Finally bought a minivan (Option C)
06-29-2016, 04:51 PM
#41
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
My 2011 Tacoma has been fantastic so far.
06-29-2016, 05:02 PM
#42
Ex-OEM King
I think I want a 4x4 again. I might only get RWD, but it won't be a Ridgeline or anything like that.
The goal is to sell my car, put that money to paying down the remaining debt I have, use the CRV for my limited needs for six months to a year, and be able to get anything I want. I want something that either has, or can have installed, Android Auto/CarPlay, can be lifted, can seat five. I might be looking at the Wrangler Unlimited as well, just not sure yet. I'm a bit of a ways out from that sort of decision. Mainly just looking at exteriors and interiors for the time being, not a lot of trucks can pull off the four door short bed look.
The goal is to sell my car, put that money to paying down the remaining debt I have, use the CRV for my limited needs for six months to a year, and be able to get anything I want. I want something that either has, or can have installed, Android Auto/CarPlay, can be lifted, can seat five. I might be looking at the Wrangler Unlimited as well, just not sure yet. I'm a bit of a ways out from that sort of decision. Mainly just looking at exteriors and interiors for the time being, not a lot of trucks can pull off the four door short bed look.
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Costco (10-21-2016)
06-30-2016, 08:36 AM
#44
Banned
Thread Starter
My last truck and Jeep, 20 and 15 years ago respectively.
As much as I loved my Jeep, I am honestly leaning away from that. The smaller trucks with the extended cab look a bit less unwieldy for everyday use. Some of those bigger ones are too damn long.
I'm looking at lifted Tacos and I like what I see. 2016 interior looks real nice, and the older ones look like an aftermarket double-DIN unit would work.
As much as I loved my Jeep, I am honestly leaning away from that. The smaller trucks with the extended cab look a bit less unwieldy for everyday use. Some of those bigger ones are too damn long.
I'm looking at lifted Tacos and I like what I see. 2016 interior looks real nice, and the older ones look like an aftermarket double-DIN unit would work.
06-30-2016, 04:05 PM
#45
Race Director
iTrader: (7)
If you need a full sized truck, I also had some seat time in a '16 F150 3.5 XLT FX4.. Super nice truck and it was loaded, but with a sticker at almost 50k, I'd get one with only with the MFT option package to get rid of the sea of buttons
if you go with an older Tacoma, I think the 13+ has the Entune system with apps/touchscreen and whatnot
if you go with an older Tacoma, I think the 13+ has the Entune system with apps/touchscreen and whatnot
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00TL-P3.2 (07-05-2016),
1killercls (10-21-2016)
07-05-2016, 08:32 PM
#47
Moderator
iTrader: (3)
Ugh, I love the '16+. My wife and I want one SO badly 
07-05-2016, 10:15 PM
#48
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Man I went to Mammoth for 5 days for camping with my family friends. One of them brought his new Sienna SE. I don't know why but I freaking love that minivan. The SE version actually looks very good! With my first baby due in 4 months, I told my wife I really like the car. She hates it. He brought shitload of gears in the back. Put an air mattress in the trunk with the 2nd row pushed all the way to the front, it's like a freaking hotel with the entertainment system.
He brought shitload of gears in the back. Put an air mattress in the trunk with the 2nd row pushed all the way to the front, it's like a freaking hotel with the entertainment system.
07-06-2016, 08:13 AM
#49
Moderator
Man I went to Mammoth for 5 days for camping with my family friends. One of them brought his new Sienna SE. I don't know why but I freaking love that minivan. The SE version actually looks very good! With my first baby due in 4 months, I told my wife I really like the car. She hates it. He brought shitload of gears in the back. Put an air mattress in the trunk with the 2nd row pushed all the way to the front, it's like a freaking hotel with the entertainment system.
He brought shitload of gears in the back. Put an air mattress in the trunk with the 2nd row pushed all the way to the front, it's like a freaking hotel with the entertainment system.
10-21-2016, 10:11 AM
#50
Banned
Thread Starter
Because I'm bored, I'm checking out some different options today.
I really like the new Silverado/Sierra, but lifted, those square wheel arches look so dumb. The new Colorado/Canyon looks pretty good lifted, and hopefully they do release the ZR2.
Looking forward to the Ranger, if it stays in a similar design to what is available outside NA.
I really like the new Silverado/Sierra, but lifted, those square wheel arches look so dumb. The new Colorado/Canyon looks pretty good lifted, and hopefully they do release the ZR2.
Looking forward to the Ranger, if it stays in a similar design to what is available outside NA.
10-21-2016, 10:19 AM
#51
Moderator
[bias] Get the F150! [/bias]
If I had to do it again, I might have sprung for the 3.5EB over the 2.7, but have no complaints with it. [Clarkson]Powaa![/Clarkson]
In reality, I'll rarely tow with it, so the 2.7 does just fine for me.
Just to influence a bit more
And with my co-worker's Colorado, after getting accustomed to the F150, I was surprised how small his Colorado seemed inside.
If I had to do it again, I might have sprung for the 3.5EB over the 2.7, but have no complaints with it. [Clarkson]Powaa![/Clarkson]
In reality, I'll rarely tow with it, so the 2.7 does just fine for me.
Just to influence a bit more
And with my co-worker's Colorado, after getting accustomed to the F150, I was surprised how small his Colorado seemed inside.
10-21-2016, 10:38 AM
#52
Banned
Thread Starter
Yeah, I just read through your thread. Probably should sub to it.
No idea which one to get at this point, but I'm figuring because of the sales wars, I could get a full size F-150 for what I'd pay for a Taco. I just need to see how much room is in all of them, particularly the back seat. Also have to see how well all the various configurations handle sheets of ply.
Still quite a ways out. Hoping the CRV will last me at least until it comes time again for emissions in August.
No idea which one to get at this point, but I'm figuring because of the sales wars, I could get a full size F-150 for what I'd pay for a Taco. I just need to see how much room is in all of them, particularly the back seat. Also have to see how well all the various configurations handle sheets of ply.
Still quite a ways out. Hoping the CRV will last me at least until it comes time again for emissions in August.
10-21-2016, 11:34 AM
#53
Moderator
The back seat in the F is huge! Especially with the seats folded up. With the flat floor, it's probably big enough to sleep in, in a pinch.
I got mine for nearly 10k off sticker. Comparing it to my brother-in-law's Taco & my co-worker's Colorado, I'd still take the F over them.
The only things I wish I had from the Lariat, since I actually like the cloth in the XLT: Memory seats/mirrors, LED headlights. You can get the LED tails on the XLT with the BLIS (blind spot monitors).
I got mine for nearly 10k off sticker. Comparing it to my brother-in-law's Taco & my co-worker's Colorado, I'd still take the F over them.
The only things I wish I had from the Lariat, since I actually like the cloth in the XLT: Memory seats/mirrors, LED headlights. You can get the LED tails on the XLT with the BLIS (blind spot monitors).
10-24-2016, 04:05 PM
#55
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
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I don't know what it is, but I don't like that indent into the headlight. And the grille feels unfinished to me. Just big and blocky and then suddenly stops at the bumper.
And the GMC/Chevy Sierras just look....generic. If you took the badges off...its like it could be anyones truck. nothing signature.
And the GMC/Chevy Sierras just look....generic. If you took the badges off...its like it could be anyones truck. nothing signature.
10-24-2016, 06:52 PM
#56
Team Owner
I highly suggest everyone buy me. Delicious tacos for errrrrbody. 
but seriously, the taco is a great little truck, however, I remember the fuel economy being horrendous. My brother ended up selling his and buying a full size, as he really wasn't saving anything, besides having a smaller box and less room inside. However, it was much more friendly for daily driving, around town.
Any interest in the new ridgeline? I'd imagine it's just more of the same.
but seriously, the taco is a great little truck, however, I remember the fuel economy being horrendous. My brother ended up selling his and buying a full size, as he really wasn't saving anything, besides having a smaller box and less room inside. However, it was much more friendly for daily driving, around town.
Any interest in the new ridgeline? I'd imagine it's just more of the same.
10-25-2016, 08:42 AM
#59
Banned
Thread Starter
I quite like the Roush grille/bar, because it ties the grille and that headlight indent together.
I think the RIdgeline is fine, but there's like a disconnect with the styling between the cab and the truck, even though in reality it's the opposite. It also doesn't really seem to work with the meaty AT or MT tires and a lift which is the ultimate look/utility that I'll eventually be going for.
I think the RIdgeline is fine, but there's like a disconnect with the styling between the cab and the truck, even though in reality it's the opposite. It also doesn't really seem to work with the meaty AT or MT tires and a lift which is the ultimate look/utility that I'll eventually be going for.
10-25-2016, 09:07 AM
#61
Ex-OEM King
The ridgeline is for people who really only need a light duty truck 5% of the time (which is, IMO, almost everyone that owns a truck) but wants a decent, comfortable, efficient, and reliable mode of transportation for the other 95% of the time. It's a good buy for nearly everyone in the market for a pickup and it is actually surprisingly capable at doing truck things.
10-25-2016, 10:11 AM
#62
Race Director
iTrader: (7)
I drove a Canyon not long ago. It's a nice place to sit, but it didn't drive well. I know it's a truck, but everything felt sluggish.. Throttle input, slow shifting transmission, Ect. It was kind of difficult to place it between the lines on the freeway too. I've never had that issue with any other truck or SUV that I've driven. I wanted to like it, but I was disappointed
cant go go wrong with a Tacoma. They really don't depreciate much either. It would be a solid investment.
cant go go wrong with a Tacoma. They really don't depreciate much either. It would be a solid investment.
10-25-2016, 10:47 AM
#64
Safety Car
But yes, mileage is not any better than a modern full-size truck. The advantage is mainly it just being easier to live with day to day.
10-25-2016, 10:55 AM
#65
I honestly think I might have been more harsh because it was the wrong time in my life to be "mature" and I settled on an automatic NON SC model (2002)...
Maybe today I'd feel differently.
I still wanted that shifting feeling in a zippy little honda...ended up in an EP3 and then DC5 after that.
Maybe today I'd feel differently.
I still wanted that shifting feeling in a zippy little honda...ended up in an EP3 and then DC5 after that.
10-25-2016, 11:04 AM
#66
Safety Car
I honestly think I might have been more harsh because it was the wrong time in my life to be "mature" and I settled on an automatic NON SC model (2002)...
Maybe today I'd feel differently.
I still wanted that shifting feeling in a zippy little honda...ended up in an EP3 and then DC5 after that.
Maybe today I'd feel differently.
I still wanted that shifting feeling in a zippy little honda...ended up in an EP3 and then DC5 after that.
By comparison, the 2nd gen Frontier and Tacoma are as big as a 1997-2000 Ford F-150. But the latest full size trucks are just huge now.
10-25-2016, 11:29 AM
#68
Moderator
My b-i-l's TRD Sport is a nice truck.
10-25-2016, 11:56 AM
#70
The Third Ball
Join Date: Sep 2002
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I quite like the Roush grille/bar, because it ties the grille and that headlight indent together.
I think the RIdgeline is fine, but there's like a disconnect with the styling between the cab and the truck, even though in reality it's the opposite. It also doesn't really seem to work with the meaty AT or MT tires and a lift which is the ultimate look/utility that I'll eventually be going for.
I think the RIdgeline is fine, but there's like a disconnect with the styling between the cab and the truck, even though in reality it's the opposite. It also doesn't really seem to work with the meaty AT or MT tires and a lift which is the ultimate look/utility that I'll eventually be going for.
10-25-2016, 12:17 PM
#71
Banned
Thread Starter
Some of the things I'm going to have to think about is mid vs full, and how big of a cab. I hate single cab trucks. The choice would be an extended cab or a full crew cab. My kids are 10 and 7, so if I buy a crew cab next year or so I'll make great use of it for 5-10 years. After that, not so much.
I think the Taco vs F-150 or similar pricing would even itself out, with how badly dealers are pressured to move full size models in the best-selling war. The resale value isn't one I much worry about, I'd like to get something I keep for a decade or more. Who knows, though.
I think the Taco vs F-150 or similar pricing would even itself out, with how badly dealers are pressured to move full size models in the best-selling war. The resale value isn't one I much worry about, I'd like to get something I keep for a decade or more. Who knows, though.
10-25-2016, 12:31 PM
#72
Moderator
Getting close to end of year as well, so if you move on it in December, I'm sure smoking deals are to be had.
10-25-2016, 12:33 PM
#73
Safety Car
Some of the things I'm going to have to think about is mid vs full, and how big of a cab. I hate single cab trucks. The choice would be an extended cab or a full crew cab. My kids are 10 and 7, so if I buy a crew cab next year or so I'll make great use of it for 5-10 years. After that, not so much.
Pros of a 4 door truck - Plenty of space anytime you are carrying more than 2 people. A much larger dry/secure place to put stuff.
Cons of a 4 door truck - Slightly shorter bed length (usually 1 foot) unless you get the long bed. But then you're driving a huge truck that can be a pain to park or maneuver.
Pros of a 2 +2 truck - Cheaper to buy. Gets the longer bed without having to go extended and increasing the length of the vehicle.
Cons of a 2 +2 truck - Smaller place to store things securely or out of the weather. A pain to fit more than 2 people.
You should only get a +2 if you plan on using your bed a lot and don't want to pay the extra for a long bed. You will find a lot more day to day utility out of the 4 door. Basically if you have made it this far without a pickup in the household, you're probably not a person who needs a full length bed very much.
Growing up, my dad always had extended cab pickups. Now I have a quad cab pickup. The difference in utility is huge. Remember that a pickup has no trunk so all of that stuff you currently have in your trunk has to either go in the cab or go in the bed. And not everything should be riding in a bed where it can get stolen or exposed to the elements.
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CocheseUGA (10-25-2016)
10-25-2016, 01:25 PM
#74
Team Owner
Some of the things I'm going to have to think about is mid vs full, and how big of a cab. I hate single cab trucks. The choice would be an extended cab or a full crew cab. My kids are 10 and 7, so if I buy a crew cab next year or so I'll make great use of it for 5-10 years. After that, not so much.
I think the Taco vs F-150 or similar pricing would even itself out, with how badly dealers are pressured to move full size models in the best-selling war. The resale value isn't one I much worry about, I'd like to get something I keep for a decade or more. Who knows, though.
I think the Taco vs F-150 or similar pricing would even itself out, with how badly dealers are pressured to move full size models in the best-selling war. The resale value isn't one I much worry about, I'd like to get something I keep for a decade or more. Who knows, though.
10-25-2016, 01:49 PM
#75
Senior Moderator
Just dont get a F150 with the LED headlights. They suck and the Glare they produce for other drivers really makes me wonder how they got DOT approval.
10-25-2016, 02:44 PM
#77
Moderator
More likely to go with the aftermarket dual projectors & either HID or LED in those.
10-25-2016, 06:47 PM
#78
Team Owner
If visibility (how far and wide you can see) is what you want, instead of how white and bright the color is, Good projector + HID is the way to go. (I think a retrofit will give you much better result than the aftermarket headlight + HID)
I have LED, other than the "wow, your lights are so white at night" it does not add any real benefits. Only if the LED can spread as evenly, far and wide as the HID, then that would be the best of both world.
But as of right now, most of the LEDs can't, especially the ones without projector like the F150 and mine.
I have LED, other than the "wow, your lights are so white at night" it does not add any real benefits. Only if the LED can spread as evenly, far and wide as the HID, then that would be the best of both world.
But as of right now, most of the LEDs can't, especially the ones without projector like the F150 and mine.
Last edited by oonowindoo; 10-25-2016 at 06:52 PM.
10-25-2016, 09:55 PM
#79
Senior Moderator
Pickup trucks score poorly in headlight tests | Fox News
Pickup truck headlights performed poorly in new tests by the insurance industry.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests measured how far light carries from the trucks' high beams and low beams, both on straight roads and curves. They also measured the amount of glare that could affect oncoming drivers. The results were released Tuesday.
Seven of the 11 small and full-size pickups tested earned the lowest score of "poor." If the trucks offered multiple headlight combinations, the institute's ratings were based on the best available headlight system. All of the pickups tested were from the 2016 or 2017 model years.
Excessive glare was a problem on nearly every model, the institute said.
Only one large pickup, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, earned the highest rating for the headlights on its most-expensive models. The Ridgeline's headlights provided good visibility on most roads. It also offered high-beam assist, which automatically switches off high beams if another vehicle is approaching.
Among full-size pickups, the GMC Sierra earned the second-highest rating of "acceptable," while the Nissan Titan and Ram 1500 earned "marginal" ratings.
The Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra full-size pickups also earned "poor" ratings. Both the low-beams and the high-beams on the F-150 — the best-selling full-size pickup in the U.S. — provided inadequate visibility, even with optional LED lights added, the institute said.
All four small pickups tested — the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma — earned "poor" ratings.
The Arlington, Virginia-based Insurance Institute began rating headlights earlier this year after finding that U.S. government standards allowed a great deal of variation in the amount of illumination headlights must provide. The institute gave "poor" ratings to many cars and small SUVs in previous tests.
The tests will likely cause some manufacturers to change their headlights. IIHS said it won't award its coveted "Top Safety Pick-Plus" ranking next year to any vehicle that doesn't have "good" or "acceptable" lighting.
Pickup truck headlights performed poorly in new tests by the insurance industry.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tests measured how far light carries from the trucks' high beams and low beams, both on straight roads and curves. They also measured the amount of glare that could affect oncoming drivers. The results were released Tuesday.
Seven of the 11 small and full-size pickups tested earned the lowest score of "poor." If the trucks offered multiple headlight combinations, the institute's ratings were based on the best available headlight system. All of the pickups tested were from the 2016 or 2017 model years.
Excessive glare was a problem on nearly every model, the institute said.
Only one large pickup, the 2017 Honda Ridgeline, earned the highest rating for the headlights on its most-expensive models. The Ridgeline's headlights provided good visibility on most roads. It also offered high-beam assist, which automatically switches off high beams if another vehicle is approaching.
Among full-size pickups, the GMC Sierra earned the second-highest rating of "acceptable," while the Nissan Titan and Ram 1500 earned "marginal" ratings.
The Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra full-size pickups also earned "poor" ratings. Both the low-beams and the high-beams on the F-150 — the best-selling full-size pickup in the U.S. — provided inadequate visibility, even with optional LED lights added, the institute said.
All four small pickups tested — the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier and Toyota Tacoma — earned "poor" ratings.
The Arlington, Virginia-based Insurance Institute began rating headlights earlier this year after finding that U.S. government standards allowed a great deal of variation in the amount of illumination headlights must provide. The institute gave "poor" ratings to many cars and small SUVs in previous tests.
The tests will likely cause some manufacturers to change their headlights. IIHS said it won't award its coveted "Top Safety Pick-Plus" ranking next year to any vehicle that doesn't have "good" or "acceptable" lighting.
Last edited by fsttyms1; 10-25-2016 at 10:02 PM.
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00TL-P3.2 (10-26-2016)
10-26-2016, 08:31 AM
#80
Moderator
Definitely leaning that way. Looking at replacement headlights with high & low beam projectors, rather than retrofitting the OE halogens. Plus, the replacements are already a black housing & have the LED switchback 'halo'.