Tacoma is the cheapest truck quality wise ever produced

I think it’s OVtune or KDMax tune that is the usual posted answer to about every problem posted.

 

1GR 4.0 V6. Anytime after it's been sitting for more than 15 minutes. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it as it pulls out. Reinsert, pull it out, check it. No problems

 

Did OP ever even return, looks like he kicked the can and ran away -

 

As I keep reading more and more posts on this and other forums, I have to tell myself:

(Most the Trouble I've seen hasn't happened)

 

Same method I’ve used all my life, hasn’t worked for my 2.7L Tacoma. Maybe you have darker oil due to a worn engine haha. I’m not alone though.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hard-time-reading-oil-dipstick.518170/

 

I check mine in the morning after truck sat overnight. Also did this with my 08 4Runner which was tough to read. Pull dipstick and check level - no wiping

 

I didn't plow thru all the replies. Just the OP's post.

I'm curious, what truck would meet the OP's criteria?

I had a GMC 2500HD. It had problems too. Front wheel encoder went bad, $600 repair. Instrument cluster went all goofy, $200 repair. Truck was only 3 years old. My current Tacoma is nearly 16 years old. No problems, sorry can't say what the previous owner repaired. I do know the service history, performed by Toyota.

Otherwise, the frame and fuel tank construction are highly regulated components based in the FMVSS. They must meet specific minimum criteria to be sold in USA.

Paint.....curious.....How thick does it need to be to be considered "quality"?

 

"Let us look at the facts...."

Best introduction to an elementary report
I have ever seen. A+.

 

Let's not forget no intermittent windshield wipers on all base models older than 2020, but in all seriousness, I love my truck! FYI, I added intermittent wipers...

 

My apologies. Don't like to come across as an expert but I have been accused of that and worse. The OP and the anticipation of the interesting mix of people that often agree with his facts as he sees and those type of tolling events hit a very raw nerve. As I said, the Tacoma is far from perfect, but it saved my wifes life. Every thing I stated about the accident and more (like the over $25K it took to put the truck back together) but to me it was worth every penny. And, the passenger cabin was not really even damaged except for a one small dent at the lower passenger side of the cabin where the bed hit the cabin as it buckled up into the air; and, a buckle in the passenger cabin roof from the force of the impact that was fixed with a paintless repair process.

For what it's worth, the only thing I am an ABSOLUTE fucking expert at is saying "YES SIR" which in USMC vernacular most often means "yes sir" but just as often is the most respectful "fuck you sir I respect your position sir and it is my honor to gladly do it anyway sir" you would ever want or expect to hear.

 

Thanks to all that replied to my thread, even the bashers. I know that it's a very controversial topic, as this is Tacoma world after all. Just to let you guys know, I am a very long time Toyota truck guy. I have owned a '79, '88, '92, '11 and now a '15, all purchased new. Regretfully missed out on a new 1st gen, oh well.

I do like my truck for the most part, even though I know it didn't come across that way. I know a lot of people like more fluff in there vehicles today and that's fine, however, you can still build a truck with a quality/strong chassis and frame as well and for not much more money if any, other manufactures manage to. Toyota used to mirror the trucks to the 4runner in both style and quality up until the 2nd and 3rd gens, which was great, not sure why that stopped, café standards and corporate profit most likely.

My personal dream Toyota truck like many others I'm sure would be:

2, 4 and extra cab door options
Comfortable seats (small/midsize Toyota trucks have never had them, even to this day).
Strong Fully boxed frame and core support
Coil springs might be nice
Disc brakes all around
Steel bed (to hold up to all of the gear people mount/put on and in them these days)
Manual transfer case
Both auto and manual transmission options
Solid front axle and IFS option
V-8 and diesel option
Ability to go up to at least 35" tires with no modifications other than a lift

You know, kind of like the rest of the world gets. Never going to happen here and not sure how they would sell in todays communist government controlled pussified nanny society, but it's nice to dream anyway.

Moon

 

Never owned a 2018+ accord huh? Lol. The Tacoma dipstick is easy to read compared to that one.

 

This is exactly the problem.

You know what they used to build back when they had to compete to get on the global stage. You've seen them go from being a very Japanese company with a Japanese post-war manufacturing mindset to a global player that has had to make cuts in every area to reach broad appeal.

But you are no longer Toyota's target consumer. Toyota wants mass appeal with new money Millennials who are buying 3rd gen Tacomas. Millennials are generally lazy and want all the bells and whistles delivered to them on a silver platter with no questions asked. (I know because I am one). Millennials like to pay other people to take care of their stuff for them, which is why services and rentals are starting to dominate over DIY life long ownership.

All of your complaints and your wish list have merit, but don't have a place in Toyota's marketing approach for selling cars in 2022.

"No Country for Old Men" wasn't just a book/movie.

 

"My personal dream Toyota truck like many others I'm sure would be:"

I took the liberty of numbering your wish list.

1) 2, 4 and extra cab door options
2) Comfortable seats (small/midsize Toyota trucks have never had them, even to this day).
3) Strong Fully boxed frame and core support
4) Coil springs might be nice
5) Disc brakes all around
6) Steel bed (to hold up to all of the gear people mount/put on and in them these days)
7) Manual transfer case
8) Both auto and manual transmission options
9) Solid front axle and IFS option
10) V-8 and diesel option
11) Ability to go up to at least 35" tires with no modifications other than a lift


Toyota has sold about 1.3 million 3ed gens, most of them to plain old consumers driving to work, Home Depot and hauling the occasional dresser or deer -- not enthusiasts. The consumer constantly wants more features for less money.

Of your list, the average consumer wants #s 1 & 2 and maybe 10 (mostly just because the neighbors have one), most consumers wouldn't notice, understand or have use for the other 8 items.

It would not be in the best interest of Toyota to shift their focus from the consumer to the enthusiast.

 

Maybe for some people

 

Same. Capacity is 5.5 quarts. If you drained out the pan and measure 5.5 to put in odds are you end up on the mark just by that alone anyway.

another option may be cutting in some faint criss cross hash marks that other vehicles have in the measurement area to retain the oil so that it’s more visible.