Are you happy with Tacoma?

katsohis

my y2k trd came with them.

twistedhed

First off, last I checked California was part of the US. My toy came from the NUMMI plant in Freemont. Many jobs filled there. Second, I know about the 2000 miles straight in a domestic. Hell, drove a Plymouth 88 Caravelle from Fla to Cal 6 times in 2 months. What I said was, let me see a domestic that can do 400 miles a day EVERY day for 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year. Ain't had a domestic yet that has went 100,000 with NO PROBLEMS doing that driving. I also didn't mention I do about 58 stops a day, in and out under 5 mins. and the engine is only shut off maybe 6 times the entire day. I am not bashing domestics, just saying none of them can hold up as long or as well as my toyos do under my driving conditions. I also max the hell out of the allotted cargo weight frequently. The bottom line, as usual, is that NO domestic will handle the abuse I put on my vehicle. In response to the Fords, I also have owned Fords. They rust like hell in this saltwater, saturated high-humidity area. I worked at the old GM plant in the 80's in Freemont as a safety specialist. I know intimate and first hand details about the GM trucks and you, as an informed consumer, should also. All I can say there is .....sorry. Your post had some credibility until you praised the virtues of GM. You need to be informed, but you're so far gone that I doubt you would listen.

marksie

If we could all just get past this mute point of comparing Toyotas and Fords and start sharing some important information. I posted this message a few weeks back and no one seemed to know anything. Do you guys actually maintain your trucks???? So here it is again just in case there is anyone who has a any idea about this.
I was looking over the maintenance guide for the Tacoma and found every 15,000 miles you have to
"Lubricate the propeller shaft and re-torque bolts"
Then it says to: "Re-torque drive shaft flange
bolts" What's the difference between the propeller
shaft and the drive shaft? What do you torque the
bolts to? Where are the bolts on the propeller
shaft to torque? Where are the flange bolts
located? Thanks for any help.

bdev- I have a 1999 Tacoma 4wd 5sp ext-cab V6 with
the TRD and the bench seat. I find it comfortable
enough. It handles fine and there isn't much road
noise. The stereo is kind of weak though. I get
about 19-20 m.p.g. with a mix of town and highway
driving.

katsohis

just grease all of the fittings when you change your oil (every three right?)and don't worry about that other stuff....trust me.

benz88

Thanks for the tip. I'll phone my dealer tomorrow.

parkman50

twistedhed, you crack me up. the miles you speak of are the easiest miles you can put on any car. The tough miles are to make it to 100,000 over 10 years or pulling a horse trailer. I mean short runs strickly around town , not letting the motor get fully warmed up, starting the motor after complete cool downs, etc are hard miles.
Your post is plain silly. I can give you tons and tons of similar cars, trucks, and vans either domestic or foreign that could handle your light duty highway use, but what is the point? A friend of mine seems to do exactly what you do in Texas and he swears by S-10s (290K on his 92 when he sold it.) His arguments for Chevy would certainly sound like yours for Toyota. You certainly are convinced that only your Tacoma could handle interstate driving in Florida. Hello, most people advertise "highway miles" so people know the miles were "easy" miles. Oh man that's hilarious.

Ok, I have to quit writing now as I can't stop laughing. I mean really, that was funny.

Happy Motoring.

2sly4u

I double ditto that response. It was pretty funny! I have a 1 ton 454 that has over 260k miles, same engine and tranny and still pulls a 5th wheel trailer with no problems. Only thing replaced is an alternator, battery, and starter. I'd say its been pretty reliable with just those few repairs and it has NEVER left me walking home!

But hey, with that in mind, who wouldn't want to pay MORE money for a small pickup??? LOL!

twistedhed

Highway miles or not, when you stop and go and leave the engine running 50 some times a day with the A/C on year round while the vehicle is idling and do 400 miles a day is EASY highway miles? Now you have me falling off my chair. Again, nowhere did I say the Tacoma was the only vehicle that could handle that. I said the only vehicle that can go like that and do 100,000 in a year with NO problems are the imports. I've had my share of vehicles and know what works for me. Lastly, why is it that you have a couple of stories about domestics going that kind of mileage(in a year? doubtful). I'll tell you why. 'Cause when it happens to hit that mileage so quickly with a domestic, THATS news. When it happens in a Toyo, its routine.

parkman50

Brother 1990 C-10 240K miles only repairs have been water pump, altenator and battery.

Brother-in-law 1990 Toyota, under 60K miles the head gasket blew. 10K miles later (after repair) the engine threw a rod. Only 70K miles and total engine replacement was necessary.

I can go on and on, but these two stories hit real close to home because they bought their trucks within 2 weeks of each other. The Chevy has been worked like a strapped Mule and Toyota was babied.
I know this isn't a scientific experiment or anything, but the toyota owner spoke like you nine years ago. He is a little more open minded these days.

Secondly, your miles are a absolute joke. Lubricated parts work much better when continuiously lubricated. Based on your posting, you don't even shut off the motor. This is actually easier on the motor as the oil doesn't get to settle. You are putting the world's easiest miles on your truck that can anyone can do. Highway miles are easy. Ask any mechanic.
Your post is still funny. Your story is not unique. Ask any travelling salesman. They put 100K miles (in two years) in all kinds of domestic and foreign cars. When miles are that easy, the vechile almost never needs repairing.

I'm glad you are happy with your truck, but don't assume that a Ranger, S-10, Dakota, or any other car or van couldn't do that without repairs. 100,000 highway miles in the first year is a cake walk. Hect, I bet a Yugo could accomplish that.

Ha..Ha..Ha..Ha..Ha...............

2sly4u

Again, I double ditto that post! You can't make an import owner see common sense. Their vision is blurred from being full of S--t!

rotorray

The point of your discussions should be discussing vehicles, not mounting personal attacks on each other because your choices are not their choices. We'll all be better off if everyone stops the personal attacks and sticks with the subject matter. If you like domestics so be it. If you like imports so be it. You didn't design it, you just bought it after doing the best background given the information you had available. You are stuck with your choice until you make another. Most drivers tire of their vehicle long before 100,000 miles and move on. A few go the distance. If you can go the distance with minimum problems you win. If you can't you didn't loose, you just paid your dues. Let's quit the personal attacks and move on to our collective favorite subject..discussing the positives and negatives of our choice vehicles. Why we like them and why we don't is what's important to most of us to help the rest of us make our "educated" choices. 'nuff said.....

lvstang

Let's not forget that terrible F150 you.....I mean zbrent.... I mean zbad once owned.

parkman50

Do your really expect anyone to believe your F150 was using a quart of oil every three days after only 70K miles. Sure, we believe that one.

BTW, you (as usual) got it wrong again. I didn't say going 100K miles over 10 years was easier as you state in post 320. I said going 100K miles in one year on your Florida interstate was easy.

I'm won't list the many, many stories I have about non-problem domestics, but I'll share these two.

A friend delivers fish to South Louisiana to pet stores. Her 1990 E-150 van is now at 285K miles and is still on the original motor, tranny, and AC system. No rattles there and I guarantee your little Yoda couldn't handle her loads of water and fish.

Then I called my "courier" friend here in Texas. He averages 150K miles per year. Only uses S-10s as I told you in a previous post. He swears by them, because the only maintenance he has is tires, brakes, and oil. He usually trades it off around 200K. His 92 (when he first got started) went to 270K with all original drivetrain.
PS. Texas gets to 110F in Summer. And have you ever sat in Dallas traffic hour after hour???

Again, your interstate miles are easy. Sorry you had some bad experiences with domestics. But my point IS that your miles are easy and any vehicle make could do it with minimal issues, beit car, truck, van, from here or elsewhere.

Rotorray, although I try to minimize my "attacks" I couldn't resist. I like a clean neighborhood. When trash is thrown out, I like to clean it up. His post was rubbish that needed cleaning up.
Sorry if it offended you.

PS. Tacomas are good trucks. I hope everyone is happy with their purchase decision. My only concern is the crash rating. Did you see dateline? SCARY!!!!

Happy Motoring.

twistedhed

Again, the only trash was
coming from your posts. I
was explaining my
preferences and opinions
when you and your disciple
from Amerikana resorted to
personal attacks. Scroll
back and see who turned
[non-permissible content removed]. Your ignorance
preceeds your reputation
and I don't know you from
a can of paint. The F150s
were garbage and if you
had any real knowledge you
too would understand this.
But since you opened the
door to personal insults,
I'll go you one better and
allow you to have the last
word. After all, that and
personal attacks on people
who may or may not share
your viewpoint are what
children(and
republicans)do. Yes I have
been through Dallas many
times. Does it compare
with Malfunction
Junction(Bottleneck I-4
from Tampa to Orlando)?
Does it compare with
Americas most
deadly(deaths-per-year-by-
auto-accidents)highway, US
19, the bumper to bumper
highway that spans the
length of the suncoast?
Sounds to me like you are
more interested in self
appointing yourself as
some sort of
holier-than-thou know all
than engaging in any
meaningful dialogue
concerning the trucks.Like
I stated priorly, I don't
know you at all, but from
your posts one can
certainly ascertain that
you are one angry
individual. Why in the
hell would you find it so
hard that a ford 150 was
droppin' oil at that rate?
I was seeking feedback,
not personal anger because
I feel a Taco can handle
the miles better.Do you
have some kind of
following or reputation
that you're trying to
protect among these
postings or what? If that
is what these posts are
about, you need to get a
life. With that said, go ahead, say something stupid for the masses.

2sly4u

Have you been taking your prozac? You sure do get worked up.

parkman50

No reps here. I personally like most any make or model of cars and trucks. Unfortunately, someone like you who is having some cognitive dissonance over your purchase needs to put everything else down. Why? Why don't you just say what you like about your truck (that is useful) in this forum. That would be the way to go here. Instead you take it upon yourself to inform everyone that only your Tacoma can handle 100K of interstate miles with no problems. I disagree for two reasons: 1) most any car today routinely goes 100K miles without issues (especially as a interstate driver) & 2) the last decade of toyotas have shown much poorer quality than in the past. The common headgasket issue from the late 80's to 1996 shows that many thousands of Toyotas went to shop for that car stopping episode long before 100K miles.

Sorry if I attacked you personally. I did mean to contradict your post, but not attack you. In that respect, I won't address the rest of your post.

Again, good luck in your toyota and please do take it easy (sounds like you drive some dangerous roads on a daily basis.)

Happy Motoring.

twistedhed

...now that all the bs is out of the way and we can communicate like we should have in the first place..civil. I NEVER said ONLY my taco can handle those highway miles, just stating that I have had numerous problems with others. No dissonance here, only buyers ambivalence which is normal with all my new autos. Yes I love the truck. Yes I am aware of the safety impact ratings. No I don't think my taco is worth a spit for towing. Sure, it has its ups and downs like any vehicle, but it suits my purpose. Ain't knockin' all domestics 'cause I keep buying 'em. Just put the wife in a Plymouth Voyager 'cause she liked it best and it was "prettier" than the others she looked at. So if and when my taco starts-a-knockin', I'll come back and tell ya'"ya' know, you were right." I ain't afraid to admit when someone is right...but I usually have to have it proved to me. Take good care of them cattle. I been gettin' some lousy steaks lately.

benz88

I've got a reply from toyota that the y2k taco wheel locks are not available yet. They don't know how you got yours. They suspect dealer aftermarket. Could you find out the source, I'd sure like a set.

BTW: my lug bolts are black so I probably need to replace them all too unless your wheel lock is black.

benz88

I like to put safari type brush guards and side bars on my taco. I'd like stainless steel if available. Any recommendations as to which brands are good. Or which ones to avoid?

Thanks in advance.

gtc2

i was really suprised at the amount that my dealer offered me on my 1997 x-tra cab v6 with 5-speed. it has 45000 miles a/c pwr door locks and windows. the only thing i did to it was added a fiberglass cap and c/d player. after i worked out the deal for the tundra i offered them the tacoma as a trade.they are willing to give 16800 for it. does that seem like a good deal or what ? thanks for the advice.

tisteve

I recently traded in a '97 4x4 extra cab, but very not loaded, 4 cylinder, 5 spd, LX package was it. It had 38K and they gave me 13,200 for it. I bought a new '99 Tacoma, so I'm sure that helped. If you go to Edmunds used car listing, they have a calculator that lists fair trade-in and retail. They quoted 12,825 for mine and I got more than that, but it was close. Check it out.
Let us know how you like the Tundra, I wish I could have afforded that much truck, seems sweet.

tisteve

I have TRD package with the Goodyear GSA 31" x 10.5" tires and haven't been able to find the correct tire pressure. The placard on the door jamb is for the P235's and lists 26 front and 29 rear. My last Tacoma had those and it seemed correct.
There was a moderate shimmy happening at 60-65 mph and I took it back to the dealer who balanced the front tires (no charge, of course) I asked the service manager about the correct tire pressure and he said he runs them at about 45 psi on his truck. They say max at 50 psi. When I took delivery, they were at 30 all around. So I pumped them up to 45 and man, is the ride harsh. I think they should be a little lower, but can't find an accurate source. Any opinions?

rsmtom

I'll preface this by saying this is just my own opinion/preference. 45psi is way too much. I have 31" BFG AT's, and keep them at 32-34psi front, 30-32psi rear (rear is more stiffly sprung, so I compensate with a slightly lower tire pressure). The BFG AT's have a very square tread cross-section, and I've found these pressures to give a reasonably even wear pattern. Other tires will probably perform best at different pressures--experiment a little.

katsohis

someone is giving you false info because mine did come with factory locks.you can get them right from the dealer anyway so just do that if you want them.oh yeah mine are black.

tisteve

Interestingly enough, I checked the tire pressure this morning (a bit chilly) and they all were right at 37 psi, but I had them up to 45 psi the other day (when it was warm) I thought I'd lower them to 40, but since they were below that, I left them as is. I agree the 45 psi seems high. I used to have Firestone's on a Suzuki Samurai that listed 45 max, but ran them at 35 and they seemed to wear just fine. I think the Wranglers stating 50 max is just that, MAX. I agree that somewhere in the mid to upper 30's is probably fine. I'll play with it a bit. Thanks for the opinion.

benz88

I just greased and retighten my lug nuts and noticed that the torque is very uneven from the factory.

2sly4u

Gee, that couldn't be a Toyota you are referring to. Toyota's are perfect, at least thats the rumor.

katsohis

well whatever but mine are black and the dealer did not put them on.whats the big deal anyway,just go buy some!

katsohis

gee,doesn't sound like a problem to me!

benz88

No big problem if I can find a place that sells them. I guess you lucked out. I'm waiting for a reply from TRD otherwise looks like I'm stuck 'til spring

mviglianco1

How much did you pay for your 99 or Y2K 4x4 V6 extended cab? Did you order it? How long did it take? I need numbers to go to war with the salesman with!!!

benz88

I paid 23k for my y2k 4x4 v6 trd sr5 xcab auto, buckets, abs, pw/pl. It was an impulse buy, probably could of haggled it down some more.

benz88

I'm having a terrible time with the dealer after I purchased my truck. And I'm getting the run around from toyota usa. Has anyone found a dealer they are satisfied or happy with? I've bought vehicles from most of the other major automakers and this last purchase is by far my worst experience for customer service.

dinomite33

hey everybody, i need a little help here. i'm looking at a '96 tacoma, 4x4, extra-cab, v6, auto, with only 22000 miles for $15,500 (private seller)here in so. cali. i love the new look of the '98 and '99, but its kinda out of a 19 year-old's budget. but my main concern is with the v6's head gasket, in know its been recalled, but can i still take it in to get it fixed for free and get a free extended warranty. i'm gonna go take a look at it sun. morning, and i'd appreciate input from anyone, especiallly tacoma owners who have had experience with the head gasket problem. thank in advance for the help

edgl

Toyotas are perfect. What head gasket problem?

unixgod

I had a 96 Ext Cab 4X4 Tacoma with V6. Head gaskets went out at 19k. Toyota was great about fixing it and did extend the powertrain warranty to 100k mi, which is rare to find. However, I was out of a truck for several weeks because, very literally, they had about 50 trucks in line ahead of me for the exact same problem.

I had to wonder if they were certain that there wasn't ANY coolant leaked to the inside of the block that caused bearing problems. However, I did put 47k mi on the truck before I traded it off and it ran like a new one to that point.

Other than the head gasket problem, I never had it in the shop for any other repairs.

I will say that I regret the Toyota purchase due to how expensive they are. You can buy a lot more truck and a newer truck for your money if you don't "have to have" a Toyota. Just my opinion. I have had many domestic trucks that were just as reliable and actually more solid than the Tacoma. If you are on a limited budget, it would be worth your while to check out some of the domestic models.

Good luck

ziggy10

I took my new Taco for a 500 mile trip this weekend. That thing ran like the energizer bunny the whole way. I went up through the mountains (and a storm) the whole way in 5th gear. I was passing everything on the road --- full size Chevy's, Fords, and Dodges. The only one that was keeping up with me was another Taco (an older one). The V6 is awesome on this thing. The seats (bucket) were very comfortable. The only discomfort was that my right leg didn't have anything to rest my knee against, and that made my hip a little stiff. But I can't blame the seats (or Toyota) for that. I just put it on cruise and relaxed and the discomfort went away! I also went through my first storm in it, and it handles very well. Getting around the big rigs is no problem with the V6 --- especially when going uphill. I love this truck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm getting almost 21 mpg on the highway with the tailgate up (not down). Now I gotta wash it after all that wind and rain.

unixgod

Even and idiot would know that a truck 2k lbs ligher with a V6 under the hood will out accelerate a full size truck. Thats a no brainer.

Now strap 6k lbs to the [non-permissible content removed] end of both trucks and see who gets up that hill faster!

A Ranger, Dakota, or S10 would all fair just as well as a Tacoma.

Glad you like your truck though! You should for what you paid for it!

Gischpel

I don't necessarily agree that the weight difference always gives the Tacoma an advantage. The full size could have a larger engine to compensate for it's heavier weight. There are also gear and axle ratio combinations that should be taken into account for both vehicles.

Second, a stock V6 Tacoma will out accelerate any stock V6 Ranger, Dakota or S10 truck. Do the math on the horsepower, torque, etc. Even Edmunds agrees with that!

Finally, why should you or anyone else care what we pay for our Tacomas? We are happy with what we paid or else we wouldn't have made the deals. If we wanted something else, we would have bought it.

In my case, I needed a compact truck and also to put booster seats in the X-cab, so that limited my options tremendously because of the vehicles that have side facing jump seats. Tacoma was the best value for the money to me. It's my opinion, but that's the only one that matters because it's my money.

Terry

unixgod

You're living in fantasyland. Trucks are only as good as the work they can do, how reliably they do it, and the cost of owning them.

The Tacoma loses two out of three in comparison to a full size truck, work and cost. As far as the reliablility factor, the security blanket of higher reliability of the imports is wearing very thin these days.

You are correct that it is your money you choose to waste. Glad you can afford to do so. Many cannot.

ziggy10

Nice argument about the big trucks and the price difference. Too bad it doesn't apply to me. You see:
1. I don't want or need a big truck because I don't haul that often, and 5K towing capacity is plenty for my needs. I also didn't want to pay over 25 G's for a full size Dodge (like my sister did last month) that gets 17 mpg. when I don't need that size anyway.

2. I didn't pay all that much for my Taco compared to a Ranger. I priced them both out right here at Edmund's (option for option)and they came up within 50 to 300 bucks of eachother depending on which engine option I used on the Ranger.

So to make a long story short, I paid 17.5K for my fully loaded V6 Taco, AND I LOVE IT. I'm just sorry that YOU don't get it!!!!!!!!!

P.S. I believe this is an "are you happy with your TACO" chat, and not a "let's argue over who has a better truck" chat. There's other chats that you should be in if you want to slam TACO's. When I chose this truck, I used THIS part of the chat site to try and get the REAL scoop on which truck was better and had the least amount of complaints (I looked at the Ranger and Dakotas chats as well). I didn't look too hard at the arguing chats. They aren't much worth it. So if you wanna argue, go somewhere else! There's plenty of arguing to be had over in those chats.

P.P.S. Did I tell you that I LOVE MY NEW TACO????

unixgod

I love taco's too. However, they are pretty wimpy and don't curve the hunger like a big chimachanga.

Your doing drugs if you think you got a Tacoma for within 50-300 dollars of what you can buy a Ranger for. Even if you bought the Tacoma at the dealers cost, it would still be more expensive than retail on a Ranger. I know that is FACT. Edmunds has been fairly "close" on most vehicles, but don't take their pricing to the bank or you will be spending more than you need to.

P.S. Did I tell you that I am GLAD you love your "OVERPRICED", "POOR CRASH RATED", "NO REAL LOCKING DIFF", "HEAD GASKET BLOWING", "CHEAP INTERIOR", "THIN SHEET METAL", "NO EXTENDED CAB DOOR" Tacoma?????

Even if you did get it for within 50-300 dollars of the competition, you should have gotten it MUCH CHEAPER because YOU BOUGHT MUCH LESS TRUCK FOR YOUR MONEY!

scape2

LOL! A Tacoma same price as Ranger? Nope, Noway!
Option for option a Ranger is less. The TRD package is a sales gimmick, sorry you paid the extra 2-3K for that sticker. The axle is open! and how about the 5mph disclaimer?? The locker is not much use overall. Enjoy your overpriced, overrated, compact truck. And most of all enjoy the TRD sticker!

tisteve

Vince8, you keep saying the same misleading thing, over and over ... I'll have you know that the locking differential was last thing I bought the TRD for. How about 31" x 10.5" Goodyear Wranglers, alloy wheels, bilstein shocks front and rear, front stabilizer bar, better springs front and rear, fender flares. A WHOLE suspension package, and for only about $1,600, not the 2-3 grand that you keep spouting. The locking diff was only icing on a kick butt truck cake. If having the things most 4x4 owners want to upgrade to already on a truck is a gimmick, then I'm sold.
Talk about gimmicks, what about the ranger's "off-road" package. Bulge body shocks (whatever the heck a bulge body is?), manual styled mirrors(wow) and, guess what, a neato sticker. Although its only $300+/-, so what, only the shocks have anything to do with "off-road".
I think you have TRD envy, because you can't even get close to the same options on a ranger. Maybe one day....

mviglianco1

Are you both loosers or are you just subconciously jealous? Really, why do you hover in discussion groups have nothing to do with you? If you honestly dont like the Tacoma why do you let it occupy your every thought?

Vince8, I already told you in the Ranger vs Tacoma group how much I paid for my TRD. The package is acutally $1,366, not 2-3k. The two are priced very close where I live if you know how and where to shop. I paid $20 over the REAL invoice, not the invoice many dealers will try to trick you with.

Why dont you both go try to convince some cat owners why your dog is better?

scape2

The truth hurts, it obvious by the reactions. Enjoy the sticker! on your tin can of a compact truck. (Worst crash rating in its class). And the price is no secret when comparing option for option it plastered all over every review/mag. Enjoy your overpriced/overrated, worst crash test, cheap interior, compact truck! Jealousy?? LOL!! I have been offroading for over 10 years and know a marketing gimmick when I see one. You all got ripped!
See you in the hills!

mviglianco1

Im working today and it is real slow so I have some time to kill arguing. Usually dont like to argue but sometimes its fun and it passes the time.

I was starting to think you were a resonalble person who came here to get some info, share your opinion, and so on but I have seen your posts in other discusion and you come from a different angle every post. Some are sensible and informative while others are childish and tend to sound like a broken record. Can you post anything new and thought provoking or do you just take what is said by others in other discussions and paste it.

This jealousy I speak of is subconcious and therefore your closed mind would never accept it.

Where I live the price difference is not that significant when spead over the time the loan is taken out for.

If you have been fourwheeling for 10 years you would be aware of the off road capabillity that Toyotas are known for. If not you must live in a box or never make it past the car wash you hang out at with your other Ranger buddies.

The fact that you prefer the Ranger over the Tacoma does not bother me one bit. Its your money and your car. Just try to think for yourself and be consistant in your posts as you loose credibillity fast when all you can do is repeat what others have been saying in the Ranger vs Tacoma post for over a year.

Happy Hollidays

katsohis

i noticed they did the crash test on the 2wd tacoma,wouldn't you think that the 4wd would do better?

scape2

Wait a minute, does this also include my other two buddies who own Tacoma's? Yes, I have driven one, yes I have even had a Tacoma offroad. I just think its a very spendy compact truck and exudes more image than functionality. How can I loose credibility when I post facts man, just the facts. Facts that Tacoma owners hate to see or hear.

mviglianco1

Picked up my Tacoma TRD Saturday and I love it. I am 100% happy with my decision as I am sure you are. Fridays post was a little harsh as I was ticked to be working and impatient waiting to acquire truck. I still feel that we are all dwelling on the same points that have been debated over and over and over. The only thing I can say about the ride of the TRD is solid.