Hey Y'all! Brand new to the Taco world. What do I need to know/do?

Hey all! Just bought my very first 2nd Gen Tacoma about a month ago and really need some advice on what to add/mod/fix. This is my first post ever to a forum so sorry in advance for any repeated questions or posting something in the wrong place! I'm open to anything y'all have to say and recommend for a newbie Taco owner!

 

Check out the sticky posts at the top and in the sub forums. Use search to avoid flames. Do your regular maintenance. Drive the he'll out of it and enjoy it for a few hundred thousand miles.

 

Fumoto valve should be your first purchase. It’ll save you so much money, you’ll be able to fund your other mods

 

Unless it was bought from the dealer, I would change the oil, check all fluids, brakes, front wheel bearings along with frame while you are under the truck. Be good idea to call the local toyota dealer to see if there's any recalls that need to be addressed, especially for the rear leaf springs. One of my fav mods was a new radio coupled with a front/rear cameras. Makes parking easier having a hood scoop, softtopper and LB.
OTW, enjoy the truck and welcome to TW.

 

Close your TW account and log off NOW!
Then, lock up your credit card!

 

Welcome to TW

Here is a good place to start.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-tips-mods-more.7174/

Enjoy that new truck

 

Have you baselined the everyday service items? That's where you start.

 

Welcome to the forums! The very first thing you want to do it check your frame for excessive rust. In fact do that before anything else.

 

Start with a deep clean and then fluids. Check local dealership for open recalls. As mentioned, the stickied threads are quite helpful. Enjoy!

 

If the truck does not have a documented maintenance history, I also suggest you change all the fluids. It's not that expensive and gives you a solid base going forward. Obviously if there are documents or receipts supporting recent fluid changes, you don't need to do those. Suggested mods... those depend on how you plan to use the truck. The sticky threads are always a great place for new members to start. Welcome to the forums, and as always, make sure to bring thick skin when visiting the internet.

 

I hope that was a pre purchase exercise!

 

Really...I have one but can only say oil changes are tool less. Can't say it saves a cent. In fact it adds cost and oil drains slower. Also should probably have a skid plate to protect it.


OP, welcome to tw! do maintenance first then add what you think is needed or cool. You gotta drive it and find out.

 

Lotsa good ideas already posted. I'd add to take a look at your brakes so you have an idea how long you have before it's time to get pads or shoes.

If you post a question, tell us what you have. Yes we know it's a Tacoma. I read somewhere there's something like 27 versions. 6 cyl, 4 cyl, manual, automatic, 4wd, sr5, trd, prerunner, etc.

Post up some pics so we can all ooh and ahh at your new toy. Welcome to the club.

 

Oem oil filters are $4 at the dealer, and Mobil 1 synthetic has annual rebates that make 5 gallon jugs $10/each.

$14 vs $75 for synthetic oil changes bringing it to some place. Sounds like it saves money to me when you change it twice a year.
Not to mention time....

 

So your advice is "do your own oil changes will save you money and time" nothing to do with the fumoto.
Just clarifying

 

Fumoto valve saves you time because no cleanup and no tools. Doing a regular oil change requires tools and cleanup.

 

Amazing.

What about the pan you drain the oil into?

 

lol I had the same thought

 

The messiest part of an oil change is removing the filter, usually. I've never seen a Fumoto on an oil filter although someone has probably done it with a cartridge filter housing lol.
Aside from saving a few seconds time every few months, I honestly don't see a meaningful benefit to a Fumoto valve. IMO it's a gadget and nothing more. Just my $0.02.