Newb Tacoma owner

Hi all, I'm new to Tacoma World and this is my first ever Toyota. I just traded in my 2006 Dodge Ram for a 2012 Black Pre-Runner. I am really impressed with this truck. It drives so nice, is really comfortable, and looks sharp.

I have a few newb questions.

1) Have ya'll found a toolbox/toolbag that fits behind the rear seats well? I'm looking for something to store emergency items/tools.

2) I haven't washed my truck yet, but want to start maintaining the black paint with good products. I've been dong my research, and am considering the p21s products. Do you guys think this is a good product for the black paint?

3) I was looking under the hood, and noticed there's no insulation or light. Do tacomas not have the insulation under the hood?

4) Do you store the tie down cleats in the "keyholes" behind the rear seat? It looks like they would fit ok.

5) Anyone have experience with Bumper Plugs? I was thinking about some to cover up the license plate holes on the front bumper.

6) How do you keep your engine compartment clean?

7) The owner's manual mentions an "antenna tool". I don't see one. Is it with the jack tools?

Any other advice or tips for a new tacoma owner would be appreciated. Thanks!

Oh yeah, here's a pic of my new baby:

 

congrats!

 

Welcome to TW!

1) Havent looked
2) Lots of soap and a microfiber cloth, also check out http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/detailing/8957-official-ask-detailer-thread.html

3)My 2010 has insulation under the hood, but no light until I added it.
4)My tie down cleats sit on the passenger side behind rear seat compartment on the little rail... they dont really rattle on me, and suits me just fine.
5) No
6)After weeks on the trail, just make sure the engine is cool, and use soap and water. be careful around sensors that are sticking out of the engine and other components.
7)Antenna tool?


She is very pretty. Congrats!

 

yea i have a 2011 and mine doesn't have insulation under the hood

 

Weird....

 

You'd think at least there would be some kind of blanket protector on the hood just in case there is a fire etc.

 

would think that the insulation under the hood would be more for cold climates(to keep the snow from melting and turning to ice). bought my 2010 sport in saskatchewan and it doesnt have the insulation. interesting.

 

I just got a 2012. My "Antenna Tool" was in the center console when I picked the truck up from the dealer. It's a black plastic piece about 3" long, with a hex-shaped opening on one end. If it's not in your center console or glove box, you might ask the dealer what happened to it.

 

jelly

 

nice looking truck! welcome to tw

 

Thank you for all the feedback and welcome comments.

So far, I'm extremely impressed with my truck. But I'm definitely not impressed with my dealer and their service area.

When I purchased it, I negotiated window tinting and the trailer towing receiver into the deal. When I took it in to have those things installed, the frustration started.

I found out that the dealer only uses one type of window tint, so I didn't get much input on how I wanted the tint. But the trailer hitch turned out to be the big PITA. Apparently, Toyota has not yet released the 2012 wiring harness for the receiver. So they tried to connect a 2011. In the process, they took the dash apart, and scratched it in two places, one of which is really big, where the passenger airbag is. So I'm working with the dealer to get the dash fixed. In an effort to please me, they washed the truck, but when they dried it, left some scratches behind (black paint).

In the end, I can live with the above items, but it's ashamed that a brand new truck with the simple addition of tint and a hitch has turned into a nightmare.

I've been thinking about the TRD exhaust for this truck. Do any of you know how the interior noise is with the TRD exhaust? I listened to it on youtube, and sounds sweet, but I'm concerned with it being noisy in the cab on the highway.