Newbie Looking for Guidance on Purchasing Late Model Taco

..been lurking and reading trying to get a good understanding of the available trims/packages as well as owner issues..

so far, here's what i think i'm looking for:
- V6 engine
- access cab or 4-door cab w/ short bed.. (i can't go longer b/c it wouldn't fit in the garage )
- leaning toward TRD Sport, ...mainly like the "appearance", alloy wheels and figure the bilstein shocks are much better than the base?
-<flamesuit> RWD </flamesuit> (ok well my reason is i figure it can't be any worse in winter than what i've been driving for the past 10 yrs)..

..so i also am not sure if i should be looking at 2010 vs. 2011 vs. 2012?
- from what i hear the 2012 is mechanically similar to the previous year, but there are some interior changes (cosmetic)??
- also, some folks are talking about TSB/problems w/ the following in 2010 or 2011 years (rear leaf springs inadequate, in 4x4 models a problem w/ bad bearing in the differential)..

..if i go for the 2012, does that absolve the issues /w the leaf spring and/or bearing problem? - ...maybe i'd reconsider on 4x4 if they have it corrected.. i want a reliable vehicle..

 

what your looking for is definitely possible to get...and yes the 2012 models is pretty much cosmetic changes mainly interior and face lift

 

After 2009 they are basically identical.

2012 saw a bit of sheet metal updating, mostly in the front, but it is pretty minor. The interior on 2012 was also a bit updated with some sharp colors and a bit of reorganization, but fundamentally the same.

Buying a new vehicle is almost always a total waste of money as you will take HUGE depreciation hits almost immediately. The exception to this is if you plan on driving it until the wheels fall off, then it mostly doesn't matter (though keep in mind plans can change).

You WILL regret not getting 4WD. You may take up camping, find a new love in wheeling, find it DOES suck in the winter, or so many other things. It happened to me and many others, don't make the same mistake.

If you found an amazing deal on a 2011 with low miles I'd go that way for sure.

If you are going to buy new off the lot, get a 2012. The paltry savings buying a left over 2011 new is not worth getting the later year and updates. A 2011 or 2012 could have pretty big resale differences even if they have the same kilometers. The 2012 is also the complete same drivetrain etc, so no worries about unreliability compared to the 2011.

Not touching Sport vs Offroad. Both nice trucks. Not sure if you can get DCSB in the Sport though? If you want Access cab it doesn't matter since they both have the long box.

 

yeah we can have some bad snow days here, ...but i guess my intial reluctance is that i'm looking for a DD, and i figure the 4x4 requires more maintaneance/cost because you have an extra differential and an x-fer case... ..and probably won't need it very much..??

 

I had some misgivings, and sure I wouldn't mind having 4wd, but in 2009 and later Tacomas, ALL of them have traction control, VSC, ABS, EBM, and A-LSD. This is by far the most controllable and capable RWD vehicle I've ever driven. I have never actually needed 4wd, even with 8+ inches of snow on the ground.

 

Myself and countless other members here thought as you did, thinking that 2WD would be sufficient and not worth the extra costs. WRONG! You will end up paying more once you realize how much you really wish you would have bought the 4X4 and have to trade up. The maintenance cost differences are negligible. The fuel economy differences are negligible.

Also, as mentioned in previous posts, try to find low mileage used and save yourself the depreciation.

 

That is another issue.

Fuel savings etc on normal RWD 5 lugger to 4wd, def a good chunk. But they are small, very low, etc.

Fuel savings Prerunner to normal 4wd, nothing essentially. Maybe a half MPG. Still have similar shocks etc to take care of just no front diff. Maintenance basically amounts to a couple of grease zerks to squish grease into.

 

..what about the TSB problem w/ the front diff, ...bearings related - noisy bearing?.. anyone know if the model yr 2012 4x4's have this corrected?

i guess one other cause for my trepidation is the 4x4 adds cost to the purchase price, ...that combined w/ possible TSB problems.. i'll have to see what the toyota manual calls for in terms of maintenance..

 

As far as I'm aware, there isn't a TSB for the front diff. I could be wrong. Most people only experience the bearing noise issue you are talking about after they lift it.

 

Agreed. I have a conservative lift and my diff is quiet as a mouse.

 

ok... now what about the manual tranny (6spd?) vs. the 5-speed auto tranny?... i'm talking about the V6 engine here...

i guess my impression of what people are reporting on the forum is that the 5-spd auto is a good tranny (assume meaning long lasting?), and the manuals have a throw-out bearing issue?..

also, anyone know the gear ratios of both trannys? ..assuming these rear-end ratios are 3.73?... i.e. i'd like to find out what the running engine RPM will be at highway speed (65-70mph range)...

 

I'd prob go automatic unless you really like manual. Taller final gear for better mpg, is used in quite a bit bigger engines so very tough etc.

I -think- the throw out bearing issue has been fixed by the latest TSB but hard to say.

For the final gear I think it is 0.72 for the automatics and 0.85 for the manuals. Not sure why they did that.

Calculator for speeds and RPMs
http://www.grimmjeeper.com/gears.html

 

You don't need 4wd to drive in the snow! With the The LSD in the 2009 up models is very good in the snow. All you need is some extra weight in the bed and should be fine. Offroading is another matter. If you plan on taking your truck offroading then I would get 4wd.

 

I Drove a RWD in the snow for 5 years. With winter tires and weight in the box it does pretty good.

I probably get stuck more in my 4x4 since I'm like 'oh ya no problem!'. Then I have to winch myself out haha.

In the RWD you are very cautious since you're aware there is no winch or 4wd to get you out.

The locking diff will help but will be nothing like 4WD. It is also dangerous on snow/ice since your back end will kick out very easily if the diff is locked.