Review of Tacoma after 2500km road trip

I'm in on the no heated mirror bitch Fest but other than that no complaints.

OP, you can't compare a V6 with a V8. Not in the same category. and the mileage does not seem bad at all considering your mods and cargo...


Sounds like your trying to talk yourself out of the Taco... Go for it if that's what you want.

 

Was the '10 a TRD model? The SR5 seats are known to be flat and unsupportive.

 

Almost certain it is, but i could be wrong. its been awhile since ive seen it

 

are you fucking serious

 

I agree with the pricing being crazy for T4R's out here in Canada, but I would be buying used.

06-09 T4R's go for 23-28,000.
My 2011 Tacoma will easily sell for 30-31,000.

The front brakes on the Taco are the same as the BASE 4Runner at 12.5" rotors with matching calipers.

The Sport/Limited 4Runners have 13.3" rotors and larger calipers. They also have rear disc brakes. Not saying this will stop you any quicker than the Taco, but it will prevent fade a lot more.

 

I think you can compare the V6 and V8.

My Tacoma with 32's gets 18 combined.
My older 2004 4Runner with 32's got 17mpg combined.

The 06+ 4Runners have variable valve timing and get slightly better MPG, so I would call it a wash. The v8 is also meant for 87. While the v6 is meant for higher octane, I use 89. Both vehicles get a boost in power and MPG the higher octance you use.

The Taco gets 236hp/266trq
The 06+ v8 gets 260/306trq.

I think it's harder to compare a Truck to an SUV. Lately I just haven't needed a box as much as I did when I bought the truck (got a work truck from my company). So it is a lot easier to make the switch, as they will be doing similar duties.

 

No, the trailer dry weighs 900 lbs. It is classified as an ultralight. I know that will hurt my braking, but in my opinion the truck should be able to handle that light of a load without grossly effecting the brakes.


The thread has got a little off topic, and I figured the fanboy's would come, but the fact still remains. As a truck owner that uses his truck to tow, and haul weight I just don't feel the Tacoma is up to par.

It is great for light loads and offroading. One of the best, but for that I would rather have my old 2001.

 

Interesting. I guess that means the Sport/Limited 4R can no longer use 16" wheels? Were you actually getting brake fade in the Taco? Hard to believe outside the racetrack, even with the extra 1000 lb trailer.

 

Maybe you need to tow more?

I've pulled 5000lbs a number of times with my truck. You really just need to give yourself that extra room. Are you going to be able to emergency stop like an unloaded truck? Hell no. Drive defensively and know your vehicle.

If you really want to talk about driving with stuff in the back I can get into driving a 11,000lb ambulance hot with 2 practitioners and a critical patient who is having their breathing done for them...

 

No, I did not spend enough time going downhill to have any fade. The manual tranny does help slow things down on long hills.

Correct, All Sport Editions came with 17" wheels, and Limited 17/18" wheels to accomidate the larger rotors and calipers.

 

I don't care what kind of truck you're commenting on with this thread. You bought the wrong truck for your trailer, or the wrong trailer for your truck. Feel free to leave me off the fan boy list.

Can't trade in lack of towing experience, so good luck with your future purchases. You had no experience with how your truck handled your trailer (sagging rear, poor brake performance) yet you took it on a 2500 km road trip? That's a great idea. A trip around town for 45 minutes would've showed you the exact same thing. If you knew it handled poorly already and decided to take it on the road trip anyway, then that's an even worse decision.

If you don't do your part and you bitch about your Tacoma, Ranger, F series, Ram or Silverado not being up to snuff, then YOU are the idiot behind the wheel. It's not the fault of the vehicle or manufacturer that your poor decision making resulted in a less than stellar experience.

Your deal if you want to blame shortcomings on the improper tow vehicle, so please, continue your freedom to complain and rave about whatever you like. Personally, I've driven trucks that were factory ordered and spec'd for what they were going to be towing, so the F150 pulling bigger, heavier trailers up grades where F350s are slowing to a crawl isn't a super truck, it's just the right vehicle for that specific trailer. A truck doesn't make "a truck." Obviously, you see this now.

I'm sorry if I come off as an asshole. Feel free to ignore me.

Finally, sorry your truck is disappointing your needs, and again I apologize for sounding like a dick.

 

^+1 Rep!!!

 

I'm not saying the OP doesn't have valid reasons to dislike the tacoma, my original point is IMO those complaints are things you should know about before buying. To me, seems like he should have bought a full size like the tundra or even an f150.