2021 Redesigned Nissan discussion mega merged thread on a Tacoma site

I really had my heart set on the new Tundra after selling my 2020 Tundra. I feel like I dodged a bullet

 

Toyota’s designs have been off the rails for years now, and only seem to get worse. I only stayed with the brand because they have treated me well mechanically. Hell, had my 1st Gen for 20 years, and have 430K+ on it, actually still have it, but needs engine work. Last year was a bad year for it nickel and diming me, so finally decided to buy a new one. Other than the front end being hideous, love it otherwise.

 

I agree on the front end being pretty ugly. I haven't been keeping an eye on the aftermarket for these but maybe a new grill + bumper could help?

 

The old Tundras are pretty bullet proof. A friend of mine who is a Toyota Master Tech still has his. The worst part on the front end and the low ball joints but they are very easy to change, they just unbolt. The other issue was the rack and pinion mounting bushings and tie rod adjusters would seize. Parking brakes cables and pivots would also seize. Other than that, pretty bullet proof.

 

It is the whole thing, doesn’t matter what the insert is, looks like a giant cod piece with squinty eyes for headlights with an underbite for a bumper. The side and rear profile of the truck isn’t bad, is too bad they dropped the amber turn signals in the taillights. Couple things could be better, but overall happy with it.

Sure a bumper would help hide it somewhat, but told myself I wouldn’t do that to this truck. Have an ARB on my 1st Gen and never use it other to set my coffee cup and tools on it when I change the oil. Not even changing my own oil with the new truck, don’t want to give them any excuse to void the warranty.

 

Do like the subdued looks of the 1st Gen Tundras, don’t care for the interior looks like an old Ford Taurus.


Ball joints are easy, have the tools and done them a few times over the years. Starter is a bitch on the 4.7 since it is under the intake manifold. Rack and pinion bushings aren’t too bad, replaced all of the suspension bushings with poly, did the R&P when I had everything ripped apart.

That is the thing, tired of working on stuff…have long list of repairs over the years on the ‘99. Why I bought a new one.

Ford Taurus or 1st Gen Tundra….you decide! lol!

 

Understood, as things age more issues will arises.

 

Yep, wife talked me into it. Got to the point it where it is cheaper to buy a new truck, put $6000 into the ‘99 last year, and it still needs engine work. Developed a tick in the valve train, so either needs the head rebuilt, or a new one…and at that point with so many miles might as well drop a new engine in it. Or at least a low mile JDM, which is a gamble.

Buying used is a crap shoot too, especially how crazy the market has been.

Sure the front clip could be better, the engine could have more low end torque, the trans could shift less…can over ride that by switching to S Mode. However it does what I need it to do, and don’t have to worry about it breaking down.

 

Toyota and Lexus have had these massive Grille's as of late, really ugly designs.

 

They have been horrible, not sure who their target market is, clearly not me, but they are selling like hotcakes. Of course I still bought one, didn’t buy it for how it looks bought it for what’s underneath.

Think the current F150 is sharp looking and considering it, couldn’t touch one in this market under $40K, even an XL. Came down to splitting hairs and the Tacoma won out.

 

The Tacoma probably has one of the least offensive Grilles too in their entire product line, hope they don't repeat the new Tundra on the 4th Gen.

 

If the Sequoia is any indication, we'll probably get a larger version of the 2020+ TRD grille on the 4th gen, at least on some trim levels:

 

It is, not the end of the World…just need a truck to haul my ass and crap around…spend more time inside it than I do looking at it. Do like the interior, reminds me of the early pickups a bit, angular and horizontal.

Toyota has an angry design language…why do they have to look angry? lol!

Wouldn’t hold my breath, going to worse before it gets better.

 

Yeah guessing that is the way it is going, assuming it will be real close to the EV concept that was released recently, except with a vented insert instead of a solid one.

 

That one guy on here named Carmaker or something similar with all the inside information said the humongous Grille's are a direct order from the President of Toyota, so definitely going to be awhile before it gets better.

 

He must have some kind of fetish for big grills…(as that Sir Mix A Lot song goes off in my head) lol!

 

Looks like Nissan is trying to match Jeep in build quality:

 

I've also seen a Tacoma when I worked at the dealership that had a sport decal on one side and a off road on the other side. It happens.

A quick search on the forum
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2-different-trd-decals-on-new-truck.135993/

 

Interesting! 2011 was the first year at San Antonio. I remember reading reports of poor door latch fitment on 2011 Access Cabs, but that was it.