Reliability Concerns for Potential Buyer

Hello everyone! I know this is not the introducing forum, but it said to post my question in the appropriate forum and so I guess this is it. I'm not a rookie to car forums, but I am a rookie when it comes to TW. This forum seems like a great place. Anyways, I am going to sell my car because it just is not practical for a college student and I am very interested in a new 2010 DC 4x2 Taco, probably short bed. The reasons that I was interested in this truck was because of its dependability, reliability, looks, and reliability... did I mention reliability?

I live in Atlanta, GA but go to school at the University of Florida in Gainesville so I am commuting from ATL to Gainesville not a lot, but throughout the course of the year, I would say 10 times, in addition to taking road trips for away football games. It is about 350 miles one way from ATL to Gainesville. My dad owns a 2004 V6 EC PreRunner with about 48k miles on it and it runs like a champ. He has not had any problems whatsoever with it and this has led me to believe that a new 2010 would run in a very similar manner, considering it does have the same engine.

However, after visiting this website, I am not so sure anymore. It seems as though there are many threads on mysterious 2010 issues such as this one: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/85267-help-stranded-2010-wont-start-after-stopping-gas.html. I am not sure what to make of this. I know from my experience with my previous car, it seems as though car forums can turn into just a whining forum about topics, but that one thread really has me concerned. Not only does the OP have the issue, but it seems as others with 2010's have had similar encounters.

Can the 2010 owners please chime in and let me know if this is a common problem across most of the 2010 trucks, or if it really is more of an isolated incident? I understand that most cars have problems and I am ready for that, but I cannot be stranded on the side of the interstate in some random south Georgia town at 2 in the morning going back to school. I want to have confidence that when I need to get somewhere, this truck can do it, no problem. The last thing I need is an unreliable vehicle when finances are already super tight. I do not have the time or resources to put up with a truck that is going to have problems... no one does. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!

 

Tacomas have become something of an unknown. Most think that they will be a long lastin truck, based on previous years. But frame rust issue is an unknown. Most other aspects of the truck are annoyances, not deal breakers. I like mine, but I wouldn't have bought, I leased, so I have the option to walk away. If frame rust pops up on any 2nd gens, resale will take a beating. Sounds like a lease might be right for you.










Now watch everyone call me an Infidel.

 

Infidel!!!!

 

I don't think you have any more reliability concerns with a Tacoma than you do with any other particular model. However, I also think you're correct in not assuming that because it says Toyota on it that it's indestructible. I don't think it's any secret that the quality has slipped a little in the past few years for Toyota, but these are still, for the most part, very solid and well-built vehicles. Most, like mine, have their quirks that can be mildly annoying. Some people have even had major issues. But for me, if I did it over again and was shopping the mid-size truck segment, the Tacoma would still be on top.

My biggest issues: a faulty radio and a transmission that my dealer refuses to do the recalibration TSB to, even though I've printed it off and showed it to them.

 

If you are that concerned then find your self used 07 Tacoma in good condition and low mileage and just enjoying watching 2010 guys fighting with electronic gremlins

 

I think Toyotas are great cars
I purchased a 2009 Toyota Corolla in 08 and since then have gotten a recall for some pedal issues and just the other week i also picked up a 2000 Taco... im not concerned about reliability.. they are good vehicles that will last a long time, and have awsome resale value.

(BTW my Corolla and my Taco are my first Toyotas i have ever owned, ive had a handfull of Hondas a few Mazdas and one Saturn in my lifetime)

 

You will see more mention of problems on here than anywhere else because this is a Tacoma forum...people with problems will flock here.

If you you go to ACTUAL sources of information (Consumer Reports, JD Power, etc) you will see that Tacoma reliability hasn't changed since they introduced the truck back in 199whatever. The odds of you having a serious reliability problem are among the lowest in the industry.

Word of mouth on forums is in no way statistically valid. Ignore it, and seek information sources that actually tell you what you want to know.

 

Welcome to TW!

The thread you linked... the answer is simple, don't run out of gas. It will cause issues with almost any modern EFI vehicle. You really can't blame the truck for that one...

As for reliability, my 08 is rapidly approaching 40k... really no issues to speak of. Had some crap stock tires, the a/c cabin fan was making some clicking noises (nuisance only, still worked perfectly fine), and I did the TSB for weak rear leaf springs... (again, optional and original set was fine just not the load capacity I want/need). Toyota's fixed everything so far. Well there is one issue they haven't, my steering wheel leather cracked. Cosmetic.... whoop de do my Infiniti did it too.

Please note, the V6 in the first gen taco's is NOT the same on the second gen. That said, I've yet to have issues with it, and it still brings a smile to my face at WOT... even though I come from sports cars

The only regret with me is not getting 4x4. I can say though, I'd hunt down a 06-08 myself and avoid the new traction control crap... but that's just my personal opinion. I also don't care for most of the other 'improvements' they did 09+.

 

The new traction control adds a level of capability and versatility that, if not wanted can be shut off. But when you need it, will be there. The added features in '09 were the factor that convinced me to buy....
Different strokes for different folks.......

 

Yea I can't argue that but, I had VSC in my G35... and it could be turned off too. I did get extremely tired of every time I got in the car.... pop in neutral, clutch in, engine on, hold VSC for 3 seconds to disable, then go... Just got annoying I will say it was handy in the snow though... but not completely necessary either.

 

new electronics turn truck into sports car. Why? Its a pickup not a Ferrari. It needs to have crawl capability not a take corners fast capability.
US auto market is completely screwed up because companies cater to wrong crowd the same that will crucify company when one of the gizmo's dont work. In the meantime companies in other countries build trucks that are trucks still with solid axles no TPMS, no traction control. Front rear lockers factory option, interior rugged so it can be washed with the hose or driving through deep water.
My 2Gen is probably the last new pickup I ever bought. Not planning on anything new anymore as long there is no simple version (no electronics )

 

Yo,
got myself a '10 trd Prerunner and I don't regret it. had the TSB's done and the truck runs great, none of that stalling issues that the other member posted. But then again in Hawaii we don't have the weird weather seasons like you mainland folks got, usually we stay in the 80 degrees area on average. The 2010's seems to be a good truck and with the deals I hear Toyota is throwing around it might be worth checking it out.

 

Sports car? The traction control systems slow you down son!

Though I'm mixed on the new stuff. There is something to be said about manual T-cases and rugged endurance of tried and true tech. However, electronics aren't exactly the most unreliable setup either... as tech progresses it's natural it'll be implemented for convenience. Let's face it, it's nice to engage the locker without getting out in the poring rain. Over time as the tech becomes more mature, it'll get more rugged and things will progress.

At least... I hope so, because I'll agree it doesn't seem like it is with the automotive industry as of late.

 

People in other countries also live in huts (like Obama's brother). Maybe you would like to live that way as well?

 

That doesn't even make sense.....
VSC has nothing to do with fast, it has to do with safety and control. Like black ice, snow,

Yeah, let's cater to the large "mud hut" crowd in North America. Jeebus.
Get serious.....

 

Chalk up another vote for VSC on the newer Tacoma. Let's face it, these are pretty light trucks. We do not get a lot of ice and snow here in East Texas but we get our share of wind and rain. Unless you carry some weight around most of the time, and even then, w/o VSC these trucks will slip, slide, and loose traction in bad weather like most light weight pickups in 4x2. Can remember back in the 80s with my extended cab first gen 4x2 going across a interstate bridge that unknowingly had black ice. The truck started skidding side ways all the way down the opposite lane and wound up facing backwards on the other side. Fortunately no one was coming. It was an extremely helpless feeling and there was very little I could do. So yes, thank goodness for modern technology if for no other reason than my family's safety.

 

Buy the truck. As with most newer vehicles with all the bells and whistles there will be some glitches. Most are minor. I own a 2010 dbl 4x4. The issues I have had to date have been minimal. Everything has been covered by Toyota Service Bulletins and repaired with no hassle from the dealer.
If you are uncomfortable with a later model, get one a couple of years old. That way someone else has fixed the little stuff and you can save some dough for more mods if you chose.
Toyota's are nice rigs. Enjoy.

 

I would trade my 2gen truck in a heartbeat for that. And Australians don't live in huts

 

I'm the OP of that and think you must have read something incorrectly. I didn't run out of gas, I had a 1/4 tank when I filled it up. Before you post something maybe you should make sure you post correct information.

 

Who said they did? You're clearly missing the point.