Are you happy with Tacoma?

sHa

I bought a 99 Tacoma 4X4 SR5 X-Tra Cab w/ tilt steering wheel in December - i recently tried running my gas tank down to get the LOW FUEL indicator to light so I could tell how many miles remain when the indicator lights up, I know there is one on the dash in the fuel guage area. When light shines on it right you can see the unlit LOW FUEL meter. My problem is I took my Tacoma 328 miles, and fianlly started to run out of gas, NO LOW FUEL INDICATOR EVER CAME ON ! Whats up with this ? Does this work for other Tacoma owners ? Is this part of some options package ? I dont have a clock either, which bites. Can anyone help me ???

rcn

Interesting,

I've never seen the low fuel indicator light come on either. But, I just checked my owner's manual and it notes that I have one. I have gotten up to 390 miles between fill-ups and have never seen the light. However, I have yet to put 17 gallons on fill-ups in the 18 gal capacity tank. Since I have never gone down to the last gallon, maybe that's why my indicator light has yet to come on.

Don't worry that you didn't get 390 miles. I have the 3.42 differential and do mostly interstate/highway driving in my '98 4X4 xtracab 4cyl.

rcn

In keeping with the low fuel topic: A 4Runner driver noted that his owner's manual recommended filling up at the 1/4 mark. Supposedly this prevents fuel sludge that accumulates at the bottom of the tank from entering the fuel line.

It was noted by someone else that this idea is silly since fuel is drained into the line from the bottom of the tank anyway. So, what would prevent sludge from entering regardless of the fuel tank level?

My Tacoma owner's manual states that it is a good idea to add fuel at the 1/4 mark, but no reason is given.

Any ideas on this 1/4 tank - sludge suggestion?

wsnoble

I have a 98 Tacoma and have seen the Fuel Light in action. I had to drive for awhile (Trip from NH to ME to MA in back to NH in one day)

-wsn

james20

Some vehicles have two fuel pumps, one in the tank and one in the line. I have a car like this with 239,000 miles. When accelerating hard up a hill with one or two gallons in the tank, it is possible for the engine to miss due to lack of fuel. This may also be possible in a Toyota trunk with less than a 1/4 tank, esp. if going up a steep hill. The missing is one problem, the other is that the in-tank pump is lubricated and cooled by fuel. Remember TWA????

Jim

wesl

It is always a good idea to fill up at a 1/4 tank. In tank fuel pumps use the gasoline to keep cool, and the pump can actually suffer damage by getting too hot. You also need to remember if the fuel gets too low the fuel pump has to work much harder to get the remaining fuel. Do yourself a big favor and fill up when Toyota tells you to. Later, Wes.

kityhwk

BEWARE!!! Anyone who has a Tacoma extended cab truck. We bought a new Tacoma in November. Unknowingly days after the purchase, we noticed the truck bed was tilted toward the driver side. The dealer would not replace the vehicle. We have been fighting with Toyota for months. There is a defect in at least 300 cars. They slipped by quality assurance. Anyone who has a Tacoma extended cab truck should take a CLOSE LOOK! A very Unhappy Toyota owner. We will NEVER buy another Toyota again!!!

sichenze

I used to own a Tocoma TRD 4X4 extended cab. It was a great truck. I put in a clock for 45 dollars including the bezel. It was easy. I installed a 10 cd changer under the pasenger seat and wired it to the toyota radio through the fm input and programed a channel for it. Toyota will not release the codes for the cd to aaftermarket makers. It worked fine. I put a CB and bed cover and drove it for 15,000 in 3 months. I took it off road and it was a champ. I have only one complaint. The seats. I have the 60/40 bench and sat in a friends buckets and they are awful. It was such a pain infact that after 6 months I traded it in. I was sad to see such a capable fun to drive truck go but toyota rally needs to do something on the seats. Its replacement is a Ford 250 Super Duty Diesel super cab that gets better gas milage than my tocoma and has loads of room. I hope all of youenjoy the tacomas for me and if questioned by toyota get a better seat so I can get one of them again.

bryan99

Wow, didn't you take a beating on the trade? After 6 mos. I imagine the resale price on the truck was much lower than what you paid. And all because you didn't like the seats? Which ones are awful, the bench or the buckets? The Limited has different seats from the rest, did you try them?

sichenze

I traded and got exactly what I gpaid for it but I did add an aftermarket cd player and cover for around 500. so the trade was ok. Also, I got just over invoice on the super duty so it did not come out there. It was the bench seats though I tryed the buckets too and they were not as good either. I am a big guy and I think the truck was just too small.
I loved it except for the seats.

Gischpel

sichenze,

Where can I get a clock and bezel for $45? A clock is one thing I need for my Tacoma.

Thanks,

Terry

sichenze

When I bought my Tacoma I got a coupon for 30 percent off at the dealership on one purchase. SAO I bought the clock and bezel and cargo net all at one time. It was at Miller toyota in Manassas VA. Other dealers may give out similar things and people usually don't use them.

wsnoble

Clocks can be found in Performance Products catalog for Toyota trucks (Link at left). I think they are about 85.00 ish

farmboy1

I have a 1999 prerunner w/ext. cab, V6, auto xmission. Have only 2,100 miles so far. My gas mileage (driving mostly in city) has been 10-11 mpg. Have been using 87 octane regular fuel & no hauling.

This seems entirely to low. My sticker indicated 16/20 mpg. Any other owners out there with any suggestions for how to improve gas mileage. Any advice would be appreciated.

jps11

Other than gas mileage, how do you like your prerunner? I'm thinking of buying the Xcab V6 in a few months. Do you have the TRD package? Anything you particularly like or dislike? Thanks in advance! John

wsnoble

farmboy1

I'm not sure if you are, but make sure the ECT switch is off, and your overdrive is on as well. I'm not sure about using the 87 octane, only because i use 93. Also maybe try adding a bed cover. Less drag maybe.....

Hope that help

-wsn

farmboy1

jps11

I don't have the TRD package on my 1999 Prerunner. But, I luv everything about this vehicle except for the low mileage. The 190 horses is a big difference from the S-10 I had prior to this truck. I could waste a lot of space telling you about everything that I like about the truck, but that probably wouldn't be a good idea. A shorter list of dislikes would be the potential downside of very limited room for passengers in the extended cab. Works real well though with my 3 & 4-year old munchkins (for now anyway). I paid $18,800 in 11/98, near Turkey Day. I think I got a pretty good deal. If you have any specific questions, lemmy know.

farmboy1

wsnoble

thanks for the ECT tip. As it so happens, I was told by a Toyota salesguy to always drive with the ECT engaged, & have been doing so. As you suggested, I will now turn off that sucker & see what happens. I'll letcha know if the mileage improves. Thanks again!

scape2

you must have not had the 4.3 Vortec v6 in your S10.

paulp575

farmboy1-

I have always read to use 87 octane in my vehicles. However, I was once told by a service advisor (who I trusted) to run nothing less than 89 octane. Since switching to that, I've never had any problems. I would recommend using 89 octane. Also, do you have a cover over your bed. If not, you may want to consider removing your tailgate. Although it may not make much difference for your city MPG, I did have an 83 Toyota and took a trip one way with the tailgate on/up. The return trip was with the tailgate down - an increase of 3 MPG! So now as soon as I have around 500 miles on my vehicles, I remove the tailgate.

bryan99

I just burned up my first tank of gas in my '99 4x4 V6 Tacoma. I'm getting 19 MPG so far. It's supposed to improve as the engine breaks in, so we'll see, but I'm satisfied with 19 in city- (well, town- you can't call these cities in Vermont! ;-) driving.

bonnie_rick

of www.edmunds.com will be our new Road Test of the Toyota Tacoma Xtracab Four-Wheel Drive. Watch for it and let us know your thoughts!

Bonnie Rick
Town Hall Community Manager, edmunds.com

cym

I picked up my 99 4X4 V6 Tacoma on 1/31/99. It has been great so far, however it has developed a "clicking noise" when I depress the clutch. It occurs about 1/2 way down when I press the clutch pedal. You can feel it too. I took it in to the dealer and they lubed it and "adjusted" it and it was fine for 2 days, but then returned. It seems to be getting worse, but it might be because I am focusing on it so much. It is hard to hear with the radio on, but you can feel it. I looked at where the clutch goes into the truck body from inside, and I can see that one part of the clutch arm (I have no idea of the names of these parts) is striking another part (a circular ring) as it is being depressed, thus making the noise.
Am I being really picky or would this bother other people also? Has anyone else noticed this with their truck(car)? Should I demand that the dealer fix it, or is it something I should just live with? (Obviously, the first lubing and adjusting didn't last). My 82 truck's clutch never did this and it has the original clutch (194,000 miles). Thanks for any advice!!!

bonnie_rick

our Road Test: 1999 Toyota Tacoma Xtracab Four-Wheel Drive,
How Much is the Toyota Name Worth?, by B. Grant Whitmore.

Bonnie Rick
Town Hall Community Manager, edmunds.com

rcn

cym:

Yes, I've experienced the clicking noise you refer to in the clutch. I have a '98 4X4 ext. cab 4cyl, 5spd.

Shortly after purchasing the truck, I noticed the clicking noise. With some effort manipulating my foot, I could prevent the noise from happening. But, if I wasn't thinking, I would depress the clutch in a normal fashion and get the sound 90% of the time.

I took it to the dealership. They checked several Tacomas on the lot and said they found the same noise in most of the 5spd models. They lubed it and the noise went away for about 3,000 miles before returning. They lubed it again and it went away for good. It was last lubed at 5,000 miles.

I haven't thought about again til I read your post. I now have 17,000 miles with no click.

cym

RCN
Thanks for the response. I am taking my truck to the dealership on Tuesday to have them check out the clutch pedal/arm clicking noise. A new truck, or an old one for that matter, should not be doing this. It is not a smooth feeling clutch at all because of this.
It is good to know that your problem went away! Thanks again.

shawn13

MY TACOMA FEELS LIKE IT IS HIT FROM THE REAR WHEN I COME TO A STOP, ANYONE ELSE?

Gischpel

I have not experienced problems with the clutch or brakes in my 1998 4x4.

shawn13,

Can you describe your problem further. Maybe someone has a suggestions to help.

Terry

rondajones

We owned a 1979 Toyota 4X4 pickup for several years and it was wonderful! No problems except for minor repairs (after all, it was over 20 years old) It still looked good - not like a 20 year old vehicle - when we sold it to my father-in-law. He still drives it and absolutely loves it. 175,000 miles and still going strong! We just purchased a 1999 Tacoma SR5 V6 4X4 and have been very pleased. It is fun to drive and is a beautiful truck! The only thing we were displeased with was treatment at the dealership. They told us there was no way to get the locking rear differentials on a 4X4 without the TRD. After purchasing, another dealer told us we definitely could have gotten the lock rear diff...when we asked the dealer we purchased from, they said, "oh, yeah, we just figured you wouldn't want to wait the 6 months it would take to order the vehicle". We told them that that should've been our decision (whether we wanted to wait or not) They also tried to change the price at the time we went to sign the contract. In our book, Toyota vehicles rate A+ - the dealer we dealt with however....F! I have read that as far as the "buying experience", Toyota dealers are at the bottom of the barrel. That's a real shame - such a quality product!!!! But nevertheless, we will definitely buy Toyota again, just not from that particular dealer!

shawn13

I HAVE A 97 TACOMA4X4 AUTO WHEN THE TRUCK COMES TO A STOP YOU CAN FEEL THE TRANNY DOWN SHIFTING AFTER THE STOPPED, LIKE THE TRUCK IS BUMPED FROM THE REAR BY ANOTHER CAR.

IF YOU COME TO A NEAR STOPFROM 40-50 THE TRANNY HAS TROUBLE FINDING THE LOWER GEAR. IT WILL "CLUNK" INTO GEAR AFTER A GOOD SLIP.

TOYOTA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THE PROBLEM (IN WRITING) AND CLAIMS THEY DONT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. THEY SAY ALL TACOMAS DO IT AND CALL IT A "CHARACTERISTIC OF THE VEHICLE"

SO FAR THEY HAVE TOLD ME TO TAKE A HIKE, ANYONE ELSE?

kellyh

Is the 4 cylinder w/5 speed in the Tacoma 4x4 sufficient? Mostly city/highway driving. Don't even need 4WD but hoping to have a small boat to tow later.

Gischpel

I have the 4 cylinder and have no problems with a mix of city and highway driving (21-24 mpg). The only time it bogs down is on long, steep climbs, but it really rolls along comfortably at 70+ mph on the highway. I think a small boat may be easy to tow depending on where you live. I wouldn't want to do it much in a place that is hilly like here in Pittsburgh because of all the steep hills.

Any more questions, send me an e-mail.

Terry
tlschade@worldnet.att.net

Holliwood

I finnally found a 4x4 Tacoma! It has everything I was going to order when I sold my Vette. Well, it's black(was going to order Sunfire Red)a '98 with 8K miles, auto, body-colored fender flares, CD, Cass, powersliding rear window, V-6, runningboards, etc. I couldn't beleive it! The salesman had just rolled it out on the grass, hadn't been there 15 minutes when I passed by, it was almost too good to be true. I saved ~ $3000 on this truck. It was an early lease turn-in, the guy that had it kept it in emaculate condition. I sweae the thing lookd and drives as though it just rolled out the door! I LOVE IT!

I did notice the transmission bump when slowing down, but other than that it's perfect! My Corvette didn't have the most quietest transmission and the Tacoma doesn't "clunk" like it did.

zeroo

I was wondering if any tacoma owners out there have keyless entry. edmunds here lists it as an option but toyota's web site does not. does anybody know if this is available on tacomas?

Holliwood

Yes, I have keyless entry. It's actually apart of my Toyota installed alarm.

rgb

After reading Edmunds' review of the Tacoma, I've got to disagree on one major point. Toyota reliability IS worth a couple thousand bucks' premium over the competition, if my experience is any guide. I bought a '97 Ranger two years ago to replace my old Toyota pickup, mostly on the strength of Consumer Reports' recommendation and because I wanted to save money, but by the time the Ford hit 25,000 miles, it had thoroughly let me down. Defective fuel injector gasket, air conditioner relay and windshield wiper multifunction switch, plus intermittent loud humming and groaning sounds under the hood that two service centers were unable to diagnose, added up to a profoundly disappointing experience with the first American-brand vehicle I'd bought in 23 years.

Toyota does skimp on accessories that ought to be standard--such as a clock and trip odometer--and seems to have adopted the eccentric notion that cupholders should be square. But what matters most to me is that the '99 Tacoma 4x4 I traded the Ford for last month comes with a record of reliability that's worth the price. My old Toyota pickup's still in the family, by the way--it's logged 115,000 miles with no repairs or non-maintenance service of any kind, aside from a new muffler and windshield washer fluid bottle.

stan11

My '95 Tacoma has been relatively trouble-free after 22k miles. However, I spent the last week fixing rust areas on the bottom edge of the tailgate and around the x-cab windows. A friend who is an autobody trainer found that the rust was due to poor workmanship during the painting process -- the subject areas lacked sufficient coating. I caught the rust early so the damage was minimal. Tacoma owners might want to inspect those areas to avoid potential problems.

flashe

I'm in the negotiating stage for a 99 Tacoma 2x4 Extended Cab V6 SR5 that I will have to order since the color (beige) is not on any lots. One dealer was way over the top and another wouldn't go any lower than $16,895 which is 5% over invoice (using info from this Edmunds site). I live in the NY metro area. Does anyone know if this truck is so popular that I won't have a lot of room to move? I walked on dealer #2 and will see dealer
#3 tomorrow to see what happens. Please post info if you can.

wsnoble

Flashe

I went to three dealers before i got what i wanted. It was worth it in the end. I ordered my 98 4X4 XCab V6 SR5 and paid about 2% over. Well worth it......

hindsite

I have a 99 SR5 extended cab 4WD Tacoma with a V6 and automatic transmission that runs flawless. So far, I get about 22 MPG on the highway at about 65 MPH. Only gripe I have is that the pre tension on the seat belts can be annoying sometimes, but other than that it is a great truck all around.

barndog

I have owned two toyota 4x2 pickups since 1981 (I still own the 1986). I'm thinking of buying a Pre-runner V6 later this year. I'd be interested in any comments from pre-runner owners. Is the trd package really neccessary? I'd like a locking rear diff., but the rest of seems like frosting. I've been ok with the seats in both my toy trucks so far (and I have a bad back). Are the seats really that bad? Also, what are people paying for these trucks? Any info would be heartily appreciated.

hindsite

While shopping for the Tacoma I saw a lot of prerunners without the TRD package up here in the Northeast. Regarding the seats I find them comfortable and I really don't know what the fuss is all about. By the way Nissan is coming out with the Desert Runner which is a take off from the Prerunner.

bryan99

Have you replaced the factory speakers in your 98 or 99 Tacoma? If so, I'd like to know what you put in, and how it matches up with the factory head unit. I'd really like to find some aftermarket speakers that will work well with the factory radio output (15W x 4).

goblue1

Just found this forum and I have something to offer. I just ordered my 3rd. Toyota 4x4. My previous two have served me well for 170,000 with no repairs. Honest. Never a single repair other than maintance. Original muffler,etc. I have ordered a 99 tacoma extended cab 4X4 and expect the same from this truck. In reviewing the comparison between Ford and Toyota. There isnt any. How many compact ford trucks are still on the road with 100,000 plus miles? Very few. I drive Toyota trucks and I live in Michigan with lots of snow and salt and I still get 170,000 miles on them. There is nothing better. The intresting thing about these trucks is I sale them at 170,000 miles and occassionally pass them on the road still in good order.

volfy

I have a 4x2 regular cab so I don't know about the rear speaker, though those don't look like too big a hassle to replace. I have replaced the front door panel mounted speakers and they were not quite the size of regular 6-1/2" aftermarket speakers. While I'm sure you probably could find specific replacement speakers for these, I swapped in a pair of 6" Acoustic Research OEM mid-woofers I bought from Parts Express. They required quite a bit of trimming of the door panel plastic around the speaker mount to get them to fit correct, and plenty of weather seal strip. Any air leaks would destroy the bass response. I've yet to decide where I'm going to mount the separate front tweeters. Probably near the kick panel in a cross fire pattern.

iceman

I have recently purchased a new 1999 Horizon Blue Metallic Xtracab V6 automatic with a light blue interior. This Tacoma is equipped with "Value Package B" which includes chrome wheelarch mouldings, front & rear bumpers, grille & door handles; aluminum alloy wheels; Goodyear Wrangler GS-A 31x10.5R15 LT tires; cruise control; front bucket seats; privacy glass on rear & tilt-out quarter windows; air conditioning; 4-speaker am/fm/compact disc player; carpet mats; center console with armrest & 2 cupholders. It also includes the aircraft-style map lights on the headliner behind the rearview mirror and a digital clock. In case you're wondering, I paid less than $ 20,000 US. People, not only is this an exceptional truck but an exceptional vehicle period. It's my first Toyota and I'm mightily impressed with the fit, finish and build quality. The V6 is a jewel. There are a lot of 4Runners and Land Cruisers about but the Tacoma is still a rarity. In a crowded field of F-150s and Jeeps, it really attracts attention.

hindsite

Congratulations on your new truck. Enjoy it.

rbumagat

Ice... congrats on your truck... I also just bought a V6 prerunner with the same options that you got. After browsing through this edmunds site I know that I could've saved more on what the price that I paid. We got the truck for $19133 plus the tax and licensing which totaled out to be
a little over $21000. I live in Northern Cali so the tax here is 8.25% which really sucks. I am really happy with the truck but I'm wishing that I
found this site earlier so that I could've got a better deal. We'll... you live and learn right. I'll be ready the next time I purchase a new truck which will be 11-12 years from now after its time to trade-in my current Pre-runner... hahaha

zakwan

I was thinking about buying a Toyota Tacoma prerunner (V-6) with all the goodies. I was wondering what kind of prices people have paid for the truck so I know what to expect or hope for. I would appreciate any comments that would help me. Thanks

batad

Anyone heard anything about Toyota adding additional doors to the Tacoma. Sales guy I spoke w/ said not in the near future, maybe post Y2K. If that is true, that's pretty lame R & D. I bet if they added it now people would flock to buy one. Or is Toyota counting on people buying the Tundra w/ a V6 instead?