Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

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Comments

  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    Is this an option for this truck? If it is, are there any pre-requisites, like power windows?
  • tacltdtacltd Member Posts: 7
    bsparx - I'm interested in finding out more about the snugtop - how much did you pay - which model - where bought - likes and dislikes, etc. Being in the Atlanta area - there are no dealers nearby (the closest one is listed on the snugtop website as being 200 miles away). This may be a strange request - but if you have access to a digital camera I'd love to see a pic of your doublecab with the snugtop. If it looks anything like the one one in the Tacoma catalogue - I bet it looks sharp.
  • bsparxbsparx Member Posts: 84
    tacltd (like the handle), I paid $1400 installed, including tax, in SF Bay Area. The snug top is a great shell. The fit is perfect, the gap between cab and shell the smallest of any truck I've had, and the workmanship is good - all windows aligned, door & hardware smooth and tight, paint matches exactly (dark green). I was mixed at first that Toyota gave SnugTop some exclusive rights to this truck for a year or something, but now I'm happy about that. I had a Leer on my Dodge Dakota, a Vista on my F150, a GemTop on my F250, and a Brahma on my Mazda, and none of them were made this well. So the extra $200 to $400 paid for the 'premium' brand seems worth it to me. This truck / top also does not seem to suffer from reduced mileage with the shell like my other trucks did. I'm still getting 18.5 to 19.5 avg. with my prerunner V6. I don't have a digital camera, but a friend does. I'll see what I can do, I saw your email is in your profile...

    Ben
  • arc9arc9 Member Posts: 3
    I really appreciate the information. I have a rather large dog (Malamute) and since he would be staying the bed (with a topper), I would need sliding windows. I had suspected that the topper provided by Snugtop had windows that only "popped" out...at least what I could tell from the picture. I did call a Toyota shop close to me and they said that there was a topper store across the street from them that could make one with sliding windows.

    Bsparx, even though you get roughly the same mileage with the topper, does the truck overall feel anymore sluggish with the added weight? Man I would love to see a picture of your truck with the topper! If anyone else has a pic, let us know!

    Mikeinhouston, I have seen the picture in the brochure. It does look pretty nice :)

    Thanks,
    Rob
  • extremerextremer Member Posts: 9
    my buddy and i ordered d-cabs. his came in and i drove it at night and was really bothered by the orange lighting on the dash (what an idiot i am for not test-driving at night) anyway my question is,how can i change the color of the dashboard lighting? thanks
  • tacltdtacltd Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the info - I look forward to seeing your pic. Any guess on how much the Snugtop weighs?
  • bsparxbsparx Member Posts: 84
    arc9, my 75 lb labrador gets plenty of fresh air through the pop-out windows...to be honest, she's one of the main reasons I bought a 4 door pick-up with a shell rather than an suv...that and one lousy bag of concrete in the back of your suv and there's dust everywhere!

    tacltd, the first day I had the shell on, freeway acceleration seemed a little off (I never use the power setting). By the next day, it was back to normal. My suspicion is that the computer learned a new fuel/air mixture to produce acceleration to match my foot's demand against the added weight (about 200 lbs). Another concern I had was that the shell would tilt the truck down at the back end, but it didn't change it more than about 1/2 ". I had already replaced the factory shocks with Rancho 5000's (shocks rear, struts front - fit from y2000 4x4) so that may have helped against sag and with the ride (which is excllent).

    I'm working on the photo...

    Ben
  • mhammermhammer Member Posts: 5
    My wife and I took delivery of her Prerunner D-cab with Limited Package, TRD Off-Road package et al on Tuesday of this past week.

    While my wife had test driven many variations of the D-cab including one with the TRD Off-Road Package, I had not. My first test drive was on the way home. In short, I think it is a great truck. It’s a better truck than my 96 2WD T-100 extended cab.

    Prior to driving it I was apprehensive about the ride of the TRD Off-Road Package. This was based on several comments on the board from folks who had driven a Tokico-equipped D-cab.

    The ride is stiff but not that stiff. It’s a little stiffer than my Bilstein-equipped 2WD T-100 but a lot less stiff than my 99 Miata. It’s definitely not a land-yacht ride.

    After just under 300 miles of driving I think I prefer the D-cab ride to the T-100 ride. It instills confidence during the negotiation of the twisty & hilly 2 & 4 lane roads of the Atlanta area.

    Tammy, Vance and the rest of the great people at Toyota of Roswell were super. Each of them did exactly what they said they would do. And in Tammy’s case she went above and beyond. When my wife picked up the loaner car (see post 61) Tammy told us to keep it until we took delivery of our D-cab. There was no pressure at any time. No bait and switch. It was the best car buying experience to date.

    We’re still awaiting the Snugtop Sport Shell. There are still none available in the Atlanta area. I have even called Capital Toyota in Chattanooga at Tammy’s recommendation in an attempt to find one.
  • tacltdtacltd Member Posts: 7
    mhammer - it sounds like our Tacoma buying experiences were very similar. I purchased from Toyota of Roswell on November 30th. I knew exactly what I wanted to pay, which options I wanted, etc. Had been to a number of other dealerships in the Atlanta area and they told me I couldn't get what I wanted for the price range I was quoting. Stone Mountain Toyota internet pricing gave me the lowest quote so I went to Toyota of Roswell playing with that number - long story short they beat the price with very little haggling. They had to take inventory from a dealership in Silicauga, AL because there were no black limiteds in the area. I had the truck the very next day and went with the limited/TRD package as well. The ride is tight but comfortable. Much nicer than my 95 4WD
    Nissan Pathfinder which in comparison feels like a loose tin box on wheels. Will never go back to Nissan.

    I too am awaiting the arrival of the Snugtop Shell in the Atlanta area- can't believe that such a big Toyota market would not have a dealer. Alot of posters here have given some positive feedback and detail on the Snugtop and I'm anxious to get my hands on one. Let me know what you find. By the way, not to spam but if you know anyone in the market for running boards I got the chrome step bars at 1500 miles and the boards are just collecting dust.

    Enjoy your truck - sounds like you got a good one.
  • sbndelawaresbndelaware Member Posts: 1
    Looking for some input on the rear Diff Lock on my 2001 D-Cab. Just took delivery on this truck, I have never used a locking Differential before, so my question is how do I see if this option is working properly? I push the button and the indicator just blinks, do I need to be in 4WD and if so when does the locker engage? Is it only if one wheel is spinning? How do I test this to see that is working right?
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    The Locker will only lock in Low-range (4-lo). You have to slow below 5mph to get it to engage once you are in 4lo. You only want to engage 4wd/4-lo on slippery surfaces. Once engaged, both rear tires will spin. It's really only for off-roading, because you should never need a locker on slippery roads. In fact, a locked rear-end on ice is scary.
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    I am thinking of getting the above, instead of 4WD, since we only get snow occasionally. sebring95, are you saying that the locker should not be used on the street at all? I was thinking that I could use this kindo like limited slip.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    Well, you shouldn't use 4X4 on dry surfaces and you have to be in 4X4 to get the locker on(technically, there is a way to override the system and get the locker to engage anytime but that's another story). Limited slip is going to do that, limit slipping. The locker is going to drive both wheels equally (locked). I don't like a locked rear axle on the road at all, even snow/ice. I'm not a big ltd slip fan either but that's because I always have 4X4. I see no reason to have ltd. slip and 4X4. The locker gives you much better ability off-road but I'd never use it on road. I'm not sure how the Pre-runner works, but the locker would be quite helpful if you got stuck or needed traction on a short-term basis. A locker will do some funny stuff on anytype of road surface, and slick conditions are usually worse than dry. If my only driving conditions were snow on the roads, I'd pass on the locker and just stick with the basic 4X4. Even alot of off-roading doesn't require the locker, but on steep hills/rocks it really helps.
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    Does the locker rear require special maintenance?
  • mhammermhammer Member Posts: 5
    Toyrota - You can get the locking differential w/o 4wD. It's part of the TRD Off Road Package on the 2WD Prerunners. I have one…I mean my wife has one.

    Tacltd - My wife's silver D-cab has the black running boards. I bet the chrome step bars look great on your black D-cab. A friend in the office is thinking about buying a D-cab. I'll pass your info on to him.
  • 2k1trd2k1trd Member Posts: 301
    On my previous 2000 tacoma i had "modified" the locker so i could use it anytime but it served absolutely no benefit in any conditions except for hill climbing and slow going over rocks and stuff.Although it was pretty fun in the rain going around corners and getting it sideways! :)
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    No additional maintenance, just more stuff that could break. For me, I'd buy the locker because I do off-road. Wasting money IMHO if you have no plans to off-road. Of course, alot of people have no intention to off-road but get the bug.

    I went wheelin with 5 other tacoma owners a couple months ago. One guy was in his early 40's and never been off-roading before. Drove 2 hours to meet us because he wanted to test the locker on his new TRD, and we ended up spending 5-6 hours on the trails.
  • leon_vleon_v Member Posts: 8
    Good morning.. i am about to start looking for a truck ( i have godd 5-6 month before i can actually buy one) i do want to get a 4x4 and was looking at the tacoma's TRD package.. but i am a bit confused.. with the package the price jumps up about 3000-5000... and if all it is is just flares and shocks.. i am not too crazy about the flares.. so if all it is is just better shocks.. whould it not be cheaper to buy some and have them installed elsewhere?

    it might sound naive but i am not quite sure what the trd package is..

    thanks for your help
  • mikeinhoustonmikeinhouston Member Posts: 19
    In a vacumn the TRD package only costs $1150 MSRP ($929 invoice). The reason you see such a price jump is because if you want the TRD you are required to also get an SR5 package (about $920 MSRP depending on which package, $820 invoice) or the limited package which $3495 MSRP ($2791 invoice).

    Hope that helps.
  • leon_vleon_v Member Posts: 8
    Thanks... that explains a tad, but the bottom line.. is it worth spending the money on or is is cheaper to do the TRD sort of package upgrade myself?? when i talked to a friend of mine(and by far he is not an expert.. ) it seems that sr5 package is just the paint job??

    thanks again for your help
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    leon_v, I just purchased a 2001 Tacoma Prerunner DoubleCab this morning, and have done much research on this vehicle. The SR5 package includes: air conditioning, tilt, cd player, digital clock, either color coded or chrome grill/front & rear bumper/mirrors, tachometer, and various other items. This is probably the best value at $818 invoice. I say it is the best value in the tacoma option lineup because why pay $800 for AC alone, when you get all this other stuff? Plus, the SR5 package is required by some of the other option codes.
  • mikeinhoustonmikeinhouston Member Posts: 19
    In addition to what toyota said just above the SR5 package also includes intermittent wipers and passanger side visor mirror.
  • jholc21jholc21 Member Posts: 3
    I agree with Toyrota. The SR5 package is worth it. I've got a 97 Taco I bought in late 96' with the LX package - the same as today's SR5 Package.

    Back then it also included the bigger 31" tires which look so great on the truck. I would question the value of TRD package just like I questioned the value of the "Limited" package unless you plan on doing serious off-roading.

    A non-TRD should still have the same ground clearance but less agressive off-road shocks and struts. By no means is this setup a slouch. I've had the same setup for 4.5 years and will be upgrading to more aggresive off-road tires and TRD level shocks when I replace these in about 4 months. This truck has done fantastic both on and off-road. My only wish is that I had the Locking Rear Diff but truthfully have not needed it even after numerous trips 4-wheeling in Utah and Colorado.

    BTW. 57,000 miles with original tires with plenty of tread life left, original brakes also with plenty of pad left and still averages 20-23mpg 80%hwy 20%city.
  • 2k1trd2k1trd Member Posts: 301
    I personally got the TRD package because i think it rides nicer.
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    Here's how I justified the TRD package on my Double Cab:

    TRD ($929.00 invoice-what I paid) includes black fender overrides, locker, 16" Tundra aluminum alloys, 265-70R16 BFG's, off road suspension.

    The Double Cab comes with the fender overriders, so i didn't care about that. BUT- I wanted the locker and the bigger wheels. If you look at invoice price on the locking rear and the cheapest 16" steel rim option, their combined price is around $600.00.

    So the way I look at it, I paid around $300 to upgrade to the tundra rims, nicer tires, firmer suspension, and I got the all-important STICKER on the side of the bed!

    One caution, as was mentioned previously, there are prerequisites for some option packages, and the TRD package has some restrictions. You must order the SR5 package and either the PO or PP Power Package in order to get the TRD package. This will set you back $818 and $600/$640, respectively. That's $1400 and some change just to be able to get the TRD package.

    I personally wanted all the stuff in the SR5 and PP packages, so I didn't mind the pre-requisite cost. But if want roll up windows, you might be better off selecting only those items that you want.
  • bsparxbsparx Member Posts: 84
    I skipped the TRD package on my Doublecab, because I felt some different choices would be better for my application. I was putting on a Sungtop, and both the tokiko and bilstein shock/strut combos Toyota offers are very stiff anyway, with the added 200 lbs of the cap, I knew I'd be riding a pogo stick on our poorly maintained freeways here in CA. Also, the off-road I do is usually on dry dirt or gravel where ruts and washboarding produce the same effect. Similarly, the locker is too all/nothing for my uses, I'd rather have a LSD (Limited Slip Differential). So I skipped the expense of the TRD and put in Rancho 5000's right away. Total cost, installed, was less than $300 at 4Wheel Parts Wholesalers(www.4wheelparts.com). So now I have $300 more to buy a LSD, and even if I spend $400 or $500, I know I've got exactly what I want.

    Toyota is not far off the mark. For a lot of users, the TRD package is a good deal, and Toyota Engineers have obviously already put the same thought into it that I did. I don't know why they don't offer it with a LSD, though. You just have to know where you're going to use it, and how the weight you carry ultimately effects the ride and handling.

    Anybody else notice the Ford Ranger "Edge" ? Basically, the same concept as the TRD. 3" extra height, stiffer shocks, tries & wheels from the 4x4...Why did it take them 10 years?

    Ben
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    And if so, what kind? Under the rail, over the rail, sprayed in? What are your experiences with yours? Is the Toyota bedliner acceptable?
  • briancorrbriancorr Member Posts: 67
    I have the toyota bed liner(over rail) on my double cab. As far as plastic drop in liners go, it is very good quality. I would prefer a rhino or line-x but will wait until someone offers to buy my current one.
  • navy466navy466 Member Posts: 1
    bsparx You mentioned that you purchased the Snugtop with your Toyota. What is the sticker on the top and how does it look on the vehicle. I am getting ready to by the double cab with the LL package and I am seriously thinking of getting the Snugtop. Any comment would be appreicated.
  • kbedfordkbedford Member Posts: 1
    i'm looking into to buying a double cab - why is the prices so far apart between the SR5 and the LL package?
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    Have you noticed any rubbing with your over the rail bedliner, especially on the top of the rail? Does it look like over time it will damage the paint?
  • bsparxbsparx Member Posts: 84
    I've said a lot about the snugtop in this topic already...I'm sorry I didn't mark the post #'s. Read up through the topic and your questions have been answered.

    In a nutshell, the top set me back $1400 total, and I like it a lot.

    Ben
  • briancorrbriancorr Member Posts: 67
    I have only had the truck for 6 weeks. So far, no rubbing is visible. If it does rub, then I will just cover it with a spray in so I am not too worried. I expect that over time, it will have some scratches and scuffs from rubbing.
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    Thanks for the info, briancorr! I went to the Toyota dealer today and saw my Double Cab for the first time; black, SR5, TRD, power package and convenience package (bedliner, bed extender, and hood protector). Man is that truck sweet!

    Anyone have any experiences with the bed extender?
  • jayson4jayson4 Member Posts: 5
    is the TRD only available in 2wd???
  • reynolds6reynolds6 Member Posts: 31
    The TRD package is available in 4WD but seems to be a little rare right now. I have found one (4WD TRD) in silver near me but I am looking for white and the dealers all say that there isn't one this side of Japan. I have had several dealers tell me that I didn't need a locking differential in 4WD simply because they didn't have one and couldn't get one, but I know that it will make a difference in certain situations.
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    My dealer did a search in 5 surrounding states to find the exact color and options that I wanted. Even though they claimed that prerunner doublecabs are rare, they found the exact truck that I wanted (actually, they located 2). Have the dealer do a search, if they're not willing, move on to the next dealer. Don't settle for anything short of what YOU want. It may help your search, however, to want option packages that are currently being built (SR5, TRD, Power Package, etc...) instead of specifying each option individually. That will definitely narrow your choices.
  • bardin1bardin1 Member Posts: 1
    Local dealer says diff lock is only available on D-cab Prerunner as special order item and would take 4 months to get. Should I take my business elsewhere or is he correct? Thanks
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    since the Double Cab is so new, Toyota may be building certain option packages only. This streamlines production, so they can get more vehicles out to the dealers to sell. So, if you really want the locker, you might have to buy the TRD package (still a good deal, I think). Or wait 4 months...that's not so long for a special order. Drive the TRD and compare it to a regular suspension Tacoma. You'll see that it is tighter, especially on eneven, rough roads.
  • debraadebraa Member Posts: 1
    I am getting ready to buy a double cab. But I'm not sure of what options I should get. I know one thing I don't need 4x4. What engine should I get? I live in flat land in SO CA.I believe the 2.7 is good for me but is it good for the truck. I won't be hauling anything I have a big truck for that. I don't deal often with hills only when I off to Santa Barbara.
    What option package is the best? I want power windows/ locks for sure. Also what is a good price to pay for the truck. Being a woman these car salesmen are tuff to deal with. Appreciate the help
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    I would get the SR5 package, since it costs little more than just AC, but you get the upgraded stereo with CD, tilt, and several other items (I spelled out the exact content of this package in a previous post in this thread). If you want power windows and door locks, that is the power package, and you can get this with or without power mirrors. The SR5 package is a prerequisite for the power package. Since the double cab is only available as a prerunner with automatic, I would highly urge you to go with the V6, since it is not that much more, and you'll be glad you did!
  • bsparxbsparx Member Posts: 84
    As for price, use all the resources you can find, that really cuts out the b.s. Use at least 2 internet pricing services (I used autobytel and msn) and get firm quotes for the truck you want from participating dealers in your area. Then print out those emails and bring them with you when you visit at least 5 more dealers. Try to find the truck you want on someone's lot, they will be more willing to cut a good deal. When they have to trade with another dealer, they lose their holdback (some residual profit for the dealer sent by the factory after the sale) so their only profit is the markup on factory invoice. If you buy from their inventory, they keep the holdback, so don't need as much profit over invoice.

    Also consider how much they're offering for your trade-in. Go to KBB.com (Kelley Blue Book)and print out the wholesale value. Dealers will sometimes offer a good price for the new car, and expect to make it up by shorting you badly on your trade, so put that into your math. Good luck.

    Ben

    OH yeah, definitely the V6.
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    ..."Since the double cab is only available as a prerunner with automatic, I would highly urge you to go with the V6..........."

    What I meant to say is "Since the Prerunner Double Cab is only available with an automatic transmission, I would highly urge you to go with the V6..........."
  • hpia4v2hpia4v2 Member Posts: 62
    I am in the middle of buying Double cab SR5 color keyed, power, sliding rear window, ABS, running board, lunar mist.
    Boy right now they only come with TRD and Limited package, that is lame. In my opinion customer beware, how come you get charge twice(Limited and TRD) for the same 265/70/16 tires-wheel combo. Check the Tacoma catalog, limited option package comes with aluminum alloy 265/70/16 tires-wheel combo and guess what TRD package as well. But no price break if you get both option packages???
    Toyota get two thumbs down from me on this. Also, tachometer is an option as well as in dash clock???

    What next Toyota? "oh you want gas cap with your truck, that will be $25 option GC"
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    is included in the SR5 package, as is the clock. You would think that the limited package would include these things as well.

    I ran into the same thing that you have regarding overlapping option packages. The Double Cab already comes with fender overriders, but when you order the TRD package, they are also included in that package. I never compared the Double Cab TRD package cost to a non-DubCab to see if the cost of the overriders were credited back. I looked at it like its one of the costs of ownership of the coolest truck on the road!
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    if the Double Cabs already come with an upgraded suspension, without TRD? I read on this board that one guy said that he had tokiko shocks on his truck, but it was non-TRD. If this is the case, get the limited and order the locker rear as a standalone option. That way, you don't have duplicate option charges.
  • mikeinhoustonmikeinhouston Member Posts: 19
    "how come you get charge twice(Limited and TRD) for the same 265/70/16 tires-wheel combo."

    Not quite. If you're reading from Toyota's Tacoma brochure I can see how you would think that but that is not the case. The brochure is admittedly poorly worded/phrased. Here's the deal:

    The Limited package does not include the tire-wheel combo per se. Here's what you get with the Limited package:

    A/C, tilt steering, leather wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, sport bucket seats, chrome power mirrors, power windows and locks, AM?FM/cassette/CD player, digital clock, tach, passenger side visor mirror, color keyed bumbers.

    But, in order to get the Limited package you are required to get either the tire/wheel combo by itself ($740 msrp, $592 invoice) or the TRD package ($1150 msrp, $929 invoice). You're not paying for the tire/wheel combo twice as you suggest.
  • hpia4v2hpia4v2 Member Posts: 62
    Yep, the tach and clock comes with SR5 or limited. I am just saying Toyota is going a little overboard on options. I haven't seen any other car/truck that doesn't come with an in dash clock. I am talking standard model.

    Didn't want to argue to much on the alleged "double charge" issue. Look at 2001 catalog page 29 on the "fine print" section point 3.
    It says:"Aluminum alloy wheels, color-keyed fenders and Tachometer included in Limited package". Also edmunds(our host here) doesn;t list alloy wheel or TRD package as requirement for limited option.

    If alloy wheel or TRD package is required with Limited than the Limited option is big time rip-off!!!
    Basically you pay $3495(MSRP)-$930(MSRP for SR5 color keyed) for the following items:
    - Sport seat(w/ only lumbar power not all power)
    - Rear sliding window($345)
    - Fender flares
    - Leather trim steering wheels and shift knob
    - Cruise control ($250)
    - Power package ($800)
    - privacy glass
    - Limited badging

    PS: I prefer to get QX, PP and OF get the color keyed outside mirror anyway than chrome outside mirror. And get the color matched febder flare to boot.

    Sorry for rantling, I still like to get one but Limited option is out of the question.
  • hpia4v2hpia4v2 Member Posts: 62
    the sntence above:
    Basically you pay $3495(MSRP)-$930(MSRP for SR5 color keyed) for the following items:

    The dash was suppose to say "minus"
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    hpia4v2,
    I optioned my double cab almost identically to how you propose; with one difference. I opted for the "IX" color-keyed SR5 package, whereas you specify the "QX". Are you in the Southeast region? Because I believe that is for those states only. If you are not in one of those Southeast states, you will probably want the IX package.
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