Are You Happy with Tacoma? - Part II

doug54321

I just bought a 2000 V6,TRD,x-cab,value pkg,power pkg,bucket seats,bed liner- got for 2000.00 off sticker, which is pretty good for Toyo.

hindsite

I purchased my Taco in November of 1999 and I have over 30,000 miles on my problem free miles on the highway and offroad. I will have to say that this is one of the best running Toyota product that I have purchased next to my stolen 99 Camry from Toyota. Since, new I get 22 mpg unless I hit the gas a bit harder. I have the auto and have no shifting problems like those mentioned above.

k59

I have a 1996 2WD V4 Tacoma which I bought a couple of months ago with 32,000 miles on it. It now has close to 35,000 and I have been looking for a truck with a little more power (especially in acceleration!). I am considering (however, one year older and more miles) a 1995 Tacoma 4WD V6 with a Lift kit, larger tires, with 50,000. This model has the power d/l and windows, and sunroof, with 50,000 miles.

I feel that by trading/purchasing this vehicle over the one I have currently I would be getting a better deal because I would eventually end up with a 3.5" suspension lift kit on it, including the larger tires. What do you think? And also (VERY IMPORTANT) when I did the 'Appraise This Vehicle' on Edmunds on MY car, Power Steering was an option. But when I Appraised the vehicle at the dealership, I found no option of the sort. Does the 95 come with the power steering?


The Tacoma I have now is really standard. The one I am looking into and the one I have now are both EXTENDED CABS, but the one I have now has no power d/l, w, mirrors, etc. Please HELP!

k59

I have a 1996 2WD V4 Tacoma Ext cab which I bought a couple of months ago with 32,000 miles on it. It now has close to 35,000 and I have been looking for a truck with a little more power (especially in acceleration!). I am considering (however, one year older and more miles) a 1995 Tacoma 4WD V6 Ext cab with a Lift kit, larger tires, with 50,000. This model has the power d/l and windows, and sunroof, with 50,000 miles.


I feel that by trading/purchasing this vehicle over the one I have currently I would be getting a better deal because I would eventually end up with a 3.5" suspension lift kit on it, including the larger tires. What do you think? And also (VERY IMPORTANT) when I did the 'Appraise This Vehicle' on Edmunds on MY car, Power Steering was an option. But when I Appraised the vehicle at the dealership, I found no option of the sort. Does the 95 come with the power steering?

The Tacoma I have now is really standard. The one I am looking into and the one I have now are both EXTENDED CABS, but the one I have now has no power d/l, w, mirrors, etc. Please HELP!

I feel that by trading/purchasing this vehicle over the one I have currently I would be getting a better deal because I would eventually end up with a 3.5" suspension lift kit on it, including the larger tires. What do you think? And also (VERY IMPORTANT) when I did the 'Appraise This Vehicle' on Edmunds on MY car, Power Steering was an option. But when I Appraised the vehicle at the dealership, I found no option of the sort. Does the 95 come with the power steering?


The Tacoma I have now is really standard. The one I am looking into and the one I have now are both EXTENDED CABS, but the one I have now has no power d/l, w, mirrors, etc. Please HELP!


One final note; with the supercharger installed, does the gas mileage decrease? And does it make that much of a difference in acceleration? What is the price of those usually with installation? Thanks so much guys.

dogmeat

I have a 95 V6 xcab. It has ps/pb/ac electric locks, so all that stuff is available.

I have 110k on it and it runs just like the day I bought it. I get about 25/26 mpg commuting to work and 28/29 mpg if I take if for a long trip. the mileage goes down about 15% in the winter.

Be careful about overloading it. I broke a rear spring by carrying firewood.

I have a friend that installed the supercharger on his 4Runner. His mileage stayed about the same, but he needs to use premium all the time.

capt2

Just got at 2000 Ext cab 4x4 trd, sr5 at $2k++ off sticker. If you're near NC email me for dealer.

caseyr

Hello, all. I'm about to order a new Tacoma (x-cab, 4X4, V6) and I have a couple of concerns. Instead of buying the TRD or premium wheels, I'm going with the standard P225/75R15's because I want to put custom rims on the truck. Now the rims I will put on will be the same size as those included with the TRD package (10.5R15). My first question is is this simply a mattter of interchanging the custom rims and tires on to the truck or is it more entailed requiring additional equipment (such as different gears). My second concern is that even though my choice of rims and tires will be the same size as those in the TRD package, will I be voiding part or all of the manufacturer's warranty?

Thanks in advance to anybody and everybody who responds. Have a great weekend!

allknowing

You won't be voiding the warranty by changing the wheels and tires but your speedometer may be slightly off due to the larger tires. By the way, the TRD doesn't come with 10.5 inch rims, the tires are 31x10.5 though. I believe the wheels are 15x7 inches.

caseyr

Allknowing, for the response. You're right about the tires. I'm hearing the 2001 Tacoma will be available with 4 doors. If this is true, does anyone out there know of a web sight with pics of it?

dawnron1

Hello, I haven't seen any pictires of the 4 door Tacoma on Toyota's website, but I do know that if you ask for a Tacoma brochure from http://www.toyota.com, they'll send you a brief brochure(about 3 pages) about the 2001 Tacoma 4 door that includes a picture. I hope this helps you out. I just purchased a 2000 Tacoma Prerunner Xtracab V6 and I love it. I believe it's the best-looking compact pickup out there, hands down. Thanks, and best of luck, caseyr!

4x4man2

I currently own a 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 V6 Sr5. I started hearing a "Ticking noise" from the motor. I took it to my dealer and they told me i had an evap Solenoid purging. Is this normal, also i took it back to get it fixed and they didnt fix it. They told me they had to order more parts for it. Has anybody heard of this happening? Also when driving for example slowing down to a yield sign and brakeing and then letting off the brakes my truck Pops or rattles it feels like it isnt gearing down, the dealer says they could duplicate my explaination I NEED SOME HELP TOTALLY PUZZELED. Is this a lemon or just a new toyota previous Ford owner PARANOYA!!!

gjonesjr

Hi All,

I have just traded my 87 SR5 pickup for a 2000
Tacoma 2wd (see how long they last . This is
my 3rd day of driving it. Unfortunately, my test
drive didn't pick up on the engine drone at
highway speeds of 60MPH and better. At just over
60, with only a very slight amount of pedal
applied, I get what appears to be a resonation coming through the driver side only. I *think*
it's being projected through the steering column
or from under the dash. If I lean to the
passenger side, it quiets down to an acceptable
level (I haven't ridden in the passenger side yet
but that's next).

I talked with Toyota service and only received
a statement like "the 16 valve engines are
noisier than the 8 valve engine in your 87"

Anyway, I have a an appointment next week to have
it road tested but I thought that I would poll
the crowd here to see if this is "normal" with
the Tacoma design.

I am also going to call the salesman and arrange
for a test drive of another Tacoma. Now that I
know what to listen for and when, it should be
easy to tell if there is something wrong with
mine or this is typical of this design.

My normal vehicle use is 95% highway (commute)and
5% utility so this is important to me. My '87
never droned on like this or I wouldn't have had
it for so long.

Any thoughts, suggestions or similar experiences?

Regards,
Gary.

iwphill

I understand your concern with the "engine drone", but I don't think you have anything to worry about. I have a 2000 reg cab 4x2 5-speed, and I posted on here somewhere (don't remember where, maintenance section maybe?) that I too had a vibration that seemed to only be detectable at around 60 mph in 5th gear. Someone That vibration has gradually decreased to the point that it is barely detectable. It never really bothered me, but that may be that I hardly ever drive at exactly 60 mph on the freeway.

I've had it for just over 4 months and now have about 8000 miles on it, and it is a fantastic truck. And the mpg has steadily gone up! Anyway, I think that your truck is just fine. But it probably couldn't hurt for the dealership to take a look at it, just in case. Otherwise, I don't think you'll have any problems from the "engine drone". Maybe it will go away like it did on mine...............

gjonesjr

Thanks for the response. I was wondering if this
might be a break-in issue. I have seen air pumps,
etc. in the past that have made quite a bit of
noise until broken in. We shall see what happens
as I only have 375 miles on it now. I will still
ping the dealer and see what they have to say.

So far, with the exception of the noise, I
really love the 2000 4x2 extra cab. My first
tank was 29.5MPG. I've been babying it. It that
goes up overt the next few thousand miles, I'll
be quite happy.

Regards,
Gary.

zane5

For about the last 3 months the airbag sensor light has been randomly coming on in my 1999 Toyota TRD. However, within the last week, the light has been illuminating more consistently and usually comes on after 10 minutes of driving. The sensor light does not blink, but instead is just a steady light. Once I start the engine again, the sensor light normally will not come on again for some time, day, or week. I spoke with a service advisor at Toyota who said once the sensor light comes on that I need to bring it in and not cut the engine, since an analyzer would be needed to detect the problem. He also said that if the sensor light is on, the airbag is inoperable. So I took his advice and brought it in to Stevinson Toyota and another service advisor said that all mechanics were busy (Labor Day weekend) and that I would have to schedule an appointment. He also said that he had not heard of using an analyzer to pinpoint the sensor problem. Any you fellows out their have any opinions or suggestions concerning this problem. Thanks, Zane

erut

Hey All, I recently bought a 2000 Tacoma TRD V6 4X4 and have noticed a problem. When I come to a stop, it seems like the automatic transmission doesn't downshift all the way. After coming to a complete stop, if I let up on the brake at all, the truck lurches forward with a "clunk" and shifts into first gear. Has anyone else seen or heard of this problem before? Other than that, I've put about 6K miles on it in the past four months with all regular service done and haven't had any other problems.
Thanks for any info you have, Eric

Gischpel

If you search back through the posts I seem to remember someone else with this same or a similar question. It has been a while and might have been a '99 Tacoma, but it may help to answer your question. I have the 5 speed, so I am no help to you.

Good luck,

Terry

kolkoski

I have a 2000 Tacoma Xcab v6 5 speed trd. It sometimes makes a slight chattering noise most noticeable when shifting gears. Otherwise its a great truck. Any words of wisdom will be appreciated RRK

john217

I went to a dealer yesterday and drove 2 tacos. One was a reg cab a 2000yr 2.7 liter 4wd, 5 spd, air, 265 tires ... msrp was $18,103. Out the door, it would cost me $16,998 (tax, everything).

The other one was the exact same truck, except with the automatic transmission for $17,750 out the door.

I don't tow anything, this truck would be my everyday transportation, and to go hunting and fishing up-country. the 5spd seemed a little peppier, but the auto is conveinent. Would you go wrong by getting the auto? I would plan on keeping this truck till it dies. I have a 89 camry with a 166,000 miles, and it has been great, but obviuosly not good for logging roads etc..

just concerned with maintanence,reliability, wear.. over wich transmission to consider.
thanks, john

spoog

This truck would serve you very, very well.

My question is this:

Are you planning on towing anything or using this truck at higher elevations?

Are you planning on doing any highway driving?

Do you fit well in the vehicle?

If you plan on doing longer trips, towing, and plan on using the vehicle at higher elevations, I would go for the v6 with the extra cab.

You really won't save that much on gas since you have a 4wd anyway.

john217

Spoog, thanx for the reply. I live in Maine, wouldn't tow anything, just carry gear, canoe ...I've been thinking about getting a truck for awhile. I've always owned toyota cars, haven't let me down yet. I guess an extended cab would really be more practical, but the price on the other reg cabs looked good. Probably going to hold off and save some more scratch and get what I really want, I'm going to keep it until it dies, so for 2-3 grand more, might as well go for the extra room. thanks for the straight talk, john

spoog

"Probably going to hold off and
save some more scratch and get what I really want,
I'm going to keep it until it dies, so for 2-3
grand more, might as well go for the extra room.
thanks for the straight talk, john"


No problem. I had a regular cab Toyota 4x4 for a long time, and I am fairly large. I got used to it. I loved that truck, but there were times I wished I had the extra cab, esepcially on long road trips.

But, a truck is a truck, right? I now own a extended cab 4x4 tacoma. But I still prefer the look of regular cab trucks. I find extracab pickups to be very unsightly.

If you like it, and are comfortable with it, then go for it. IT will be a very reliable friend for a long time.

But, you make a good point. If you plan on keepingit for a long, long time, you should make sure you don't have any doubts. I loved my reg cab, but when I got a new one, I got an extracab, if that tells you anything.

thehitcher

I have a 99 extracab Tacoma 4x4 pretty much loaded. It is a great truck, but not too keen on the location of the oil orifice above the alternator. Other than that at 35K plus the truck runs great with plenty of power all around.

19delta

Hello people, I'm new here. I've been reading some of the posts and would like to respond to one from "erut" I'm pretty sure the problem your having is not with the tranny but the slip yoke on your rear driveshaft. Mine started at about 2000 mi. It took several trips to several different dealers to find a Tech. who Knew what the cause was. It boils down to this; The lubricant in that slip joint is useless. I dissambled mine, cleaned out the old and replaced it with something a farmer friend used on his tractor, don't recall the name but it has a copper and alluminum addative,problem solved. Another product that works is Red Line synthetic gear lube. The grease should be added untill the slip joint visably moves about a quarter to half inch. and no more. It's gonna sling some but you'll see evidence of that regardless. Hope this helps you.

19delta

I have a 98 tacoma prerunner 2.7 that I bought new. My question is for anyone who has the same engine or applicable knowledge. I've got a pinging whenever I accelarate. This began at about 25000 mi. I use the 89 oct. gas and occasionally the 93. The dealer won't do anything about it because the owners manual has a paragraph stating that occasional ping when accelerating or climbing a hill is normal, (still under warrantee). Just before the pinging began the dealer had to replace the front two injectors because they were leaking down and causing cold start problems. I suggested that there was excessive carbon buildup in the affected combustion chambers, but all I got were blank stares and a finger pointing at the aformentioned parragraph. Is this indeed normal for the 2.7 or am I gonna have to grapple with Toyota over this?

ebbgreatdane

I would try calling another Toyota Dealer and confirming this on the phone with their Service Manager. Explain your car's history and it's current behavior and what the other Dealer told you and what you think is wrong.

Don't forget to include that not only do you think it should not be doing this, but you don't like it and it's under warranty. I don't think it's your job to figure out the solution...just document the problem.

I assume you haven't been towing large volumes of concrete uphill for the last several months

Good Luck!

19delta

Thanks for the advice ebbdog, I failed to mention that I did take it to another dealer. The tech. there accused me of abusing my truck because I have a hitch and helper springs. The helper springs are to keep it straight and level which it won't be even with only two or three hundred lb's in the back. The only trailer i tow is a little 4x8 with a lawn mower on it and seldom at that. I've only got 1800 mi. before the emission warrantee is up, and I want this problem solved pronto.

trdornot

I've done the research and the test drives and
I've decided on a Tacoma Prerunner v6 extracab. The decision between the 4 cyl and the 6 cyl was easy. I wanted a moonroof but was told it only comes with the TRD or a 4x4 (I cannot afford a 4x4). So I took the TRD for a test drive and found the ride very hard (because of the offroad suspension), not nearly as smooth as the prerunner. I'm now leaning towards the prerunner, even though I do favor the sporty look of the TRD and the moon roof. The reality is that I'll never go off-roading. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

tacoma_trd

Well if the only reason that you are gettin the TRD package is for the moon roof, ask yourself if it is worth the price of the TRD package for just the moon roof.

spoog

If you want the moon roof, you want the moon roof.

I wouldn't drive a vehicle that didn't have a sunroof, moonroof, or removeable top.

mkim808

anyone have this system in their toyota 4x4? if so
any problems with it?

justdoit4x4

I have a 2000 v6 trd tacoma. I also have the same problem, people here, have mentioned (the clunk when stopping or taking of from a stop) I know this is not normal because when I test drove other other 2000 tacomas and I never felt that. Also on mine it is getting worse. It used to do it once in a while now it's doing it more often. The problem started when i got to about 4000miles in my truck. My truck only has 4900miles on it right now. The dealer said he had the problem before and that just lubing the drive shaft has fixed it on other toyotas. Well it didn't fix it on mine! I'm taking it back to the dealer this monday and showing them some of the postings here of some solutions i have read like putting different lube on the slip yoke, and the one i might try myself, disconeting the battery for 30. Maybe I just leave it up to the dealer and just tell them about the fixes mentioned here. Thanks for all the info you guys. I'll keep you posted.

justdoit4x4

I talk to the dealer about me finding Edmunds on the internet. After telling him what 19delt had said he agreed it was the rear slip yoke. He explain to me how easy it was to remove(I think he was hoping I did it my self, they should of done that in the first place!). Any ways, my truck feels just like when I drove it of the lot. Thanks 19 delta, your info really helped me. I think the Toyota knows about the problem they just ignore it. Hope I don't have to do this every 5000 miles!

zane5

Hi guys,
I own a 1999 Tacoma TRD with 16,500 miles. About the last 4,000 miles, I started noticing that when I let off the clutch from a standing stop, it feels like I have to let out a lot of clutch to get the truck to engage and once the truck begins moving there is some hesitation and roughness. I'm thinking the clutch cable has stretched and/or the clutch hydraulics need to be bleed. Also thinking maybe just a simple adjust to the timing would cure the problem. I plan on running it into the shop next week but would appreciate any heads-up or ideas before going to the dealer.

jgates1

If you want to stay on the street and have a nice quiet comfy ride stick with the standard rear end.
If you want to go 4-wheeling at 5 mph or lower get the TRD locker.

If you want to go pre-running at speed (the most fun) get the TRD Lock-Rite rear end. (available from TRD and installable by the dealer). This rear end automatically goes to full mechanical lock at any speed when 1 axle rotates more than about 1/4 turn more than the other. I have this rear end with the supercharger on a 1999 prerunner and find it a great setup offroad. There are some drawbacks.

1. The rear end locks at 1/4 axle turn difference off-road at 80 mph and in the parking lot at 1 mph so your rear tires last about 15,000 mi.(u-turns are a killer)

2. There is a fair amount of noise from this rear end when the gears lock.

3. The supercharger / rear-end combination can cause sever wheel hop on or off road under hard acceleration so I am presently checking into a good set of serious traction bars. If any one knows where to get some aftermarket let me know. It seems as of now that I may have to have them custom fabricated.

In summery if you want to look like a prerunner skip the locker. If you want to take the truck out and really play with it get the aftermarket TRD rear end.

h20guy

808, i have a 95 extra cab 4by4 3.4L v6. i went with the 3 speed auto trans with push button overdrive. with 52k on it and appox. 3k off road in baja i have not had one problem with this trans and it is my first auto trans and third toyota 4by4. it took a while to get used to but i really enjoy the hands and feet free driving. what may have helped was having the fluid changed at 15k and 50k. all in all this has been a trouble free truck except of course the two head gaskets replaced on recall.

jerry61

On October 2, 1999, I purchased a 99 Tacoma 5speed, 4wd, xtracab, 4 cylinder, TRD, with the works. One year and 21,700 miles later, the verdict is in: trouble free and running smoothly. The one criticism I have is that the 4 cylinder (150 HP) is a bit anemic but I have to remind myself that trucks are not made to race; they are made to pull and carry. Also, the milage (22 mpg) is ridiculous given it's a 5 speed and 4 cylinder. A 6 cylinder gets just as many mpg.

I had a power moon roof installed in the truck in June (what a great job) and now I enjoy the open sky when i drive. The Taco performed excellently in 4wd in the deep snowfall we had here in Central VA. It handled flawlessly. Everything in the truck is well constructed. I am looking for years of virtually trouble free driving.

david6

19delta, you said:

The tech. there accused me of abusing my truck because I have a hitch and helper springs. The helper springs are to keep it straight and level which it won't be even with only two or three hundred lb's in the back.

Are you saying that your Tacoma has problems carrying loads? Do other Tacoma owners have such problems with such small loads? You're making me think twice about buying one . . .

traction

"Toyota now refusing to use Bridgestone/Firestone
tires after discovering cracks

Toyota has informed Bridgestone/Firestone that it
will no longer accept tires that fall under the
Bridgestone Dueler brand name after Toyota
discovered "abnormal surface cracks"; in new tires
that come as standard equipment on such models as
the Toyota Tundra, according to CBS affiliate WWJ
News Radio in Detroit, MI. Surface cracks, if they do appear on tires, do not usually show until the near the very end of a tires life. This newly discovered problem could also lend to the argument of safety advocacy groups that quality is still an issue at Bridgestone/Firestone."

jimmcc

I was just wondering how your truck runs with the supercharger installed? How is the gas mileage? And speaking of gas mileage, I know this question has been asked a lot and I apologize for asking it again. I have a 98' 4x4 X-cab, with the 3.4 V-6, 5 spd and I get maybe 270-280 miles out of a tank before my gas light comes on. It does not seem to matter where I drive (highway/city), it ends up the same. I do kind of drive fast but not to the extent it should be that bad. I believe the tank is 18 or 18.5 gallons so that equates to like 15-16 mpg. Anyone else getting these types of numbers from a V-6? Thanks.

jgates1

My truck runs great with the supercharger. I have had no problems with it in 15,000 mi. I get about 14 - 16 mpg around town and 20 on the highway, however I may be losing some due to the mechanical locker I am running? I surprise a lot of V-8 owners around town which is kind of fun.
I would suggest that anyone thinking about the supercharger buy it from and have the dealer install it since it then falls under the full factory warranty.
P.S. does anyone know if anyone is making aftermarket traction bars and a Fox front shock / spring setup for the 1999 prerunner?

97coma

I recently bought a 97 4X4. It looks like I may need new tires in about 6 months. I currently have the Goodyear RTS's. Has anyone tried the Michelins or maybe another brand? I don't plan on off roading too often but would like to keep the option open. Should I stick with the RTS's?

y2ktrd

I would stay with the rt/s tire they are very quiet and they wear forever.Just keep them rotated evry 6000 miles and keep the air pressure up to par.

pocahontas

Edmund's road test of the 2000 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner is now available. Here's the direct link to the Spin Around Town: 2000 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner, by Neil Dunlop. What do you think?

Happy Motoring. ;-)

Pocahontas,
Edmunds.com/Roving Host

alleyboy

My son and I are thinking of buying a 2000 Tacoma. Not a 4 x 4, but a 4 x 2 with an extended cab. We currently have a 4.2 liter 4 cylinder 96' Tacoma with regular cab. We would like more power so thats the reasoning behind the 6 were looking at. We would like to get a 5 speed trans. with the 6, but I've heard conflicing info as to whether or not a 6 comes with a 5 speed or not. Also what is the estimated gas milage between a 4 and a 6? Is it extreme, or slight.
We also would like to have the cab as comfortable as possible and would like to get whatever is considered a "luxury" package for the cab. Do you have idea as to what this might include and what it might cost.
The reason were looking at a 2000 and not a 2001 is we've been told were in a better bargaining position since the dealer is under pressure to move the 2000 models. Is this true? Or would we do just as well to get a 2001?

Thanks, any and all comments would be appreciated.

garywilliam

I have a '97 Tacoma X cab 4x4 2.7l air auto etc. etc. etc. 36k miles, for 13k obo. must sell before the end of October. gary_provencher@hotmail.com

97coma

Does anyone know where I can check out a picture of the 2002 Tacoma?
Thanks

phatmike

The prerunner is only available as an automatic with the V6. The 4x4 is available as both a standard or auto tranny. I have no idea why toyota did this.

Phat Mikey

ski16

I'm a recent owner of a 2001 V6 tacomma after
trading my 1998 5speed that had a transmission problem. While driving the gearshift moves back and forth. I only have 2300 miles on the truck and the dealer said this is normal. Anyone have the same problem?
Thanks

benge

Hey folks, a question for anyone who can help. I have a '98 Tacoma TRD,SR-5,V6. I've recently had some problems with all of the windows icing over. Not just fogging up, but an actual layer of ice forms. I have to blast the defrost just to keep it off the front windshield, but the all the other windows are a lost cause. I'm wondering if maybe I have a seal broken somewhere? The blower works fine so I'm pretty sure that's not it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

Ben