Are you happy with Tacoma?

sdavito

What dealer in the Tampa St.Pete area is the place to buy a new Tacoma? I want to buy @ or under invoice, with the least amount of grief.

David

jeffschultz

Trying to decide between 4x4 and PreRunner with
locking diff.

Looking at EPA mileage for V6 Xtracab with auto
shows 19/23 for 4x2 and 17/20 for 4x4. Anyone
know if 4x4 mileage is rated with 4wd engaged or
disengaged. Is there enough extra drag with a
disengaged 4wd to cause a 15% increase in fuel
use?

pelotas

OK, it sounds unanimous that the Tacoma's 60-40 seats are uncomfortable. Are there any defenders of the buckets seats? Anyone know if it is a major hassle to install some nice aftermarket seats (ie: Recora)? Obviously, this puts a bit more sting in the already painful price tag.

Holliwood

I bought a '98 ext. cab, 4x4, V-6, automatic, locking hubs, aluminum wheels, cass, CD, PW, PDL, power sliding rear window, black, wheel flares, bedliner...Loaded! And can you beleive I found it used with 8K an the odo! The previous owner leased it, but had to dump it, he needed a 4 door sedan. The truck stickered for $27,300 and I got it for $22,000!

Took it out on the beach for Memorial Day and it performed flawlessly!


I love it! Love it, love it!

hindsite

I have a 4WD extended cab SR5 V6 with auto and get from 20 to 23 mpg on the highway. I have used it in 4WD and it uses a bit more, but not much more than in rear drive. If you don't use 4wd I would not get the 4wd.

I find the bucket seats just fine. I have been on several long trips of 400 plus miles and have no complaints. Only thing I noticed partically is that the seats could be a bit higher. I guess if you were a tall person it may be a problem.

Holliwood . . . did you deflate your tires by 8 lbs?

Holliwood

No, I didn't, hindsite, why do you ask?

hindsite

I use to surf fish in Long Island at the South Shore and we always deflated at least 8 llbs. It is suppose to increase the contact patch area.

jef2

Ok... I think we all agree on the reliability thing but my pet peeves with my 96 Tacoma 4x2 extra cab w/2.4 I4 engine are:

uncomfortable seats! I know your pain! I've got 70,000 miles and numerous trips to Grand Canyon, Vegas, Yosemite, Bay area etc. plus I was rear ended recently & the lack of padding/support really hurt my neck/back

the clock! or lack of one...saved $10 by using a dremmel to shave the trim instead of buying the bezel.

a/c surge! anybody w/ auto & a/c knows what I'm talking about...why can't Toyota fix this? Posting #81 complained feeling bumped from behind...its the A/C compressor kicking in... I almost rear ended the guy in front of me the 1st time it happened to me!

poor gas mileage! ok I'm a lead foot... I admit it but if you drive over 60 mph you're gas mileage drops below 19 highway w/a 4 cyl auto & the A/C off. They hooked up a diagnostic tool to the port and I saw my fuel economy plummet when I went 65!

suspension! it sucks! big time! the 1st thing I did was replace the factory shocks with some Tokico gas (they happen to be the OEM too)it improved the ride & handling some. I recently put in some Tokico composite leaf springs but I'm disappointed with them because they don't give a car like ride as promised.

jef2

Oh yeah... my number one peeve is Toyota customer service... whether its the dealer or corporate it sucks the big one!

Anybody who has ever called them knows what I'm talking about...Toyota thinks just because they build a good product they can blow people off

If Honda only made a truck!

Holliwood

Actually, the bump from the rear is not the A/C cycling. I feel it with the A/C off. It seems to be the transmission downshifting at the last minute. Kinda annoying, but I've gotten use to it.

I have the V-6 and I really don't have any complaints about gas mileage. I seem to be getting 19-20 mpg. I rarely, "get down on it", so that's probably why. Most of my speed thrills have been exhasuted with the previous cars I've owned, Mustang GT, Trans AM, Corvette.

Seats don't bother me that much either, on long trips I usually drive my wife's 4-Runner.

My truck came with a clock, I brought it used with 8K on the odo. It's pretty much loaded with the exception of the TRD package.

I really am quite impressed with the truck. This impression is based on the fact that I test drove other midsize trucks, ie., Ranger, Frontier, B-4000. They all were more comfortable, but I wanted a truck. With the exception of the Nissan the others felt like truck bodies on car chassis. IMHO, that's not what a truck is about. And I could care less for the 4 doors everyone is jumping on the bandwagon for!

jef2

sorry wood have to disagree on the "bump" it might be that your V6 has that problem but MY 2.4 I4 w/ auto IS caused by the A/C... everybody says so... ask any Toyota tech & thats what they'll say... visit the NHTSA website:
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/
and look in the defect investigations & customer complaints section & thats what you'll see.

and to quote the Master Tech team leader at Longo "when the a/c system is operated, the engine ECU adjusts engine idle speed to compensate for the additional load of the compressor. This results in a fairly sharp RPM increase as the compressor cycles on. Tacomas have become somewhat notorious for this characteristic; however, it is a normal one."

I agree with everything but the part about it being "normal"

Holliwood

Hummm, it must be a V-6 problem. Mine definitely bumps with the A/C off when coming to a stop. Usually, you have to be decelerating from about 40+ mph. In fact my wife asked me what it was back in April. Someone earlier on the BBS noticed the problem also, it seems to be one of its characterisics...I guess. I'm due for an oil change in about 1K miles, I'll have them check it out.

Nevertheless, I'm sure we have the best midsize truck! Though, the cost of Toyotas can definitely be debated, but I have no regrets. Our trucks continue to set the "benchmark" for 4x4 midsize trucks, even with their minor quirks.

Enjoy, your truck!

boudreau93

HOLLIWOOD KITTYWAWK AND JEF2: my tacoma has been doing the same thing the " just as you described and its not the a/c i was told that my tranny fluid was two pints low and i should service my vehicle. it was serviced bt them two thousand miles earlier. my truck also leans to the drivers side one ince toyota told me that this an acceotable tollerence its 7 inches from the weelwell to the tire it is 8 inches on the other i heard that 300 vehicles left the factory leaning. toyota is dodgong the bullet and telling methat even onother opinion wont change thier mind. e-mail me i want to get together to get toyota to fix or pay . they already told me they would give me a FREE EXTENDED WARRENTY or reimburse me the cost of the warrenty i paid for. contact me and i will tell you how to get them to do the same for you . i'm going to realy let toyota have it! my vehicle has been torn appart numerous times and i am pissed BOUDREAU93@HOTMAIL.COM

keith14

If could do it over, would you buy the same truck? Would you equip it differently? I am considering buying a Tacoma 4X4 because I am an avid Deer hunter. I live in Shreveport,La. The price is something that I haven't got use to yet. I had this same itch last year but just couldn't bring myself to spend that much. Is it really worth the price and what advice can you give me. Are dealers willing to negotiate price?

Keith

Holliwood

Keith,

I didn't purchase my vehicle new, but I did get it with 8K on the odo. It's loaded, except for the TRD package. I was in the process of selling my Vette and had plans on ordering one @ $300 over invoice. Found this service through carpoint.com, I was contacted by a representative in my area. It was pretty simple $300 over invoice + advertising fees, which worked out to about another $300.

My truck "stickered" for $27,300(found the original sticker in the glovebox)! I got it for $22,500.

If you get a Tacoma be sure you get the V-6. With that it's well worth the money!

hindsite

I have seen in several of the message boards postings that some of the owners have notice the bumping when decelerating. As I recall there was no mention of the AC being on or off. In my truck with the V6 auto there is no bumping at all.

boudreau93

HINDSITE,
Thanx for commenting. Do you know how to find any other sites or rooms where people are talking about this problem (the bump) or trucks leaning to the drivers side? I'm having a problem with Toyota and need all the help I can get!

hindsite

Hi Boudreau,
Well there is a good site to get info regarding this bumping when decelerating. It is a message board specifically for Toyota Tacomas in the New England Chapter I belong to. I did find out that the bumping is and this is a excerpt, "The bump feel is spring wrap up, working at the second largest Toyota store in the country I've seen it a thousand times. It will not help to adjust the brakes. The rear brakes are self adjusting to a point, to keep them properly adjusted counting on the auto adjuster, you would need to drive in reverse almost as much as you do forward. Also if the ac compressor cycles on at the same time the increased engine speed will make it more evident."

The web site for the Toyota Tacoma Territary New England Chapter is www.ttora-ne.mainpage.net. For those interested there are various chapters throughout the country. This web site list the other chapters in the country.

boudreau93

Thanx , Hindsite.

estallcu

First: I want to share with everyone a very helpful Toyota related website: toyotarepair.com
It's by a long time Toyota mechanic, is not sanctioned by Toyota Inc., and seems to be the straight scoop.

Second: I'm about to buy a Tacoma 4x4 Extended Cab V6 with automatic and would like to know if any of you have any negative comments about the TRD package. (Other than the $ of course!) Is the ride much rougher than the same model without it? Is milage affected? Are there any maintenance or repair issues?

Thanks!

hindsite

Well I have the 4wd extended cab V6 with TRD and love it. Sometimes the ride may be a bit harsh especially over bad pavement.

marklong

Looking for a new truck and considering both a Ranger and Tacoma. Ranger is less expensive...and you can't argue with Toyota reliability. Have had 2 Ford E150 vans that were excellent and reliable vehicles up to 150K when they were sold. Since this is a Toyota sight I'll tell you about my '86 2WD SR5 PU. Orig owner, 282K miles and will go longer. This truck has never been in the shop. I have done everything to it. 75K head gasket leaking. Replaced it and simultaneously did a valve job and repl timing chain set. ran like a scalded dog afterwards. 150K ate timing chain tensioner, cheap one I Installed at time of head gasket job. Continued to do only routine maint like ch trans & diff fluid every 30K, valve adj, tune ups, brakes, tires etc, etc. Sheet metal has rusted bad, looks like hell but reliable. I see more rusted Toyotas than rusted Rangers. That could be interpreted 2 ways. I use synthetic oils, greases, and bleed brake fluid regularly. I am a Mt Biker and drive offroad frequently to get to trails. This truck is regularly run on Wash DC beltway @75 mph. It also towed a trailer once or twice a month for the 1st 2 years of it's life. It has been cared for well...yet run hard. I've got my $ worth.

liu_su

I am shopping between a new Tacoma and Frontier(much cheaper and more friendly salesman). I was told that the going price and tax are much less in Louisiana than Texas. Any advice from anyone? Thanks a lot.

jia

Is there a technique reson prerunner do not have option of 5-speed ?

jia

Is there a technique reson prerunner do not have option of 5-speed ?

volfy

Tacoma and Frontier are both very reliable pickups and the 4x2s are equally competent. The Frontier has a slightly bigger bed and built-in divider pockets which I really wish my Tacoma had. They make carry 4x8 sheet goods a lot easier. The Frontier is better equipped for the same money, though Toyota is pricing the Tacoma with rebates very aggressively these days. The Frontier also has hydraulic valve lifters where the Toyota 2.4L uses solid lifters which require periodic adjustment.

So why did I buy the Tacoma? Well, it was my first pickup and I didn't really know what I wanted. But mostly it was becuase Frontier was not out yet when I bought. I would recommend the Frontier by a narrow margin if you're shopping for a 4x2. ALso, get an extended cab while you're at it. I kick myself for going with a regular cab everytime I think about it. :-)

My next truck will be a full-size, though, probably the Tundra. The min-trucks just don't cut it for my hauling needs. My opinionated $.02.

Oh, about price&tax differences between LA and TX. The excise tax may be lower in LA, but TX is still way cheaper than here in OK. TX, OK and LA are all buy from the same Gulf South Regional Distributor so the dealer costs should be similar.

zooka

I have had it for a couple of days now and
absolutely love it! I had a '91 Toyota 4x4, and decided to go with the Prerunner because I just didn't use the front axle I much as I thought I would. I got the locking rear differential, which should get me out of some tight spots.

Here's what I got:

All Weather Guard Pkg, Cloth Bucket Seats, Cruise, Pwr Windows/Locks, Tilt Wheel, TRD Off-Road Pkg (Off-Road Suspension, Wheel Arch Moldings W/Black Overfenders, Alloy Wheels, 31" Tires, Tach), Special Value Pkg (Chrome Plated Pkg, Sliding Rear Window, DLX ETR AM/FM Cassette, 4 Speakers and CD) Wheel Locks, Digital Clock, Carpeted Floor Mats, Body Side Molding, Under Rail Bedliner.

Great 4x4 looks, but without the cost of a 4x4!!!

Love it...

Joe Blanchard
Kansas

volfy

Congradulations on you new truck. You really can't go wrong with Toyota. Who knows, in a few years Toyota and Nissan could come up with something else more exciting. Judging from the Frontier 4-dr crew cab I saw this weekend, the truck landscape could be very different in 5 years. I only wish Isuzu would quit rebadging that d*mn Chevy S-10 and sell a real Isuzu truck.

iceman

Check out the Isuzu Vehicross.

volfy

I looked at a Vehicross at a dealer showroom once. Now I understand why it takes so long to convert a show car to a production car. This Vehicross is still a show car! The ergonomics are terrible (try getting into the back seats). I think the Xterra makes a more convincing argument. But, I have to give Isuzu credit for having the balls to market the VehiX. Keep 'em coming. Eventual they'll hit a winner.

marksie

I'm thinking about getting a Tacoma ext-cab 4x4 5sp with the 4cyl instead of the V6 because of the Head Gasket problem and the Off Road package. I'm wondering how much the bigger ratio in the rear end (4.1:1 as opposed to 3.42:1) will affect my mileage or do the 31" tires make up that difference and so I should get the same mileage as without the Off Road package. I think that the 265/75 R15 tires are almost as big as the 31" ones but they don't change the axle ratio for them?? If anyone out there with a 4x4 4cyl 5sp and off road package can tell me what mileage the've been getting that would be much appreciated.

avril_sun

One things for sure, the tacoma is a real runner down the road with his strong v6! i particuly enjoy smooking other compact truck! ;-P Its the best truck i've own so far!

hindsite

Haven't heard of any head gasket problem in the newer Tacomas with the 3.4 V6.

wsnoble

Get the V6. There are no longer any problems with them. It's a great V6.....

-wsn

spoog

guys, check out my URL and INFORMATIVE info I posted to the Tacoma vs. Ranger thread.

I posted all the recalls for Ranager and Tacoma since 89-99.

I also posted the URL and the results of the 4
wheeler mag pickup of the year which
unfolds the details of the Tacoma soundly whomping the Ranger in every performance and road test and off road test, except price.

If you are thinking of buying aa Ranger Or Tacoma,
check out these posts, they are really helpful. YOu may have to click back a bit, but all the facts are there.

Again, the recall and offroad review data are at
the Ranger vs. Tacoma thread a few threads dwon from this one.

jholc

I've got a 97 4x4 xtracab V6. It's been a great truck. Head gasket problem surfaced at the 15,000 service. Was replaced without any problems. Just a couple of months ago I received a recall notice stating that Toyota was recalling all 96 & early 97 Tacoma's with the 3.4 V6 to replace the head gasket. I'm at 33,000 now and haven't had any other problems. Also mileage has been great - I average 23-24 mpg in the summer (mostly hwy 75+mph) I disagree with Consumer Reports rating of the truck. I've found the ride tolerable and it's actually quieter than my wife's Saturn even with the 31" tires. Just my .02.

tisteve

I have a '97 Tacoma LX 4x4 with the 4cyn, 5 spd. I love it! I now have 35,000 miles (agh, my lease!)and it doesn't seem to show any signs of aging. My only regret was getting such a basic truck. No tach, tilt, clock!, cruise, not even intermittant wipers. I've loaded up it up almost weekend with firewood, mulch, concrete, whatever, it hauls well. The four cylinder engine is fine for what I do. Mileage is 25-27. I take it to Cape Hatteras often and it does great on the sand (air down the tires!) I have one more year on my lease and am looking forward to getting a 2000 with more options, but will probably get the four again($$).
I wonder what the 2001 redo will look like?

rotorray

I always hear questions about what truck to buy. The real test is look around you. What do you see that are 10 years old? If your not seeing models 10 years old (especially here is California) there's usually a good reason. The Asian cars and trucks are great but don't seem to last. American trucks are just as abused by seem to pass the 10year test. Engines are a lot cheaper too!! And most junkyards are full of parts. I like the Frontier. toyota dealers in my area are classic "turnover" shops and their service centers don't provide good service. My kid has to go 40 miles to a decent toyota service dealer. I'm seriously thinking of the Frontier but the new Chevy Silverado is a standout. My last Toy was a 78 with the 20R engine. Used a quart of oil every 400 miles from new. Dealer wanted to "wait and see how it goes". Never did fix it right. I've had a Maxima since 91 with the 3 Ltr engine. Never a problem. Put it in a Frontier and they have me sold!!

hindsite

If the Asian cars and trucks don't last why buy a Frontier? The Silverado is a very good truck and is American. Is the reason why they last becuse the junkyards are full of parts?

sushi

Hmmm... A frontier and Silverado are two different classes of pickups. And doesn't the frontiers have a 3.3 in it?

hindsite

Sushi,
you a positively correct.

marksie

What is the mileage like in a Tacoma 4x4 4cyl. 5sp with the off road package?

keith14

I have just reached an agreement with the local Toyota house! Not too late to back out. We haven't talked trade-in yet so it can still be off. What I would like to know is, how I faired on my deal!!! I have until Friday the 9th or possibly that Monday to finalize. Here is the run down:

'99 Tacoma model 7554A 4X4 3.4V6 engine
4 speed Auto Trans.
Option package #3 (provided by Gulf States dist.)
Bucket Seats and console
Aluminum wheel upgrade
Following are the options listed, but I can not verify all of them, but here they are:
AB
BU
CQ
FE
PO
PX
ST
VP
F1
PV
AI
DK
BL

List price $26,550 Dealer shows invoice of $23,530. Gives up $1200 rebate, adds $500 for "profit" Final price $22,830
Deduction for trade-in not finalized.

Well, should I do it, turn and run or is it workable with some modifications? They backed off 50% of the Holdbacks....

rfross

It is with great regret that I am trading in my 1996 Tacoma 4cyl 4X4 today. I needed a truck with room for my wife and 3 kids and my standard cab didn't cut it. It was a truly excellent truck, though. 2.7, 5 speed and std 225 tires. Regularly averaged 23 - 24 mpg in all around driving. Best tank of slightly over 25 mpg. No repairs ever needed other than routine maintenance. Ran Mobil 1 synthetic fluids in engine, axles and tranmission/xfer case. I have 51,000 miles on it and will miss it greatly. In case you're wondering I take delivery today of a new 1999 GMC Sierra extended cab with virtually all options.

rfross

Since I am trading in my Tacoma (see post above) I have a brand new Northwest Off-Road chrome Tri-Y header for sale for the 2.7. I believe it fits 1996 - 1999 Tacoma's - 1996 for sure. Never got around to installing it. Cost new was about $275 as I recall. Will let it go for $150 or best offer.

If interested, please contact me at:

rfross@ameritech.net

chainsaw

I went and test drove a Pre-Runner today and was very impressed. On the window sticker, as a dealer installed option, was a $650 charge for Toyo Guard: paint sealant, sound dampening, and window etching. Is this for real (and/or is it really necessary)? Seems suspicious to me. Also, has anyone dealt with Toyota dealers in the Atlanta-Macon, GA area that they would recommend?

tp4unc

My '96 Tacoma Ext. Cab 4x4's lease is expiring soon and I have checked prices(for '99 Tacomas) at several NC dealers. All seemed to be willing to deal(without any real haggling) at around $300 over invoice price less any rebates that applied. I have since switched my choice of vehicle to the Tundra(will take delivery by 7/24) because of the larger size and V8 engine. However, I loved my Tacoma for the 38 months I drove it and would recommend the Tacoma for anyone not needing a full-size truck.

spkirk

tp4unc,
I am in the market for a compact pickup and I am torn between two, maybe three trucks. I drove both the Nissan Desert Runner and the Toyota Prerunner. They were both very nice and the prices for both were very competitively priced. The other truck I am considering is a Ranger. I am trying to get some ideas on what I want, but, all I hear on the topics is a bunch of 3 years olds saying "mine is better than yours". If you get to read this post, could you say in a little more detail how you liked the truck. Were there any major problems? Were the seats comfortable to you? Was regular maintenance expensive? Does a 4wd really cost more to operate? I have heard lots of people say that 4wd's are way more expensive to keep up. My wife drives a 1998 VW Jetta GLS and the oil filters at the dealer are close to eight dollars. Needless to say, I shop at Wal-mart for FRAM filters. Anyway, any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated!

volfy

Don't buy anything you don't want. The stuff you listed are probably worth $50. The nearest Toyota dealer to me here in OKC do those profit-padding add-on all the time. Needless to say, I bought from another dealer in town that don't do that.

shawn17

I have a V-6 1998 prerunner loaded. Seems like I get a tap in the rear end intermittently when I stop the truck. When I step back on the gas, I get a little nudge too. Feels like the tranny or the rear brakes. Hmmmm anyone else have this ?
The shifting is great in the tranny when accelerating.
Also have an annoying AC fan. It makes a mild ticking noise. No leaves in there. ANYONE ??? help I have 15K on it.
Thanks