Any Regrets? I have a few...

Considering i spent more time in the dealer than actually driving it .it may have not stranded me but it’s annoying taking it in every few months to fix random crap . I have to work around my schedule . Seriously thinking of selling it . Since the values are really high right now .

 

No think about it, it is a fact - Non ethanol gasoline has more BTU per gallon than ethanol blend gasoline.

With less energy available in the fuel more fuel will be consumed to perform the same work.

Result: Mileage will be lower on ethanol blend fuel.

 

Exactly - I've been tempted to do the Mile per MMBTU calc. I learned a similar lesson with "DFA" Diesel Fuel Arctic - it's a lighter cut and does not gel at low temps, the trade off is lower BTU, lower MPG, Lower kW from a generator etc. Also - Georgia is down hill, that is true but the statement cracks me up.

 

I had to do the math. I know that mixing volumes is not .85+ .15 = 1.00 but to make the math easy I make that assumption. The correlation is not dead on, but the math does not account for different days, temps, humidity or the uphillyness factor of driving to Tennessee. Add in measurement error and I feel it's accurate to say corn gas robs at lease 5% of MPG, probably more. Perhaps off topic but if a 3rd Gen Taco owner is upset over MPG seek out some 100% fuel, where I live 100% gas is available and cheaper than corn gas from Georgia so it's a win win.

 

I'm guessing toyota has tested these trucks using E87 for their fuel economy posting's. We only have 10% ethanol blends here. Its about the same fuel milage numbers i get. Be interesting if the truck does better on true gasoline.

 

The gas station in town has no ethanol premium. I'm might fill up with that and see what kind of mileage it gets.

 

Tacoma and frontier are limited to rough gravel roads? I respectfully disagree. Maybe the frontier since the frame sits pretty low compared to Tacoma’s. I went through some gnarly spots on my taco and no issues at all, it’s very capable in stock form. My buddy has a long base 3rd gen and he goes everywhere with me, he rubs the undercarriage a lot more than me though.

 

I’m sure Toyotas tested with ethanol blends. But that’s not what’s used for the posted EPA mpg ratings, see below.
https://fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml

 

What was your mpg

 

She might be right...at least partially. I don't know what the elevation change between GA and TN is, but driving from Colorado Springs to Denver I typically get 1-2mpg better than driving Denver to Colorado Springs. Colorado Springs is about 1000' higher than Denver.

 

I should add that my idea of a rough gravel road is pretty gnarly. Narrow, washed out, off-camber deactivated roads that require decent clearance and suspension travel. Not much challenge in the older compact 4x4s I've owned. The Tacoma and Frontier require a far gentler approach. I also find it tough to get these bigger trucks turned around if needed, passing other offroaders is a nightmare. To be fair I should be comparing my old 4runner to a Wrangler, FJ Cruiser, Xterra & Bronco I guess.

 

For me, my Tacoma will do most of the hard stuff, but I need to pay attention at all times. With my solid axle Toyota truck I could drive stupid all day long, and nothing would brake.

 

When I tried the Mavrick 91 non Ethanol, my 2020 ran like Sh*T. I won't try that again.

 

The full thought of regret set in around 24 months into owning my 2018 tRD Off Road. I liked the way the truck looked, well except the front nose.

The 3rd brake light leaked repaired under TSB
The TSS sensor recall was done
The transmission shifted terrible the TSB firmware update was done shifted a lot better, but still couldn't make up it's mind on the highway.
The front bumper chin black part wouldn't stay clipped in. I went roundee round with Toyota on this to the point where I go so pissed I ended up ordering another one online and replacing it myself.
The startup chime and chimes are irritating. If I run in to pickup a pizza I don't need the truck screaming steal me with some outside chime bullshit. I had the dealer disable the chime, only to find out that it was only the seatbelt chime when driving. The only solution that we came up with was to use a seatbelt extender to get rid of the startup chimes.
The rear speaker bias is beyond stupid, the rear speakers basically don't work unless you have dog like hearing. I did the standard upgrades Kicker tweeters in the dash and Focal door speakers. There was some improvement, but not much to write home about.
There was this Chewbacca like growl from the front end every once and awhile, the dealer couldn't find the source of the noise. I suspect it had something to do with the front diff and the TSB. I did fill it with Redline oil and it seemed to abate most of the time.
The passenger side window sash shrank and had to be replaced.

The final straw was a botched fuel pump recall, where the truck had to go in numerous times for a check engine light for an evap leak. It was later discovered that the new fuel pump module was defective.

I ended up trading the truck in on a Frontier Pro 4X after that. The total miles I put on my Tacoma was 4k in 27 months. It was a weekend fun vehicle, but the fun just seemed to run out.

Other nit picky stuff, the Silver Sky paint was super weak on my Tacoma. It's like it had no depth. The driver seat showed excessive wear pilling on the lower bolster for only 4k. I guess you're supposed to wear slacks if you want use your truck.

If goes against the grain speaking these things here on TW. The truck failed to meet my expectations and was the most disappointing vehicle i've ever purchased. Does this mean I hate Toyota or Tacomas? NO just simply stating my experience. I might buy another Tacoma at some point like a 2nd gen.

This sums up how it goes when you find quality issues or shit to be nit picky about


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8EiGaB3H7E

 

I love my new 2021 Tacoma TRD Sport Premium package. Only had it a week and put on 500 miles on it. I have owned all the other generation Tacos and loved them all but this one is high tech for sure had to figure out all the technical stuff like garage door opener, remote start, pairing my smartphone and now working on the navigation system. Just love it .

 

"She might be Right" I can never admit that! The elevation change from Augusta GA to my spot in TN is 770 feet. On some level that's more work and hence more gas - I concur.

 

The Pro’s do lol

 

So do sports and off roads.

 

If you are actually worried about fuel costs consider that this truck does alot for its size and returns decent mpg doing so. Read the forums of full sizes (gas) and you'll see that it ain't that bad in all around. Now if you don't do truck stuff.... then get an SUV and you can get some higher MPGs. Otherwise don't sweat it.
Even the legendary hybrids and electrics will return shit mileage when doing "truck stuff".

The Taco is legendary my friend. I dont regret it ever. I've driven all full sizes as well for work. Alot of fancy new toys out there will tons of better tech. Keep it simple and good all around. Go buy one! Lol. Maybe not during Taco shortage though.

 

I wonder if this will be for 2018 and up also. My 2006 had undercoating on it and it still rusted and I got a new frame. The rust happened under the coating. I might put Fluid Film under my 2021.