If you had it to over again, would you still buy a Tacoma?

[briq4]

I was behind one of those mammoth Ford F350's the other day and was thinking to myself how the hell do you put anything in it or get it down without killing yourself. Unless you have a step ladder there is no way to even see what is in the bed. Yes the Tacoma isn't a work truck, but that's a given, it's a compact (sorta) P/U, for occasional hauling of yard stuff, furniture, etc. And it's priced as so. I think it's the perfect sized truck, just big enough to feel like a real truck and small enough to make you forget your in one from time to time.

On the downside I guess it's just me but I find getting into the truck to be awkward. I'm only 6 foot and I just can't seem to get the whole one motion into the truck down. If I try I'll hit my head becuase the roofline is too low. I don't know exaclty how to describe it but it's nto easy to get into, out of is a piece of cake.

The gas mileage is not all that great but again it's a v-6 and I gotta say I'm not gentle on it. It's a truck and wasn't meant to be driven like a car. SO I don't. One of the odd things I found is that this engine says the spark plugs have to be changed ever 30,000 miles, not that it's a big deal, but even my little civic can make it 110,000.

OH and one of the other odd things is the location of the parking brake. I've finally gotten used to it and when I jump back in the civic to go somewhere I'm always reaching for it where it is in the Tacoma.

Last thing I can think of is that it would be nice if there was a little chirp that you could hear when you lock the doors with the remote. I can't see the lights flash in the daylight and if your on a street with a car going by you can't hear the lock's actuate. My Civic you hit it once it locks you hit it again it locks again and sounds the cheesy little civic horn to let ya know it's locked. But I still give my taco the

[Streaks]

Originally Posted by AlpineTaco

To keep it short, call up some of my past forum posts and read 'em... From the start I've had problems with the Tacoma, the first truck being returned under the Lemon Law. It didn't get any better after that...and it appears the joke is actually on me - complements of Toyota.

Really sorry for your troubles man!! I do remember some of your posts.

Bummer that someone has to get the shaft sometimes.

Hope your future purchases go better!!

[Marazzito]

No the Tacoma isn't a F250 or F350 or even a Tundra nor do I expect it to tow a 10,000 lb trailer or haul 4,000 lbs. For what it is, it is a a pretty darn good truck. Sure there are a few things I would change and a few things I have changed. Rear suspension sucks for hauling anything more than 400 lbs. I added Supersprings and they fixed that problem. I tow a 6,000 lb trailer with another 500 lbs in the bed and the Tacoma handles the weight well. The engine is happy to work hard to pull the trailer and my temp gauge has not even budged once yet and I have done some pretty long trip so far with pretty hot tempuratures. I plan on towing to Moab, Utah (from CA). I don't think there is any other midsized that would be up to that task with being overloaded (I am pushing the limits) except maybe the new Dakota, but it has an even lower payload than the Tacoma. The size of the truck is perfect for me, it is not to big for a daily driver and not top hard on the mpgs, but big enough to be considered a truck. It is really quick for a truck which is nice for merging on to to freeways with short on ramps. The 4.0 so far has really proven it's self as a reliable engine. Of course it is not perfect, but no vehicle ever will be. I love my truck and I am not surprised to see most people seem feel the same.

[Mike-in-WV]

I'm 61 and have owned 4x4's all my life or at least from the age of 15. This 2.7 extended cab Tacoma of mine is the best I have ever owned. There have been others with much more power and more space inside but this Tacoma fit's my needs perfectly and has never let me down off or on road and I have been some places off road that would make a grown man cry from fear,Lol.
I would not own any Tacoma newer than 2004. That's the last year they made real Tacoma's. Mike

[Bakemono]

I want to thank everyone who has responded thus far. I think I will definetly be looking into getting some kind of helper springs when the time comes. For hauling a bedload of firewood, I think its almost going to be a must.

[Stormin]

In a heartbeat...

[2006trdd]

Yeah, I'd do it all over again, and get the off road package again. Even if the gas prices are over $3.00 per gallon.

[polar bear]

I had a 1999 Land Crusier for 8 years and the only time it was in the shop was the 50,000 mi. servicing and once for the center cup holder. Fantastic vehicle. I traded it in thinking I was going to get the new Tundra. Too big but a '06 4-door Tacoma caught my eye. Got a great deal on a sharp truck with nice amenities. It's noisy (wipers and wind noise) and a poor ride but ... you get what you pay for. It's not a Land Crusier and if they changed the body style I would have gotten another Crusier but the Truck is still a bargin.

[Bakemono]

^ You cant expect a Tacoma to ride as smooth as your Land Cruiser just because of how much lighter the Tacoma is.

[jbutler]

So far so good with my Tacoma. I've owned alot of Ford Rangers but they were just too small for me and the small business I run.

I've also owned the full size Ford, and F350, and a few full size chevy trucks. The 350 was waaayyy too big for my needs. I must say the Tacoma fits a niche for me. I didn't need a big truck due to traffic and parking in the city but the ranger was too small.

The composite bed, double cab, and the comfort of the Tacoma suits me fine. I definitely rate this truck a "BUY".

Jason

[AlpineTaco]

Originally Posted by Streaks

Really sorry for your troubles man!! I do remember some of your posts.

Bummer that someone has to get the shaft sometimes.

Hope your future purchases go better!!

I attribute the lack of quality to this so-called global economy. There is not one automaker out there that is the sole manufacture of a vehicle. This is done to cut costs, but sadly it also cuts quality. Each and every complaint I've had eventually turned into a TSB. Not that the TSB fully fixed my issue (such as my transmission). But in my eyes, this puts weight to the credibility of my complaints. However, Toyota doesn't see it this way - ignoring me every step of the way. And this is why I have an attitude <step off soapbox>

[bennicde]

no, I'd get a full size truck, most likely a Dodge

[rob_s]

I'm trying to decide between a Taco, Tundra, or stick with my '05 Escalade.

The Taco seems to be somewhat misleading, as people seem to be reporting MPG around 15+/- while the Tundras seem to only be 2-3 less. That's not really worth much to me as it's only about $1k/year even at $4/gallon.

The Tundra also appears to have a tighter turning diameter by 2', which strikes me as odd, and limits the perceived benefit of the smaller truck.

[DOC9426]

I wish I could raise the seat a bit, other than that, I love my tacoma.

[Rick323]

I really like my truck. I've had problems and still have problems with it but it rides nice, gets good gas mileage. I really like the 4.0 motor. First gear should be lower as should 2nd and reverse is way to high (with a trailer on I have to use low range). For awhile 4 wheel drive didn't work, a sensor or something was bad. My cd player only works now if I hit the dash. The fuel gauge is starting to act up-at times it will only go to 3/4 even though I just filled it. Next time I start it, it will read full. It's incredibly difficult to start-the clutch has to be pushed in as hard as I can and as far to the right as possible or it won't start (same for putting in low range).

I certainly don't regret getting my Tacoma.

I wish I could get a slightly larger truck (half ton) with a standard tranny and still get 18-22 mpg but I don't think that will happen anytime soon.