You've posted those awards before. There's no joy in owning a wee-truck like yours without them. Enlightened Americans are panning your truck in droves, and obviously don't worry as much as you do.
No need to get rude. When some Shakerado owners get presented with facts that they don't like - they lash out! I think it is the strain of spending $30K on a Lemon and trading it in on another lemon.
If the Mexalanche is such a hot seller - why is Chev tying $1000 bills to it trying to sell it?
Did you know the Mexalanche destination charge is more than the Tundra? It must be expensive shipping them up from Mexico. Chev figures they will shaft the US auto buyers for their Mexican production facility!
It is a shame that GM is outsourcing US jobs to Mexico. They are also building plants in Mexico while at the same time closing down US plants. What is Toyota doing? - building new plants in the US and employing US autoworkers. Which is better for the US economy?
At least the GM execs are getting rich. Thank god for that!
I like to support US autoworkers. That is one of the many good reasons why I bought a Tundra.
No need for bigotry towards Mexicans just because you'd rather support the Asians. We all have a choice to say no. Right now, Americans are saying NO to turdra, and YES to Avalanche.
Toyota aims to sell no more than 100,000 units with the tundra. This is a FACT. They have met this target in 2000 and 2001. Rest assured they will meet this target for 2002 as well. Toyota is just getting into the big truck/SUV market. Toyota is still a CAR company and makes money from selling CAR. GM is a truck company more than a car company and cannot make profits from selling cars. That is why it is essential for GM to sell a LOT of SUVs/Trucks. They are getting creamed in the car market and the truck/suv is their last refuge. But not for long. Toyota, Honda, and Nissan are coming strong in the years ahead.
It is sad to see GM squander all the profits they made from trucks/SUVs in the 90s rather than invest that money in making better cars. GM, and more so Ford are in for the battle of their lives. It is make or break time. Once the JDM big three decide to target a market and increase their shares, they will not let go. Just wait and see. Remember that history is on my side. Import cars make up 50% of the car market and Lexus is the number one luxury car maker in sales in the US. Lexus has only been around since 1989.
"The American consumer probably has very little idea how much they owe to the Japanese car makers. What kind of product would we have now if they had not forced the American car manufacturers to re-think the quality issue years ago! Sadly they still have not learned enough, I saw an article several months ago about all the Japanese manufactures having full size trucks on the drawing boards. The comment from the American Manufacturers was they were not worried. This the same comment that they made about Japanese small car production and mid-size car production and luxury car production. I have no doubt that the Japanese will kick GM/ Fords [non-permissible content removed] when they finally do come out with a full size truck that is comparable to the domestic truck."
That came from one of the thousands of disgruntled GMC customers who has vowed to "never, ever" again own a GMC product.
Perhaps there are so many discontent whiners raising a fuss about the Tundra because they're about to have a repeat history lesson on what happens when Toyota (and others) decide to enter a vehicle market - and they don't like it! Boo-hoo!!!
Countless automotive journalists have praised the Tundra. The first thing they mention is the i-Force V8 engine and its power. Sure a bigger V8 would be great and probably necessary if a 3/4 ton model was built, but that's like criticizing the 4.8 and 5.3 liter engines in the 1/2 ton Silverado. It's just a stupid comment.
Blah, blah, blah... You can what you want about a truck being a truck, but they've all said the Tundra has qualities of both a truck and a car. It has the quality, style and refinement of a Lexus and the same truck prowess when compared to any 1/2 ton on the market...
As for a Tacoma drivetrain... I don't think so, but maybe some of the parts are shared between the two trucks. That's like saying the 4.3 liter S-10 and base Silverado engine should also be criticized. You don't see Toyota people mentioning this do you? I don't care if my truck has Echo parts. It can work (I'm a contractor I know), it can play and it will more than likely outlast every domestic truck owner's vehicle on this board. The Tacoma must have some pretty strong parts to survive those IIHS tests better than the domestic trucks. You heard me...
Funny you mentioned how people critizice the Tundra because it shares some parts with the Tacoma. And GMC is not guilty of part sharing as well?
Well, maybe not as guilty as Toyota. You have to remember that when it came time to building a true heavy duty truck, GMC had to rely on Allison and GULP - ISUZU!!! for the drivetrain.
No GMC part sharing when it comes to engines and transmissions, they had to enlist the help of Japanese manufacturers...
While it is true about the sales quota, I can't help but wonder why, every time I went to the dealer when I was choosing my Tacoma, I saw about 2-4 times as many Tundras on the lot as I saw Tacos, while more Tacos are sold per year. Kinda sad to see so many trucks sitting out there not getting bought.
You're right about the older Chevy diesels not being up to par. It was an act of the purest optimism by GMC to use their gas engine blocks for diesel applications (where compression is roughly TWICE that of a gasser) and expect them to operate properly. Ford and Dodge made diesel engines from the ground up, while GMC cost-cutted and used major gas engine componets. And the GMC boys accuse Toyota of part sharing???
It's a good thing GMC is using an ISUZU engine for their diesel applications, because the GMC diesel engines were so horrible nobody would probably ever buy another GMC diesel.
Another interesting fact: GMC's Vortech engines are suffering from engine knock and the company is having to arbitrate with thousands of disgruntled owners in the forms of buybacks and extended warranties. It's amusing the ONLY engine that is operating properly in GMC's truck line-up came from ISUZU.
Basically, GMC couldn't make a diesel, and their gas engines knock like diesels...
I'll let you get into the specifics of who made what and who owns what in the ISUZU/GMC partnership. The fact remains the GMC boys criticize anything with a Japanese nameplate EXCEPT when it's used in a GMC product - then it's the best thing since sliced bread.
The worst part is that the most vociferous defenders of GM pickups are the owners of Lemon GMs.
I think that this just shows mindless brand loyalty. If a brand name toothpaste turns your teeth green it is a Chev. If a much better brand toothpaste causes your teeth to be white - the Chev pack would believe it is a fluke!
I'm not sure if I got to you fast enough for you to save face. But as usual, your info is skewed.
While not a fan of the 6.2/6.5 diesels, they ARE NOT CONVERTED gasoline engines.
Your mis-info would pertain to the Olds 5.7 diesel which even though was accused of being a converted gasser was still quite a bit more stout than a 5.7 gas motor.
I really hope that Toyota DOESN'T come out with a 3/4 ton truck or better. With as much disappointment experienced by GM owners, Toyota could literally blow GM into the water. It wouldn't happen in a year, but in time I see distinct possibilities. This is assuming that Toyota continues to produce a smooth running, safe, reliable truck as they always have. It should be interesting.
after seeing their 1/2 ton, I wonder what their definition would be of a 3/4 ton. Course don't know any Toyota owners that would have use of one. Maybe Toyota has figured that out........
Go ahead and have your fun, but I will talk to you in 10 years when Toyota will have a dominant position in the large truck market. Always remember what they did in the luxury market. In 10 years Lexus went from being a relative unknown to an 800 pound gorrilla dominating the luxury market.
I was at the LA auto show when the Lexus was on display in 1989 and the cars were placed in tents in the middle of nowhere. There was little interest from those at the show in Lexus. I went to the Auto show in 2002 and the Lexus display took center stage and was crowded with on lookers.
Chev/Ford folks do not learn their lessons from history. They seem to think that the truck market is impenetrable by the JDM big three. Just wait and see....
I think that from both a demographic and a working class perspective there will always be a group or class of people in the U.S. that will buy nothing but American iron, regardless of how good the competition is. I've seen this working in the Heavy Industrial sector; all the field guys including the operating company employees and construction hands ALL drive American (well, about 98.7%). If I was a union laborer or full-time field hand, I'd be worried that my Tundra would get keyed! There is a certain amount of pride that these types have (union workers and what not) and the thought of buying a Japanese work truck over an American work truck is incomprehensible (but the wife probably drive a toyota or honda). I'm not saying they're all like that, just seems like the vast majority. Kinda like hardcore Harley Davidson riders (although I know a construction type that drives a fullsize Dodge Ram and rides a Honda Shadow (motorcycle). I think the big three are counting on people such as these.
I kinda agree with you that there's a certian amount of pride in the field ,but there's also respect for personal property.Sure ,I got teased about my Taco but nobody ever touched it.They usually quit laughing when I drove my welder and tools into parts of the buildings the big 3 couldn't get close to.With the BFG 12.5x33's I could go farther in the mud than anybody.Your Tundra would go relativly unnoticed On the other hand ,I'll never drive a V-MAX to a Harley hangout again. kip
I would love to see such a larger truck from Toyota. I have no doubt that the truck would be more than sufficient for the job it was designed for. However, I am skeptical as to whether or not it would see even a portion of the respect that it would deserve - especially after reading these posts. Toyota seems to have a tendency to go for efficiency rather than sheer size. This is apparent with their DOHC engines that more than run with the big boys at significantly less displacement. This is a habit that proves to get less respect in the truck world. Close-minded truck buyers would rather buy a 46 liter engine that sounds like a mack truck and lasts for 5 years than a smaller, smoother running, portrait of efficiency that is also durable and dependable. Some seem to be coming around to this odd philosophy but Im not sure whether it will be a hit.
I see little objection from anyone to the statement that Toyota makes better quality vehicles. Although few give Tundras a chance in the environment that trucks were intended for (ie. hardcore work, hauling, etc.), I have heard nothing negative from those who actually do test them in such a field. True, they are smaller with a smaller available powerplant -- but are they really that disadvantaged, give em a chance. I really believe that all the negativity stems from extreme brand loyalty. I was guilty of it once, too, but no more.
If Toyota offered a 1/2 and 3/4 ton that had a higher load/towing capacity, more hp, more torque, quicker loaded and unloaded performance, better milage, better braking, more ground clearance, a more spacious cab and rear seat, less required maintenance and a better warranty than Ford or a Chevy.............Would you buy one??? I'm just curious what it would take for you to buy Toyota quality.
I buy tools for what I can DO with them,not who made them.
twowheeler-no backup or deathwish,just stupid.I had a shovelhead for 10 years before the V-MAX.After an hour ride,I saw the road house with the bikes in front and a beer seemed like a good idea.The ownerr ,who I know ,asked why I wanted to start trouble when I walked through the door.I left very embarrased in a barrage of cat-calls and sexual-orientation jokes.Just like a "b"movie.The funny thing is,I don't remember ever being on the giving end of that kind of thing.Maybe memory is selective? kip
I was at a state park and a large group of motorcyclists drove into the park. The first thing I noticed was that there were two subgroups: Harley riders and everything else. The other thing I thought was odd was that when they parked, the Harleys parked in one group, and all the other motorcycles (mostly japanese Harley clones with a few four cylinder bikes thrown in) parked in another group.
It made me wonder why they were even riding together.
The "outlaw" biker can't stand the RUBe (rich urban biker) and vice versa. What's funny is neither sub species would even exist today if not for the other.
the trade off to owning a Harley and the rep that goes with it is that (like the big three)your going to sacrifice reliability to some extent.I never saw a Harley that didn't have an oil leak of some sort,although I haven't seen many new H.D.'s.My friend has a B.M.W. bike that has tons of miles on it's motor,I'll bet the Harley would have needed a motor rebuild to equal the Beemer.Just like the autos,IT'S AN ASIAN THING!Crysler is owned by the Germans yet all posters here defend their American Ram.But,I believe if an asian company had bought Chrysler,they would be considered "foreign" or worse.
Assuming the price was close of course I would consider a Toyota (I would even be willing to pay a little more $)
It should also be noted that GM and Ford already exceed Toyota on most of the things on your list(not all - but most) that is why many more people buy GM and Ford trucks than Toyota.
Maybe the question you should be asking yourself is why did you buy a truck that is lacking in so many things?
Piece of mind is worth a lot! As a Toyota owner, it feels great to know that you did not cheat yourself as far as buying a reliable vehicle. The extra money you spend is for things like dependability -- knowing it won't quit no matter what you throw at it, won't leave you stranded trailside when you need it most, and won't be in the shop when you wanna be out cruisin. Don't get me wrong, I like certain offerings from every car manufacturer, not just Toyota. It is not smart to refute Toyota's better rep. in such arenas. That is the best defense I can offer someone who might not understand why they are worth more.
Ba Ba Ba Bad to the Bone! Just don't do like what Arnold did in Terminator II. You wouldn't want to catch a cold now!! LOL!!
I think the HD's have improved in reliability after AMF sold the company, but still not up to par with the Beemers or Japanese bikes. Beemers are notorious for living into the 300K - 400K mark without having to tear into the engine.
Anyways, back to trucks...Do the big three sell any trucks outside of North America? It's kinda weird to see news footage of Afghans tooling around in Toyota pickups. However, no suprise, Toyota is very popular worldwide (cars and trucks). Not sure if Toyota sells the Tundra (or under a different name) elsewhere.
first you've got to trade in the ones your wearing. Have you ever owned a Toyota? I've owned one as well as vehicles from the Big 3. Now, true, I am a big fan of Yotas, but I consider myself very openminded. What's wrong with what I said?
well my chevy truck (2000 Silverado) is the 1st vehicle i have ever personally owned. It has been great. Over 24K miles. As the miles go by it is more enjoyable to drive. The smile has yet to leave my face
I can tell you one thing my grandparents have went through alot of toyota camrys through the yrs and as of late the quality of the last 2 has been very low. My grandpa swears by toyota but after the problems with his 2000 if he buys another new car i wouldnt be surprised if it was not a toyota.
I see where your comin from. I have just always wanted to come across as open minded. I agree that the Tundra is not a good 1/2 ton truck, simply b/c its not big enough. I like em, but they just are too small and that has always been my feeling. I love Silverados, my dad does too and always has. Their quality record is not up too snuff, so to speak, and thats not a biased comment. Its a fact. My dad, a huge Chevy fan, almost bought a Tundra last summer. If I could pick any full size truck, still, Chevy or GMC would be the way I went, honestly. Its just that I wish Yota would get more respect. Lord knows they deserve way more than they get. For some reason unknown to me, everyone thinks they are thin, puny, and weak, but it just is not so. I am very happy you have had good luck with your truck, I have too. Have a good one man!
What i dont like about em and made me choose the chevy.
1. Backseat. I dont haul people in the backseat everyday but when i do i couldnt be cruel to them 2. front end. Not a fan of the front ends (grill) on the toyotas. 3. Interior. Seemed to much like a camry
Looks are a major selling point and if you said one of the reasons you didnt buy it was looks you would be lying
Good point.With the invincability of the Big 3 trucks touted here by the anti-Toyota crew one would think that these supertrucks would dominate the rugged terain in Afganastan.And don't tell me their too expencive because money isn't a question when your life depends on a vehicle not stranding your hide in the desert.I have yet to see a Dodge or G.M. or Ford in any area where a heavy-duty 4 wheeler was needed,just Toyota and Mercedes.
that you see in afghanistan are variants of the might Toyota HiLux. This truck sells overseas a lot. It is probably the best selling midsize truck in the world. The Hilux is built like a tank. It is mostly a 4 bangerred truck, maybe a V6 at most.
I had a friend back in Lebanon who used to own one and it was used to deliver heavy propane gas tanks. That thing took so much abuse driving on the narrow, potted hillside that makes the majority of Lebanese roads.
The Taliban mastered the use of the 4x4 HiLux as a weapon of war. It gave them a great reliable and fast truck that they can use in their offensive when they took the country by a storm in 1996. They used to attack their enemies with columns of fast moving HiLux packed trucks.
Now that the Taliban are vanquished, the other fighter have taken over the HiLux trucks and use it in warfare. It has become a staple of Afghan war making.
For not buying the Tundra. If those are big things for you, the Tundra was definitely a no go. And I agree, looks are a huge deal, and I do like the looks of the Silverado more than the Tundra. But... Anyway, its all cool man - have a good one.
About the Hi-lux. I believe they come with a decent sized turbo diesel. Up until a few years ago, they came with a solid front axle as well. They are the portrait of bullet proof, for sure. I hope everyone understands, though, that these trucks were not donated to the rebel gov'ts by Toyota. They were bought just like any other truck, and in fact Toyota has donate some trucks to US forces in that region recently, Hiluxes and Tacomas -- I believe.
You made a VERY important point. The bare bones utilitarian trucks the 3rd world nations use are no where near what's available here.
Diesels, solid front axles etc. Look up the Land Cruiser used across the pond compared to what's sold here. I just can't picture the IFS, I-force torsion bar equipped LC launching missiles.
Besides, what better to do a suicide bombing mission in than an expendable toy?? LOL!!!!
I realize some guys will only consider a 500HP V10 macho, but really, how much more macho can you get than a Taco V6 S/C with locker for off road, unless it is a 4Runner with the same set up, or a Landcruiser with V8? None of these is by any means over powered, but certainly perfect for terrorizing the great outdoors. Point is that Toyota excels at certain things and offers great quality, usually. But, when Bama starts spouting off about how a taco can out tow a full size 1/2 ton, or someone else starts saying how the Tundra can do anything a full size 1/2 ton can, none of us "domestic" guys want to hear it. I, for one am disappointed that Tundra is NOT a full size. I am disappointed that they offer hardly any of the OPTIONS that the big 3 offer that let us configure our trucks the way we want,in order to do the job we want them to do. Someday, maybe Toyota will realize just how much flexibility is offered by the big 3. They don't have to offer MORE of everything, just don't short change us in every department. Tom
I agree. The Hi-Lux used by the taliban must have been a huge advantage interdicting the rickshaws and horse driven carriages used by the poppy farmers and opium smugglers of the northern alliance. An American full size truck would have no chance.
Interesting to note, U.S. special forces were using ATVs and trailbikes to defeat the taliban and al queda.
You are partially right. Toyota did not sell any trucks directly to the Taliban. The trucks were either stolen in Pakistan and smuggled into Afghanistan for use or they were a gift from the Saudi govt (A US Alley) to the Taliban. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan used to be the principle supporters of the Taliban. When that support stopped, they crumbled like a house of cards.
When are you going to learn how to read? And why are you posting lies about what I said from another topic to this topic? Shouldn't you be posting to that topic? Some peoples kids!
I never said a S/C is the ultimate tow vehicle. Read this slowly and as many times as necessary, Tommy -
I said that if:
1. You want to tow over 10,000 ft. 2. You are towing only 3500lb. 3. You do not want a diesel. 4. You want a full factory powertrain warranty.
A Tacoma with a S/C would be the best choice. I have not heard the Chev boys come up with a better solution. I just keep hearing this high pitched whining sound coming either from them or their allison trannies.
I hope you can eventually get this Tommy! Good Luck!
the Hi Lux here? It was the first Toyota Pickup I remember seeing. Back in the early '70's. But it weren't no Midsized". I can see the Datsun but can't rememebr what it was called. L'il something.
Toyota, by far, sells more pickups and SUVs worldwide than anyone else. Most of them are diesels. USA full-size pickups are not suitable in many areas of the world. They're too big and too expensive to operate (even with diesels).
Comments
If the Mexalanche is such a hot seller - why is Chev tying $1000 bills to it trying to sell it?
Did you know the Mexalanche destination charge is more than the Tundra? It must be expensive shipping them up from Mexico. Chev figures they will shaft the US auto buyers for their Mexican production facility!
It is a shame that GM is outsourcing US jobs to Mexico. They are also building plants in Mexico while at the same time closing down US plants. What is Toyota doing? - building new plants in the US and employing US autoworkers. Which is better for the US economy?
At least the GM execs are getting rich. Thank god for that!
I like to support US autoworkers. That is one of the many good reasons why I bought a Tundra.
It is sad to see GM squander all the profits they made from trucks/SUVs in the 90s rather than invest that money in making better cars. GM, and more so Ford are in for the battle of their lives. It is make or break time. Once the JDM big three decide to target a market and increase their shares, they will not let go. Just wait and see. Remember that history is on my side. Import cars make up 50% of the car market and Lexus is the number one luxury car maker in sales in the US. Lexus has only been around since 1989.
That came from one of the thousands of disgruntled GMC customers who has vowed to "never, ever" again own a GMC product.
Perhaps there are so many discontent whiners raising a fuss about the Tundra because they're about to have a repeat history lesson on what happens when Toyota (and others) decide to enter a vehicle market - and they don't like it! Boo-hoo!!!
Blah, blah, blah... You can what you want about a truck being a truck, but they've all said the Tundra has qualities of both a truck and a car. It has the quality, style and refinement of a Lexus and the same truck prowess when compared to any 1/2 ton on the market...
As for a Tacoma drivetrain... I don't think so, but maybe some of the parts are shared between the two trucks. That's like saying the 4.3 liter S-10 and base Silverado engine should also be criticized. You don't see Toyota people mentioning this do you? I don't care if my truck has Echo parts. It can work (I'm a contractor I know), it can play and it will more than likely outlast every domestic truck owner's vehicle on this board. The Tacoma must have some pretty strong parts to survive those IIHS tests better than the domestic trucks. You heard me...
Well, maybe not as guilty as Toyota. You have to remember that when it came time to building a true heavy duty truck, GMC had to rely on Allison and GULP - ISUZU!!! for the drivetrain.
No GMC part sharing when it comes to engines and transmissions, they had to enlist the help of Japanese manufacturers...
And did you forget that Isuzu (a company GM has a controlling interest in) is only one third of the team that made he new 6.6?
Bet you cant name the other two.
And doesnt GM own a portion of Allison as well?
It's a good thing GMC is using an ISUZU engine for their diesel applications, because the GMC diesel engines were so horrible nobody would probably ever buy another GMC diesel.
Another interesting fact: GMC's Vortech engines are suffering from engine knock and the company is having to arbitrate with thousands of disgruntled owners in the forms of buybacks and extended warranties. It's amusing the ONLY engine that is operating properly in GMC's truck line-up came from ISUZU.
Basically, GMC couldn't make a diesel, and their gas engines knock like diesels...
I'll let you get into the specifics of who made what and who owns what in the ISUZU/GMC partnership. The fact remains the GMC boys criticize anything with a Japanese nameplate EXCEPT when it's used in a GMC product - then it's the best thing since sliced bread.
I think that this just shows mindless brand loyalty. If a brand name toothpaste turns your teeth green it is a Chev. If a much better brand toothpaste causes your teeth to be white - the Chev pack would believe it is a fluke!
Man! The Chev boys need a little education!
While not a fan of the 6.2/6.5 diesels, they ARE NOT CONVERTED gasoline engines.
Your mis-info would pertain to the Olds 5.7 diesel which even though was accused of being a converted gasser was still quite a bit more stout than a 5.7 gas motor.
I was at the LA auto show when the Lexus was on display in 1989 and the cars were placed in tents in the middle of nowhere. There was little interest from those at the show in Lexus. I went to the Auto show in 2002 and the Lexus display took center stage and was crowded with on lookers.
Chev/Ford folks do not learn their lessons from history. They seem to think that the truck market is impenetrable by the JDM big three. Just wait and see....
Only time will tell.
Harry
kip
I see little objection from anyone to the statement that Toyota makes better quality vehicles. Although few give Tundras a chance in the environment that trucks were intended for (ie. hardcore work, hauling, etc.), I have heard nothing negative from those who actually do test them in such a field. True, they are smaller with a smaller available powerplant -- but are they really that disadvantaged, give em a chance. I really believe that all the negativity stems from extreme brand loyalty. I was guilty of it once, too, but no more.
twowheeler-no backup or deathwish,just stupid.I had a shovelhead for 10 years before the V-MAX.After an hour ride,I saw the road house with the bikes in front and a beer seemed like a good idea.The ownerr ,who I know ,asked why I wanted to start trouble when I walked through the door.I left very embarrased in a barrage of cat-calls and sexual-orientation jokes.Just like a "b"movie.The funny thing is,I don't remember ever being on the giving end of that kind of thing.Maybe memory is selective?
kip
It made me wonder why they were even riding together.
It should also be noted that GM and Ford already exceed Toyota on most of the things on your list(not all - but most) that is why many more people buy GM and Ford trucks than Toyota.
Maybe the question you should be asking yourself is why did you buy a truck that is lacking in so many things?
I think the HD's have improved in reliability after AMF sold the company, but still not up to par with the Beemers or Japanese bikes. Beemers are notorious for living into the 300K - 400K mark without having to tear into the engine.
Anyways, back to trucks...Do the big three sell any trucks outside of North America? It's kinda weird to see news footage of Afghans tooling around in Toyota pickups. However, no suprise, Toyota is very popular worldwide (cars and trucks). Not sure if Toyota sells the Tundra (or under a different name) elsewhere.
I can tell you one thing my grandparents have went through alot of toyota camrys through the yrs and as of late the quality of the last 2 has been very low. My grandpa swears by toyota but after the problems with his 2000 if he buys another new car i wouldnt be surprised if it was not a toyota.
What i dont like about em and made me choose the chevy.
1. Backseat. I dont haul people in the backseat everyday but when i do i couldnt be cruel to them
2. front end. Not a fan of the front ends (grill) on the toyotas.
3. Interior. Seemed to much like a camry
Looks are a major selling point and if you said one of the reasons you didnt buy it was looks you would be lying
I had a friend back in Lebanon who used to own one and it was used to deliver heavy propane gas tanks. That thing took so much abuse driving on the narrow, potted hillside that makes the majority of Lebanese roads.
The Taliban mastered the use of the 4x4 HiLux as a weapon of war. It gave them a great reliable and fast truck that they can use in their offensive when they took the country by a storm in 1996. They used to attack their enemies with columns of fast moving HiLux packed trucks.
Now that the Taliban are vanquished, the other fighter have taken over the HiLux trucks and use it in warfare. It has become a staple of Afghan war making.
About the Hi-lux. I believe they come with a decent sized turbo diesel. Up until a few years ago, they came with a solid front axle as well. They are the portrait of bullet proof, for sure.
I hope everyone understands, though, that these trucks were not donated to the rebel gov'ts by Toyota. They were bought just like any other truck, and in fact Toyota has donate some trucks to US forces in that region recently, Hiluxes and Tacomas -- I believe.
Diesels, solid front axles etc. Look up the Land Cruiser used across the pond compared to what's sold here. I just can't picture the IFS, I-force torsion bar equipped LC launching missiles.
Besides, what better to do a suicide bombing mission in than an expendable toy?? LOL!!!!
Tom
Interesting to note, U.S. special forces were using ATVs and trailbikes to defeat the taliban and al queda.
Tom
I never said a S/C is the ultimate tow vehicle.
Read this slowly and as many times as necessary, Tommy -
I said that if:
1. You want to tow over 10,000 ft.
2. You are towing only 3500lb.
3. You do not want a diesel.
4. You want a full factory powertrain warranty.
A Tacoma with a S/C would be the best choice. I have not heard the Chev boys come up with a better solution. I just keep hearing this high pitched whining sound coming either from them or their allison trannies.
I hope you can eventually get this Tommy! Good Luck!
Bob