Are You Happy with Tacoma? - Part II

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Comments

  • toddztoddz Member Posts: 7
    Art, I just bought a 2001 prerunner, and my shifter constantly moves. I was told by the dealer before I could even tell him that this was an attribute of Tacomas. It doesn't bother me so i will let that go. However, my cruise control does bother me. When I press the brakes to turn it off, it makes a clunking sound. And if i lightly touch the brakes the engine will try to accelerate like i'm on a hill, until finally i press the brakes a little harder and CLUNK again, it turns off. I'm going to my dealer tomorrow to ask about it.
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    If you don't live in a cold climate , are you sure you haven't pushed the AC button in? If you're in a cold climate, make sure that you slide the lever by the fan to outside air. I had a problem with the windows fogging up here in Calif. until I left the outside air on.
  • 2k1trd2k1trd Member Posts: 301
    The shifter moving is a normal condition don't worry about it.So how do youl ike the 01 compared to your previous?
  • bsparxbsparx Member Posts: 84
    Hi, I'm new to the Toyota boards. I drive a Dodge Dakota Quad Cab and really like it, but it drives like a big heavy american truck which my wife dosen't care for. She drives a 96 Subaru legacy outback, but we might want to upgrade her to a 4 door truck like mine, mainly for keeping the dog off the seats!, but also because we have 2 kids now and the extra space is so good for strollers, Tonkas, etc. I've just started reading the Toyota boards since the doublecabs hit the dealers and have a few questions, perhaps someone can help?

    There have been some references to auto trans clunks. In the Dakota there is a long learning curve before the shifting computer will recognize the driver's acceleration/ driving habits. Any chance that is going on here, too?

    Also, people seem to complain that Toyota dealers don't price as aggressively as I'm used to. You can always find a Big-3 truck dealer willing to sell at factory invoice, even for the newest/most popular pickups. I'm a contractor, and have bought 8 new trucks in the since '87, mostly Fords, but 1 Mazda (Ford) and the Dakota. Not so on the pricing with Toyota? How much over invoice should I be willing to spend and still feel I got a good deal?

    I'm 6'2, 210 lbs. Will I hate sitting in the passenger seat?

    Thanks very much. I have to also mention that this is a good forum, with nice people and attitudes. I've been a regular reader of the Dakota forums and owners clubs for almost a year now, and this is every bit as nice and as technically well-informed as the DD's. I see some familiar names, too: Hi Zonk. If you don't know how nice it is not to read flames and rants, just spend a few minutes in a Chevy forum, or a Ford problem thread - you'll see what I mean. Thanks again,
    Ben
  • doug103doug103 Member Posts: 4
    Hello bsparx, I just read your response I probably can't help you too much about the Transmission issue because I own a 1999 Tacoma 4Wd Xtracab with a 5-speed. I have to tell you bsparx this has been the best vehicle I have ever owned! I liked the Ford and The Dodge they're both great trucks but the Toyota seemed more solid. Just shutting the door was like sealing the cockpit in an F14 (just a little overkill, ha ha) but seriously I went with the Toyota because it gave the best ride, I felt it was the best looking (just opnion, everyone's different) and Toyota has a reputation to last. As far as price I paid $200 dollars over invoice so my dealer was very willing to move this truck. My Extracab really offers a good amount of room for little ones, I've had two kids back there and they had plenty of room, I'm sure the 4door with the 5 FT Bed (nice job Toy going with 5ft bed over most of the competitions 4ft bed) offers even more room. All in all I just wanted to let you know how happy I am with my Tacoma and good luck to you with your purchase. The Dodge is a great truck.
  • doug103doug103 Member Posts: 4
    One last thing I forgot to mention I'm 6'4" and fit very comfortable in my Tacoma, I've sat in the passenger side bsparx and found it to have adequate room and comfort.
  • ski16ski16 Member Posts: 3
    Todd,

    Thanks for the response on the shifter.
    I have noticed an acceleration with the cruise control if the brakes are lightly touched. As far
    as the clunking sound, nothing so far. However,
    I drive 200 miles one way a week to work and keep the radio rather loud. So, I may not have noticed it over the music. I'll keep my hear open this Sunday on my way back.
  • ski16ski16 Member Posts: 3
    John,

    I like the 2001. However, this time
    I opted for TRD package with the V6 vice the
    2.7 "4". The extra power is nice on the highway and the TRD package/automatic come in handy
    while off roading.
  • skipper300skipper300 Member Posts: 4
    I purchased a new 2000 Tacoma 4x4. It has the 31" tires and a five speed, v6. I have noticed that the speedometer is off about 5 percent. I am getting a reading that is faster than the actual speed. I also suspect the odometer is off equally and the truck is putting on more miles than I am traveling. I took the truck to the Toyota dealer but they refuse to fix it. They claim they will not fix it unless it is reading more than 10 percent high or 5 percent low. I don't think this is fair and am wondering if anyone else has experience with this? Tire pressure is at factory specs. I used mile markers and my Garmin Gps to determine the speedometer error. It is also apparent it is of because I get passed a lot by other cars.
  • bengebenge Member Posts: 2
    Thanks "allknowing" for your advice. I do live in a cold climate so I flipped the switch to outside air and that took care of the problem. I must have a lot of moisture in the cab for it to frost over on recycled air, but oh well. Thanks again.
  • toddztoddz Member Posts: 7
    Art- I got my cruise control fixed last week. I also test drove another prerunner to feel the difference. Now, as soon as i touch the brakes the c.c. shuts off, however, the clunk is still there but it was there in the other new truck i test drove as well. It must be a "toyota" thing. Other than that, I really am enjoying my truck.
  • ebbgreatdaneebbgreatdane Member Posts: 278
    My two cents would be to keep the AC on with the heat all the way up and with the selector on outside air (although as long as the AC is on you can have it on re-circulate if you like).

    This will redirect air over your heater core (makes the air hot) and de-humidify your air (a by product of air conditioning your car). This will defrost anything in about half as much time as not having the AC. Not having the AC on = you are trying to defrost a window using air with the same humidity levels as air both inside and outside your car.

    Believe it or not, on re-circulate it's you that is creating the extra moisture inside the car as you breath out expelling water. Unless you have your AC on when on re-circulate, your windows will almost certainly fog up...no comment if you're parked with fogged windows. ;-)
  • mtarrant2mtarrant2 Member Posts: 6
    Have a 2000 Tacoma Ext.cab 4WD. Anyone experience a rattling noise coming from what appears to be the speaker area of the passenger side door area. Hard to exactly pinpoint it.. At times its pretty loud and irritating. When the truck warms up after about 15 min. the rattling noise stops. Had it into the dealer 4 times believe it or not,each time they say something different and of course they say rattles are hard to find. I go back to the dealer in a week where a Toyota Specialist is meeting with me.. Never thought a rattle noise could be this much of a headache... No problems otherwise but the rattle noise is enough for me not to purchase another one if they cant fix this problem. Anyone experience a problem like this??
  • madhatr880madhatr880 Member Posts: 29
    i am having the same problem with my 2001. the speaker on the passanger side is rattling, which i later decided is just the speaker cutting out. i took it in today and the dearler couldnt find the problem. i used to work at a sound shop and i think i know what it is but they say they cant tell. it is very complicated though because one of the guys at the sound shop i worked with now works for the parts department at toyota and he even said he cant find it or tell what it is. when you find out please let me know i really want to fix this problem. what i belive is that one of the channels in the radio is blown or cannot handle the power of the radio. anyway i would really like to know what you find out.
  • mtarrant2mtarrant2 Member Posts: 6
    Hopefully when I bring the truck in next week they will fix the problem and I will let u know what they did. I dont believe its the speaker Based on once the vehicle warms up for a while the noise appears to go away.In the summer time the truck never made any type of rattling noise.It sounds like something is just vibrating together..I tried to troubleshoot the problem everything appeared to be tight, I'm guessing its something internal... Who Knows????
  • glenn54glenn54 Member Posts: 23
    Hello to one and all:) I'm a first time caller and would value your input. I plan to order a 2001 tacoma 4x4 extra cab in Feb. (sort of a birthday present to myself). I figure to have it fully loaded with options (auto trans,ALB,SR5 package,power package, security sytem,power mirrors big tires etc..) and was wondering how the 2.7 ltr fairs with this package. I been more than satisfied with the overall performance I've been getting from my little 2.5 ltr chevy S-10 over the years and figured the 2.7 on the tacoma 4x4 would be equal to that, if not better. Furthermore, the V6 added up with extra options puts it out of my price range and higher insurance.
  • 2k1trd2k1trd Member Posts: 301
    Well the 4 cyl is ok if you don't really care about performance but personally i would never buy
    a truck with one plus the V6 is sooooo much nicer to drive and is alot smoother.Just my opinion...
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    Anyone here interested in discussing the Toyota Tacoma Double cab? Please visit Pickups Topic #2515, Toyota Tacoma Double Cab.

    Thanks for your participation. ;-)

    Pocahontas,
    Edmunds.com/Host
  • mtarrant2mtarrant2 Member Posts: 6
    Anyone experience a rattling noise?? Appears to be coming from the speaker area on the passengers side door. Started a while back when it started to get cold outside. Had it into the dealer 4 Times believe it or not. Each time they believe they corrected the problem but didnt. Getting Very Old Real Fast.....
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    Copy/pasted for dsharba:

    #0 of 2: Towing with a Tacoma (dsharba) Wed 13 Dec '00 (09:49 AM)

    I will probably need to be buying a new truck soon and have competing needs- fuel economy during the week and pulling a two horse trailer on the weekends. I currently "get away" with a Dodge Dakota, but there are some hills I can't get up. Does anyone have good towing experience with a Tacoma or will I be forced into a big gas guzzler?
  • sail2xssail2xs Member Posts: 3
    I have done a good bit of towing with my Tacoma - I pull a 4500lb. (down the road weight) sailboat and trailer. My truck is a 1998 V-6 SR5 Extended cab TRD, stick shift. The majority of the trailering has been between Maryland and Ohio - no problems in the mountains of West Virginia or PA.
    The truck does burn a good bit of gas towing though. I drop from 21 MPG highway to about 12 MPG with the boat and trailer. Towing only the trailer (approx 1,000 lbs) mileage as about 19 MPG highway.
    As a side note, don't pay extra for the Toyota Class III towing package. Get one from U-Haul instead. The receiver, etc. fits behind the bumper; a much cleaner looking installation (only the receiver shows) and it's cheaper ($100 out the door).
  • webbdwebbd Member Posts: 176
    I am happy. Two tacomas, only 86,000 combined miles between the two, but nonetheless, I'm happy. No squeaks, rattles, or annoying noises, and no one really wants to steal them, which is good when you live in a thief-Mecha like DFW.
  • tistevetisteve Member Posts: 142
    Glen54, I am on my second Tacoma with the 2.7 four cylinder. I would rate it like this, if your used to 4 cylinders and aren't afraid to get the RPM's up, it's quite peppy for a four cylinder. It's one of the biggest four's on the market. If you like v-6 or v-8 power, you will likely be disappointed. Also, mine has the 5-spd, I haven't driven one with the auto, but I would tend to think it might be a bit weak hooked up to the auto.
    I got a four for the same reasons you mentioned, by the time I added up all of the other goddies, the v-6 and auto were sacrificed for the other options. The 2.7 has been flawless on both trucks and I have no regrets. But if you live around hills or plan to tow, you'll need the v-6.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    The V6 Tacoma could tow a 2-horse trailer, but it doesn't get any better mpg than a V8 for the most part. I wouldn't pull it with the 4cyl, and that's the only thing you're going to get good mpg with. How about buying a older/cheaper full-size to tow on the weekends, and buy something else to drive daily? If mpg is that much of a concern, you could probably save money over driving a guzzler everyday. Especially if it's not needed.
  • richessonrichesson Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2000 Tacoma xtra cab, happy with it in every way except the large turning radius. This small truck must have the largest turning radius I have ever had in any of the cars/trucks I have owned. Why is this?? Is it adjustable? Has it beeen set wide to allow for larger tires? Does anyone else have this gripe??
  • karstkarst Member Posts: 3
    I'm about to buy a 2001 Tacoma V6 4x4 ExtraCab. I know I'll be doing some off-roading. Is it a good idea to get the locking rear differential?

    Thanks!
  • shakyshaky Member Posts: 9
    I have a 99 Tacoma x-cab Pre-runner v-6(3.4)and I am wondering if anybody has upgraded their muffler to a Flowmaster? If so, what Flowmaster series did you install? I contacted Flowmaster and they recommended the 50 series(3 chamber). I had someone at a local muffler shop tell me the 40 series(2 chamber) would be better. Anyone with any advice??
  • karstkarst Member Posts: 3
    Does the U-Haul hitch cause any problems with removing the spare tire? I have a Ranger that I'll be trading in on a Tacoma, and the U-Haul hitch on it makes it almost impossible to get the spare down....
  • toyrotatoyrota Member Posts: 66
    karst,
    I dunno about the uhaul hitch getting in the way on the taco, but from what I hear, the wiring harness for the 2001 is different from the 2000, and the toyota class III hitch is the only one that has a harness that will work properly. Wish I knew this when I bought my truck(last week).
  • karstkarst Member Posts: 3
    toyrota,
    Thanks. I'm not too worried, as the only thing that gets put on my hitch is a hitch-mounted bike rack.
  • glenn54glenn54 Member Posts: 23
    Was wondering if you opted for the ABS brakes? I'm having trouble desciding if I want to spring for the extra $590.
  • glenn54glenn54 Member Posts: 23
    Of the options package you selected, which options do you prefer the most, less, and options you wish you would have gotten. Thanks guys :)
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    The service schedule for the Tacoma says to re-torque the propeller shaft "nut" annually. The service manual doesn't specify what they mean by the "nut". Are they simply referring to the nuts connecting the shaft to the rear end and the powertrain, do they mean the the staked nut holding the whole assembly together, or is there another "nut" I'm not seeing? If they mean the staked nut, it means removal of the whole propeller shaft which will be a royal pain in the butt and may make me want a Ford next time. Anyone know the answer?
  • moparbadmoparbad Member Posts: 3,870
    http://www.adcritic.com/content/toyota-bugger.html


    Follow the link to see a HiLux (Tacoma) in action.


    Why don't we have the diesel in the US?

  • karnrenekarnrene Member Posts: 1
    Looking for advice about what you actually paid-
    I interested in a 99, or 2000 model, v6, 4WD, extended cab, 5 speed, ari-conditioning, TRD package-
    Any suggestions for good financing?
    I live in Oregon
    THANKS
    Karin
  • lewmlewm Member Posts: 3
    A friend has a 2000 regular cab 4X4. Was wondering how difficult and what the cost might be for adding power door locks? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.
  • stokersstokers Member Posts: 2
    I know Toyota doesn't offer leather in the Tacoma, but has anyone attempted to price what it would cost to have it done after-market? I like the Double cab but sure wish I could get it with leather.
  • notbrockyatesnotbrockyates Member Posts: 19
    Here's the deal. In order to bypass just an ugly commuting nightmare (backups, tolls) and save about 20-30 minutes, I can take a little known connecting "road". This "road" looks more like the Ho Chi Min trail after a squadron of B-52's wailed away at it with 1000 pounders. Many relatively shallow ruts (6 - 12") and lots of fist sized to bowling ball sized embedded rocks, with generally smooth surfaces. Nothing that's really loose or kicks up. It feels like it beats the hell out of my car even at dead slow speeds (so I avoid this route) so I want to consider a truck/ute type of vehicle and with Toyota's rep, the Tacoma 4x4 or 4x2 (can't see real need for 4x4 unless I need it for the beefier tires and ground clearance) with large tires and generous clearance seems like a way to go. Am I going to be able to traverse this rock and rut filled one mile strip easily and without due concern - as well as make the remaining 20 highway miles in relative comfort and economy? Or and I going to end up beating the hell out the truck, too? Guys in full size p/u's with the larger tires seem to glide right on through. The commute is really bad enough to consider this approach. No kidding. (Maybe I'll just find a job somewhere else....) Thanks.
  • sebring95sebring95 Member Posts: 3,241
    As long as it doesn't get muddy/deep snow, you'll probably never need the 4X4. If that's the case, you could get a Prerunner. It has the ground clearance/tires of the 4X4 which you'll need for those ruts/rocks. I don't think you'll tear up a truck too bad driving this route. When I first bought my Tacoma I took a road to town from home that sounds very similar, about 3 miles of that crap everyday, sometimes several times. I've had zero problems with the Taco, and it doesn't even have any rattles or stange noises. There were many times I drove over trees because the Township rarely maintained anything on that road. Saved me about 10 minutes by going that way, so it was worth it. Just get the stiff suspension (you may want even stiffer after awhile, I did) and 4X4 if you get mud/snow.
  • janeliz444janeliz444 Member Posts: 2
    Hi - I have a 2000 Prerunner, 4 cyl 2.7L automatic, 4x2, with just over 9000 miles - and since my first oil change (at the dealer) I've been hearing what sounds like my lifters. As if I'm extremely low on oil - which I'm certainly not. At first I heard the sound only when the truck was cold; now I hear it all the time. I'm about to take it to the dealer, but does anyone have any ideas about this before I go?
  • indacurl2kindacurl2k Member Posts: 54
    I've got a 1998 Tacoma 4x4 V6 5-speed with the SR5 package (no TRD though). This truck is awesome; plain and simple. I just got new tires on it (BFG All Terrain 31-10.50's) and with 56K miles, it rides smoother now than when it was brand new. No squeeks, except the clutch when it's really cold, and no rattles of any concern; just some little interior rattles with the heater and seatbelt straps rubbing against the vinyl backing of the passenger seats when I go over bumps. The X-cab has plenty of space for a cooler and/or a ton of other stuff. The seats are not the most comfortable and that may be my biggest hang up with the Tacoma. I take it each year to the Outer Banks and it performs very well on the beach. Also performs excellent on snow covered roads and in deep snow. I've never towed anything with it becasue I don't have a boat or horses or anything that requires towing.

    I've always wanted a 4x4 pickup and now I feel I have the very best. I think I paid around $21,000 brand new for it back in May of 1998. I looked at other trucks, Rangers, Sonomas, Z71's, F150's and so on. I compared all of them and the Tacoma really seemed the best value when I considered not only the looks, features and price; but also the gas mileage, resale value, insurance and Consumer Reports' ratings. I have seen other posts about the Nissan being the better value. I just didn't see it. I gave them a glance but never test drove one. I didn't much care for the way they looked.

    When I first got my license my mom used to let me drive her 1980 Celica GT. It too was a 5-speed standard tranny and the most reliable car I've ever driven. Ever since then I really wasn't sure what I wanted in a car/truck. I realized that I had my dream car when I found myself on the beach one sunny Tuesday in June of 1998 on the Outer Banks - all alone with nothing but me, my surfboard and the waves. If I ever get a new truck, it will be the same thing.
  • glenn54glenn54 Member Posts: 23
    Did anyone opt for the ABS brakes? I was wondering if it's worth the extra $590.
  • tccolloradotccollorado Member Posts: 1
    I'm 6'3" with more torso than legs and the Taco simply does not have enough head room. For the taller people out there... don't buy on line. Sit in one first.
  • woodjawoodja Member Posts: 2
    This is my third Toyota ('80 4x4 and a '88 4x2) and after veering into Fords and Chevys for the last few years with less than positive results, I had to get into another Toyota.

    Anyway, I've had my '01 -cab for a month now and will never again be tempted by the Big Three. It's silver with the SR5 color key package and TRD. I had a Line- spray-in liner done today(very sharp and highly recommended). Around town it gets about 17-18 mpg but I commute about 55 miles a day (mostly interstate) and as long as I keep it under 65 mph and on the cruise control I've managed a solid 20 mpg. Just two weeks into the truck, I had to go out of town so I drove this high-quality machine 600 miles each way plus in-and-around mileage. How was it? Absolutely awesome! No wife, no kids. Just me and my new rig! Everyone who has looked it over and/or rode in it has been highly impressed. The fit-and-finish does it for me every time.

    These trucks are the best. Period. After reading one post after another on the Chewy/Dodge/Ford boards and reading the horror stories, I couldn't stomach the idea of committing myself to a $25K truck that would be spending time in the shop for an engine replacement after the first year!

    OD, I'll quit rambling. But if you're on the fence about what to buy and have a small family, the -cab is the way to.
  • jake529jake529 Member Posts: 1
    I have had 13 trucks and I have to say that this 1999 Toyota Tacoma is the best one of the bunch. Runs great looks great and best of all makes me happy to drive. I will never go back to GM and I hope they read this.

    Joliet Jake
    ~V~2012
    99 Toyota Tacoma
    SR5 Sea Foam
    4X4
  • cpetriecpetrie Member Posts: 2
    I'm the owner of a 2001 Tacoma and was wondering if anyone else has noticed excessive rust on the exterior of the rear chrome bumper. Most of the rust is appearing in the area between the license plate and the license plate lights, and also around the very ends of the bumper. I went to my local dealership and they acted like it was normal and told me that I needed to keep a good coat of wax on it all the time. For a truck that was only five months old and spends most of its time parked in my garage I didn't expect to see any rust. While I was at the dealership I looked at the brand new Tacomas that were parked in the lot and the rust on their rear bumpers looked worse than mine. There is no rust on the front chrome bumper or any other chrome on the truck. Has anyone else noticed this? To me it looks like a poor job of chrome plating the bumper.
  • th55th55 Member Posts: 2
    I have 1200 miles on my 2001 Tacoma 4x2 standard cab, 5 speed, 2.4 engine. Mileage for first tankfuls of gas were 26.6, 26.4, 28.7, 26.3 in a mix of highway/city. I think the mileage is pretty good for a truck. Some people report the bench seats are uncomfortable but I have not found that to be true going 1 hour 15 minutes each way to work. Seats seem OK for me. I got Radiant red with tan interior with hardly any options. I think the steering is pretty responsive and quick. Ride is a little more bumpy than I expected. Engine runs very smooth. I think this is a sweet little truck and I am quite happy with it.
  • jeffteeljeffteel Member Posts: 6
    Does anyone know if you can reasonably fit child safety seats in the back seats in an XtraCab Tacoma? What about kids. How long will the back seat of the Tacoma hold them. Until they're 10 or so?
  • allknowingallknowing Member Posts: 866
    I haven't tried but the owners manual says that you can.
  • bassratbassrat Member Posts: 3
    Yes i have had the rear bumper rust problem on my 2000 Tacoma. It is only 7 months old. My 1998 Tacoma never had this problem. It is rusting by the top two corners of the license plate. There is some kind of seam where the chrome plating isnt done very well. Have fun trying to get it resolved. I will give you some advice. Go to your dealer and demand to talk to the Toyota rep when he comes in town. The Toyota rep is the only one that will do anything for you. But beware, he will tell you the exact same thing about chrome polish. Just tell him that you do it once a month. If you want this problem fixed, get pissed off and be very loud. I bitched for 10 minutes about how my 98 was fine and that i will get out of this lease in a heartbeat. Walla.....3 days later, i have a new bumper. And the chrome on the seams is fine. Good luck.
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