I think rock-crawling a brand new vehicle adds to the excitement! Lines feel way more high-stakes when the window sticker is still on 
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To each their own. Cool story.
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DC OR Long bed here.
I would, if I’d have known I’d go w a camper… gotten the access cab. The payload is much higher than the double cab.
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Not sure what you are getting at. I said the pro was a waste of money and you agreed. Maybe the “don’t at me” was generic and not towards me 
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New cars are all decent. They all have great warranties. Back in the olden days it was different. Unless you’re HARDCORE crawling - any of the usuals will get you there and back. It really comes down to preference and the little things that are important to you.
I love my 3g taco. I really enjoyed my 1g taco. Back then, I think Toyota was heads and shoulders above the competition. Not anymore.
I do like the Jeep. And will consider it when I’m looking for something new in another 5 years or so. By then - who knows what will be available?
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I’ve owned two tacos, both great crawlers and both took over 250k. Ironically I just sold an 84 land cruiser for the same reason some are mentioning above for not buying new: too valuable and too concerned with damage as it was 90k on the clock and zero rust under, over or in. We bought it in SoCal for desert crawling and it was excellent for that, but a relo to Colorado changed the game, just doesn’t feel right having it in the limited winter weather we have at altitude.
No qualms about beating the hell out of a new vehicle, resale on Rubi’s are good. Didn’t buy the diesel for “economy” metrics don’t work on that at all. I bought it because it’s an excellent crawler and diesels are fun to crawl with at idle. That and we can afford it.
Back to the original posters query, if I had gone Taco again, I would not have done pro. TRD off-road with a 6’ bed!
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Luckily for me I have always camped and abused my jeeps. So my Gladiator will be no different. At the end of the day it will still hold value regardless of pinstriping from the pine barrens lol. I also spent right at $41k for mine. As I stated previously I paid the same as I would have for an optioned out TRD Pro, with more options.
Glad you made your decision OP. Wish you the best and looking forward to your build 
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I am 6’3" and taco’s have too little leg room for me under the wheel. I found the 5g Ranger a much better fit and have been loving my truck. Downside is the 6’ bed only comes with the access cab, I believe.
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I’m actually going to test drive a Gladiator this weekend after the positive reviews here. Appreciate the advice! 
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Just wanted to thank you all again for the advice. After months of searching and test drives (Gladiator, Ranger, Tacoma) I went with a 2019 Tacoma OR DCLB. The price was about 10k less than any TRD Pro I could find, but of course the Pro doesn’t offer a long bed. Now that I’ve had the truck for a few days, I can see that the LB is really going to pay off.
Now to start designing the camper while I wait impatiently on my GFC 
Much love!
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TRD OR short bed here. Lumber goes on top, or in trailer if i have a lot of it. Just put good tires on it and drive the heck out of it. Oh yeah, resale value is unmatched. Price used Tacomas right now. Its crazy.
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I really couldn’t believe how difficult it was to find one. I called on probably 5 or 6 and was willing to travel to pick one up, but literally every one sold within one day or less of being posted!
Agreed. Good tires and a steady throttle makes the OR a beast!
Good call! We are a family of four and head to Baja all the time in the same truck that you chose (2018 Tacoma OR DCLB.) The long bed is fantastic as we put two people up top and two down below with the dog for sleeping and everyone is comfortable. Also, when it gets super windy in Baja, there’s room for us drop the top and all get in the back to play cards and wait it out. To me, its the perfect family vehicle as its comfortable, yet still light and agile enough to get into the more remote locations. Give me any amount of money and I’d buy the same truck again.
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I really like the Ranger too but if you want two real rows of seating in the cab, 5’ of bed is all you get. The Taco is a bit behind in tech and engine specs…plus the seating position is not great for taller people. That said, there is no question that Toyota builds a great truck.
The upcoming 2nd gen Ranger Raptor may be a game changer.
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I’ve heard others also say the Tacoma isn’t good for taller people, but I don’t understand where this comes from. I’m 6’2” and have the 3rd gen Tacoma without moonroof. I’ve got several inches to spare over my head and have never felt cramped. It’s actually the best vehicle I’ve had in this regard, aside from my MB Sprinter.
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Also, leg room has never been a problem. But that said, I haven’t driven with adults in the back seat! 
That is great to hear. I think the perceived Taco issue has more to do with the seating position and less to do with headroom. Here’s a thread on the topic:
Ha, well I think all of us have seen far too many gripes on TW and Reddit, but hey, as we all know from trying out vehicles we think we will or won’t like, we find ouselves surprised because there’s no replacement for real world experiences 
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Indeed…could not agree more.
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