Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

toyrota · October 2001

I have a 2001 DCab SR5. I personally only like a very firm seat. My wifes old '93 corolla wagon had awesome, firm seats. When comparing those seats to the 2001 DCab, at first the DCab seats feel a bit mushier (when squeezing the foam with my hand). But after sitting on the SR5 seat, it almost seems like my bodyweight compresses the foam to the point that it *becomes* more firm. Almost like it's progressive rate foam? Anyway, the seats are firm enough for me, but I would rather have the padding out of the corolla seats.

bsparx · October 2001

I'm almost to 25K miles on my 01 DC (10.5 months). I'm 6'2", 210 lbs. The seat is still fine. I drive at least 500 miles/week, a lot on winding, rural roads. It could use some side-to-side support, like lumbar wings or something, but its fine anyway. On highways or around town, no complaints at all.

Ben

jmyrick · October 2001

2001 Tacoma PreRunner Double-Cab

When I start out in the morning, my temperature gauge is "stuck" at the bottom. After driving about 5-6 miles (varies), it "pops" up to midway, which is the normal range. This problem does not happen the rest of the day since the engine is already warm. But it happens again once it is allowed to cool (the next day or if I wait later in the day to drive again).

Took it into Toyota dealer and they said it was the "normal" way the gauge worked. How about everyone else? Is this "normal"?

Thanks.

klew · October 2001

What should my idle speed be after I start my DC when it's cold. My DC idles at 1500 rpm for at least a few minutes, and 1500 seems a bit hi-reved to me.

smgilles · October 2001

The temp. gauge is going to start out at the bottom because your engine=outside temp. It takes a few minutes for it too register on the temp. gauge. So yes it is "normal"

Yes, the the engine revs. at 1500rpms until the motor warms up and then drops to 1000rpms. The clutch fan helps with this process in efficiently helping to warm up the engine.

jmyrick · October 2001

I understand it starting at the bottom, but it doesn't 'gradually' move up as the vehicle warms. All other vehicles I have owned have gradually moved up as the engine warmed.

For example, it took 7.5 miles this morning (about 12 minutes of driving) for the gauge to 'pop' into place about halfway up. The outside temp was around 54f.

Just wanted to give some more information. Is that the way they work?

Thanks.

toyrota · October 2001

No, this is not normal. I have the same truck as you, and when I cold start my engine, the temp guage slowly moves to the center (normal operating temp).

smgilles · October 2001

If it is not gradually moving up the temp. gauge, then I would say there is some sort of malfunction. I assumed it appeared stuck at the bottom and then "gradually" moved up the temp. gauge. Sorry I misunderstood you the first time. Mine starts at the bottom and slowly works it way up as the engine warms up.

raybear · October 2001

J.P.-Shop away! There are much better deals to be had. Are you willing to travel to SoCal? Prices get better the farther south you go, but there are some decent Bay Area dealers.

jmyrick · October 2001

Maybe it has something to do with it being a 4 cylinder. I know most people have the 6. Here's the details to be sure:

2001 Toyota Tacoma Doublecab 4 cylinder auto

If anyone has an experience to share, either way, please post so I can compile some numbers. The guy at the service was somewhat of a "know-it-all" anyway and won't believe me unless I push.

Thanks.

chiweiho · October 2001

i did not know they made a DC with 4 cylinders, it is not even a option. what does your engine indicates when you pop the hood? 3.4? it's got be slow. do you purchased this in the US?

regarding the temperature: it will move slowly to the mid position.

jmyrick · October 2001

Don't know exactly, but it is a 4 cyclinder. Maybe 2.7 or something? They had several of them where I bought it.

I get about 23 MPG so far after 2700 miles. It won't win any races of course, but it suits me just fine as far as power and speed is concerned. I was more interested in stretching a few MPG's than speed or power. I mainly drive highway back and forth to work.

Thanks for the info on the gauge. Sounds like the service guy sold me a line and I've got a problem with mine.

Thanks.

kavedim · October 2001

As I either come to an easy stop or pop my foot off the brake after waiting for a light - the tranny seems to "clunk" down into first. From what I've read here and other sites, this is common, but should I accept that as a reason to live with it? I'm not at all dissatisfied by it's performance (no hesitation, bucking, or slippage), but it's rather annoying to have purchased a brand new car with only 600 miles... that seems to have a transmission that doesn't know where to go next. Then again, it is a truck. But then again, this is the 21st Century - people have been building automatics for a quite while.
Or... is it axle wrap that I keep hearing about?
Thanks for any input -dave.

jmyrick · October 2001

Mine does the exact same thing. I mentioned this to the service manager and he said that the transmission sometimes doesn't go all the way down to first as a 'feature' and sometimes even starts in second. I've also spoken with some other owners and they have experience the same thing. So I'm guessing they all do it. Kinda' feels like someone might be hitting you in the back sometimes.

What about your temperature gauge? Does it gradually come up on a cold start or 'pop' into place after driving a while?

Thanks.

toyrota · October 2001

It's axle wrap...I've just learned to live with it. Seems like the dealer would just mess it up more if they started tearing into it.

kavedim · October 2001

As for my temperature gauge... I'm going to have to pay attention to it for you. Hap-hazzardly noticing, every morning it's all the way down, and next time I look down - it's suddenly in the middle. But I'll take note of it later in the day and let you know. As for the the axle wrap, I'm considering an AAL (add-a-leaf).

jtd1 · October 2001

For all of those who have over-fenders on the 2001 DC, Toyota has come out with a new strip to fix the molding. I had mine in the shop twice for the same reason on the third try they ordered the NEW strips form Toyota. They seem to hold much better. I have only had them a week.
As for the 'clunk' when you stop - mine does that too. I was told it was the transmission not shifting into first. They also told me to try taking my foot off the break while I am still rolling, then re-apply the break. It seems to work, but it takes some getting used to.

kavedim · October 2001

I'm glad that they FINALLY took care of the trim for you. Is that something they knew all along but were too cheap to order, as if the shop time doesn't count, nor yours? Anyway as for the clunking, it just seems odd that they can't "fix" the problem, if indeed it is the tranny.

tacoma4me · October 2001

I have a some questions for you experienced Taco owners, and buyers. I am ready to plunk down some cash, and want some opinions first.

1) Has anyone ordered a vehicle via the web, such as carsdirect.com? If so, how did it go? Looks like you can cut out a lot of haggling, but have no experience with this.

2) Has anyone special ordered a Tacoma? I know what features I want, but the local dealers don't have them. I asked about special orders, and didn't get much info. How long does it take to get them? I am interested in a "Limited" but no one has em.

3) Is there a difference between the bucket seats found on the SR5's and the Limited? The Limited say that they are a "sport" seat with power lumbar. Is it the same shape and pad etc as the SR5, but with power lumbar?

Thanks for the help, I can hardly wait to get my new truck. I have a Mazda now, and will happily put it out to pasture.

jmyrick · October 2001

Thank goodness. I've already had mine replaced once too. The service guy said I was washing it too hard and catching it and pulling it loose. So I walked out on the lot and looked at the new ones with the flares and they were all already coming off too. I told him I guess they were washing theirs too hard as well since they all were coming off.

As far as the difference in the seats - I don't know. But I can tell you that I think the seats in the Tacoma are somewhat uncomfortable for a long ride. Short trips are ok. Just can't seem to find that perfect riding position. My 2 cents.

kavedim - please post a message to let me know what you find with your temperature gauge when you start it up cold. Thanks.

raybear · October 2001

I work on the web, actually compete with carsdirect. Lots of people order through the internet. Special orders can take a couple of months extra and in some cases simply are unavailable. Usually you're better off seeing what is on a dealer's lot and shopping those specifications.

kavedim · October 2001

Hey jmyrick, mine "seems" to work. But it's really quick. It doesn't go anywhere for a while, and then within a minute it starts climbing to the center, I'm figuring the t-stat just opened and the coolants circulating (but I'm no mechanic). It works neither like my Honda or Benz.

human_guise · October 2001

Raybear, so far I have contacted a handful of dealers on my list. 3 have '01 PreRunner DC's, and out of those the most sincere-sounded salesman I have spoken with is at Ron Goode Toyota across the Bay, in Alameda. He has a silver 2WD DC TRD in stock (yes!). The others are trying to sell me on new '02's, claiming that the price difference is "minimal". They also told me that the newer '02 models will all come with a TRD package as standard. True, or just a bunch of hooey? Alas, SoCal is not an option at this time, but who knows?

raybear · October 2001

human_guise, I reall don't know the model as well as your dealers, but I agree there isn't much difference year-over-year.

If they say the price difference is minimal, let'em prove it.

As to options, my information shows the TRD as extra. The dealers may mean that the truck is being shipped this way, no exceptions. That would be common Toyota practice.

kavedim · October 2001

Don't know what's happening in the Bay, but I just bought my 2002 DC SR5 3.4 auto two weeks ago down in Orange County, CA. About a quarter of the 2002s DC's were TRD.

reynolds6 · October 2001

I think I'm also experiencing what others have talked about with my '01 D-cab 4WD w/ ABS. It seems to be that the transmission is shifting upon acceleration to cause this hesitation and it is not what I have understood axle wrap to be. However, I don't know that I have ever experienced axle wrap before and I could be mistaken. I'm going to see if the position of the ECT switch has any effect on this phenomenon.
The overfender molding on mine is coming loose too. I know that I can't be washing it too roughly. It has got to be a problem with the molding.

dcabman1 · October 2001

Thanks toyrota, bsparx, and tacoma4me for the feedback on the seats. My plan is to move forward to purchase a '02 DC SR5 and I was concerned about potential problems with the front seats. In light of your comments, I can't justify paying the extra money for a Limited when the primary difference between the SR5 is the deluxe seats. However, if anyone on the board had any serious complaints about the SR5 seats, I'd like to hear them.

Has anyone gone through the special order process to purchase a DC? Are there any special considerations or problems that you would recommend watching out for? My local dealer seems reputable but I'd like to learn how best to proceed with the special order process from standpoint.

Lastly, has anyone seen a DC SR5 4x4 with a sunroof? My dealer seems to think that this is a difficult, perhaps impossible option, to find. I'd be interested to know if anyone has any field data to the contrary.

Thanks.

bsparx · October 2001

Keep looking. I visited so many Bay Area dealers (Hanlees-Richmond, Downtown-Oakland, Goode-Alameda, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Hayward, Fremont, Nohr's Imports...) before I finally found a dealer with the truck I wanted on their lot and a good deal. There are so many around here that they really don't want to do dealer trades and lose their hold-backs. I bought from Bill (fleet manager) at Berkeley Toyota. I bought on the last day of the month - helps sales totals. I had 2 internet offers, printed out, with me (from Walnut Creek and Oakland) and he beat one and matched the other - $900 over invoice. Don't worry if they act pissed off or personal, because buying a Toyota, you won't see them again for a long time anyway! Keep looking until you find the truck you want, at the price you want. You'll help yourself if you can compromise or at least have a few choices on color. My primary want was Prerunner V6, no TRD. I got my second choice color - dark green. Just passed 25,000 miles today and still love the truck. Sorry for WOT.

Ben

balser · October 2001

Does anyone have any experience with the bed rug Toyota offers? A local dealer has a DC on the lot with one and I was wondering how they hold up in comparison to a spray-on liner. Can it be removed or is it glued in? The truck has a Toyota SnugTop cap already on it too. Thanks.

dcabman1 · October 2001

Has anyone owning a DC with a sunroof had a problem with interior headroom? The salesman at the dealership said that a sunroof eats up 2" of headroom. I'm curious as to whether it causes a problem for people sitting in the front seat that are 6' 3" tall? Thanks.

wsnoble · October 2001

Not the same but I have a tilt + slide sunroof in my 98 Taco XCab. It takes up no head room because it goes up and out.

I am thinking of now getting a D-Cab and have an email into the American Sunroof Company (They do all of Honda's M-Roof's) to see what they can do with the D-Cab. My hope is that i can put a roof in like the one in the 4runner. I'll post their response when i get it...

Cheers
-wsn

chiweiho · October 2001

DC SR5 4x4 with a sunroof???

almost non-existent, or pay at a premium, good luck on getting the color you wanted, the option for Toyota to put in a ASC sunroof is at 1k. There should not be a headroom issue. I have seen non ASC sunroofs, but it's not under factory warranty.

I have the DC SR5 4x4, I wanted the sunroof till I saw the price, then I was a little concerned if I go off road, twisting and shaking.

I wanted to order a non-option DC 4x4, but the dealer was not being helpfull, it would have saved me about 4k.

Hey, good luck getting a DC, you'll have fun driving it.

toadman · October 2001

A good strategy is to send e-mails for price quotes to all Toyota dealers with-in a 50 mile radius with the specs you are looking for. Each Toyota dealer has their own web site with a list of new and used inventory. You can get a pretty good idea on what's available and which dealer may have more choices on the lot that match what you are looking for. The website has a location where you can submit your quote request to the internet/fleet sales manager. Some may send an e-mail to give them a call and others will send you a quote. If the price is right then you've got your self a new truck.

That is how I landed my Taco SR5 4x4 DC. It was painless and haggle free. Good luck.

beantaco · October 2001

I am just about to purchase my first toyota...DC SR5 4x4...and wonder if any on can give me a real opinion on how this vehicle may perform in northern Vermont winters with much ice and deep snow....winter looms, the leaves are off the trees.the convertable goes into storage in the barn..4x4 time!! thanks all

kavedim · October 2001

Hey folks,
I've posted before about my problem (clunky tranny), and it appears that way too many people have this problem for it to be a fluke. I refuse to buy the "characteristic" shpeel of the dealerships. Am I the only one who thinks this is a class-action problem? The last thing I want is some novice tech monkeying around with the tranny and mickey-mousing it to death. I want a solution - for the "real" problem that it is. If there are others who've posted or just read and agreed about their car having a problem, please let me know. Either on this site or at TacomaDCtranny@hotmail.com. Thanks -dave.

toadman · October 2001

Just interested to know how many miles are on your truck when you noticed the tranny problem. I've got just under 2k on mine and have noticed no problems of any kind.

beantaco,

If this is your first 4x4 truck or truck for that matter; drive cautiously. Make sure you put a few hundred pounds of weight in the bed. The rear will have a tendency to fish tail, less so in 4x4 mode but it's still exists. Watch the ice on the main roads, studded tires on all 4 wheels is a good bet. It'll get you through snow drifts but it isn't a snowmobile. I spent 10 years finding out what a truck will and won't do in snow and ice up in Alaska. And believe me I've had some scarey rides finding out the hard way. A 4x4 of any kind is not invincible on ice and snow covered roads. Drive with a soft foot and you'll be fine.

kavedim · October 2001

Hey beantaco,
I noticed it w/in the first hundred miles. And now it always has a hard time getting down to first (either before or after coming to a complete stop). Anyhow, it's the 4x2 3.4 auto. Other than the tranny, everything else is fine. Appreciate the winter driving tips, too.

human_guise · October 2001

According to the majority of dealers around here. They have instead been trying to steer me in the direction of a new 2002, claiming that the price is the "same." The "best" price that I have obtained (Walnut Creek) is dealer invoice cost +$600 for a TRD DC, and $100 less for a non-TRD model. I think I can do better on both of these prices.

beantaco · October 2001

Thanks for the responses...I am a 4x4 driver (88 Trooper, 94 Mazda B4000), and have had the greatest success with a 97 chevy tahoe with Nokia Hakkapelitta LT 10's snows with studs...I have saved these tire to put on whatever truck I buy...I agree there is no substitute for a light foot...but studs sure have saved my *ss!...

Toad man, what has been the best ride for you? are you in a Toyota DC now?

wsnoble · October 2001

Well still no response on a "4-Runner" type moonroof cost, but I did order my D-Cab yesterday

2002 D-Cab 4x4

I got it with:
LX (SR5)
AA (Large wheels and Alloy)
AB (ABS)
CQ (Convenience Pack (Cruise/Power/SRW)

It cost me 23041 + 485 (400 over and 85 doc fee)

Due in 4-6 weeks

You can order through some dealers (Mine is in NH)

I'll chime in when i get the sunrrof response

Cheers
-wsn

blackalley1 · October 2001

I have been looking around at the taco D-cab 4x4 and I haven't seen any with a towing package. I would like to know does the taco already come equipped to tow, therefore a tow hitch would be the only thing that I would have to put on, or is there a tow package out there and I have just not seen it.

Thanks for any info.

reynolds6 · October 2001

There is a towing package available. I have it on my '01 D-cab 4WD. It includes a receiver hitch, 4 pole trailer wiring harness, the hitch that slides in the receiver and a pin to hold it in place. I pulled my aunt's disabled Saturn home on a U-haul dolly on Sunday and everything worked fine. I have read here on an Edmunds board that the wiring harness uses relays to power the trailer lighting so that it won't overload your existing electrical system but I haven't crawled underneath my truck to see for myself yet.

blackalley1 · October 2001

Thank you for the information. I went out and purchased one last night. It is a Taco D-cab 4x4 but it doesn't have the trailer hitch or any of that. So I most likely will be able to go down to the dealership and have then put a hitch on. I am assuming. But as far as the brakes go are all equipped to handle towing? It sounds like the only thing mine did not come with is a trailer hitch. If I am wrong please let me know. These trucks are hard to come by. especially the 4x4's.
It took me 8 dealerships before I found one 4x4, it just happen to be the one that I wanted.

reynolds6 · October 2001

I don't believe that there is such a thing as better brakes or something like a larger oil cooler as a Toyota option for the purposes of towing. You just get whatever is stock for the D-cab. One thing that I did notice in the owner's manual was that the TRD package actually decreases the load handling capacity of the vehicle. I wonder if that is suspension or drivetrain related issue? The cheaper Tacoma body configurations have what Toyota calls an all-weather guard equipment option. This included a higher capacity alternator, battery, etc. and is std. on the d-cab models. The hitch is Reese brand and you may be able to get it cheaper aftermarket than from a dealer, but the wiring harness may be proprietary and I think you buy it all as a package from the dealer. You may also want to keep an eye on Ebay, too. I got my bed extender there much cheaper than I could from any dealer and it is an OEM part complete with proper brackets.
I know what you are talking about with regard to the lack of 4WDs. There were a lot of them when I bought mine at the end of June but as the model year drew to a close, they seemed to concentrate almost exclusively on production of prerunner d-cabs. Good luck with your new truck! I'm still happy with mine.

tbunder · October 2001

the cheapest price you've seen or bought a d/c 4x4 with? and if you don't get the trd pkg, what constitues which wheels you get? the alloys, steel, or chrome steel? i kinda like the painted steel wheels. but how do you choose and what are those lights in the bumper? are they fogs or parking lights? also, what tires are on the non trd equipped trucks? brochure is unclear on this stuff.
thx

wsnoble · October 2001

I got the AA Wheel package on my non-TRD DCab.

My logic is that when you choose SR5 you have to spend $288 for the Steel Wheels, and for another $400 you can get the alloys. The Alloys are $600-800 after market so they are a bargain @ $400

I paid $485 over invoice and I got to order what i wanted for options (AB,AA,SR5,CQ)

I think they are parking lights in the bumper, but i'm not %100 sure on that...

Cheers
-wsn

sc0rpi0 · October 2001

The deal with the wheels is this:
if you arent going to get a lift and get bigger tires, you might as well go with the cheapest wheels, steel in this case. However, if you want to later get a 33"x12.5"x15 tires, and don't want to spend additional $400-$500 on the new wheels, you need to get alloys. (33s would fit a little tight, but I heard they can be run on the alloys. 32s certainly can).

tbunder · October 2001

difference? all tacoma 4x4 wheels for '02 are the same sizes, all 16's. im just wondering what the "wheel upgrade #3" package is, as listed on the toyota site under one of their popular packages they make you choose. according to their "build you own" site, you can't pick what wheels you want unless you get the trd pkg. im just trying to figure out the cheapest way to get a d/c 4x4 in white, with power everything and not those cheesy dunlop car tires. i dont want to spend over $23,000, i will pay with cash. couldn't a person just add the TRD sticker onto a normal tacoma with the alloys? after all, the major TRD accessory is the locker right? no one would ever know you didn't really have the TRD. and imo, the sticker on all trucks these days on the bed, really balances out the exterior. it adds a sort of sporty touch to it, while making it not quite as plain. what do you think?

so does anyone REALLY know how you get either the steel, chrome steel, and alloy wheels on a new tacoma? i plan on ordering right from the dealer. also, how long does it take to arrive after ordered?

sc0rpi0 · October 2001

When you get a 4x4 Taco, you have to upgrade the tires to R16. 4x4s dont come in R15 version. So when you choose a package like SR5, it'll ask which wheel upgrade you want: TRD comes with the alloy wheels (#2), stock 4x4 wheels are steel, and #2 is just chromed steel for greater shine.
As far as TRD package goes, aside from lockers you get the Bilsteins, but I think you can really install them yourself afterwards if you want to save money.
The 2002 DC 4x4 is 22.6 MSRP base price, are you trying to not pay more than 23K MSRP or 23K invoice?

smgilles · October 2001

When I ordered my taco it took 6 weeks to get here. You can order any tire package you want when you are ordering. For tires when it comes with the Dunlops just get credit for those 4 and spend the extra $100 and get the tires you want. My Dad does this with every Ford truck he buys. Yes, you can buy just TRD stickers for $50 bucks, but no the locker is not the only difference.

You get bigger leafs in the rear, 46mm Bilstein Shocks, the locker, heavier sway bar, and the 16" alloys. The skid plates come on both types. Drive a TRD set up and a non-setup, you will notice the difference.

Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

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