I'm Back (sort of)

Hey there guys, signed back up to the board. Bit of history... I was a member earlier this year Jan - Aug. I had bought a new '09 TRD DC/SB and then had to sell it b/c of economic reasons. Ended up getting into a Honda Accord 4cyl/5spd. Well It's been like 5 months into the Honda so figured I'd drop by and let ya'll know how things are going and I also had some Q's.


1- How the Honda is treating me. Great. Love this car. Fantastic quality and driving ergonomics. Made a road trip to TN from FL and averaged 36.55mpg's on one tank. Trip avg was 32mpg's. Not bad for all the mountains we drove in and the cold weather. We only spent $104 round trip for fuel. Car is averaging 30-33mpg's for daily driving. I only fill up every 2 weeks. From a business point of view the Honda was the smartest thing I've done in a long time.

2- Do I miss my Taco? Yes/no. I had bought a very high dollar taco. Looking back I can see that the taco I had was overkill for what I need/want/can afford. I don't miss the payments or the 17mpg's. I also don't miss the Goofy shifting Auto I had. Nor do I miss the bad bakes (IMO they felt odd, very un-natural). But I miss having a 4x4 truck.

If I buy another Taco it will be a 4cyl, 5spd, Xcab 4x4 SR5. 2-3yrs used preferably, but they're hard to find. I'm over these 4 door soccer mom trucks that cost an arm & leg. I'm also over auto transmissions. Autos cost more and shift weird and get worse mpg's. I've always had better luck with manuals. I also don't need the primo stereo or backup cam... all extra cash I rather save. I can see me maybe getting a truck like noted above in the next few years if the job market gets better and/or as a next vehicle.

My Q's:
-What kind of MPG's are the 4cyl 5spd 4x4 guys getting?
-Are there any issues with the 4cyl 5spd 4x4's? Tranny's, engine's, etc.
-Rather than spending the big bucks on a TRD, I rather just put a Detroit locker in the rear and add the Decals, skid plates etc. I didn't find my TRD seats very comfortable, nor did the truck ride very smooth. Basic shocks would be fine, or upgrade to Monroe Reflex shocks.

Anything wrong with my thought process/plan? Truck like this would be perfect for daily driving and some off-roading trips, and work.

 

the search is your friend:

MPG: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/4-cylinder/11490-shopping-4-cylinder-tacoma-mpg.html

i thought you sold the truck because yoiu did not like it.

 

Looks like the 4cyl 5spd 4x4 gets acceptable mileage. The reason I got rid of my Taco was $ECONOMICS$. Construction sucks right now, basically working for $8/hr once you factor in all the travel time and long hours on a salary (working out of state also). Overall stinks. Horrible. Wish I had picked a different major in college. FYI, do not take construction management. Halfway debating going back to college and getting a different major. I hated the shifting of my Auto trans and the way the brakes felt and the TRD seats were not very comfy. Only gripes of the truck. Looks, power, usefullness etc was great. Like I said, I can buy a Detroit locker for $500-$600 and install it myself on the rear axle and be in better shape than forking out thousands of dollars for the TRD-OR package.

 

as far as the tranny goes I think the major complaint on the manual is some rough shifting, just not as smooth between the gears as they wanted. Some people will complain about the engine not being peppy enough for them, but that is a personal opinion I guess.

 

You should get the single cab if you get a 4 banger Welcome back buddy.

 

Hey nice to have ya back bud...and yea what he said ^ ^ ^

 

Any reason why I should get the Reg cab over the Xcab if I get the 4cyl? Weight reduction? I don't tow anything b/c I can't afford anything to tow lol. But seriously the Xcab seems like a nice feature. I grew up in a Xcab early 90's Yoter truck and my buddy has a 1st gen Taco Xcab. Kinda nice to throw junk and maybe 2 persons for a short trip.


On a side note I don't think I can give up my Accord Maybe just start saving to buy a truck in the next 2yrs outright cash. Or maybe give the accord to the wife. Deff want to keep that accord in the family. I went thru hell finding a loaded 4cyl 5spd.

 

That standard cab is small and tight. If you have any gear you don't want in the bed, your cab will fill up quick. I remember being packed to the hilt with the rear seats layed down holding four days worth of gear and supplies for a hunting trip. I felt like I was in a standard cab.

Personally, I just couldn't do anything under X Cab.

 

^ That's kind of my feelings. Xcab is perfect.