not what I was hoping to hear but at least it tells me I didn't buy a lemon. Might take the car into my local service dept just to put them on the spot and see what they say. The response you got is obvious BS - wind can move around the driver's side mirror all it wants but you still shouldn't HEAR IT unless there's a problem with the driver's side door or window seal...
I'll post again if I get new info from my dealer in a week or two.
I am considering an access cab 4WD, 4cyl, 5sp. I would love to hear from anyone who has a similar model. Like to know how th MPG is and the performance. I drove one after testing an 03 v6 and to me they performed similarly but the 05 was a much nicer ride. Price was the same on both. Trying to stay below $23K and and very concerned with MPG as I will be loading on the miles. THANKS
The LB looks disproportionate to me, but the SB seems to be too short for usual "truck hauling" I am used to. I plan on getting a box, so a short bed would pretty much be useless once I throw that on there. Any regrets or advice to share? What about turning radius in parking garages, etc?
I purchased my hitch at the local U- Haul for 119.00 plus 25.00 for installation. They would not hook up wiring harness though because it uses a relay. I had the dealer install it while it was in the shop for the heater problems.
I've seen quite a few postings on both the V6 and 4 cyl. and the mileage on the 4 cyl is not that much (maybe 2-3 MPG) better than the V6. Not enough to justify buying it in my mind. The V6 has way more power and just a lot more fun to drive, in my opinion. Also, the sticks don't get any better, in fact possibly worse, mileage, so that option does not save you much either. I have a V6 automatic and wouldn't even consider either the 4 or the stick. I just filled up today and got 22.3 MPG with about a 70/30 highway/city blend of driving.
I purchased the 05 long bed DC 4x4 and yes it is a long truck for a Tacoma and I'll admit looks a little proportionally akward because it is a long truck (139" wheel base I think) not exactly the most sporty offroad looking machine out there. So I swapped out the factory 245 tires for 265/75 and that helped out alot. You could even install a mild lift to give it more proportional dimensions. I'm glad I got the LB because I'll use the cargo space way more than I"ll ever use the truck for rock crawling or BAJA racing, but then I am kinda old too (42years young) ha ha. As for the turning radius this thing turns on a dime in my opinion but then I'm coming from an 02 ZR2 S10 that had the turning radius of a battleship not to mention a loud KLUNK from up front somewhere when I turned left (junk).
I have the Toyota running boards on my Access Cab, and they will clearly stop a lot of doors dings. Not all of them, but many of them.
Don't forget that parts departments can be negotiable, especially on accessories. My dealer's parts desk matched the best internet prices I could find on the boards, bed mat, and extra tie downs, and did not charge shipping. While I paid sales tax, I don't think the running boards or steps would be cheap to ship. I saved 25%+ on all of the post-sale Toyota accessories.
Just a few things I have purchased for my Tacoma that I am very pleased with... I bought the Toyota bed mat off the net for $71 delivered to my door, it is very nice and well made. Factory front tie down hooks, I also bought these off the net and they cost about $25 delivered, very easy to install and strong. Ventshades part # 92706 (for access cab 2 piece set) These fit the truck real nice and are very easy to install. I personally prefer these over the in-channel type. I got them for $45. from local parts store. I also installed a Roady2 XM Radio I had this in my other vehicle and once you get use to them they are hard to live without. If you have added something that you really like, let us know what it is and how much it cost?
Lat49, Can you explain why one would get better gas mileage with larger wheels? Would it have to do with the fact that the larger wheel covers more distance in one revolution than a smaller one? However, wouldn't the additional weight of the rim and tire decrease gas mileage in the long run?
Got the Tacoma ashtray, don't smoke but it looks really nice and keep my change in it, its black round with a lid and fits in the cupholder, $13 on e bay.
Would like to get the bed cleats but want to see them first, I can't tie a truckers knot and cleats make it so EZ to tighten things down.
Hammaa - Now that the exhaust has really settled in (at first I didn't think there was any difference), there seems to be a slight increase in mileage. I pull a trailer 3 days a week which adds almost 1000lbs extra in weight and I still manage to get about 315-325 miles before the light comes on. Not bad IMO. I have yet to have a week where I haven't pulled the trailer so I haven't been able to get a true before/after comparision (I didn't pull the trailer before getting the exhaust).
Seat of the pants power feels better too, but that may be just all mental.
Does anybody know if the mid-1990's Tacoma bolt pattern is the same as the modern Chevy 1/2 ton 6-bolt pattern? They look the same but I don't have any Chevys around to measure. I have 4 really nice Centerline wheels with 32x11.50 Bridgestone Dueler M/T (50% tread-$100 each) that came off a Tacoma, can I push these on the Chevy crowd also?
I plan on buying a 2 wheel drive Tacoma Access Cab with manual and SR-5 package. Can anyone with this combination tell me if it comes with the color keyed overfenders. I know they list the overfenders as part of the SR-5 package but in another area of the brochure it suggests that the overfenders only come on the Prerunner and 4WD. I really like the looks of the overfenders and would consider going up to the Prerunner if this is what I have to do to get them. I have asked several dealers and none of them know for sure. Appreciate any help you can give me on this. Also, what kind of mileage are you getting with your 2 wheel drive with manual? Thanks in advance
Actually, the rim diameter is irrelevant. It's the overall diameter of the tire that will affect mpg. For example, all of these tires are the same height, despite their wheel diameter differences, and thus would have almost no effect on the mpg or effective gear ratios: - 265/75R15 - 31/10.50R16 - 245/70R17 - 265/60R18
Whatever effect they would have on mpg would be from tire weight and path drag.
Just wondering if anyone knows how much fuel is left when the light comes on...I believe 4 and 6 cyl both have 80 litre tanks. Mine came on and I filled right away and it took 62 litres...does it make sense that the light would come on with still a 1/4 of a tank left? I used to drive my old taco down to fumes before I filled it..but it didn't have the ominous yellow light.
Also...does fuel consumption improve after engine is broken in?
After I bought my Taco, the salesman took me over to the parts department and told me that I could order whatever I wanted for 10% over dealer cost. I got the bed mat for $56, the bed divider for $190, door sill protectors (Double Cab) for $19, extra tie downs for $20, exhaust tip for $29, and some other little stuff. Anyway, I saved a couple hundred dollars. I didn't pay any shipping, and I picked it all up at the dealer the very next day.
Do a search on TRD Ivan Stewart wheels or alloys...16 inch, I did not change wheel size... I got them from the parts guy for $800, tires separate... you should find a listing somewhere, but it's your call on the price you choose to pay... I really don't know if they are polished, just check out the links and you'll probably find a part dealer who has the finer details... you won't be disappointed, they are very nice.
My V6 2005 Taco DC only has 1900 miles on it, but I'm hoping it will see some improvement. The 2004 Taco DC 4cylinder I had before, did improve a bit over 1 mpg after 4k to 5k miles. The V6 2005 started out w/ the same in town mileage that I was getting on the 2004 4 cyl after 7k miles, so it will be great if it happens w/ the V6 as well.
When I'm configuring a 2005 Tacoma on Toyota's website, the only option I see for the 4 cyl 4x4 access cab is a manual transmission. Is there a way to get automatic on that model?
To get an automatic I have to go from the 4cyl manual to a v6 with auto, which means I'll be spending an additonal $2500. Sure the v6 is great, but I really don't need the extra power. Plus if you look at the options it goes from $2500 for the 16in tires on the 4cyl manual, to $3675 on the v6 auto, and everything in the package is the same, except for the slip differential and diff lock features that I don't need.
So after selecting the v6 4x4 access cab with automatic and options, I spending an extra $3600 ($2500 for v6 auto + $1100 for options) that I just don't need. I have used several southern california zip codes to see if the website changed, but none of them offer a 4cyl 4x4 access cab with auto.
Anyone have any ideas if Toyota does make what I'm looking for, or am I stuck with gettng the v6? Thanks
Does anyone know if the sport seats sit lower than the base seats? I am tall and sit too high so my view is obstructed when I look up (like at a signal light). I wish I'd noticed this during the test drive!
"I'm assuming that a Tacoma with a 16" rim and tire would get better gas mileage than one with an 18 or 20" rim/tire package, is that correct? "
If the final diameter of the inflated tire is the same, the size of the rim has nothing to do with mileage. It's all about how many revolutions the axle (and engine) make per mile.
"Also, the sticks don't get any better, in fact possibly worse, mileage, so that option does not save you much either. I have a V6 automatic and wouldn't even consider either the 4 or the stick. "
A stick is way better for an experienced driver in sketchy traction (ex:// snowy downhills), and for towing, than an automatic, even if the mileage takes a slight hit. While ABS and traction control are a huge help, a truly experienced driver can really take advantage of one more controllable aspect of the vehicle.
The mileage difference for a 4 cyl wasn't a big deal for me, either. If I lived in an extreme traffic area I'd be in an auto in double time!
"I also installed a Roady2 XM Radio I had this in my other vehicle and once you get use to them they are hard to live without. "
Did you install a PIE interface for the Roady? If so, you'll REALLY like it! If not, you're selling XM short! The direct sound is truly CD quality, 10 times better than the FM modulator. I just got my PIE adaptor last week, it took 20 minutes to pull the radio and install it. Two thumbs up!
"Just wondering if anyone knows how much fuel is left when the light comes on..."
My USA spec (large cuphholders ) V6 takes about 16.5 gallons when the light comes on. In reality, that is about 1/4 tank.
My flying experience tells me that all 21 gallons may not be usable. Light aircraft list fuel capacities and "usable" fuel capacities. Car manufacturers usually only publish total capacities.
Is anyone willing to run a Taco dry to tell us how much of the 21 gallons can be used?
I filled up yesterday about a mile down the road from when the light came on. It took 17.6 gallons. I do top it up a little so that might be the difference. I got 22.1 MPG, btw, my best yet. V6 Auto Access Cab Prerunner.
I have a black 2001 Tacoma PreRunner Xtra Cab and had a sliding moonroof installed this past week along with power window conversion and I tell you the moonroof is magnificent. It really sets the truck appearance totally out of this world. The best thing--price, only $1025 for the roof and windows. Find someone to do and do it right and you will be pleasantly surprised. With the extra light, it makes the cab feel bigger than it really is, should help your claustrophobic condition.
Thanks for letting me know about the running boards. Now I need to decide if running boards are a better choice than tube steps. The dealer will sell acessories from the parts department to me for wholesale, because I bought the truck from them. The tube steps are $349 including tax. Not a bad deal.
I sure would like to see photos of both the toyota tube steps and running boards on an 05 taco DC. I need to decide whick look better or are more effective. Thanks
WIth a stick, I like to put the truck in neutral and coast down hills at idle, which really helps in the mpg department(but bad on the brakes..), especially when traveling at freeway speeds. I find it akward in autos to do that. Has anyone tried doing a rolling 1st gear start yet? I haven't towed anything yet, but it seems like a good choice for that. I think the brakes might last longer with the manual as well. I have noticed that autos usually require more braking if you are leaving it in drive all the time.
what would be a good price to pay for a double cab 4x4 auto with the off road package with no extras? Dealer quoted me 28,200. I don't think this is a good quote. I haven't even seen a double cab on the lot yet they sell them so quick. Thanks for your help.
I also noticed this annoying noise about 2 weeks ago. I was traveling to Mammoth Mountain for the weekend and encounted some strong wind. This whinning/whistling noise sounded like it was coming from the passenger mirror. I asked my wife to drive so I could investigate. What I found was, when I put pressure on the passenger window, the noise would go away. When released, the noise returned. Sounds like a window seal problem. What ever the cause, I'll see what the dealer says when I take my truck in to get the parking brake recall fixed. However, from reading other posting, I'll get the run aruond from the dealer. The more this problem is reported, I hope Toyota will correct.
You don't get better mileage coasting down a hill in neutral than in gear. Years ago I installed a driving computer in my Truck and wanted to see how high I could get the MPG display. While going down a 5 mile 6% grade I put it in neutral. While the MPG was good, it was not nearly as good as coasting in gear. I assume this is because at idle the engine runs on the rich side and while coasting in gear you have a lot of air going into the engine.
Within the next few weeks, I would like to purchase this vehicle. I would like to know a few things before that time comes. Does it seem that many of the initial problems this truck had when it first was released are addressed at this time? Problems such as the interior passenger side carpet leak (critical), suspension noise, and other problems worry me to a certain extent. Is there a specific manufacturing date and location that I should look for before purchasing this vehicle? From reading the latest posts, it seems that owners aren't reporting as many problems as before which seems to imply that Toyota is actively addressing these issues. I have personally seen the body panel color difference on the Tacomas currently on dealer lots which is supposed to assist in lessening body damage to the paint. I have asked salesman if they have ever heard of all these issues, but they respond that they are not aware of these things. Maybe they aren't, maybe these problems affect vehicles in certain regions. Any advice or input on these thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Boards like this are extremely valuable to all as they serve as a central ground to gain knowledge before ending up in a bad situation financially. Thanks to all who actively participate in this board and all others.
wooddorker, Tell me more about the PIE interface, I'm just using the fm modulator. Where do you get this and how much is it? Also where did you install you roady? Do you have any pics of your install? Thanks for the info.
I'm not 100% sure on the access cabs, but I believe on regular cabs you can only get a 4x4 with 4cylinder in a manual. Perhaps it is the same in the access cab also.... You may be stuck with the V6.
As I mentioned on here before, if you wish, you are able to put in quite a bit more gas than the 80 Litre listed size. I have put in just under 9 Litres more or about 2.3 US gallons. (89 litres or 23.4 US gallons) This would involve putting in around another 10 litres after the pump clicks off, so thus maxing out what you can put in. Now this is where the debate starts, in the winter this practice is okay as gas doesn't expand but in the warmer months it is unsafe to max out the tank as the gas will expand. But you can max out the tank in the summer if you will be driving on say a trip right away vs. letting the truck sit. I have noticed that when the gas light comes on you are able to drive around another 75km/44miles in the city. An indicator that I use is, running the gauge to about halfway between the E and the last marking to the right of the E for tank level. I noticed that after 7000km/4350 miles that the gas mileage has improved quite a bit.
undercover.com has one or will have one shortly. it is black, lockable, and very sturdy. you can also take it off easily and hang it on the wall in your garage when you don't want it on your truck.
Yes, I finally had body side moulding put on my indigo blue last weekend. It cost me about $70 installed. It is solid black rubber with 2 heavy rounded edges which run along the door, access cab door, and behind the access cab. Looks great. I went to a custom truck place here in Colorado Springs and the owner put the strips on in 30 minutes. Blends in well with the dark blue paint and sure will protect the lower rounded part of the doors.
This forum is great! My new Tacoma gets here next week and I can't wait. I will have the TRD option package with the 6 changer CD. I would like to use my IPOD in the truck and looked into the IPOD2CAR adapter previously mentioned a while back in this forum. It says that it disables the changer of the stereo (plugs into that slot), but that you can still use the cd player itself. Since the changer in the new TRD stereo has only one slot that all 6 CDs slide into, will I be able to play 1 CD? Also, will I need the adapter they sell to go with it? Lastly, How hard iis it to pull out the factory deck to install this thing? Thanks!
I was looking at the new Nissan Frontier's, I saw in one and noticed it seemed pretty cramped. I'm 6'2" and about 175, not big at all, just tall. I want a mid-size truck then started looking at the Tacoma's and started liking them, better gas mileage and they looked roomier on the inside. But I just compared the Frontier dimensions with the Tacoma's and in every single category the Fronter is an inch or two bigger. This is a real disappointment to me now because I was looking forward to purchasing one, now since I see they're smaller, I'm having second thoughts. Anyone around my size had an problems?
Comments
not what I was hoping to hear but at least it tells me I didn't buy a lemon. Might take the car into my local service dept just to put them on the spot and see what they say. The response you got is obvious BS - wind can move around the driver's side mirror all it wants but you still shouldn't HEAR IT unless there's a problem with the driver's side door or window seal...
I'll post again if I get new info from my dealer in a week or two.
What about turning radius in parking garages, etc?
Thanks
As for the turning radius this thing turns on a dime in my opinion but then I'm coming from an 02 ZR2 S10 that had the turning radius of a battleship not to mention a loud KLUNK from up front somewhere when I turned left (junk).
Don't forget that parts departments can be negotiable, especially on accessories. My dealer's parts desk matched the best internet prices I could find on the boards, bed mat, and extra tie downs, and did not charge shipping. While I paid sales tax, I don't think the running boards or steps would be cheap to ship. I saved 25%+ on all of the post-sale Toyota accessories.
I bought the Toyota bed mat off the net for $71 delivered to my door, it is very nice and well made.
Factory front tie down hooks, I also bought these off the net and they cost about $25 delivered, very easy to install and strong.
Ventshades part # 92706 (for access cab 2 piece set) These fit the truck real nice and are very easy to install. I personally prefer these over the in-channel type. I got them for $45. from local parts store.
I also installed a Roady2 XM Radio I had this in my other vehicle and once you get use to them they are hard to live without.
If you have added something that you really like, let us know what it is and how much it cost?
Can you explain why one would get better gas mileage with larger wheels? Would it have to do with the fact that the larger wheel covers more distance in one revolution than a smaller one? However, wouldn't the additional weight of the rim and tire decrease gas mileage in the long run?
Got the Tacoma ashtray, don't smoke but it looks really nice and keep my change in it, its black round with a lid and fits in the cupholder, $13 on e bay.
Would like to get the bed cleats but want to see them first, I can't tie a truckers knot and cleats make it so EZ to tighten things down.
Seat of the pants power feels better too, but that may be just all mental.
- 265/75R15
- 31/10.50R16
- 245/70R17
- 265/60R18
Whatever effect they would have on mpg would be from tire weight and path drag.
kcram - Pickups Host
Also...does fuel consumption improve after engine is broken in?
To get an automatic I have to go from the 4cyl manual to a v6 with auto, which means I'll be spending an additonal $2500. Sure the v6 is great, but I really don't need the extra power. Plus if you look at the options it goes from $2500 for the 16in tires on the 4cyl manual, to $3675 on the v6 auto, and everything in the package is the same, except for the slip differential and diff lock features that I don't need.
So after selecting the v6 4x4 access cab with automatic and options, I spending an extra $3600 ($2500 for v6 auto + $1100 for options) that I just don't need. I have used several southern california zip codes to see if the website changed, but none of them offer a 4cyl 4x4 access cab with auto.
Anyone have any ideas if Toyota does make what I'm looking for, or am I stuck with gettng the v6? Thanks
I'd noticed this during the test drive!
If the final diameter of the inflated tire is the same, the size of the rim has nothing to do with mileage. It's all about how many revolutions the axle (and engine) make per mile.
A stick is way better for an experienced driver in sketchy traction (ex:// snowy downhills), and for towing, than an automatic, even if the mileage takes a slight hit. While ABS and traction control are a huge help, a truly experienced driver can really take advantage of one more controllable aspect of the vehicle.
The mileage difference for a 4 cyl wasn't a big deal for me, either. If I lived in an extreme traffic area I'd be in an auto in double time!
Did you install a PIE interface for the Roady? If so, you'll REALLY like it! If not, you're selling XM short! The direct sound is truly CD quality, 10 times better than the FM modulator. I just got my PIE adaptor last week, it took 20 minutes to pull the radio and install it. Two thumbs up!
My USA spec (large cuphholders ) V6 takes about 16.5 gallons when the light comes on. In reality, that is about 1/4 tank.
My flying experience tells me that all 21 gallons may not be usable. Light aircraft list fuel capacities and "usable" fuel capacities. Car manufacturers usually only publish total capacities.
Is anyone willing to run a Taco dry to tell us how much of the 21 gallons can be used?
Barry
Thanks
see what the dealer says when I take my truck in to get the parking brake recall fixed. However, from reading other posting, I'll get the run aruond from the dealer. The more this problem is reported, I hope Toyota will correct.
Tell me more about the PIE interface, I'm just using the fm modulator. Where do you get this and how much is it? Also where did you install you roady? Do you have any pics of your install?
Thanks for the info.
Thanks!