramax crew cab long bed single rear wheel axle truck, brand spankin' new for the same thing they're selling these Tacomas for (before the markup). I'm still having a hard time wrapping my head around that, lol. I understand that prices go up, and 2004 was a long time ago, but it really annoys me to deal with a bunch of scheisters, and price gouging really pisses me off. /end rant.