The Test Drive

So with just a few days left till my truck arrives, I have been thinking about the things to focus on (besides the road) while I am test driving. In my Before Taking Delivery Thread, it was suggested to take a 35 mile test drive, while I think that might be a bit much, I will go further than the 2 mile loop the dealership recommends.


So what do you think would be important on the test drive?

 

Test Drive Checklist

1-Drive in city/stop and go/slow speeds.
2-Drive on the highway.
3-While its important to check out the radio/sound system, spend time driving with it off and windows down, listen to how the truck sounds.
4-While driving, how does it shift, if manual how is the clutch, is auto can you feel the shifts?
5- Check brakes, are they touchy, do you have to put them to the floor?

 

Take it on a drive city and highway

 

find nearest offroad park

 

With out a doubt, on the dealers little route, you get on what we call the spur, about 1/2 mile of highway. I plan to do atleast 5 miles, get it up to 75-80 real quick.

 

There is a little sand pit I plan to stop at, engage 4 wheel hi and lo for a minute or two.

 

Radio off, windows down and listen for that funky music.

 

Step back and ask yourself what the purpose of your test drive is... are you deciding whether or not to buy the truck at that point? Or just making sure stuff is working so you save yourself a repair visit?

 

I would think its two fold, yes a test drive it to determine if I like driving it and am willing to drop my cash on it. But at the same time, if there is something wrong/not working correctly, I may not be willing to purchase it.

For me, I want to buy a new Manual trans Taco, I want to ensure I am not getting problems off the lot, I want to ensure that next week and the week after that I am having fun driving my truck. That being said, if something is off on this truck, I will refuse this one and try for another as I don't think I would be happy in another truck, the Taco manuals are just too freaking fun to drive.

 

Isn't there still sticking happening in 4th-5th-6th gear in the 6MT on long duration trips?

Agree the MT is what makes the truck a joy to drive.

 

Get it to stay around 2100 rpm in 5th or 6th gear on the highway, ideally 6th gear at 2100 RPM at a slight uphill to really feel it. Feel for a buzzing/numbing vibration in the steering wheel and ask yourself if it will drive you nuts or not.

Also, feather the throttle at a slight downhill at 55-59 mph, very light. 5th gear is best for this. Listen for a howling from the rear differential. If you already hear it, it's only going to get worse.

Those are my only two major gripes with the truck, everything else has been great (well, I know we ALL wish for better low end torque, but at least you are getting a manual so it isn't as bad).

 

I am not sure, but from what I read, I don't think you would tell on a test drive, but never the less some thing to pay attention to.

 

Sounds like your rear end is low on fluid. Shouldn't howl

 

Nope I prefer not to have any fluid on my rear end

 

Actually the first one howled and toyota replaced it, now the 2nd one howls and toyota says "ehhh...must be normal, here's an extended warranty, case closed"