Comments and Suggestions, never owned a Toyota

Will a Tundra smoke up a long incline like a Tacoma?

Your needs indicate you need the smaller truck so you stay on the lower rung.

 

BroncoAZ, I couldn't figure out how to send a message, or this forum won't let me. I'm on the Cape too.

 

However you justify your existence is fine, different opinions and that's ok

 

Hidesert Cowboy, I want a rear locker because, well... becasue I want one. I have a Jeep with lockers in both axles and I know what the difference is in using them. I wanted one in my Dodge, but it wasn't available, and still isn't. The AAM conical limited-slip just wasn't enough when I needed it to be. Since Toyota offers it from the factory, it makes sense to buy what I want rather than having to have it installed, or regret not getting it when I could have.

And, I just don't like Fords. Never have, still don't. Can't tell you why, I just don't. The Ecoboost sounds like a great engine, but too complicated for the long run. I just see expensive problems down the road.

 

I understand the axle ratios, and I see why you changed yours. But, I am not going to be adding bigger tires, armor or lift. I have a Jeep for that- 4.88 with 32s and a .79 5th gear. Overkill, perhaps. But considering it doesn't have the power that today's engines do, and it isn't something I drive daily, it works well for me. My point is I just want a new, reliable pickup with good fuel mileage that will remain stock.

 

I didn’t change mine. My point was that I am close to needing to buy it’s still OK and not worth it for me. Non issues for you keeping it stock. You’ll be fine.

 

I really appreciate everyone's opinions, I really do. I realize Toyota's specs for the 3.5L have the peak power up high, and the torque up there as well. Most any new vehicle is geared for emissions and fuel ratings, and I expect no less from a Tacoma. Yes, it won't have the power my Cummins does, and yes, it won't have the room and towing capability my Dodge does. Would I like another one of what I have? Sure I would (the engine, not necessarily the truck). When I bought it, I needed its capability and room. But, I don't want to spend $70,000 on another one, and I don't need what it can do anymore. Aside from that, it's a pain to park, the front end is extremely heavy and sinks in anything soft, it's going to start costing me more to maintain, and Dodge is natorious for U-joints, ball joints, and rear fenders that rust.

I realize that the advertized mileage of a new Tacoma won't be realistic- most gas vehicles aren't. My wife's '11 Santa Fe was advertised at 24 highway, and she might get that on a good day. But 18 doesn't sound bad to me considering my Jeep gets 11 or 12, if that. I don't want a Tundra because I don't need one, and if I did, I might as well go back to a 3/4 ton. If I need a V8, then I might as well go back to a diesel. But, that's me.

For what the Tacoma is, I like what I see and hear overall. Compared to the little Toyota pickup I drove in the early 90s for work, the Tacoma is really nice now. It seems like you get a lot for a trim level without having to add 5 extras, that gets turned into 10 because you aren't allowed to choose one thing without upgrading to something else.

Someone suggested the LED headlights and fog lights. That sounds great because they look brighter and my eyes are getting dimmer. Mudflaps and floor liners would be obvious. With a cap, I wouldn't need the bed lights. An automatic locking tailgate would be nice. I haven't looked into heated seats, but then again, I don't need them. My diesel took forever to heat up, so heated seats were a necessity. Otherwise, it looks like the TRD Off-Road comes with all I'd want.

 

I sure enjoy mine and you now have had more than enough banter to decide which it sounds like you have. Enjoy!!!

 

I love my TRD Off Road as a daily driver and occasional work horse. I don't go rock crawling or deep mudding, but do trails once in a while. I like the heavy duty suspension for the heavy stuff I haul on occasion.

 

. Go drive a 3.5 ecoboost. It’s like a diesel that runs on gas. If you like diesel torque curve the ecoboost duplicates it. Have had a rear locker with my last 3 trucks going back 11 years. Never made any difference whatsoever. Gotten a little stuck and tried it by itself. Very little difference. Watch this.

 

Yes and no, but without getting WAY too technical, yes.

 

I sent you a message, you should see it under inbox near the top right.

I completely understand wanting a locker, it was a requirement for me as well. I don’t know if I need it on Nauset Beach, but it’s nice to hit the button and drive on rather than being stuck sometimes. My Bronco had front and rear ARB lockers, nothing worked better rock crawling.

As for the Ford thing, I had a 2020 Ford Raptor Super Cab for a couple months, I fricking loved it. I buy trucks professionally and the F-150 is my favorite half ton truck right now. I buy GM trucks for the company right now because they offer the lowest cost per mile to own and operate and I cycle them at 5 years/100K miles. I’ve rented several of the new Ram 1500’s, they are ok but I hate the rotary shifter. The Tundra is solid but a dated design and very thirsty (my Raptor got better mileage). Did Nissan still make a full size truck? I know they do but nobody buys them. The Ford combines great power, decent fuel economy, a comfortable interior, and good longevity. Unfortunately Ford does cut some corners on interior fit and finish sometimes. I was very close to buying another F-150 when I got the Tacoma, the difference was the subsidized lease available on the Tacoma that meant it was a better value for me. My total 39 month/39K lease on a $41K truck is $14,500 all in, the F-150 was $23K for an XLT. The smaller truck is also a good fit for Cape Cod with small roads and parking spaces.

I suggested the LED headlights and fog lights. There is nothing wrong with the standard lights, I just like the LED better. I really do love the auto high beam feature on some newer vehicles.

 

I generally keep a vehicle for 15 years, so my consideration, all other things being equal, is the cost to maintain/repair over that time frame. I considered Dodge's 3.6L with eTourqe. It's sort of a hybrid... a liquid-cooled motor/generator replaces a typical alternator and there's a 48V battery pack. Expensive to repair/replace in the long run, and it is only a year or two old. Even though I don't care for Fords, I honestly looked at the Eco-boost. But, with not one but two turbos, and a host of other parts particular to that engine, it too will be expensive to repair down the road. Chevy/GM Canyon... equivalent pricing, but doesn't give me a few things I want and ground clearance is lower. Nissan does make pickups. I looked at the XD with the Cummins a few years back. Unfortunately, the transmission didn't match the engine's capabilities and shifted horribly, similar to complaints I've read when the Tacoma first used the new 6-automatic in 2016 before a TSB was out. And, it was overpriced for what it was. The Frontier Pro-4X is nearly similar to the Tacoma TRD in all respects.