I want to switch

Make this short and to the point:
I currently own a new 2011 Ford F250
I hate it, too big, too hard on gas, its a chore to drive.
I just found out that Toyota is the only one that makes a 4 cyl, 4X4 truck
I am interested in the axcess cab Tacoma 4X4, 2.7L with a manual trans.
I need a truck, I use a truck for hauling, I need to climb steep hills with at least 1000 lbs load in the bed
I live in an area with heavy snow storms, unplowed roads, I need and use the 4X4.
I feel the price of gas will exceed $4 a gallon by the end of the year, I need to save money on gas and feel the 4 cyl with the manual trans will almost double my gas mileage.

Question? Will the Tacoma 4cyl do the job as I expect or am I asking too much?
My truck before the F250 was the 09 F150 and I didn't like it cause it failed to go thru unplowed roads,
I haul firewood and coal and scrap metal over 40 miles one way distances
I live at high elevations with long and steep hills and I need to go at least the speed limits hauling heavy loads, I also need a good braking system for coming down those mountains.
My current truck payment is $650 month and I spend $150 a week on gas, with a Tacoma I expect a $500 month payment and $80 a week on gas, thats a savings around $400 per month
Please give me your honest opnion
Thank You

 

I think you are asking a bit much of a 4 cyl

 

Ok...dude, Theres hope. I Bought a Ram Hemi quad cab for two months, got lucky was able to trade for what i paid for it. It was like parking a school bus in a mall lot, and the gas was crazy.

The 4.0 litre v-6 is really good on gas too, so i would suggest looking at those first. Especially for what you need it for. You will have to do a add a leaf for the weight though.

 

^^ This...

 

I haul firewood in my 4 banger 4wd. Not everyday but probably 5 or six times a year. I haven't gotten stuck in the snow yet and we get a fair amount in the northwest hills of CT. My biggest fear is the brakes. I would not go down a steep hill fully loaded any higher than the speed limit. It takes a little way to stop. Not that you couldn't upgrade those and potentially be very happy. I hauled a 1,200 lb camper and a truckload of my and my fiances gear 400mi rount trip to ME last summer and averaged 23 mpg. I usually get about 21 on my typical round town drives. I never owned a full size truck so I never got used to the power they have. Best thing to do is just take one for a spin.
BTW, I thought I heard that the 2010 4cyl 4wd's are auto... anybody else want to chime in on that?

 

Just got home from the Toyota Dealer, picked out the 2011 Tacoma Axcess cab, 4 cyl stick, test drive, it was underpowered, took it on a steep hill and down shifted to 3rd gear and it pulled that hill at 65 mph.
This truck has the options of the SR5 package with alloy wheels, door seal plates and floor mats, bottom price with my trade in is $16,500, got appoved at a 4.25% rate that works out to $375 a month for 48 months, thats a big savings for me, the sales manager told me I was smart for buying the Toyota cause gas prices are going to continue to increase.
What feature I really liked was the teleoscopic steering wheel that seemed to fit me perfect, and the smooth ride really surprized me, I was reading many reviews about the truck where many owners complained about the rough ride,.
My friends say im crazy, but its a win - win for me
I already bought it tonight, pick it up tomorrow
If the gas pedal sticks at least I have enough brains to push the clutch in or put it into neutral and I believe Toyota is working harder to make a safer and trouble free truck.
The dealer also gives a free 2 year maintenance and a lifetime warranty

 

Right here was your answer.Let us know how that truck handles what your'e describing.

 

I have the 4cyl and it's great on gas but sucks for hauling (not enough power). Definitely go the V-6 route, I will next time.

 

pm me the specs on the trucks i might be interested in taking it off your hands, but not trading

 

Congrats! Lifetime warranty? That's interesting. Can you give us the details? Never heard of such a thing.

Apparently there were no reported cases of sticking gas pedals in Tacomas. 2011 models already include the shortened gas pedal, so you are good to go.

 

Damn man, I hope you made the right decision... I like Tacomas just as much as the next guy but if I had to haul 1,000 lbs in the bed daily I'd get a bigger truck. I just hope you didn't go too small and end up hating your Tacoma!

 

x2 i would def think about this choice for atleast a day or 5 being this will your 3rd truck in 2-3 years. i dont think youre gonna be happy with this choice especially hauling, and needing stopping power. i know its gonna be better for gas and daily driving but it wont be better for work

 

Congrats on the new taco, and Welcome to TW.

 

The Tacoma IS NOT a work truck. At least that is my opinion. I sure do love it though!

 

Only joking about the sticking gas pedal, I know its a scam, joking with the salesmen about it.
Lifetime warranty, unlimited time, unlimited miles
Service it anywhere, just follow the factory recommended service.
Good anywhere in U.S. and Canada
Good for an unlimited time, no extra charge to you.

(fine print on contract) Maintenance requiements, In order to keep your lifetime limited powertrain warranty valid you must follow the maintenance proceedures listed below:
#1 You are responsible for making sure the the oil warning light guage and the temperature waring light guage are fuctioning before driving vehicle.
#2 Your vehicle must recieve all scheduled maintenance as recommended by the manufactures owners manual
#3 You must keep copies of all mainteance and repair orders, Copies must indicate customers name, repair order number, repair order date VIN Number a description of your vehicle, repair order mileage and a complete description of services performed
#4 We may require you to furnish us with proof that the services have been performed, failue to show proof that all scheduled mainteance and repairs have been performed may void coverage.

What is covered: engine, transmission, front wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Deductible, $100
Not Covered: abuse, accident, thieft, tires, engine tune ups, fluids, wiper blades, noise vibration

This warranty goes into effect after the basic 3 year warranty expires
don't have to go to the dealer do the service, I can take it to the experienced oil change technicians at Wal Mart for service

 

I have a friend thats selling a 99 F250 for $4000, I may plan on owning 2 trucks and just use that truck for hauling and run my Tacoma for commuting and pleasure

 

I GOT A NEW 2011 TACOMA!!
i GOT THE V6 (manual shift 6 speed trans)

2011 Double Cab 4x4 V6, manual 6 speed

6 CD changer with XM $310
TRD Sport Extra Value Package $3355
V6 Tow Package $650
Carpet floor mats and door sill $199

Total sticker $30,519.00

$7800 trade in
$2200 dealer discount
$3000 down payment

$18,000 loan at 4.24% for 48 months $409 per month

 

sweet, any pix?