Went to the dealer today...

Finally a few voices of reason!!

 

Let's see pics of this 4runner. That's a dream 4runner for most enthusiasts.

 

Trouble with the diesel option is gonna be all the Emissions crap the EPA puts on the trucks.

The emissions systems are so stupid expensive to work on. Not to mention if Toyota did offer This option how long would it take for somebody to offer a delete kit? And how expensive would it be

The baby duramax has delete options because of tuners for the full size duramax. Same kinda of deal if the Frontier gets that 2.8 cummins.

I sold my cummins at 48000 miles bought it with 40,000 miles. With a 8 month period I'd lost a dpf differential pressure sensor. Cel sent truck into limp mode. The final straw was losing the turbo at 48,000. Due to the turbo being sooted up

 

I think a custom megaraptor is in his future. You won't need to mod it but let's see if you'll pay the price tag. Want more, pay more. Our Tacomas aren't very expensive in the truck and suv world. What did you expect? 400hp, carbon fiber all around, and built like a tank. It's a Toyota Tacoma dude. You drive/build it how you want after you buy it. Why do you think the aftermarket is so strong with the tacoma.

 

Public demand and government regulations are what's driven the Taco to become what it is.

Doesn't matter what a few of us on some truck forum say.....there just aren't enough people who would purchase a stripped, simple, rugged pickup these days. No demand = no profit = no dice. Increasingly over the last couple of decades the buying public has demanded more car-like features...power this, power that, buttons, buttons and more buttons, blue tooth, interactive head units. The list goes on.

In the mean time....the government has jumped in and put demands on manufacturers as well. Huge safety requirements add weight, cost and complexity to modern vehicles. Multiple air bags, crush zones, energy absorbing structures, smart seat belts, ABS, traction control, stability control, TPMS, pedestrian impact safety....which has adverse effects on frontal design.

Government CAFE ratings have really hurt manufacturers too. A high volume vehicle like the Taco can really effect the average. Toyota doesn't care that much that the Tundra only gets 12 mpg. They dont sell enough of them to matter. The hit on the fleet average is more than offset by the Corollas and Prius they sell. But the Taco sells in large numbers. Every incremental gain in efficiency....even if just on paper can have a big impact in the fleet average.

Add all this up......and you have the modern Tacoma

 

And the issue of almost nobody wanting anything to do with diesels in the US. They just flat out do not sell here.

 

So if you don't have one or getting one, then why are you here?

 

This post made me laugh, thanks for that! Especially this part, I love reading a pot call the kettle black!

Tyler

 

Looks like you need one of these:

 

Plastic= lighter= better MpG

This is their main focus. Plus plastic can better absorb energy in a crash than metal, and for the most part is easier and cheap to replace. As one user already said. "Welcome to 2017"

 

As already stated, the EPA is ruining diesels. To the point where I refuse to buy a new one. I doubt Toyota could make it a $3k option either. Currently, thanks to Audi/VW, diesels are looking even less appealing.

 

Over priced but I'd still like

 

Unimog

 

I like buttons!

 

Lots of truth to this. It's got way more to do with weight savings than it does cost savings. Modern vehicles are quite heavy. Every ounce if weight savings adds up. Increasingly components and systems that don't directly impact efficiency and safety will continue to become lighter (cheaper feeling).

High strength steel, aluminum, plastics and carbon fiber will continue to creep into mass produced vehicles to decrease weight.

Weight is the enemy of efficiency

 

Well.....there ya go.

 

While I agree with your post, i would not consider the Tacoma as exactly "high volume". I think annual sales are 150k or so, compared to a Tundra it is though.

 

Not sure what the sale's #s sit at these days. At one time it was in the 175k range. That ceiling was more a result of production limits though, not lack of demand....hence why you never see incentives on it.

Camry, Corolla, RAV4 and Tacos are the 4 heavy hitters in N. America

 

I did a quick search and I think I came across a 20 year sales chart, 191k was the high and 106k was the low and everything in between. 150k - 175k seems like a safe guess for annual average and agree that they don't offer rebates very often on our Tacos just a little here and there.

 

OP,

I have a 100 mile commute round trip and am currently driving a TDI Jetta, my 6th one. It's being bought back by VW in 2 days. I have over 20 years of diesel driving and ownership under my belt.

Your concerns about things like clips holding the wiring seem overblown to me.

Clearly you're an enthusiast. If you really find that in the years to come some plastic clips become brittle and break; I'm sure you can find an alternative mounting method that is acceptable. I've already used existing holes in the engine bay to mount things by using a grommet, washers and machine bolts/nuts.

Fact of the matter is this. The market you bought your 4Runner in doesn't exist anymore. The push for fuel economy and emissions regulations factor in to every decision. Diesel just might have been regulated to death. Nearly every manufacturer has pulled thier diesels off the market, even popular models like the Ram 1500 Eco Diesel. Even the F150 plans a hybrid for 2020.

I bought a 17' Tacoma because it is the best truck that is highway comfortable at my local Freeway speed, off-road capable and still economical to operate for my uses. I bought a Pro because it has many factory mods that I like saving me from doing them myself. With a career, long commute, mortgage, kids, car payments for myself and the wife, I don't have time nor energy to be doing heavy mods on my daily driver. Additionally if comes in the configuration I prefer and combines the best features of the OR and the Sport in one truck.

Looking at competitive models, there is nothing I think is better.

The Dodge 1500 pulled thier diesel. I test drove the hemi for 3 days, including my commute and it has atrocious fuel economy.

The F150 V8 is durable and reliable but not economical enough for me either. I won't touch an Ecoboost till the Low Speed Pre-ignition issues are solved. I can't have something like that as I'll be out of warranty well before I'm into positive equity in the truck as I drive too much.

Chevy/twins, based in my 2 previous ones I'll never buy another.

Nissan was way too dated.

Tundra v8 also not economic for me.

So, if you are looking for a new truck you want to put some miles on, what can you find to beat the Taco?