Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

seattle_scott · July 2001

Thanks for the pointer, briancorr.

I went over to TacomaTerritory and found that thread. Apparently Toyota is going to issue a technical service bulletin, but I searched NHTSA's site and found nothing.

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/

... and just to make sure the search engine was working, I also entered 1975 Ford Pinto. 54 TSBs returned.

stevek116 · July 2001

What do you use to clean the exterior and interior vinyl on a DCab? I waxed my DCab and got wax on the vinyl and, while I wiped it off, there is still some on and I want to clean it off completely.

Any suggestions?

weasle · July 2001

Try an eraser!

jeffdog · July 2001

Toyota's ground clearance spec for an SR5 with the TRD package states 11.2 inches. I can't find a place between the 2 front tires with better than 9.5 inches. How can Toyota get away with such a BOGUS clearance spec? Sent them an email and their reply was that it meets government requirements for this spec.

robbi · July 2001

I was curious as to whether someone could help me figure this out. My rear speakers buzz (like the sound made when a pager or cell phone is on vibrate mode) when the fan is turned on. The weird thing about this is that the radio does not have to be on. Also, when I open a window or door, the buzzing stops. I think there is some interference from the EMF produced by the fan entering the wiring somehow. Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone know what I can do to solve it? I took it to the dealer and they "could not duplicate the sound."

Other than this, I love my truck! It rules off-road (that is when the stock BFGs give me traction).

Thanks in advance for any advice on my speakers!

briancorr · July 2001

Toyota doesn't measure the actual ground clearance from the lowest point. I read somewhere how they measure but don't recall where I read it. I think it was a magazine review or something. Anyway it is very misleading how they measure.

As for the speaker buzzing, you are right. The speakers are picking up motor noise from the fan. Since the dealership was no help (gee, there's a shocker!) try a stereo shop. I think all it would take is a filter in the right place.

alpman5 · July 2001

Does anybody know when the new models are suppose to be showing up and if there are any color changes to it? Thanks

jrohr1 · July 2001

I JUST RETURNED FROM A THREE WEEK TRIP WITH MY D.C. WE WENT FROM ARIZONA-WISCONSIN. WE PICKED UP A 2500 LB. TENT TRAILER AND CAMPED OUR WAY BACK. THE D.C. TOWED AWESOME !!! WITH ALL THE GEAR, THE TRAILER PROB. WEIGHED 3100 LBS. WE HAD MAYBE 400 LBS IN THE BED. i KEPT IT IN O.D. OFF THE ENTIRE TIME. GOING THROUGHOUT WISCONSIN, ACROSS IOWA, NEBRASKA, AND EASTERN COLORADO, I STAYED AT 63 M.P.H. AND THE ENGINE WAS AT ABOUT 2850 R.P.M.
WE WENT OVER THREE HIGH PASSES IN COLORADO ( OVER 11,000 FEET ) AND IT DID O.K. PUT IT IN 2 ND AROUND 3500 R.P.M. AND YOU'LL DO FINE. MY TEMP. GUAGE NEVER MOVED A BIT. TOWING THE TRAILER ROUGHLY HALF THE 5514.3 MILES I PUT ON, THE D.C. AVERAGED 17.83 M.P.G. SOUNDS HARD TO BELIEVE, BUT I KEPT TRACK OF ALL FILLUPS. ( I WISH THE TANK WAS SAY ... 26 GAL. THOUGH )
WE ALSO DID ENGINEER PASS IN THE SAN JUANS ( 12,800 FT. ) AND IT RAN BEAUTIFUL.
SO FAR THE TRUCKS BEEN GREAT. HOPEFULLY THIS WILL CONTINUE.SEEMS LIKE EVER SINCE G.M. BOUGHT MY 2000 SILVERADO Z-71 BACK, WE'VE HAD GOOD LUCK...........

boone5 · July 2001

Hello, I recently discovered that my toyota has a water leak ,in the floor boards in the rear of the vehicle, around the door sills. I park my vehicle outside at a slight left to right angle. and during a recent rain I watched water dampen the carpet on one side and then i turned the vehicle around and the same thing happened on the other side. Everyone that owns this truck may want to test your vehicle to see if it does the same ,,,. I love the truck ,but this type of problem is rediculous... The dealership is trying to fix this, but has not yet..//

robbi · July 2001

briancorr: Thanks for the advice...I will get the speakers checked out at a sound shop this weekend after I get my new tires.

boone5: It really sucks that your doors leak. I know it is no consolation to you, but I have had my truck submersed in water up to the bottom of the windows (call me a dumb a**) and none leaked in. Post again telling if the dealer fixed the problem or not...there are many ways to fix it yourself.

bonehead21 · July 2001

Toyota's dirty little secret. Ladies and gentleman, I think there's a chink in the armor of Toyota's "so called quality" I see I'm not the only person with a water leak in their Tacoma dbl Cab. I purchased two of these trucks. I traded in the first one thinking it was a manufacturing defect, only to find out a few months later that I have the same freaking problem with the 2nd Tacoma. I have written letter to Toyota's VP in California. Love to hear what he has to say. I will post his comments, if he is man enought to respond to my letter. I think this water leak problem is something that Toyota is aware of because the service manager told me that Toyota issued an internal service bulletin regarding water leaks on the 2000 Tacoma. It seems to me that they ignored this little problem and continued to manufacture and sell these vehicles without correcting this defect. All of us who brought one of these Trucks have been duped, me twice. It sounds like class action time or at least bringing this matter to the attention of the media. Sound off and let me know what anyone thinks because I smell cover up at Toyota.

boone5 · July 2001

Thanks to everyone responding about this problem.This week my truck goes back to the shop for the 4th time to get the leaks fixed.I called
Toyotas region cust. serv. rep. just to get them involved.I told them this is the last time I will be bringing this truck for repair, and I also want a comparable vehicle waiting for me to drive while they are working on mine, they agreed to do this after I complained very loudly in there showroom. Its hard to believe but I am still pleased overall with this truck. But my patience is waring thin. I will post again for those interested...

juane · July 2001

I am in the market for a new vehicle. I am looking at the Taco ma Double Cab PreRunner V6 2wd automatic with color keyed SR5 package, cruise control, power black mirrors and the power package. Edmunds says the MSRP is 21255 and the TV is 19884. toyota.com says the MSRP is 21270. Does anyone know if I will be looking at the 2001 or the 2002 by the time I purchase which is in October of this year? If it's A 2002 any idea on how much the base price will increase if at all? For those of you with this double cab model how do you fell about it and toyota as a company? Have they been reliable? I have read about some problem with leaks, any other major issues? If anyone lives near an marcos,Texas do you have any idea of what I should try to ask for in price with these options? Could I ask any more questions? Thanks alot for your help and info in advance.

briancorr · August 2001

Juane,
I bought an identical truck in dallas in nov.
By October, the 2002's should be out or about to hit. Of course, the 2001's should be cheaper.
Toyota's vehicles are good but the company could be better. They play alot of games and have silly tactics. Sticker on mine was $24500 for prerunner, trd package, color keyed sr5 package, running boards, bed liner, hitch and power mirrors/windows/locks. Tx dealers don't like to deal but people have been able to get them for 500-1000 over invoice.
I had a 2000 jeep wrangler i traded in. It ended up being a few thousand under sticker after the trade in.

juane · August 2001

briancorr- thanks for the info. I am not sure how much Ill get for my clunker if I can trade it in but your point in what you got yours for is good news to hear. Now one more question. Where do you find the invoice price? I know I can use this website to get that right? Thanks again. PS hows the new truck?

boone5 · August 2001

The dealership says they fixed my truck, the problem was bad weather guard seals inside the doors, they replaced all four. So far no leaks after 2 hard rains.Service mgr. said he knew of no service bulletins on this matter..I about half way believe him...I personally know 2 double cab owners and between the 3 of us we have owned 10 tacomas in the last 4 years and my 2001 was the 1st with water leak problems. I really dont believe toyota has a problem with leaks on these trks.

juane · August 2001

boone5-
they have rain in your area? What does rain look like? I only ask because everything here in Texas is like a giant tinder box, just waiting for some jerk to toss a cigarette out the window.

jtd1 · August 2001

After 2 months of driving enjoyment, I noticed that the trim at the rear driver-side over finder was coming off. I took it to the dealer to have it fixed. They said that was a common problem and that they would take care of it. When I returned to pick up the truck, it looked like a third-grader had glued the trim back on! There is glue everywhere! Now the driver-side trim is coming loose. Has anyone found a way to re-attach the trim in a manner that looks good?

briancorr · August 2001

I used some glue and a toothpick to apply it to the underside of the rubber. It's working so far.

mushpaws · August 2001

I noticed you said GM bought back your Z71. I was wandering what year it was and why they bought it back.

jrohr1 · August 2001

MUSHPAWS-

G.M. bought back my truck mainly because of the cold engine knock they could not get rid of. ( 2000 5.3L ) I also had other problems like the doors not closing in cold weather, steering shaft replacement, rear seal leaking, dash noise. With the knock, all they did was " decarbon the pistons " The chevy rep. told me the pistons are not the correct size.

jumpmstr · August 2001

Well, it's good to know all my research into trucks paid off by getting essentially the same results as the test crew.
The back seat of the Dodge Quad is more comfortable and I really liked the flip-up back seat feature. I just don't want to pay V-8 gas prices (gas in Hawaii is $1.89 for 89 octane), would still like to park my truck in a parking spot w/ ease, and there's no way I would gamble on getting a decent build quality truck out of Dodge. (Got two buddies at work who are trying to get out from under a Durango and a Caravan because of reliability issues.)
Also take into account you can get a 2wd PreRunner at a substantial saving and I've almost got the perfect truck.

Later guys, time to go enjoy my 2001 dark green PreRunner.

toadman · August 2001

I test drove a V6 4WD D-Cab with LX package this past weekend. Noticed that it had a ECT/Snow selector switch on the left side of the steering wheel on the dash board. I couldn't find anything in the literature on this. Sales Rep. said the switch served the same function as for the Highlander and allowed power to a wheel even if it was slipping. He said all SR5 outfitted trucks should have this switch. I had test drove a D-cab a few weeks earlier and do not recall seeing this switch. Is this a new feature being added for 2002 models?

drew_ · August 2001

Was it ETC or ECT? If it's ECT I wonder if it's "Electronically Controlled Transmission". The "snow" feature usually allows the tranny to start in second gear, so as to reduce torque to the rear wheels, and in turn, less chance for wheelspin. However, if it is ETC, then it could be "Electronic Traction Control".

Drew
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toadman · August 2001

I honestly can't remember now. I believe it was ECT. I'll be at the dealer tonight and will check out the switch again. Thanks for your post.

toadman · August 2001

Just put a deposit down on a Tacoma D-Cab 4WD, LX,PP,AA,CL,FB and DH was quoted 500 over dealer invoice. Received several other quotes in same price range. I went through internet sales manager and it was the easiest vehicle purchase I've ever done. DOXON Toyota of Auburn, WA.
Dealer says the 2002 models will becoming out in about two weeks. Production has already started. Dealer invoice to increase by $141 and MSRP by $155 according to Sales Rep.

bsparx · August 2001

4 Wheel Parts Wholesalers just did a nice review of the Toyota DC 4x4 in their magazine. Mine arrived yesterday (free subscriptions). Their web page is www.4wheelparts.com. The website is still showing the last issue of the mag, but should update any day now.

Good shop, too. I've bought a lot of gear there over the years, including 4 rancho 5000's, a K&N filter, and an Auburn Gear rear LSD for my 2001 DC. (All that cost me less than the TRD package would have, and I like the result better). Quality parts, good prices, and outstanding tech support. No, I don't work for 'em.

Benny

dcabman1 · August 2001

Has anyone owning a 2001 Tacoma tried playing a CD-RW disc in the stereo? I'm curious if they work. Thanks.

smgilles · August 2001

tundradude · August 2001

They work as long as it is wav files.

countout · August 2001

I just purchased a 2001 D- cab and was wondering if any one knew if there is a roof rack available for me. thanks

bsparx · August 2001

Get the Thule foot kit for 97 & up 4runner/Hilux. It fits fine.

Ben

burlnut · August 2001

I saw a message somewhere on a recommendation for spray in bed liner, but it wasn't rhinoliner. Can anyone help? I'm looking for something under the rail so I can get a cap eventually. I'm picking up my green Taco tonight!

whiteandproud · August 2001

Call the fleet department at Toyota and meet with them. Anyone can buy from fleet. You normally pay 2-5% over invoice plus tax/title/reg.

dcabman1 · August 2001

Has anyone heard when the 2002 DC models will be available? Also, has anyone heard whether Toyota is making any major changes to this it? Thanks.

iwannatruck3 · August 2001

I thought Tacoma offers an under rail bed liner in plastic. You can easily cap that. Why would you want someone to strip your bed factory paint to apply the spray on type liner? Just asking... Does one prevent eventual rust over the over?

I, too, am looking to buy Tacoma or Ranger with Tacoma preference in extended cab, 4WD, TRD, LTD pkg, 5 spd, largest V6 offered. What are "must have" options? What options "don't get"?

Anyone else experience the clunking when shifting 5 spd AND/OR lack of power as detailed on other forum?

Found out I can buy at invoice (via web buying service) either a 2001 or 2002 - what's new for 2002? No one seems to know (maybe a new grill)?

burlnut · September 2001

Thanks. I did not realize they would strip the bed to spray in the liner. I probably will get the drop in liner. My truck did not come with one, so I will look into buying one and putting it in myself. I've been told that's not too hard to do.

My experience has been that 2001 models are getting scarce and that available trucks have standard option packages like TRD (OF), PP and SR5, but not ABS. If you can get a 2002 at invoice you probably should and maybe have more tradein value down the road.

My dealer told me there is essentially no change for 2002. I got the double cab because the extended cabs back seats are very uncomfortable and my kids didnt look safe in them (or in the Ranger jump seats. I also felt more cramped in the Ranger and the Sporttrac seemed over priced. Also back seat of double cab has head rest so heads are not right against the back glass.

So far I love my green 2001 truck after 150 miles. I paid 400 over invoice, and they had to do a dealer trade to get one in my color choice.

I need to convince myself that the bed is level. From behind on level ground I think one side is about a half inch higher.

juane · September 2001

I visited San Marcos Toyota just outside of Austin, Texas and they had a 2002 DC on the lot. The one thing the sales lady did say was that roof racks were not available on the 2001 but that they are available for 2002. The one I test drove had one. I drove like a bat out of hell. The sales lady was like, "for every Ford or Chevy you pass I'll knock off 100 bucks." 90 on the frontage road was fun. Going through the internet is easy and convenient.

bsparx · September 2001

I have the BedRug soft bedliner in my DC. Its a really tough product and looks good. The charcoal gray matches the headliner in the Snug Top shell. It helps deaden noise and stops stuff from sliding around. To clean it, I just vacuum it, or hose it out if its really dirty. Installation was easy and the fit is good.

Ben

juane · September 2001

I was at the dealer yesterday as stated before and the sales lady said something to me that was kind of interesting. She said that alot of people use the "build your own" feature on the website and think that they can get what they want. She said that it should be called "suggest your own." She said with Toyota is hard to get exaclty what you want and nothing you don't since the manufacturers tend to build a majority of the trucks with stuff that appears to be an option on the website. What that means is that it is often hard to get rid of stuff you don't want or get one in the first place that does not have all crap you don't want. Many things like packages are included and if you like the trucks color but think the package on it is not necessary you can either get it and deal with the stuff you don't need or move to something else. It's not that big a deal but what I am saying is don't go to the website and think you can get a truck exactly the way you want it, that will be hard. Be aware that many of the things you think are options may in fact be on the truck you test drive as well as on all the rest that are on the lot, and if it's on the truck, chances are you cant take it off. Of course ordering one, which takes time may increase your chances of getting what you want. The truck is a kick [non-permissible content removed] ride!!!

ebbgreatdane · September 2001

They won't strip your bed to put it on but it will when they take it off.

Get a sprayon if:
1. You want to protect the rails and you're planning on putting on a shell.

2. You don't mind paying the xtree dough.

3. You've solved the paradox that a bedliner WILL scratch your paint (OTR, UTR) and rails (OTR) but the spray on is un-removable without damaging the factory coat.

4. You're concerned about moisture build up under a plastic liner.

5. You want something that is most definately skid resistant.

6. You never plan on putting a carpet kit in.

7. You want something that will never warp (although some say that the color fades a bit over time).

John

ebbgreatdane · September 2001

What you say is very true. However, this is not to say that so long as you follow the Manufactures options rules (you can't get the V6 and the 2.7L I4, or you can't mix the SR5 and Limited Trim, etc) you can always wait to see if dealers in your area will show up with the truck you want.

For some people who have only 2 or less dealers around them this won't work, however my wife and I put out feelers at all dealers in the Bay Area, CA within a 50 radius for the exact options, color, body style and drive drain we wanted. It took several months and some negotiating after the fact but eventually a truck in the config we wanted showed up after 2 months.

If you can wait, they will build it, and it will come.

John

P.S. - What took so long for our truck? In addition to alot of other options, we wanted ABS. It's not a popular option with the Tacoma so the dealers neither stock them nor order them but eventually one was manufactured and we found a dealer willing to snag it for us.

reynolds6 · September 2001

You are right about ABS not being a popular option. It seems to me that it is less popular because dealers just don't order ABS as an option on trucks that they plan to stock. The only Tacomas that I have seen in the southeast with ABS were special ordered (mine was one of them). Dealers must find it hard to sell at the $590 (is that right?, I'm going from memory) when the average guy can't see the obvious difference that it makes. When I talked with dealers about ABS as an option, they all, at least initially, tried to steer me away by saying that it would take more time to get and that with the Tacoma's superior brake system it wasn't really necessary anyway. It only took six weeks for my truck to come in, really fast in my opinion.
The caveat is that an apparently malfunctioning ABS sensor is the only thing that I have found wrong with my truck in the two months since I have had it. Evidently the little gremlin that lives in my ABS system has a schedule of when the service departments are open because the light only comes on when they are closed and the system has to be in fault mode before the dealer can diagnose the problem.
Overall it is a really great truck and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another.

juane · September 2001

Glad to hear that you got the truck you wanted. My point seems to have been understood, I was just wanting to give a heads up. Has anyone been able to talk the dealers down from the asking price on the DCs? Is ABS overrated? Why not get it?(other than the wait time that may be involved?)

dcabman1 · September 2001

juane, you're the first person that I've heard confirm the existence of the 2002 DC. Do you, or anyone else on the board, know where on the internet I could see the options that are available for the 2002 model? Many people have said that the 2002 is very similar to the 2001 model, but I still would like to see what the official options are and what, if any, 2001 options have become standard on the 2002. Also, has anyone heard when Toyota might offer any incentives/promotions on the 2001 Double Cabs? Thanks.

dverespey · September 2001

Production on the 2002 models starts soon( real soon ). No major changes this year.

Uncertain on incentives but I doubt it.

burlnut · September 2001

Thanks John.
I just got off the phone with a cap/liner distributor. He told me they have non-skid drop in liners, say $200, compared to spray in, say $400. The drop ins are nonskid top and bottom. He indicated possible warranty and insurance issues with spray ins presumably since hard to remove if need repair. Also said most trucks now have galvanized beds. I dont know if this solves the paradox, but it gives me a warmer feeling about drop ins.

What are the opinions on rust proofing treatments like Ziebart? I have the pleasure of living in an area where they like to salt (Chicago). I also like to keep my vehicles a long time, perhaps another paradox.

Thanks in advance...

iwannatruck3 · September 2001

Perhaps they don't strip the paint completely, but I know a friend of mine said they scratch/scrape the surface a lot in order for the Rhinoliner to stick to the bed surface.

Of course he had this done 3-4 years ago, so maybe the procedure has changed somewhat.

Anyway, I'll get a drop in liner for sure! I'm glad there are other good aftermarket options.

I'm waiting to see/read more about the 2002's.

Will I regret getting a 5 speed tranny?

juane · September 2001

dcabman1- The 2002 will change very little this year. The website was supposed to be updated back on September 4th but about the only thing that has changed so far is the splash page that comes up when you bring up www.toyota.com and the information of the Corolla. I am told any day now for the rest of the models. Again the only new thing I heard that will be new on the DC is the roofrack. It looks great. Oh and one other thing the 2002 Tacoma brochures will be ready on September 14th. If I get any other info I'll shoot it your way. Hook Em Horns!!!

poplife · September 2001

I took a Taco DC for a test drive yesterday. I'm certain this is the truck for me...but next Labor Day weekend. The sales person was really agressive in getting rid of the '01's. But my motorcycle, cars and trucks have all been even numbered years for some reason. So I'll hold out for the '02. Then I heard rumers of a revised CR-V. So this will be an interesting decision.

Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

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