By the way, I forgot to ask you on my email. What the color of fender flares and outside rear-view mirror with IX and PP packages? Black or chrome(I like QX cause I thought it comes with color keyed outside mirrors) Also are the rear view mirror power or manual? See even the dealer I called don't have the answers and these are people selling and ordering trucks from Toyota. Sheesh......
I am planning on buying a new truck in the next few months. I really like the Tacoma double cab 4x4, but I am concerned abut the gas mileage. I have heard ranges of 15 to 19 m.p.g. city driving. I have friends who are getting mileage like that on full size 4x4's. Can anybody with the double cab 4x4 give me a estimate? It would really be appreciated.
The IX package does not give you color-coded mirrors, but you do get the color-coded flares and grill surround (at least that's the way that mine is). The PP package gives you power operated door locks, windows, and BLACK mirrors. The PO package just gives you the door locks and windows. If the QX package gives you color-coded mirrors, then maybe that will over-ride the black power mirrors that come with the PP package.
Thanks man. I can live with the Black mirrors as long as they are powered. Hate trying to adjust the passenger side while you are driving, he...he....he....
Enjoy the truck. I'll try to get IX, PP and OF just like yours.
I have a 97 Tacoma 4x4, standard cab, 2.7L engine and it gets 21-22 mpg in my driving. I think this would be about the same for a double cab, since the wind resistance is the same. Probably 85% of my miles are on the highway.
Just a few questions-TRD or not TRD? I'll never drive it off road(I'm getting 2WD)How much worse is the ride with TRD? Can you get color keyed fender flares without the limited package? I want the SR-5 color keyed package but I don't know if you can get the colored flares or you're stuck with black. Is the limited option worth it just for the seat upgrade? I've seen lots of complaints about seat comfort. Lastly is the TRD supercharger worth the effort and does it cause hideous fuel consumption? Not a big issue-my 98 F150 averages about 14 MPG. Thanks for any help or suggestions in these matters.
The supercharger rocks!! trust me and it will even be better with the pre-runner due to less weight.as far as gas mileage is concerned,if you drive it normal is basically the same.you won't even know there is a charger under the hood untill you get on it and then you hear it working.i chose not to put the decals on my truck....kind of a sleeper.
I'm considering the double cab v6, however, I have to be able to occaisionally tow up to 4000#. Has anyone tried towing this amount with this truck? Also, is the v6 available with a manual transmission? Would a the charger be recommended?
If you're planning on getting a double cab, it is currently only available with the auto trans. Coupled with the v6, this config has a tow rating of 5000#. Don't know how well it tows, however.
The locker can only be engaged under 5mph but will stay locked regardless of the speed. I have heard of guys hitting 70-80 with the rear end locked. I don't know if it would help on slick or snowy roads. I would guess that it wouldn't. Considering it rarely snows in TX, I probably won't find out anytime soon!
The locker will only engage in 4-lo position.There is no benefit of using the locker anywhere but off-roading situations.A locked rearend is actually worse in slippery conditions.
But if the locker is not good for slippery conditions, then what IS it good for? Don't get me wrong, I own a 2001 prerunnner double cab, and I got the TRD package. But I am having trouble understanding that what is good for, say, mud is not good for snow? I think I am just going to have to try it on a slick road for myself. That's always the best learn'in, by experimentin'.
to protect it from road salt? Is whatever Toyota does at the factory good enough, or will my tacoma become a rust bucket if I don't undercoat it? I live in northern virginia, so we get snow every coupla weeks during November-March.
By locking the rear diff, you are making the rear wheels both turn at the same speed. If you are in 4wheel drive, and you don't have a center differential, your making all four wheels(except L-R fronts) turn at the same speed. While great for getting unstuck, it's dangerous when traveling at speed, because as you try to manuever or turn you will lose traction. This is due to the fact that the inner rear tire travels less distance than the outer rear when turning and both rear wheels travel less distance than the fronts. If you try to make them all turn at the same speed while turning at low speed on dry pavement, you'll get that jumpy, bound-up, tire scrubbing feeling. At high speeds on wet pavement, you'll get that roll-over in the ditch feeling. A AWD system with three torque-sensing diffs (front, center, rear) is far superior (Hummer, Landrover, Audi, etc.) for this type of use. HTH
gfaust, Thank you for the explanation. That makes it a little more clear. However, I have a prerunner, not a 4WD. So, can I assume that as long as I'm going in a relatively straight line, the locker would be OK on an unplowed road?
I think your locker, on unplowed snow, would help a bit. Chains/studs would help more. Lockers are used mainly for 2 applications: 1. slow rock crawling, where one wheel or the other might actually be off the ground (in an open diff, all the power goes to the least resistance, so here you'd have an airborne wheel spinning and your traction wheel immobile) or 2. high-speed off roading, usually loose material (dry dirt or wet mud) where you're going to be spinning a lot anyway, and just want whatever tire happens to hit anything solid to be able to provide forward progress. The Prerunner was basically developed for Baja dirt, where this is certainly the case.
I still don't know why (and I've asked before) Toyota dosen't offer a Limited-Slip differential rather than the locker. For most applications, it is more practical. Especially for the prerunners, where we're obviously not going to rock-crawl or plow snow, or any other thing where we'd want to be all locked-up. Plus a LSD requires no switching. Maybe thet's why they don't offer it: they think people want the gimmick of a dash button if they don't have real 4wd.
I have a Doublecab Prerunner as well and live in north Georgia. We had a bit of snow down here a couple months ago so I thought I'd give the locking differential a try. Had a pretty good scare when I went to make a left hand turn and both back wheels passed over a patch of ice. Gfaust could not have described it any better in post #167. Not only did I get that jumpy feeling (it was if the front end was willing but the rear end was not) but I got the slip as well as I passed over the ice. Not fun - narrowly avoided oncoming traffic.
I think I have a better understanding of the locker now. bsparx, I agree, Toyota should off limited slip as an option. I bet that alot of people would opt for that instead of the locker. My guess is that they want the locker as part of the trd package on the 4WD, so it would be more hassle (another part # in the inventory) to offer limited slip on the prerunner. Plus that would be another configuration to build, which cuts profit (the above is solely my opinion).
FYI, A number of people who have the locking diff. say that it does not disengage over 15 mph. I also have it but have not put it to the test myself. This info is from www.tacomaterritory.com It is possible it disengages but the light stays on which would lead people to believe it is still engaged.
Reading the details on KBB.com it says the TRD package offers a Limited Slip rear axle. i'm a bit confused where the locking diff comes into play. Also, has anyone been able to find a D-Cab limited without running boards?
Just got my Double-Cab last weekend and thought I’d share my thoughts…
I traded in my 98’ Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 liter quad cab behemoth for a Toyota Tacoma Double-Cab, and making the transition from big and heavy to small and light was a welcome adjustment. I purchased my vehicle at Magic Toyota in Edmonds, Washington. I dealt with Jim Adams and he was great… no games, honest, friendly, and gave me a fair deal. Overall, my experience with that dealer was excellent.
Good stuff: The Tacoma is so light and responsive and very nimble. It was like removing a ton of bricks off my shoulders, and it didn’t heave and sway like my old truck. The first trip to the gas station was great too. I used to get 12 mpg on my Dodge in the city… I filled up my Tacoma and was delighted to see that it costs half of what it took to fill my Dodge and the best part was I got 18.8 mpg on my first tank (granted that 3/4 of that was highway). I also love how navigating the parking lots and parallel parking is less of a pain in the [non-permissible content removed]. The truck is narrow enough not to take the entire stall and hence I don’t have to worry as much about door dings.
Not so good stuff: The seats in the Double-Cab could be better. I don’t care for the type of fabric… it has a nap on it, similar to velvet and I feel that another type of fabric would be more comfortable (Not a big deal). After a long 2-hour drive into the mountains, my lower back started to hurt, and that has something to do the seat. I have had back problems in the past, so this may only be an issue for me (I am 6’ 1” tall). I could also do without the orange gauge back lighting too, but I’m getting used to it.
All in all, I love my new Double-Cab and know that I made a good decision… it’s fun to drive, resonsive, gets good mileage, seats 5 people, and looks great!
Well, you know what the wise-man always tell you, "don't buy a cat in the goni bag". So me longing for a Tacoma double cab decided to test drive both Explorer sport trac and Tacoma double cab. I test drove the Trac first, 4WD pretty loaded. My first impression, the ride was smooth, but LACK OF POWER(where is that 210HP and 240lb torque? I explain it later). The seat in the back is very nice with ample leg room. Then I took tacoma V6 4WD for a drive, very bouncy and harsh ride also the bouncyness is very noticeable on freeway(it's like osscilating on me). My wife second me on the osiclation bouncing issue. The seatbelt in the back cut me on the neck and I am only 5'8", and the leg room is little cramp also the seat are rounded on the edge it's not very comfortable.
SO for now I am keepingg my ranger. Both the TAcoma and Trac are good trucks but not for me. The trac is way under power and too heavy and too expensive. The tacoma is not cheap either and with more truck ride and IMHO the double cab was more of an afterthought then from scratch design. The B-pillar is just got in the way for rear passenger to get in and out.
I can;t see my self in Dakota or Frontier or chevy S-10 either.
By the way, the slugishness on Trac might come from being overweight, it weights about 700Lb more than Tacoma!
I second him, on Magic Toyota in Edmonds. I sent my request for new Tacoma to 3 dealers in Seattle Washington. Jim Adams is the only one came back with a qoute, the other 2 called and tell me to come in. I thought internet purchase was suppose to be no hanggling, with upfront price qoute. I guess the other 2 dealers just don;t get it.
1 dealer and priceline.com say that I cannot get ABS in the gulf states region. Another dealer has placed an order for a D cab with ABS, sr5, power package, hitch and styled steel wheels. They will only talk msrp on pricing. Why no abs in the south? I test drove a couple of D cabs and left 30 feet of rubber on the pavement every time I did a hard stop. Any thoughts? any luck with pricing in Texas?
You definitely can get ABS in Texas. It's hard to find but you can get it. When I was considering a DC Fred Hass Toyota was able to find me one with ABS. We never got to the point to discussing pricing because I test drove the new VW Passat on a whim and absolutely fell in love with it and bought one 2 days later. I'll just keep using my wife's Suburban when I need a truck.
alex17, I just purchased my PreRunner DCab several weeks ago in VA. I have SR5, power package, cruise, TRD, C7 convenience package. I paid 2% over invoice, which was roughly $150 more than edmunds TMV. I figure that the disparity was in the $145.00 dealer processing fee that the dealer absolutely would not budge on. Determine the baseline price (just use the invoice price), then tack on what you feel is a decent profit. Remember that there is also a holdback that the dealer will get from toyota. Do not pay advertising fees or any other add-on fees (additional market adjustments, etc...). Give your offer to the sales manager, and see if he bites. If not, move on to the next dealer. Go to carbuyingtips.com for some good advice.
I bought my double cab from toyota of richardson and WILL NEVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN. The sales guy was pleasant but once you go to finance, they will try every trick in the book. I have heard similiar things about toyota of plano. I did talk with Tom Klam at freeman toyota and he seemed very nice and up front. I also had some good recommendations for him but his dealership is an hour away and I opted to buy from a closer dealership. I wish I had gone to freeman toyota now. As far as pricing goes, I haven't heard of a good deal in TX. If you can get $750 off sticker, then it seems that is a good deal. I bought mine in dec. so maybe they are dealing a little more now. Sticker on my double cab was $24300. They came off sticker $500. But I did work a very good deal on my trade in (got $19500 for a 2000 wrangler, paid 22000) which made the final numbers alright.
That's funny with the Passat. Of all the vehicles we've driven lately, my wife actually liked the Passat. Not sure if she liked it enough to drop $30K, but it's a possibility anyway. I actually got her to test-drive a DC but she didn't like it. She has too much lead-foot syndrome for a truck. Probably put it on it's top in a matter of days.
I have a two week old Tacoma Double Cab. It makes a wind noise at highway speeds that is annoying. It sounds like it is coming from the driver side mirror or maybe the running boards. Anyone out there have this problem? Where is it coming from?
Stokers go with the revtek 3" coil spacer kit. I have it on my 2001 double cab and it's great. Easy installation, good complete product. Their website is www.revtekindustries.com/index.html. Call them and ask for Ralph, he'll give you a good deal. IF you want to see pictures of my lift, shoot me an e-mail, and I'll send you some pics. Good Luck!
i'm not sure how to get a hold of your email, but could you email me some pics of your doublecab w/the spacers kit? and also, how much did you pay for them? my email is peekay331@aol.com. thanks
I am in a process of getting Tacoma DC and I 'd like to have tonneau cover. My dealer told me that Toyota does not make them for Double Cab. Is that true?
I used a hairdryer. Heat up the sticker a little bit and then get your fingernail under a corner and start lifting. Keep the hairdryer just in front of the part where you are pulling to keep it warm. Took me about an hour to remove everything. The warmer outside, the better. And to think I paid $1500 extra for that TRD sticker just to peel it off!
I've been looking into purchasing the TRD SuperCharger(2nd gen) for my 2001 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 DC. The dealers locally quoted me pretty much the same all around town...about $3600 installed!!! $3136 +tax and labor about $378. At toyotaguys.com, they list the charger(2nd gen) for $2295 with free shiping and no tax!!!!http://www.toyotaguys.com/supercharger1.html I'm about ready to jump on it! Seems like good deal. Then I can take it into a dealer and have them install it for the $378 labor. Should be around $2700 installed. That's a lot better than $3600! Anyone else have the supercharger installed? Did you get it installed through a dealer? Thanks for the info!
Check with James Rodriguez at Sterling Motorsports in Houston, TX. I believe he can save you a couple hundred more bucks. Tell him you found out about him from the tacomaterritory.com website. There is a link to them at the tacomaterritory website. He says he will be anyone's price on parts. good luck.
I'm Thinking about buying a '01 Taco ma, 4x4, V6, 5-speed as soon as I sell my '00 Taco ma, 4x4, 4-cyl 5-speed. I want more horsepower, the 2.7L is sluggish. Question - what's the popular color for a Taco ma! For those of us who prefer the lighter shades, there are only two choices, white and Lunar Mist. My current truck is Lunar Mist, however, I noticed that Edmunds appraiser for used trucks deducts almost $100 for the silver color. It puzzles me since that's the only color Toyota has chosen to continue for the '01 models. Is white a popular color! Thanks for the input. I don't want to buy the Gold since my wife drives a Gold Odyssey.
Comments
By the way, I forgot to ask you on my email. What the color of fender flares and outside rear-view mirror with IX and PP packages? Black or chrome(I like QX cause I thought it comes with color keyed outside mirrors)
Also are the rear view mirror power or manual?
See even the dealer I called don't have the answers and these are people selling and ordering trucks from Toyota. Sheesh......
I can live with the Black mirrors as long as they are powered. Hate trying to adjust the passenger side while you are driving, he...he....he....
Enjoy the truck.
I'll try to get IX, PP and OF just like yours.
this would be about the same for a double cab, since the wind resistance is the same. Probably 85% of my miles are on the highway.
When will Double Cab have diesel option?
What are your suggestions?
I still don't know why (and I've asked before) Toyota dosen't offer a Limited-Slip differential rather than the locker. For most applications, it is more practical. Especially for the prerunners, where we're obviously not going to rock-crawl or plow snow, or any other thing where we'd want to be all locked-up. Plus a LSD requires no switching. Maybe thet's why they don't offer it: they think people want the gimmick of a dash button if they don't have real 4wd.
Anybody know why they don't offer a LSD?
Ben
The LDF will only function in 4WD LOW
The LDF is NOT engaged if the indicator light is blinking. Must be SOLID.
The LDF will disengage at speeds over 10-15 miles per hour (a broken axle is very expensive and Toyota was wise enough to employ this feature)
The link (gold color) that goes from the bed to the axle is NOT part of the LDF system (its a braking issue)
Most salesmen don't have a clue as to function of the LDF (ask to talk to the head mechanic)
It is possible it disengages but the light stays on which would lead people to believe it is still engaged.
That's in response to someone's query!
--Dianne
I traded in my 98’ Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 liter quad cab behemoth for a Toyota Tacoma Double-Cab, and making the transition from big and heavy to small and light was a welcome adjustment. I purchased my vehicle at Magic Toyota in Edmonds, Washington. I dealt with Jim Adams and he was great… no games, honest, friendly, and gave me a fair deal. Overall, my experience with that dealer was excellent.
Good stuff:
The Tacoma is so light and responsive and very nimble. It was like removing a ton of bricks off my shoulders, and it didn’t heave and sway like my old truck. The first trip to the gas station was great too. I used to get 12 mpg on my Dodge in the city… I filled up my Tacoma and was delighted to see that it costs half of what it took to fill my Dodge and the best part was I got 18.8 mpg on my first tank (granted that 3/4 of that was highway). I also love how navigating the parking lots and parallel parking is less of a pain in the [non-permissible content removed]. The truck is narrow enough not to take the entire stall and hence I don’t have to worry as much about door dings.
Not so good stuff:
The seats in the Double-Cab could be better. I don’t care for the type of fabric… it has a nap on it, similar to velvet and I feel that another type of fabric would be more comfortable (Not a big deal). After a long 2-hour drive into the mountains, my lower back started to hurt, and that has something to do the seat. I have had back problems in the past, so this may only be an issue for me (I am 6’ 1” tall). I could also do without the orange gauge back lighting too, but I’m getting used to it.
All in all, I love my new Double-Cab and know that I made a good decision… it’s fun to drive, resonsive, gets good mileage, seats 5 people, and looks great!
Then I took tacoma V6 4WD for a drive, very bouncy and harsh ride also the bouncyness is very noticeable on freeway(it's like osscilating on me). My wife second me on the osiclation bouncing issue. The seatbelt in the back cut me on the neck and I am only 5'8", and the leg room is little cramp also the seat are rounded on the edge it's not very comfortable.
SO for now I am keepingg my ranger. Both the TAcoma and Trac are good trucks but not for me. The trac is way under power and too heavy and too expensive. The tacoma is not cheap either and with more truck ride and IMHO the double cab was more of an afterthought then from scratch design. The B-pillar is just got in the way for rear passenger to get in and out.
I can;t see my self in Dakota or Frontier or chevy S-10 either.
By the way, the slugishness on Trac might come from being overweight, it weights about 700Lb more than Tacoma!
I sent my request for new Tacoma to 3 dealers in Seattle Washington. Jim Adams is the only one came back with a qoute, the other 2 called and tell me to come in. I thought internet purchase was suppose to be no hanggling, with upfront price qoute. I guess the other 2 dealers just don;t get it.
If any of you have prices from dealers in Texas then that would even be better.
I am most likely going to buy a Pre-Runner Double Cab V6 with the SR5 package (No TRD or Limited)
Thank for the help
I did talk with Tom Klam at freeman toyota and he seemed very nice and up front. I also had some good recommendations for him but his dealership is an hour away and I opted to buy from a closer dealership. I wish I had gone to freeman toyota now.
As far as pricing goes, I haven't heard of a good deal in TX. If you can get $750 off sticker, then it seems that is a good deal. I bought mine in dec. so maybe they are dealing a little more now. Sticker on my double cab was $24300. They came off sticker $500. But I did work a very good deal on my trade in (got $19500 for a 2000 wrangler, paid 22000) which made the final numbers alright.
extremer@yahoo.com
thanks
Pretty impressive, though.
Ben
like to have tonneau cover. My dealer told me that Toyota does not make them for Double Cab.
Is that true?
Thanks.
Premium fuel is not needed unless you get the TRD supercharger. I use mid grade.
Here's a pic of my DC. I removed all the stickers and such. It's a TRD prerunner. http://www.virtue.nu/ttora/scan4.jpg
It has custom wheels now but I haven't got a pic yet.
http://members.aol.com/_ht_a/kglew/images/misc/myDCab.jpg
I'm about ready to jump on it! Seems like good deal. Then I can take it into a dealer and have them install it for the $378 labor. Should be around $2700 installed. That's a lot better than $3600! Anyone else have the supercharger installed? Did you get it installed through a dealer? Thanks for the info!
TacomaTodd