Thinking of Buying a Tacoma

Hello Everyone,

I am currently looking for a new pick up. I was hoping to get some input.

I like to buy a truck every 10 years and forget about them. My Ranger made it 9 and could go 10, but I'm tired of working on it. I like a truck which reliably hauls my gear using minimal fuel.

My current idea of a perfect truck would be a 4 cyl. turbo diesel with a 5 speed manual. It would have a standard cab with a 7' foot bed.

Attached to the bed would be a windowless, yet vented, camper shell. The camper shell would fully encloses two motorcycles (street or dirt). The camper would also be set up for a mtn biking, surfing , and occasional sleeping.

Since I can't get a small pickup with a turbo diesel in the states, the Tacoma is the next best option. + I really like the solid build of these trucks. Maybe I am missing something, but I have not found a Tacoma with a 7' bed. Do they come with this?

Also why does the 4 low beep at you? It doesn't seem to be geared low enough. The sales guy was not very good and did not know how to work it. He said you are only supposed to go a few feet in 4-low. I have been in situations where I was riding for several miles in 4-low. I don't want to beep all around Moab.

Thanks for any input,

Bill

 

Welcome to the board!!

Your ideal truck sounds pretty awesome- I think you'll find the Tacoma won't be ALL that but it'll do a good job. I don't think they do a 7 foot bed. 5 and 6 foot'ish for the short and long models respectively.

You are very correct- the sales man is a moron- If it was beeping at you- It wasn't engaged in 4LO. Chances are his sales manager told him never go more than a few feet in 4LO because they won't take you somewhere that has loose surface to drive on. (A few feet in 4LO on the pavement can be a bad thing). A full stop and shift to neutral/clutch depressed would have locked in the 4LO and you would have been rocking it out.

 

Welcome to tacoma world!

I would love nothing more to get a tacoma in the turbo deisel like you said. I am praying they do that before they ever decide to throw a V8 in it (If either ever happens). My set up is the 2.7 Inline 4 cylinder 4x4, with 5 speed manual. No matter what I have loaded, it has performed beyond my expectations. The only time I notice it doesn't have the power of a V6 is towing. Also If you really want to add some balls, you can supercharge it. I believe the biggest bed possible is 6 ft. There are tons of stuff you can modify on the tacoma to make it as close to your dream as possible, and this forum provides almost all the information and advice you would need.

 

That would explain it. It felt way high gearing for 4-low.

The guy did have a nice dialog about the reverse camera on the mirror. After five minutes of talking about it, I looked at him and said why don't I just turn my head and look back. He was out of words.

 

Sounds like we like the same truck.

I don't need more power. I just brake less and pass most people on the road. The extra power just means more tickets. Its better to have to work at it.

 

haha good point! Are you leaning towards the taco any more or have any specific questions. Honestly almost any knowledge you need is on this forum

 

welcome to the forum! Good luck finding the perfect Taco for you

 

LMAO-That's awesome...The camera that just shows where you are backing up gets 5 mins and the sales jerkoff can't even get the truck into 4LO....

 

If you plan on putting 500lbs or more in the bed, you better have the dealer replace the weak rear leaf springs BEFORE you buy it because they will bottom out. The 2008 models have a TSB to replace the weak 3 leaf spring with a 4 leaf spring but the 2009 models are not included, even though they have the same part number.

They will also use any mods to the truck (topper, tires, bed rug, tow package, running boards) as a reason your payload is reduced as excuse not to fix the problem.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/13493-2009-tsb-9.html#post472050

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/30200-2009-infamous-sticker-you-got-one.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/30169-class-action-lawsuit.html