Advice

Hey everyone,

My name is Josh and I need some advice. I currently own a 2000 Tacoma 4 cylinder. I bought this truck when I turned 16 and it was my first vehicle. It had 114xxx miles on it when I bought it and currently has around 175xxx miles on it. I graduated college last May and got my first adult job in April. I currently drive approximately 60 miles to work one way. The other day, on my way home from work, I noticed that my check engine light was on. My dad and I checked it out and it threw a code, 420 I believe, for the EGR valve. In the process of checking that, we noticed that the truck had major rust issues on the frame (go figure). I have had rust problems before that failed inspection, and was a quick relatively inexpensive fix, but this seems much worse. The whole crossmember in the rear is rusted severely and is one bad bump away from falling apart on the passenger side, which creates its own set of problems. Not only that but the bottom of the engine/transmission was also wet with transmission fluid. It wasn't dripping but it was slightly wet. We found an aftermarket crossmember that costs about $300. There is also some other rust spots that need touched up, which is gonna cost around another $300. That just will be a stop gap until next May, when I'm sure after another PA winter (the state uses salt) there will be more rust damage that will need to be addressed to pass inspection. But we still don't know how much it will cost to fix the truck for the EGR valve (?) or the transmission leak. Yesterday, the check engine light came back on after we cleared it and it threw the original codes as well as another one relating to the cadillac converter. Also it's worth noting that the truck has a slight knock when you start it cold in the winter that dissipates when the truck is warmed up. Taking all of that into consideration, I'm just not sure it's worth spending more money trying to fix it or just cut my losses. I love this truck and really would like to keep it, at the same time I realize that continuing to throw money at it is a losing battle. I am looking at the new 2019 Tacoma TRD sport and like that but I have also heard that the new generation is having problems with the transmission. I am trying to decide if I should fix my truck or move on. Does anyone have the new generation or 2019 and have problems with the transmission? Has toyota fixed this problem? Also, has toyota done anything to fix their frames so they don't rust as much? Should I fix my first gen or should I cut my losses? Any guidance, advice, or recommendations would be much appreciated. Thank you.

 

There's really no answer to this. It all depends on you. Test drive the new trucks. See if YOU notice any trans issues. Then do some math and factor in the cost of fixing this current truck to the cost and payment of a new truck. Then you'll know which is more cost effective

 

Code 420 mmmmmmm

 

So, my short answer is no - there aren't any huge issues with the auto trans. What you will find is many differing opinions (key word: opinions) about how the trans and engine manage the power and gearing. But, from a mechanical standpoint, I believe they are pretty solid.

As for "fixes", Toyota has reprogrammed the shift logic in the 2019's and 2020's, and it is much better now. As for the rust, there is a robust coating on my frame from factory - I think Toyota learned their lesson.

Take one for a test drive. Crawl underneath. Putting your own eyes on it should give you the best indication of these things.

 

Test drive it. Then test drive again. Then again. Take it in the city. The country. The interstate. In the daylight. In the dark.
Pay attention to whatever concerns you, not the radio or entune.
Toyota sells 25K of these every month. They run and shift fine.

 

Give me your tundra!!!

 

That’s a shame man. Such a sharp pickup you have there. I have a 2019 Sport MT. no transmission problems here.

 

If you plan on keeping your truck I would have someone who know taco frames inspect it
Some are rusted beyond repair

body of your taco looks great

 

There is no "problems" with the transmissions. Go drive one and see what YOU think about the way they drive. They're great trucks and would be an awesome upgrade for you. If you have the budget for a new car payment, id think it would be worth it for you with your long commute.

 

I had an auto prior to my current manual. The constant shifting was indeed a problem for me, which of course is a personal opinion/preference.

 

That is a lot of miles every day


Maybe keep the truck and just get a practical, good mpg's daily driver?

The RAV4 isn't bad, and the dealers around me have lots of 2019's that they are eager to get off the lots.

Good luck.

 

2017 here with AT, no problems at all

 

Concur. I'm in a 17 2wd Sport DCLB and am extremely happy with the truck. This includes trans and torque - two things I commonly hear people griping about.

 

Have you looked into a frame replacement by Toyota? The first gens had a massive recall program for rusted frames, many frames were replaced and some Tacos were bought back by Toyota. I'd look into the replacement aspect - see if your Tacoma qualifies for a complete frame replacement by Toyota and go from there if you love your truck. The engine and transmission are a horse of a different color now.

 

20 year old truck with quite a few issues, I’d get rid of it while it still runs. Getting rid of it now saves you the money you put into it going forward, which you’re not getting back. Once it stops running, you’ll get the $400 vultures.

 

This old thing?

 

Yes, I'll trade you the tacoma and my sister

 

The best thing is... I have moved and changed positions in my company! No more 40K a year miles. Now I sorta get to live a normal life. Maybe 15-20K a year of driving. I am also now, after 56 years, in SC. During the move though I flogged the dogshit out of the Tundra. Lots of pulling, lots of hauling.

For those of you who haven't thought about it, driving 40K miles a year is EIGHTY FOUR DAYS if you drive eight hours a day.

 

Pic of your sister?