All About the Data

Thus begins the internet search for a truck. Now you gotta remember this is mid 2015, and “Overlanding” is not a thing yet. Today, all the manufactures have jumped on the overlanding bandwagon and have super capable models that can go straight from the dealership to a week’s long backcountry camping trip. But five years ago, the mid-sized truck market was dominated by Toyota and... ehhhh, I dunno.

Having no need for a V8 full size truck, out of the mix were F150’s, Titans, and Tundras.

Loving the access and utility of an open truck bed, SUV’s and Jeeps were a no-go. Being able to simply slide my surfboards in the truck bed and strap them down was way better vs the cumbersome process of getting up high in the air and attaching boards to a roof rack. My thinking was that the only available choice was a 2nd generation, bullet proof, V6 Toyota Tacoma. Here comes the scientist / engineer in me as we open a blank Excel spreadsheet to start tracking data points in order to find a good candidate for purchase. I love doing research and collecting data: price, millage, dealership location, color, engine type, transmission style, condition, and can not forget plotting some sales trends graphs. Good ole nerd data!

As a means to save some money, at first I was only looking at Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) rather than brand new. However things got interesting since Toyota was about to release their totally revised and upgraded, 3rd generation for 2016. Lots of reviews and internet buzz was occurring over this truck because Toyota either refreshed or was brand new:

1. 3.5L V6 engine with Atkinson cycle

2. Look and design

3. Addition of 4wheeling goodies trickled down from the Tundra -

a. Crawl Control

b. Electric Rear Locking Differential

c. Multi- Terrain Select feature with modes: Mud and Sand, Lose Rock, Mogul, and Rock

Once I added purchasing new 2016 Tacoma to the data, noticed something very apparent – I could obtain a brand new, full warranty, zero millage truck for just roughly $5k more than a used 2nd Generation Tacoma. Yes, there was risk in purchasing a brand new model as I assumed there would be manufacturing bugs, recalls, and other issues. However, I put a lot of faith into Toyota’s reputation for being well manufactured trucks, honoring their warranty, and knowing there would be lots of aftermarket support. It was becoming clear that purchasing a brand new 2016 Tacoma was the path to take. Now, the hard part... finding the exact one I wanted as they were flying off the dealership showroom floors.

2016 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4 Access Cab in Blazing Blue Pearl

The search (plus wait) begins!

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