Saw new Tacomas at plant tour

the off-road switches to a color matched bumper when you get tech package. does limited come with tech?

 

Yes, that is correct. Limited includes the same sensors and bumpers as the tech package on lower grades.

Jeff

 

Very jealous op!
How was the tour?

 

At the end. My 2006 4.0 was made in Japan, if my memory of the sticker is accurate.

 

I do try to buy American made item, but it is becoming a global effort to build a vehicle.

I watched a documentary on Japanese workers and all I can say is wow. They are totally dedicated. The subway packs them in every morning. I mean the last person is in so tight their feet are moving back as the door is shutting. The subway is never late. If there is an off chance it is workers are required to get a note from the subway authority.

Every morning workers do stretches, yoga, and have a short little motto they say together that focuses on team work and quality.

Not saying American workers are less qualified, but the whole system is focused on the good of the whole or country, not the individual. I think the American attitude for the most part is focused on the me.

I understand Toyota has controls in place and I am sure American Toyota workers do a great job, but there is something to be said about Japanese quality, dedication, and work ethic.

Just a factoid, during WWII Japan did not surrender after the first atomic bomb was dropped. After the second one was dropped they did. The Japanese didn't really have a word for surrender. One the paper was signed the official who signed the document committed suicide.

 

Makoto - Sincerity, fairness, honesty, intergrity.
Kaitakusha-Seishin - Pioneering spirit, challenge
Wa - Harmony, trust, respect

to name a few!

 

still dated black flares though.

 

Nothing that can't be painted.

 

Yeah, I don't get that either. Even jeep Rubicons can be bought with color matched flares, for extra cost. So why is that not even an option? I understand Missouri pin stripping on black flares is not so bad. But it looks like an aftermarket piece that hasn't been color matched yet. Why not black handles, mirrors, and handles? Those get scratches too

 

I think they look good black. Gives it some contrast.... Heck, I'll probably Line-X mine.

 

If they are anything like the previous gen flares, the non painted versions have a textured finish making them a pain to smooth and paint. Also, for damn near $40k I shouldn't have to paint anything.

Agreed. The other models are color matched I dont get why the OR doesn't even have the option. Makes them look like a plain-jane base model.

 

My 2005 tundra access cab had these cheap rubber flare things. First thing I did was take them off. Why cover a beautiful paint job with black plastic? The Sr doesn't even do that. I think it's a Toyota mind trick......

Everyone wants a locker, not sure how many would opt for unpainted flares if given the choice. If I were to buy after market I would paint them

 

I would much rather have them come painted. But I'm not willing to change trim level just to get painted flares. Ill either paint them or look into buying set for a sport and have them painted to match

 

Agreed. I think they look better with certain color combos than others but overall I like them. OTOH I don't really love the hood scoop and others love it ... functional or not. To each his own.

 

The tour was pretty cool. A visitors center with the history of Toyota pickups was interesting. Guided 90 minute tour on an open roof electric shuttle takes you to all sections of the plant with the exception of the paint booth and body stamping area. You get to see everything from chassis build to final inspection. No cameras, phones, purses or any type of backpacks are allowed. Zero pictures in the plant and extreme focus on safety for staff and visitors. Place was spotless and you could eat off of the polished floor.

 

Did they say how many days on average it takes to build a Taco from start to finish? My build date was 3 Sep. Just wondering if its finished and on a lot some where all lonely and waiting for me.

 

I wouldn't call them dated. They're there to make it look like a rugged, no frills, off road truck. I kind of like them black. I originally ordered a TRD Sport and I was going to plasti dip them black because I liked the rugged look

 

It takes 20 hrs. from start to finish to generate a new Tacoma. Nine hours is spent in paint prep, painting and paint drying. A Tacoma comes off the line every 50 seconds.

 

Toyota should offer a factory delivery program. Take the tour, drive your taco off the line. Setup a little off road course for you to play on.