Good First Car??

My daughter is turning 16 and wants a Tacoma. She will be driving on the highway to highschool and travel Sports. How is the Tacoma on the Highway? are they considered safe? My neighbor mentioned that he remembers adding stuff to the back of his pick up truck to offset the light weight of the bed. Is that really necessary? Also, she turns 16 in May and I don't know if I should wait and order a 2024 or scoop up a 2023 before they are gone. For reference, I have never owned a pick up truck or driven one. I have one scheduled to rent in 10 days out at a conference.

Thanks for your help.
Jason

 

If safety is the only real issue, then there is no safer place than a tacoma,,

 

Very safe trucks. Some of the safest in accidents. A couple sand tubes in the bed during winter months will help with traction if you have ice/snow. Otherwise wet/dry roads are good empty.

 

https://www.iihs.org/ratings?gad_so...RXeSI2zo-Qo1WcUP6bCQDNgL4-71GvwxoCiiQQAvD_BwE

 

24 will be safer.

23's are based of an ancient chassis from 2005 and has ratings to match it. The ranger and colorado are similar.

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/Toyota/tacoma-crew-cab-pickup/2023

Here's a rav4 for comparison

https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/rav4-4-door-suv/2023

Tacoma also lacks full time 4x4, so in the winter it means for a novice driver it will be in 4x4 a lot and will bind a lot. Winter tires are a must.

I'd suggest another vehicle more suited for a new driver. Tacomas arent a bad choice, but there's better.

 

I've been trolling these pages for awhile now, I've seen alot of posts of crashes and 'lucky to be alive' stories. I don't think midsized trucks traditionally do well on actual crash tests, but I think most people here would agree they're pretty safe vehicles. Hell, I'm on my 4th Taco now. Also last year of old generation always beats first year of new generation, at least from a figuring out all the bugs standpoint.

 

Over the past 7 years here, I have seen tacoma's tangle with semi trucks, huge tow trucks and many other accidents. All occupants walked away. Sore, but they walked way. Heck, one guy got hit (t boned) and rolled the truck 3 to 4 times and walked away.

 

Very Helpful, Thank you.

 

I did forget to mention, we live in South Florida. Snow will not be a factor. I have been trying to steer her to a RAV4 but she aint having it, lol.

 

I gave my kid a 2010 FJC when she turned 16.

 

welcome
safe truck, do a search for "Is It Totaled" your will see some of the hits these trucks have taken and most people walk away
2020 plus will have the extra nanny bits
that said, I question putting a new driver in a financial liability vehicle ($30k+)

 

Subaru Crosstreks have good gravel-road capability, good safety, are less expensive. Also fully enclosed unlike the Tacoma bed.

Just my $0.02.

 

So she's paying for it? Let her have the truck and keep it full of gas and insured.

The RAV might start looking better.

 

Safe, sits up high, reliable and not enough power to get a new driver into trouble. Rolls right through FL rainstorms, no sweat.

Very easy to drive & steer, good choice for a first driver. Only advice for a 16yo would be to keep an eye out when backing into tight spaces & parallel parking.

 

RAV4 or Subaru Crosstrek , they are full time AWD. Both hold value, reliable and good safety. FYI Toyota has a small investment in Subaru.

 

I feel my Tacoma is very safe. I generally drive with an empty bed but am very easy on the accelorator. Consider getting 4x4 if she will beIf you wait for a 2024 expect the first year of a new generation might be at the dealer for TSBs. My 2016 had about 5 TSBs that needed addressing in the first year but I am very happy now.

If the Tacoma will be parked at a high school, get a Cat shield. I used to work at a high school and there were Cats frequently stolen during the school day.

Your a great dad getting your daughter a new Tacoma. When I was in high school my dad gave me an 11 year old Oldsmobile.

 

Christ you are buying your 16 year old a new Tacoma...
I got a new pair of roller skates... I think I was 35 before I ever owned a brand new car.
Must be nice. If you go that way get a 2023... skip the GEN 4 for a few years.

So dad, if you need a 'son' in your life.... I'm looking for a new Nikon Z8 with the Nikkor 100-400 lens and a 500pf lens....
( ps: birthday is coming up soon )

I second the Subaru vehicles... very well made and safe as well.

 

Problem isn’t the truck it’s the 16 year old in a truck .. they are heavy … dont brake welll and u know teenagers like to do stupid stuff . Given them a truck u might as well get her a muscle car .but it’s your kid do what u want . Just my 2 cents .

 

Counter argument would be that they are also slow as shit….

 

I love my Tacoma, but there are certainly safer vehicles. My daily is a Subaru Forester and I cannot imagine a safer car. I much prefer driving the Forester in heavy rain than the Tacoma, I have never felt so planted on slick roads.