New to me 2020 TRD Sport

Hello everyone, first timer here.
First post at this forum, and first Tacoma.
I bought this last week at a local dealer. 48k miles. I added new tires as one of the four on it had a slow leak, and all four were pretty worn. Snowy weather out so I chose Hankook Pathfinders.



It came without certification and only a dealer warranty. I don't know if Toyota warranty carries over or not.
Now, Highway mileage is terrible, around 16mpg. I have noticed that the transmission pretty much will not go into 6th gear. Have tried manually allowing 6th, no change. Set the cruise to adaptive or static, no change. Have switched the ECT on and off, no change. Stomp the throttle while on cruise and then let it settle into gear it still will not hardly go into 6th. 6th gear at 67 mph should show around 1647 engine RPM's, my gauge shows around 2,000. It will some times, drop into 4th while on cruise at around 65 mph, for no reason...flat highway, slight wind... The very few times it has gone to and stayed in 6th, my milage is around expected, 21/22.
I have seen a TSB at this site, TSB-0092-20. My VIN group does show on the list. I do not think the under-hood sticker shows any update?...
so, my question on this, if this is related to the mentioned TSB, shouldn't the dealer have seen to it while preparing to sale? Is this something covered by Toyota?

Now, another thing...
as I mentioned above, the tires were pretty much worn out. Actually they were probably bare minimum for re-sale. I have noticed that the steering in this truck seems to pull to the right. The truck never really feels stable on the road. Can't hold the steering wheel steady and go straight, seems I am always adjusting. ..... Is that normal with a Tacoma? In need of a 4 wheel alignment? IDK...

anyhow, going back in to the dealer for Black Tubular side steps and a bed cover next week and thought asking for advice as what to look out for might be a good idea.

Suggestions or helpful advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mike


p.s. as to everything else I think I am going to really like this truck, if I can get the MPG around affordable.

 

i believe it didtnt carry over its past the 3 year mark/36 k ,I had my tacoma wheel alignment done twice already and the steering wheel pulls slightly to the right i guess its a tacoma thing.As far as the 6th gear situation I would try to get a tune

 

Most dealers get the vehicle ready so it will sell not everything that needs to be addressed.

Here is the fuel pump recall which is covered for 10 years regardless of mileage if you smell gas.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2023/MC-10236191-9999.pdf

 

Why did you buy it? Didn't you test drive it and didn't you see these issues?

 

no offense to op but his names kind of checks out

 

I kind of figured (Mindlessly) that the 3/yr 36k was done because, well its 4 years old and has 48k miles on it. Was referencing the 5/yr 60k powertrain part.

it might have a loose nut...

thanks for that, I knew of the probable low pressure fuel pump issue, mostly the wiring harness? but was not aware of the hi pressure issue.

Toyota is known for producing decent automobiles... and I have kind of favored the Tacoma for several years.

Yeppers to the two mile guided test drive, accompanied by a salesman on a snowy and icy Highway which may or may not have produced the same effects /up-shift and steering.

what do you reference that to? Specifically how does it "check out"?

 

mine seems to wander if theres any ruts in the highway, for sure. If theres no ruts, she tracks great.

FWIW, i get better gas mileage in 4th and 5th as opposed to 6th. I've found that 6th will halfway lug the engine if you're not on flat ground with a tailwind, so i literally never use 6th. It's useless in these transmissions, should have been a 5 speed from the start.

I'm getting 20/21 combined on a 100 mile daily commute, ect always on, always in s4 or s5.
Keep it in the power band as needed. The engine is more efficient and the trans shifts less.

Im at 100k miles and it runs like a swiss watch, best truck ive had.

EDIT: I DID use 6th occasionally when i had stock size tires, but yall know how that is gotta upsize

 

I guess I could try that. I have not selected 4th to see the mileage at highway speed.
I agree on the powerband thought. If thats where its efficient. It might take a bit of getting used to though...

 

just pulling your leg lmao

 

Man I’d get wheel…alignment worked out and then put it in D and drive it. Not worry about trying to save $12 a month on gas that most people blow that $12 in a day on some crap

 

Winter gas mix will drop the mpg , summer blend I was getting 23 . This winter crap I’m getting roughly 19 to 20.

 

As far as the pulling right, make sure tire pressures are good. Then get an alignment and tell them what it’s doing

 

My 2020 drives straight and doesn't pull when it had the factory Firestone Destination LE2's on or the 265/70 R17 Toyo Open Country A/T III's for the past 2 years. Winter roads with patches of slush or compacted snow can push and pull you a bit when driving over them. Also, who knows what the previous owner did with the truck on or off-road. Drove hard into a curb at the mall?

Some good advise above. Maybe a front brake not working correctly or alignment? Seems like getting dealerships to update the transmission to the latest TSB can be like pulling teeth. My (Sept built) 2020 came with the latest version of software. Most have had mixed results after getting the transmission TSB done. Many favor an aftermarket tune. These truck don't tend to get great MPG's. Especially in the winter with the cold, winter blended gas and any short trips. Check my Fuelly in my sig. Most do much better in the summer. For me it's a truck and comes with the territory.

Seems most dealers will put a little effort into fixing any issues unless you notice everything at time of purchase and get it addressed then. Some will offer a small grace period after the sale. Anyhow It will take a little getting used to the little quirks of this truck. These trucks are not for everyone. 3 years later and no issues with my truck.

Lots of info here for Tacoma Noobs.

https://youtu.be/b6tRAQ_r0Ms?si=pE42Xvvmw06MAoaT

 

Welcome to TW!

 

You're just jelly I never said welcome to TW when you joined

 

Very informative, thanks for the link.

 

$6.62 per gallon = ouch...