After buying my daughter a nearly immaculate 1996 Taco, I've decided that for my next vehicle it will be a 2005-up Taco. I do have a few questions.
1) Do the seats on the newer models sit up off the floor more than say the 96 model like she has? This is the only part of the truck that is uncomfortable to me. I feel like I'm sitting right on the floorboard. I hope the newer ones sit up off the floor more.
2) I went to the Toyota build your Tacoma section and noticed a couple of things. It wouldn't let me pick a double cab 4x4 in a long bed or even standard configuration, it would only let me choose short bed. Have they dropped the long bed option in the double cab 4x4 configuration? If I chose the SR5 Sport model, it would not let me choose the locking rear differential option. What the heck is up with that? I like the look of the Sport model, but I want the locking diff option.
3) Is the TRD supercharger worth the $7500 installed price? How does it afect your fuel mileage (assuming you drive it normally most of the time)?
4) I don't buy new trucks so I will be looking at a used one. Is there a preferred year model or any year model to avoid?
Last edited by Mike from Texas; 07-04-2009 at 11:24 AM.
It might be better for you to go look at some in person some times the build your truck part of toyota's web site does not work so you have to go see what they have instock.
1) Do the seats on the newer models sit up off the floor more than say the 96 model like she has? This is the only part of the truck that is uncomfortable to me. I feel like I'm sitting right on the floorboard. I hope the newer ones sit up off the floor more.
Best if you sat in one to see how it fits you... but the short answer is that most people (myself included) feel like the seats could stand to be a little higher. I really, really wish a power driver's seat, height-adjustable and with memory settings, had been available.
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2) I went to the Toyota build your Tacoma section and noticed a couple of things. It wouldn't let me pick a double cab 4x4 in a long bed or even standard configuration, it would only let me choose short bed. Have they dropped the long bed option in the double cab 4x4 configuration? If I chose the SR5 Sport model, it would not let me choose the locking rear differential option. What the heck is up with that? I like the look of the Sport model, but I want the locking diff option.
There is (or was) a long bed DC configuration, but I don't recall just what it was. Search might help you, or someone might chime in. If I run across it, I'll post back here.
3) I dunno
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4) I don't buy new trucks so I will be looking at a used one. Is there a preferred year model or any year model to avoid?
Most people try to avoid the first year of any model run, but we have had no issues with our 2005 DC. The trucks have remained basically unchanged, but there have been some updated electronic features added, and I *think* the newer ones come with stouter rear springs.
The Sport model is not available with locking differential. It is only available with the TRD Off Road model, or so my manual states. I also personally would not be looking for a truck with a supercharger on a "used" vehicle.
The Sport model is not available with locking differential. It is only available with the TRD Off Road model, or so my manual states. I also personally would not be looking for a truck with a supercharger on a "used" vehicle.
1) Do the seats on the newer models sit up off the floor more than say the 96 model like she has? This is the only part of the truck that is uncomfortable to me. I feel like I'm sitting right on the floorboard. I hope the newer ones sit up off the floor more.
Not sure how they compare to the older tacoma's, but they definitely sit up higher than the old toyota pickups (had a '91). I don't feel like we're sitting too low anymore.
2) I went to the Toyota build your Tacoma section and noticed a couple of things. It wouldn't let me pick a double cab 4x4 in a long bed or even standard configuration, it would only let me choose short bed. Have they dropped the long bed option in the double cab 4x4 configuration? If I chose the SR5 Sport model, it would not let me choose the locking rear differential option. What the heck is up with that? I like the look of the Sport model, but I want the locking diff option.
My guess is that the long bed, DC 4x4 option isn't available in your area. Interesting enough, I tried it myself using a fort worth zip code and confirmed it does what your saying. I then tried it with my zip code. Not only can I get it in my DC 4x4 LB configuration, but it uses a completely different view/application in building a vehicle in my area. Just to confirm what was said above, the locking diff is only available with the off-road packages...which you cannot get in a DC LB config.
4) I don't buy new trucks so I will be looking at a used one. Is there a preferred year model or any year model to avoid?
Depends. There are some things to watch out for that are vehicle-specific problems. If looking at an '05, just check the welds on the driver's side engine mount. There was a problem with the weld on a few of the first ones out the door (although I haven't experienced this myself). If you're looking at an automatic, then you don't have to worry about the clutch squeak problems. And if you look at an '09 or newer, make sure it doesn't have the acceleration lag that some experience. I won't go into the other nitpicky things others experience on the various years. Really there aren't any major year-specific problems to steer you away from a specific year, just mostly vehicle-specific problems.
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The Sport model is not available with locking differential. It is only available with the TRD Off Road model, or so my manual states. I also personally would not be looking for a truck with a supercharger on a "used" vehicle.
Not looking for one with the SC already installled. I would have it installed if I feel like it may be worth it. I will have the dealer install to retain warranty.
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Originally Posted by 05Moose
1) Do the seats on the newer models sit up off the floor more than say the 96 model like she has? This is the only part of the truck that is uncomfortable to me. I feel like I'm sitting right on the floorboard. I hope the newer ones sit up off the floor more.
Not sure how they compare to the older tacoma's, but they definitely sit up higher than the old toyota pickups (had a '91). I don't feel like we're sitting too low anymore.
2) I went to the Toyota build your Tacoma section and noticed a couple of things. It wouldn't let me pick a double cab 4x4 in a long bed or even standard configuration, it would only let me choose short bed. Have they dropped the long bed option in the double cab 4x4 configuration? If I chose the SR5 Sport model, it would not let me choose the locking rear differential option. What the heck is up with that? I like the look of the Sport model, but I want the locking diff option.
My guess is that the long bed, DC 4x4 option isn't available in your area. Interesting enough, I tried it myself using a fort worth zip code and confirmed it does what your saying. I then tried it with my zip code. Not only can I get it in my DC 4x4 LB configuration, but it uses a completely different view/application in building a vehicle in my area. Just to confirm what was said above, the locking diff is only available with the off-road packages...which you cannot get in a DC LB config.
4) I don't buy new trucks so I will be looking at a used one. Is there a preferred year model or any year model to avoid?
Depends. There are some things to watch out for that are vehicle-specific problems. If looking at an '05, just check the welds on the driver's side engine mount. There was a problem with the weld on a few of the first ones out the door (although I haven't experienced this myself). If you're looking at an automatic, then you don't have to worry about the clutch squeak problems. And if you look at an '09 or newer, make sure it doesn't have the acceleration lag that some experience. I won't go into the other nitpicky things others experience on the various years. Really there aren't any major year-specific problems to steer you away from a specific year, just mostly vehicle-specific problems.
I haven't sat in one, but just window shopping on the lots, they look like they sit higher than hers does. In her truck I feel like the seat almost sits right on the floor. I would probably be looking at trucks in the 2006-2007 range.
If you're looking into an automatic, make sure it shifts smooth on all upshifts and during torque converter lockup. If it seems harsh, steer clear from that particular truck because it'll eventually fail. My 05 was brand new and it had a pretty poor automatic transmission, but it started around 8-10k miles and failed at 21k. When the back wheels hop on a 1-2 upshift, you know you've got a bad trans. Pay close attention to the 4-5 upshift and 5th gear lockup too. If it shudders when it locks up, it wasn't taken care of.
If you're set on a manual, I can't help you there.
A lot of the guys with the TRD S/C seem to get pretty good MPG with it as long as they keep from flooring it everywhere and destroying their tires. It has a bypass valve that recirculates the excess boost back into the S/C, so you won't get any boost surge on upshifts or deceleration. The S/C's power gains are underrated since Toyota heat soaked the intercooler during SAE testing to reflect real world driving. I'd get one if I had the funds.
I have noticed in Texas the DC with regular or long beds are only available as Tundras. Since you are looking at a used vehicle, the price difference between used Tundra and Tacoma should not be significant.
If flyers I am getting from the local dealers are any indication, everyone wants to buy a used 2006 Tacoma.
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older TRD Sport models has LSD. 09 and up has Auto-LSD, which applies the brakes to the spinning tire and is not a true LSD. if you want a rear locker, get the TRD Off Road package. here in cali, i see plenty of DC Long Beds, most are sport editions though.
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No one answered the supercharger question. I have it. Love it. But did not pay your price. Perhaps they have gone up, I don't know. Mine was around $5000.
I finally made up my mind.....
It has a bypass valve that recirculates the excess boost back into the S/C, so you won't get any boost surge on upshifts or deceleration. The S/C's power gains are underrated since Toyota heat soaked the intercooler during SAE testing to reflect real world driving. I'd get one if I had the funds.
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