How does the 1st gen handle high speed highway cruising?

75 is about tops for me and generally 65-70 is best.

It feels a lot less grounded the higher you get. 80 in my tacoma feels like 100+ in my 2014 explorer.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOqbFjjTMvg

 

I got to agree about the seats, they make my arse hurt...

 

And imagine doing that for hundreds of miles..... Every few weekends.....

 

I took my rig up to 85 on a trip to Houston because I was NOT losing the folks I was following (No idea where I was going, a little before smartphones and easy navigation).

It started to float around on me, and that was while it was still %100 stock!

 

Yeah. Forgot to add that. The seats kill my back if I don't get out and stretch every couple of hours.

Lots of guys on here swapping in seats from almost any other vehicle, it seems.

 

All cars and trucks will rust if not treated every f**ing year. It you type in google "<truck make or model> frame rust" you will see them. All around the globe is the same.

Coming from BMW 80mph to a truck (does not matter what brand or model) be prepared to see:
1. truck like handling
2. gas mileage going up exponentially when diving above 55mph
3. More road noise even with P-rated tires.

The benefit you will see right away:
1. better visibility on the road (sitting much higher)
2. being able to transport stuff without ghetto ties, bungee hooks and looking like this guy

 

Went to a 2005 4 runner which eats gas but it is quiet as can be on the freeway.

 

My highway commute when I was working was 45 minutes, running 80 mph. '02 extended cab TRD 4x4 5-speed manual V-6. No worries.

Your tire selection, and rotation schedule, will make a huge impact on noise. That and the integrity of the suspension: Worn out = ugh.

 

No kidding... Night and day difference after I replaced my worn out chassis components.

On the tire rotation and balance; on any of these 6 lug wheels, make sure you find a shop that balances using a "Lug-Centric" adapter plate. Makes all the difference in ride quality at highway speeds.

 

My 2.4 is just going into 4th at 50. I don’t use 5th till over 70.

I haven’t measured mpg, but I’m getting close to 30. That is with me driving hard & fast (cruising at around 80).

For highway ...
My 95.5 is happy at 80 cruising, happier faster even- but don’t want to attract flashy bluey lighties.

 

Let’s face it, A Tacoma is NO BMW or Audi, theses no comparison.

The Tacoma is rough, loud, tall! Like a brick going down the highway.

On the other hand a Tacoma will not break you when something breaks and you probably can
repair it yourself.

An Audi or BMW will cost you thousands for repairs when they break.

I had an Audi turbo and right after warranty things broke.
Spent 10,000 in one dam year for repairs on an Audi that had 85,000 miles. So I sent It packing.

No BMW or Audi last 500,000 miles at 90 mph

 

my seats have adjustable lumbar supports, they help a bit, can drive almost a full tank on the highway before need to stretch

 

Love my 1st gen Double Cab. IMO, best size for a small truck. Dismayed at how the Taco has grown in width over the years.

But, love the 4.0 V6 motor in my wife's '07 4Runner Sport. The best of all worlds would be that 4.0 V6 in a 1st gen Taco, well, except for the Toyota turbodiesel in a 1st gen taco.

My frame just failed frame inspection, though. My warranty expired 20th of next month... so getting a new frame. Pennsylvania? I'm going to have to recommend a 2nd gen Taco in good condition (get it inspected).

 

A lot a lot of miles you're probably a lot better with the second generation Tacoma for driving

 

how does your frame fail if its located in CO? per your location under your name

 

Anything over 65 and it will drink up gas like it's dying of thirst, at least mine does. I regularly cruise at 70-75 and get about the same mpgs on the highway as I do in city lol. But bigger tires and added weight doesn't help.

 

Probably was not an original truck from Colorado

 

I know there is water in CO from snow
are those frames of the early 2000s that susceptible to any amount of water getting on them?

 

You can get a 1st gen Acura MDX with a bed.