in a nutshell, can you guys tell me about toyota tacomas?

[vash]

leaning this way.

what year has the 4.0L? is it much better than the previous motor? has to be a reliable truck right?

any years that i should look out for? stay away from? prices and mileage are all over the place!! i cannot get a feel for it.

i need a 4x4. bugs me that some people dont even mention if it is 2 or 4wd in their ads. lame.

[MBAtarga]

I've got an '01, 2WD/Auto - no use for the 4WD. Bought it to replace a much older hand-me-down Chevy truck, wanted air bags in order to teach the kids how to drive.

Talk about reliability! I've owned it for 4+ yrs, been in the shop 0 times for problems!

[emcon5]

I have a 1998 4X4 with just over 100K miles, no major problems, and the minor ones have been self inflicted due to lack of maintenance. Hoping to install the new plugs and wires this weekend.

My uncle has one with around 300K, also with no major problems.

I think the 4.0 came out in 2005, frankly I don't think it is that much of an improvement. Maybe if you tow, but even then I towed my 85 Toyota 4X4 to Oklahoma with my Tacoma, and it also hauls the race car and trailer with no drama.

The newer Tacomas, 2005+ IIRC are a little larger and heavier. The earlier models are pretty much the same size as the last generation Toyota trucks, where the current Tacoma is about the same size as the T100.

Honestly, I like the smaller ones better.

[fastfredracing]

I think there was a recall on frames that prematurely rusted through. I am not sure what years were inflicted, do your homework. Other than that, it's a Toyota , what else can you say. Front disc brake pads can be a real mother to replace, the pins will occasionally stick in the calipers. Good litttle trucks

[Chocaholic]

I had an 06 with the 4.0 and could tow my 4k lb boat easily. Wish I never sold it. Great rig. And...got 20 mpg+ on the hwy.

[pete3799]

2003 with 114,000mi. double cab 4x4
Never been back to the dealer.
Rides terrible, but very reliable.

[berettafan]

had the prior model in a std. cab 4x4. LOVED it dearly. had to give it up when the little guy came along. absolutely fantastic truck and quite fun to drive (5spd). the 4cyl was more than up to the task of towing my 14' TDB.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Awesome trucks, last forever, insane resale value. I've seen older well-kept Tacomas with over 300k selling for $5k+. If you want a compact truck, it's the only one I'd consider. If you want to do some research, yotatech is an excellent resource.

[Tim Walsh]

Dad's got a 96 stripper model(2.4L 4cyl, manual transmission, 2wd, regular cab). He's had it since new, 160K and all he's done is gas, tires and oil. The only issue he's had is a worn shifter bushing that would make it pop out of first occasionally.

[vash]

i found a decent one in LA. i good friend is going to kick the tires for me.

seller answered all the questions just the way i like em.

[berettafan]

be sure to compare toyota certified used vs. private seller if that is an option.

[NICKG]

if you don't need a hd truck(ie not a diesel)...and you don't buy a toyota, you're nuts.

[craigster59]

I've got an '07 extended cab 4x4. Great truck, the V6 has decent power and maintenance is easy (the oil filter sits on top at the front of the engine). The extra cab has 4 doors but if you have to sit in the back you might as well be in a 911. If you're going to haul people, get the crew cab. The 4x4 works great, look for locking differential and the 120v power outlet option, I've used both with success.

[The Gaijin]

The model with the rust issue are all being bought up by Totota. They found my Uncle and offered him an amazing trade in, basically a new vehicle. It is one of the SUVs..

[Seahawk]

I have a 1999 extended cab 4x4 TRD with the 2.4L. I have really, really used this truck on the farm and I have had zero issues in 175k.

They aren't for everyone, but it will get my 14 year old son through college

[aminter0]

I've got an 08, 4.0 v6, with 50k miles. I have the TRD off-road package, crew cab, but it is 2 wheel drive with the rear locker. Something to think about, the TRD package's, either Sport or Off-Road has different seats then the regular sr5 model. Many people have said the seats in the SR5 are uncomfortable, and they do not have lumbar support (to my knowledge at least).

If you are looking at on 05-08 model, there was an issue with the rear leaf springs. Simple way to find out is looking at the rear lead pack. If the truck has a 3 leaf pack, you will find it bottoms out rather easily and does not take to a small load, or any load, nicely. Toyota will replace it, but you have to make a stink about it.

Otherwise... great trucks!

[IROC]

2001 Tacoma DoubleCab. I bought it new in November 2000. 95k miles and absolutely ZERO problems. Even tows my 911 well.

[porsche4life]

My dad had an '06 4x4 dbl cab. That truck had all the options except JBL. Had a factory Borla exhaust. That thing would haul. Rode good and never had problems. Easiest vehicle ever to change the oil on.

[vash]

you guys are great! i think i can borrow my brother's diesel for "the great adventure" if need be. i cannot imagine rolling around the bay area with a humongous 3/4 ton diesel. the seller told me he gets 20 mpg on the highway, and from you guys, i believe him.

[stealthn]

I think the frame-rust issue with 2000-2006 and like someone said they will buy back your truck at an amazing return