One month into a '17 Tacoma

I'm a new member of Tacoma World, not new to Toyotas or the endless quest to seek out cool upgrades!

On November 25th I purchased a 2017 Quicksand DCOR (I think I’m learning the ‘lingo’ here), it has the premium tech, JBL, sunroof, power rear window, etc… Every possible option, as far as I know?

As of December 25th, I hit 2,000 miles, I figured now would be a good time to review my initial thoughts and mention the few upgrades I have purchased that aren’t mentioned much on the forum.

First of all, I LOVE my Tacoma, (Yes I spell out T-A-C-O-M-A, I will not refer to my awesome truck as a Taco) I may sound critical, but that’s what I feel a review should do! I’m picking apart some of the overlooked features I personally would like to see.

Back in November of 2016, the day after Thanksgiving I traded my beloved 2006 Tundra Limited for the Tacoma. I knew there would be some performance degradation going from a V8 to a V6, but the lighter Tacoma should have a little more pep-to-It’s-step… as most other agree the Tacoma feels a little under powered in my opinion. Yes it gets up and goes if you floor it, but there goes any chance of having decent gas mileage! LOL

Speaking of Gas Mileage, I use the FUELY App to track my mileage… Surprisingly my gas mileage is on an incline, most recently I got 17.2 MPG, and I even had a chance to test the 4-wheel drive and crawl controls over Christmas on that tank of gas! I still can’t believe we aren’t realizing better gas mileage in today’s technological age, but then again I complain about being underpowered. Anyhow my Tundra averaged 12 MPG consistently, so at least I’m up 5 MPG with the Tacoma!

One of my first upgrades was the Mirror, I couldn’t believe my brand new truck didn’t have a Homelink mirror (Garage door opener built-in). I was embarrassed to clip my old 1980’s era pager sized garage door opener to the visor of my new truck! After some digging I learned that the Limited does have the Homelink Mirror and they are readily available on Ebay. I even was able to find one with the blue compass (matched factory mirror). The TRD OR comes with the compass mirror, so the power is already there! Installation was extremely simple, once I got over being scared of breaking the overhead panel with the crawl controls and sunroof, which I needed to pull down in order to hide the leftover wiring harness. The Homelink mirror is manufactured by Gentex, and cost me $149.69 plus $12.90 shipping. Mine came with the wiring adaptor, seems the plug was ever so slightly different, but worked all the same.

The center council storage bin, or bottomless pit as I’ve termed it, definitely needed a top storage tray. Thanks to Vehicle OCD on Amazon I picked up a tray for $19.99. I wish it had some coin holders molded in, but two partitions is all you get.

Carista… Oh how I LOVE carista! I purchased it mainly to save my sanity and turn off the seatbelt chime, but have found its advanced or premium features give me a sense of customization that really makes you feel in control of your truck! I won’t go into detail on everything I’ve adjusted (and sometimes reverted to factory).

One of my biggest complaints is the auto setting on the heat / ac control. It is enough to drive anyone MAD! Why does AUTO mode HAVE to torch my feet? For those who haven’t experienced 18 below air temperatures this winter, let me explain… The ‘Auto’ thermostat ‘automatically’ turns on the heater to Floor only, meaning you can’t have nice warm air blasting your face or defrost if “Auto” is selected…Toyota decided that if you’re cold your feet should be warmed up first… which like any warm blooded mammal, causes your gas pedal foot to sweet profusely all the while your hands on the UN-Heated steering wheel are turning to ice cubes around the poorly textured steering wheel, that is -18 degrees! To be real, yes you can change the mode and direct warm air to the front vents, defrost, etc… but not in ‘AUTO’ mode… And sadly Carista failed me here and wasn’t able to fix the ‘Auto’ mode crisis.

I’ve also added flat black vinyl lettering on the tailgate.

Here is my wish list (items I haven’t been able to find)

#1 A Diesel option (I’ll trade my ‘17 for a ‘18 if they offer Diesel)

#2 Heated Steering Wheel (see Auto setting rant above)

#3 A power lockingtailgate (yes there are hacks available, which I plan to do)

#4 Apple Car play screen mirroring

#5 Apple iPhone Qi charging capability

#6 Different Map options for Navigation. I’d like to install our Forest Service trail map!

#7 Other Qi charging uses… Maybe a Qi rechargeable CREE-LED flashlight!

#8 A pistol holder for driver’s door pocket. I’m in the Midwest, we’re bad asses here!

#9 LED bulbs throughout (I plan to buy aftermarket LEDs)

#10 12V power for the back seat passengers, on the center council.

#11 I wish the ‘sport mode’ did more than just limit the upper shift limit. I want to stay in 5th gear all the way up the hill DANG IT!

#12 A locking (power) tailgate? I Have seen the DIY mods but am still convinced there is a factory plug & play option.

 

Congrats on the new Taco. Glad you are enjoying it

 

Congratulations!!

I also went from a Tundra to a Tacoma in the last week

 

Congrats. I never use the auto function because I can't stand the fan blasting on high for so long. I do see your point though. Another thing, why do they put so many compasses in my truck? One in the mirror, one in the navigation, and another on the dash screen. I'm never that lost.

 

I'll just copy and paste this into any thread I think could end up a poop storm. Mainly hope to get it in to detour them from posting. (Crossing fingers) other members feel free to copy it as well!

congrats!

Let me sum up what will probably happen in this thread.

40% of post will be from actual 3rd gen owners telling you congrats and what a grear truck it is. No problems.

55% of it will be from non 3rd gen owners bashing it. Saying its a terrible truck. How the heck they know, I have no idea.

And the last 5% of it will be Smitty telling you all Tacos are lemons and if you dont agree with him you "lack the situational awareness" to know anything.

All that matters. You got a new truck. Cool beans!

 

Welcome to TW!
Congrats on your new Taco!

 

Your definitely lacking situational awareness if you have nothing bad to say....

Congrats on enjoying your great truck!

 

Welcome to the club. The power-locking tailgate is an easy mod and well worth the effort.

 

Congrats on your new truck. I went from a 2012 TRD DCLB Sport to a 2016 TRD DCSB Sport. Overall, no regrets and I absolutely love my 3rd Gen.

I'm working with Marie at Headstrong Off-road right now on identifying and purchasing the right lift kit.

I can't wait to get my TRD wheels installed with 275/70/17 tires.

I think you nailed the 1st impressions and I couldn't agree with you more.

+1 on having a diesel option

 

Ouch! Who hit you?

 

Congrats
Can you point me in the direction of the mirror you got?
I'm interested in picking one up as well

 

@tcBob has them. Hit him up, he'll take care of you. (2x happy customer here)

 

Welcome to the forum. Your point about the power locking tailgate is valid. I test drove about 5 different Tacomas and a couple (2017s) had a factory power lock installed. I'm going to be looking to make that upgrade once I figure out what parts to order/install. Honestly one of the things that irritated me most since I have a Pro. That and the lack of hood struts. Glad you're enjoying the truck.

 

Welcome and congratulations on your new Tacoma!

 

Dont hold your breath on a diesel tacoma it will never happen in the USA it will be a hybrid before diesel.

 

This is going to show up way too many times!

It will be typical of a lot of 3rd Gen posts.

 

I'm confused... I don't get the 'poop storm' post or this reply... How do either of these posts contribute anything to this thread?

Ya'll are waisting ink on my screen!

 

You'll come to understand. @chuck1986 has a lot of foresight. It contributes nothing, other than maybe preventing the before it happens.

 

So far, its been working.

You're welcome America. Lol

 

Hi Dave,

The Friday before Thanksgiving I traded in my 2006 Tundra with 217,000 miles in for a 2017 Tacoma sport. I've had mine about a month and a half. Still getting used to the Tacoma. I think the Tacoma is a fun truck to drive around and seems to have plenty of pep. My only complaint is the seats don't seem to be as comfortable as the Tundras and the leg forward seating takes some getting used to. Other than that I like the new truck and if it lasts as long as the Tundra I'll be pleased. Enjoy your new truck.