How hard is it to keep your Tacoma Clean?

We all know black paint shows dirt and scratches very well and white paint, for the most part, hides it. But not all Tacomas are black and white.

So what color is your Taco, and how hard is it to keep it clean?

I'm specifically wondering which color shows dirt less between these three: Magnetic Gray Metallic, Pyrite Mica, and Timberland Mica. I like earth tones

 

Mine's white and it's ridiculously hard to keep clean. Mainly because I live on a dirt road. It doesn't help that my tires stick out past the fenders by about an inch so they sling crap all over it.

 

Try having a black truck and being parked only about 20 yards from the road, with people that drive at least 40mph plus...
Last time I washed it really good, and it only lasted about 3 days.

 

My first car was a black Prelude, and my car before the Taco was a black Accord...I know exactly how ya feel. I live .4 of a mile out a dirt road. It wasn't fun.

 

Mhm, I think I'm gonna wash mine again Tuesday and try to just wash the dust off every few days... We'll see how this pans out

 

Love those colors too. It's a coin toss btwn Pyrite and Magnetic with Timberland a very close 2nd. I would guess among the three colors they would be similar in paint maintenance with the Magnetic showing the most scratches b/c it is a darker color. They will not be as easy as silver to keep clean and scratch-free. Mine is black and a pain to keep clean. Previous owner really didn't take care of the paint. Bugs that were kept on the front bumper for yrs delaminated the clear coat. Plus plenty of scratches. I did do a full detail but still drives me nuts that it isn't perfect. Funny thing is I am seriously considering trading it in for a new taco in Pyrite or Magnetic just because of the paint condition.

 

I have owned my last black vehicle....

Silver is the easiest I have ever owned.

 

Anyone (including me) that buys black, and other dark colors, should expect more frequent washings. It's worth it to me to own a black. My 4Runner is also black.

 

speed way blue. Dirt is minimial, but scratches! It seems like I find a new one everyday?!

 

Did this for about 5 months before I put on my lift...

 

(Insert "That's racist" .GIF here)

 

See this is why I want a truck. I dont like washing my car every week to keep it looking like what it's worth (i.e. not a piece of shit). I go months at a time on my current car and I feel horrible - like I'm abusing her or something

I want a truck so that I can go 4 months without a wash and not beat myself up about it. But still have it look good! It's finding that balance that's the hard part

 

Same here, wash twice a year max after serious winter grunge. it's a truck.

 

Oh my interior is horrible right now, went to a mud run back in the beginning of June and rode around all day with the windows down (friend also opened the door while stuck in a mud hole and the door went into the mud about 5 inches...) I've even got mud on my shifters somehow? Haha

 

Mag Grey shows road dirt really well

 

2nd gen. I've got a few threads detailing my frustrations with finding my perfect truck. Strangely they all resolve around money

It's fun to imagine and plan out what I would buy if I could. The realities are that 1) I may not be able to buy one for several more months (possibly end of year) and 2) I may have to buy used and not get to choose the color.

 

Oh around here that's our "trail riding". But that's also why my truck overheated on the way home cause I didn't think to wash off the radiator before we left...
But back on subject another thing bad about dirt roads is the havoc it plays on the underside, everything looks like it's rusting due to our clay based dirt...

 

I find silver and white the easiest to keep clean. I have had 7 black cars/trucks over the years and they are a constant project. However, they look the best. Whatever color you choose, if you keep it waxed very well you can do a quick water only and sponge (no soap) wash on it, dry it with old bath towels and be on your way.I can wash my truck in 10 minutes. A waxed finish speeds up the process and the results are the best. My silver Tacoma has about 3 coats of DP Max from Auto geek.net. It is great stuff. I have been detailing cars for 40 years and can provide other tips if you wish.
Jeff/silvert

 

This is what I plan to do... Hopefully.

 

Mine's MGM and it seems to deal with the dirt pretty well even though I don't let it stay clean long haha. I would say the pyrite mica would be the best for hiding dirt though. My last truck was a similar color and it had to be covered in a lot of dirt to look dirty. Black is the worst though. It looks good clean, but it's almost impossible to keep that way. My dad's always fighting to keep his black truck clean