3.5 long-term dependability

The maximum I can tow here without a commercial permit is 9900 lbs gross combined load. So almost 6000 lbs. the fact is I'm getting a Tacoma... That's clear. It's a matter of which generation. It's looking like there is not a lot of confidence in the gen 3 at this point. Or for any Toyota truck for that matter.

 

I went in for a test drive and flat out told them I wasn't buying for a few months. My test drive was about 2 miles on their predetermined course. I went back in a month later to buy. Once we had discussed which truck I wanted to buy, I took it out for about 10 miles. Freeway, business districts, residential zones were included. Since I was ready to buy they wanted me to have a good feel for the truck. The truck has 22 miles when I drove it home, 11 from my test drive.

A lot of dealers keep one for test drives etc. When my family was buying an SUV the Ford dealership let them take out an Expedition for 24 hours to get a good feel for it. They just sell that once for a discount when it comes time.

 

Toyota always seems to make a reliable engine. The 3.4 was great in the 1st gen, the 4.0 is great in 2nd gen... I'm sure the new 3.5 will stand the test of time as well.

Don't get me wrong though, I didn't want to be a test mule for it!

 

First of all, where does it say this?
Second, were talking about less then 10% of the time.

 

I have a 1998 vintage 3.0 (bought new) that has just over 279,000 miles on it. Never opened up. Swapped out some coils. One change of the plugs/wires at around 200k.

Seems like a pretty good engine to me! Guess I got one of the few good ones!

 

If you are going to be towing 6000 pounds for 100 miles 30 times a year, to me, it doesn't sound like the 2nd or 3rd gen tacoma should be your choice. Or any midsize truck for that matter...if it had to be midsize like i said only the diesel gms would be my choice. Otherwise step up to fullsize truck.

The new tacoma hasn't even been out for a year yet...so the 2nd gen would be better in terms of reliability is concerned. You know what you are getting into. 6k still seems like a lot of weight. Good luck.

 

Better make sure you have good trailer brakes.

 

Depends on what you are buying. The Infiniti dealer in my area will deliver a car to you for testing overnight.

 

Around here you need brakes for anything over 3000 lbs. plus trailer must be certified.

 

That makes sense, thanks for explaining.

 

If you were down here in Texas where it is relatively flat, I would say go for it. But you are in Canada and although your hauls might be flat, the elements are going to be in play a LOT more than down here. Good luck whatever you decide. Drive safe man.

 

I got my truck with 6 miles on the odometer. I plan to drive it for another 400,000. I have complete faith in this engine

 

You must have! They had lots of head gasket issues, didn't give much more power than the 2.7 4 cyl and usually got pretty crap gas mileage. The 3.4 ended up being a much better motor.

 

Elements? I'm not sure I understand.
Anyways, I'm sure a Tacoma will get me through any elements we may be faced with here way up in the north. Lol

 

Looks like we can add another regular contributor to the "Tacoma Bitch" thread and the "Why I hate my Tacoma and should have bought something else" thread.

You want a Toyota product designed more for towing, by an Extra cab Tundra or Quad cab with a shortbox, the current Tacoma is damn near the same size at that truck with more motor.

Oh well, you've made up your mind, can't say we didn't warn you.

 

It wasn't hard to get that with my SR5..... After swapping tires, I can get 20, but it's a bunch of work and highway miles.

 

On the contrary Jsinnard. I am a tried and true Toyota nut. I have owned an 89, 90 and 91 pick ups. A '98 T-100, a 2006 TRD Offroad and currently a 97 4Runner Limited and a 2014 Corolla. All of the trucks, including the 4Runner have been workers, including towing and hauling. I have no doubt in the toyota trucks that I have owned. The problem for me is that I'm the odd man out. I want a small truck and I expect it to work. Unfortunately Toyota gets their feedback from the masses (city folk) that for the last 10 years have been crying about fuel consumption and bumpy ride. Well Toyota has been listening as we now have a truck that rides like a car and even has a car engine. The 3.5 is a tried engine in cars and vans but it is a virgin in the truck that will be made to work. Anyways folks, I was just asking for feedback on these new Tacoma's from those who have been driving them for months whether or not they are up to the task like their predecessor was. I only ask because I want one... but are they tough enough.

 

I've also had an extensive list of toyota trucks, 5 in the last 30 years continous and I've put them to work plenty of times and they lasted years. I don't anticipate this current truck to have any problems doing what my previous trucks did.

But what you're looking to do and the loads you're looking to tow, there are better suited vehicles for your needs.

Buy a 2nd gen if you're dead set, it would probably manage the towing needs you plan but even then, there are better choices than the 2nd gen.

It's your money.

 

That's a good amount of towing. Personally, I wouldn't even consider a midsize. But to each his own.

 

Honestly, I think the third gen will likely pull your loads just fine.... at least as fine as any other small truck.