3rd Gen Disappointment

Ughhhh ya.... your 32" mud tires load range E will drastically effect your MPGs... :|

 

According to part numbers Until Dec 2007 Whole Engine and transmission assembly was shipped to Nummi from Japan for specific models. That would explain a large number of 2005-2008 trucks with high mileage and 0 problems on engine and transmissions.

 

One would think an avid Off Roader would already KNOW this...I call BS on this whole thread....He is not having issues with his truck. he is having issues with his knowledge.

 

For both the 4 liter and the 2.7L. I wish I knew where my 2.7L in my 2005 came from

 

The weight and size of his particular tire shouldn't affect the RPMs at which his truck runs that much. actually if anything, taller tires should lower is RPMs at highway speeds, right?

If you're getting 17mpg with those heavy tires - you'd probably get 19-20 with the stockers, which is about EPA estimates.

As far as your RPMs, I would take that to the dealer and let them know there is a problem with your transmission. It may be a software thing more than a mechanical issue.

 

Cruising in 3rd gear 50% of the time while doing 80 is a serious issue. Your particular truck has a problem. Take it in to get looked at. That is what warranties are for.

 

The issue is there is more load on the engine and, the transmission, which is prone to downshifting anyway, will downshift earlier than normal.

 

Well...I have nothing to gain or lose here, just giving my experience.

 

I am going to take it in and see what the dealer says. Without a check engine light on though I don't think they can do much in the way of diagnosing a problem

 

yeah for sure. i get that, but i don't think he made big enough of a change to merit those drastic drivability changes. if he bumped up to 35s or something, i would see him experiencing this dramatic change.

definitely go check in with the dealer and let them know. other people with 3rd gens have sized up tires and not had these problems

 

The Chevy short bed standard cab I had in the early 90's was fun. Might have had something to do with the 351 V8. That thing would rip stumps outta the ground if needed.

 

Honestly who really expects amazing gas mileage from a truck? I understand if he is getting 14 mpg around town and he's irritated. But complaining over 17 mpg over the second gen's 18 mpg?!?!? Come on, it's 1 mpg difference coming from a new engine/transmission setup. In this instance, his truck seems messed up anyway. All these issues added up seems like something for the dealership to handle. You paid for the warranty, so use it.

 

Guessing that Gen2 pic is from a 2.7L.

 

Sorry to hear of your dissapointment!Good to see that 3rd gen.of your's muddy and dirty though!The tires can change the mpg difference and think of driving your truck slower than 70-80mph on the highway as well!Good luck and hopefully you'll eventually find some gratification from your 3rd gen.!

 

He's increased the rolling resistance significantly. His 80mph cruise is probably above 83mph with the larger tires. He's going further than he thinks he is. He's at 6k feet so his truck is producing less power. There isn't anything wrong with the truck.

 

This may or may not apply, but on 2nd gen V6's the speedo is miscalibrated to anything but 265/75/16 or equal-to in size larger tires (17's/ 18's) where if you put those on, the speed indicated on the analog speedometer will actually be correct. If the 3rd gen is anything like the 2nd gen in terms of speedometer miscalculation before tire replacement to previously stated size, then his tires he put on should not have thrown his calibration out of whack and if anything it actually put it in the correct readings.

 

In theory, you are correct. He's also stating that highway traveling tends to produce higher RPM's than he is accustomed to. If he feels there is something wrong, he should have it checked out by the dealer. On a brand new vehicle, I wouldn't seek to find an answer for myself if the dealership meets my needs.

 

Shit sounds pretty messed up... transmission that is. mpg is whatever.

What does it do if you put it on cruise at 70mph on the interstate. ECT off, Overdrive on (if there even is an overdrive button). It should sit down in 6th gear and be in the 2k rpm range. If it doesn't do that, something is wrong.

EDIT: re-read first post and you explicitly stated it sits in 4th cruising at 70mph over 3k rpm.. it should not do that.

Are you driving with ECT on at all times? If so, that would explain it... that is basically tow mode and keeps the engine rev'd to within the power band (~3k+)...

 

This was my issue as well when considering the Canyon. But I did test drive one before purchasing my Tacoma. I gave it a fair eval. I would even say it's a very good truck. But quality and attention to detail matters. I've worked on GM, Chevy and Ford vehicles. I've owned two F150s - both for a short time. And the construction simply doesn't hold up to the Toyota vehicles. I'm not going to say all import vehicles, either. Because I hate the way Jaguars and BMWs are assembled. Yes, German engineering is excellent but you take apart a 700 series and then tell me how you feel about them.

I've got 400 miles on my TRD OR. Looks like same exact trim as OPs. It shows an average, so far, of 19.5 mpg. Yesterday, the family drove out to Valley of Fire National Park. If you've never been, it's absolutely gorgeous - head out there and take a looksie. I had no issues with over revving while on the highway. The ride was incredible well behaved. And it is a quiet cabin.

With that said, I do wish it had more bottom end torque. I don't consider my engine broken in so I'm not pushing it either. I've yet to slam the gas pedal down. But it's really not a concern. From what I can see, previous Tacoma models have tons of after market accessories available. I'm sure I'll find bolt-ons that improve that torque should the need arise. Something to let it aspirate more? A less restrictive exhaust, perhaps? What I'm saying is, the foundation is rock solid. This is my daily driver and my weekend fun-getter. I am absolutely loving my truck.

 

I haven't had the gear shifting problem you speak off. I'm at 900 miles on mine with the majority of those miles coming from the highway at roughly 85mph. I do tend to drive fast so I don't expect high MPG either. As of right now I am hovering around 16.4 - 17.0 MPG (the above info is with ect turned off) I personally think it's a great truck....worth $40k probably not but if you can find a great deal in the low $30's you won't be disappointed. My opinion anyway....