Need opinions re purchase 2006 - 2010 Toyota Tacoma

[FONT=&quot]
[/FONT][FONT=&quot] [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot] [/FONT]​

[FONT=&quot]My present truck is a 1976 Ford supercab 4x4 (/76 body on a /79 chassis), I've had everything rebuilt (engine, trans, transfer case, rear end) about 10 years ago. There's about 50,000 miles on the rebuild. The truck is starting to show some rust but the running gear is going strong. The gas mileage sucks but I don't put that many miles on it per year so it's not killing me financially. I'm considering selling the Ford because its turning radius makes it a PITA to back the boat into the carport and definitely a challenge to find a parking spot on any busy street. The Tacoma Access Cab wheelbase is 3 feet shorter than my Ford's.
I'm thinking of buying a 2006 to 2010 Toyota Tacoma TRD, with maybe 30,000 miles on it. This truck will remain totally stock, I don't intend to lift it. It will be used primarily for towing a boat of about 4500 lbs and for general transportation (maybe 5000 miles per year) plus getting onto a lot of logging roads but it won't be in 4 wheel drive more than maybe 5% of the time if that.
Need opinions regarding reliability of 2006 to 2010 Tacomas. Do these trucks generally hold up well? Do these trucks have major/minor problems with reliability? What sorts of problems, if any, are are you having?
Please tell me if you've been happy with your Tacoma and how many trouble free miles it's traveled.
Any input will be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance

Mark [/FONT]

 

Tacoma's have been the number one selling mid-size truck since 2005. There are small issues with the trucks like leaf springs and third members, both of which Toyota covers under TSB's IF the vehicle falls into the milage (usually 60 months or 60,000 miles which ever occurs first).

Reliability is never a question with Toyota in general. I love my Tacoma so much that I went out and bought a 1988 Toy pick up, which is still a hauss, and has never not started. When you buy Toyota you are getting more than just another vehicle, you are joining a community that has stuck by a brand because of a reputation for success. Remember TRD is more than just Toyota Racing Development...it's also Test Reputable and Dependable. Pull the trigger, and you'll never look back. Hope this helps.

 

I have 26,000 miles on mine and not a problem yet. That is nothing compared to some people though.

 

Most common issue, likely the HVAC blower motor that likes to get noisy and sometimes just die if it isn't periodically opened and oiled. Very very easy to remove from the truck to do it, thankfully.

6spd manuals sometimes have issues, sometimes don't. The auto is very stout and is the only tranny with the official tow pkg. It used to be on the 4.7L V8 in the 1st gen Tundra.

Some issues with wheel bearings and driver's side front diff bearings that are usually brought on after a lift. Same with driveline vibration but every tacoma has a little of that at some time or other.

Meh, there's a few other problems but they're generally tolerable compared to what the other trucks in the market tend to do.

For 30k miles, I doubt you'll find one older than '08. The '09-'11 have mp3 playback capability, traction control, ATRAC if an off-road model, and maybe for '08 too tire pressure monitoring.

4500# boat is a little heavy. Get tow pkg and beef up those rear springs if you don't want it to sway the truck around so much, but it's still outside what I would do. Anything over 3500# can get me a little nervous even with weight distribution/anti-sway/trailer brakes and is really getting into full-size truck territory.

Enjoy your stay

 

My 2006 access cab TRD off road has 86K on it now and has had zero problems. I'm still running the original battery! Overall it has more than met my expectations with my first Toyota. Have done all the maintenance myself, by the book, on time and using OEM parts. If you like to work on your truck, these things are simple to wrench on. The rear locker is also a fun edition, and makes the truck very capable off road, even stock.

I came from a 79 F150 with a rebuilt 390, C6 Tranny, 9in rear, and NP 205 transfer case, and 3in lift....lots of dents too. That thing was pretty unstoppable off road, and much more fun than the Tacoma IMO. Probably because I didn't care if it got one more "ding" while 4x4ing. I also loved the power of the 390 with 4 barrel and dual exhaust.....I REALLY miss that truck! Basically never let me down but couldn't justify 6MPG town, maybe 10MPG highway

So I got the Tacoma and have really loved it as well. Average 20-23MPG with the V6, and been impressed by how well it does on trails. I say go for it, but only sell the old ford if you have too!!

 

I have a 06 tacoma double cab v-6 automatic, haven't had any problems but lost a mud flap( common problem ). I tow a 22foot travel trailer @ 4,ooolbs. The 4.oL v-6 has the power to tow without any problems even with the A/C on.
Pulling a 4,5oolb boat shouldn't be a problem(aerodynamics on a boat are much better than a box on wheels)
Make sure when you buy your truck, you get the towing package as a factory option.This will give you a larger battery, high amp alternater,and most important a trans cooler. With a tow package it's rated at 6,5oolbs.
The one thing to think about, because the truck is narrower than your ford, you will need towing mirrors. But most aftermarket companies don't make them for tacomas. The strap on mirrors in my opinion are junk. Check out towing mirror thread in this forum. Some people have had good luck with early dodge mirrors.
I mounted( Powervisionmirror.com ) mirrors from a 98' chevy. I put a link to what I did with pictures and wiring diagrams under "show your towing mirrors"

 

Thanks for the input guys. This is the kind of info I was looking for.
Mark

 

Your welcome Welcome to Tacoma World