My Burned Up First Gen. Follow Up

If you haven't read, here are the links to the first part of the story:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/143900-my-taco-hot-man.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/144987-more-photos-burned-taco.html

Insurance paid top end on their origianal offer, very decent of them. So I waited for a while to hear from Toyota. Their inspector along with an independant inspector looked at the truck at the same time. I spoke with the independant engineer.

He said they could not determine the cause--of course it was toasted. They did determine that it began in the upper left part of the engine compartment where resides the fuse box as well as flex fuel lines. We both agreed it would have had to have been a really big short to bypass the safety of the fuses and he didn't see any scorching of major wires.
He said he had seen degredation of flex fuel lines due to ethanol. Hmmm.

No proof existed pointing any fingers, so it seems that Toyota, unless legally bound, washes their hands of responsibility.
I completely understand and I blame no party involved. It wasn't something I did, though I cannot prove otherwise. It may not have been a defect, though I cannot prove otherwise. Catch 22.

So I thought about it a while and debated and talked with my other half. We ended up with a 2007 second Gen. I drove it from Colorado to Portland over 2 days. 1300+ miles. My butt is numb. I have to say it was more comfortable and rode better on the highways. And it has a better sound system.

I think it will be a better road vehicle, perhaps not as good offroad. Time will tell. The mileage was much worse. Although a bigger engine and driving from Denver to the Columbia River I pushed wind. Holy Crap, Wyoming is WINDY! So I think the truck really showed me a mileage as if I was driving about 100 mph. Again, time will tell.

I'm off to join the ranks of second genners, I will miss the banter here.

Bill

 

Sad, another first gen gone

 

Bummer! Sorry to hear bout your 1st gen. At least while driving your new 2nd gen..... You will have all the memories of your beautiful 1st gen

 

Glad to hear you joined the second gen

 

ahhhh poor 1st gen....glad your stillin the taco gang tho haha

and yes, wyoming is VERY windy lol

 

Hey!!!!... Yeah you're right...

 

Yeah, its crazy how windy it is!

 

it is a sad day

 

At least you bought a manual 2nd gen.

 

Glad things worked out. How was your visit in Colorado?