Common Tacoma Problems? F150 owner looking to switch

One semi-common problem no ones mentioned on a 4 cylinder is there's a chance your clutch will need to be replaced WAY prematurely. I'm talking there are people on here at 8k miles, 20k miles, and 50/50 shot if Toyota will warranty the clutch. Otherwise just what people have said, they rust, squeaky leaves, blower chirp, weak rear suspension, loose steering. But it's still better than a frontier in my opinion, those were eating timing guides by 10k miles, not sure if they ever fixed that.

Otherwise, sweet truck. Sucks about the ford, 5.4 liked to blow plugs out of the head too, made some crazy sounds when that happened, lol.

 

the truck hes looking at is automatic... reguardless. 19k looks a little pricey. i had a 2010 just like the one you want but i payed 15k for it off the lot brand new. and my DCSB is the 6spd and no clutch problems, or even heard of any trending problems(not saying there arent and calling you a liar) the reg cab 4x4's can become wicked little rigs. i miss mine

 

Damn, totally missed that. I blame it on it being 2am. And the clutch problems are 4 cylinder only.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/4-cylinder/254190-2012-clutch-problems.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/4-cylinder/298200-2011-clutch-slipping-low-miles.html

 

^Rhyno37 is buying the 4-speed auto, no issues with it except it's 159 hp pushing 3700 lb. Then again you can keep the revs up and flog the iron-block inline-4 all day without worry.

No problems with warranty since you will be using Toyota parts, and they are mostly plug-and-play.

Variable intermittent wipers install (parts about $120): http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/technical-chat/4838-cheap-free-mods-11.html#post82545

Guide to cruise control install (parts about $110): http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/61-2nd-generation-2005/171992-diy-oem-cruise-control.html
Errata1: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/284458-oem-cruise-control-installed.html
Errata2: http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/300088-oem-cruise-control-install-2011-2-7l.html

 

for what its worth toyota had just over 1000 Claims of sudden acceleration. which was accross the lineup, and blown way out of proportion.

To make my point, the Jeep grand cherokee had something like 1500 claims itself but you never saw it in the news, or a recal or fix...

The rust issues are there, poorly treated frames on second gen taco's but if you take care of it and watch out its not going to come out of thin air with a hole in the frame or anything.

Squeeks and rattles, it has some but every american made vehicle i have ridden in or drove has been just as bad. Some, like the base model impala and base model dodge caravan are absolutely terrible im comparison.

Loose steering? Its not any worse than 90% of the trucks on the road, and it probably not as bad as many others (dodge 2500, jeep etc)

noisy rear leaf springs.. pretty common for leaf springs.. nothing that can't be fixed or ignored and if you spend most your time on the street all the better.

Throwout bearings on the manuals have been known to be junk. It has happened to me.

Other than that they are great little trucks, and i would not think you have anything to worry about. Nothing like the major engine issues with the F150's like yours etc.

You can always look for a larger tacoma if you need, the access cab while physically smaller than the fords, sitting in it is pretty much the same in the back, they both suck. BUT if its only on occasion then its nice to have.

 

Welcome to the site.

What will your purchase price be for the 2011 Tacoma? They can be bought new for the asking price on the link you provided.

I've owned several Ford trucks (f150s and f250s) and several Toyota trucks. You will not be downgrading at all by moving from a Ford to a Toyota in terms of quality.

I would however not recommend a single cab. I find I don't have enough space and I'm not a big guy. Further, if it's the bench seat the lack of seat adjustability makes it even less appealing to me.

As far as Toyota taking blame for the car product line regarding unintended acceleration why should they. The drivers of those cars should have either not pressed the gas with their foot, floor mat or whatever and could have used the brakes (correctly), put the car in neutral or shut the engine off. Toyota, Audi and a host of other manufactures have proven time and again the brakes will over power the engine. Don't buy into the lawyer and media bullshit.

Otherwise, I think you will be very happy with the reliability and durability of the truck.

 

yep, bunch of crap. Now I have to deal with the little gocart pedal. I had a 2001 4x4 F150 Screw with the 5.4. It is the reason I switched to Toyota. I spent $3k on my F150 prior to breaking 90k miles and it was not just the engine. Truck was biggest piece of crap I ever owned. Buy a Tacoma and you will not regret it.

 

Thanks for all the help guys, lots of good info. I'll clarify some more questions. The price shown is not what I would pay. I am an employee and would pay the cost they got it for. Also, since my F150 had some mechanical failures, I'm getting better trade in value then I typically would since I haven't even had it a year. This is one of two tacomas on the lot, the other being a stock 2wd, not interested. My plan is to have those truck for about 2-3 years until I've graduated college and found a full time job then I'd most likely buy a brand new access or double cab. The 4cyl will be fine for my needs. I live in Illinois where it's pretty much plains. I don't tow, and heaviest thing I'd haul would be a deer or two during hunting season.

 

I used to work at a Ford/Toyota dealership. It was amazing just how many more F-150's we had in the shop compared to Tacomas. Even more shocking considering for every F-150 we sold, we sold 2 Tacomas.

I have always said it and will continue to do so until it no longer is true. Toyota is the most reliable car manufacturer out there.

 

just a little close personal experience, my Father who has always driven a full size pick-ups for the most part (dodge 1500, 2004 F-150, also had a couple wranglers) recently bought a new Tacoma and he has fallen in love with it. he has a 2010 Camaro ss that has sat in the carport ever since he brought it home...
so just my personal opinion, I think youll enjoy the taco... just make sure you don't get one of the rare lemons

 

drink the cool-aid! Become one of us.

 

First off, welcome to TW. Looks like the previous posts have addressed the common issues with our trucks (which are small things and are covered under warranty). The biggest complaint that I have has been finding this forum. I thought I was happy with my truck until I came here and saw all the bad ass build threads and spent more money on my truck.
All kidding aside, it sounds like you have a solid plan to finish college then upgrade to a double cab or access cab.

 

Ditch the f150 and join the party. But seriously. When I traded my mustang. I got a new f150. With 5.0. I was not in love with that truck. Was easy to take it back to the dealer. But when I got my tacoma. Instant love appeal. I've got the double cab v6. And it is great for hauling myself, the kid, and the girl around. Plus picked up enough lumber to build a 14 x 10 deck plus all the equipment this week and handled like a champ. Have pulled jet ski's, four wheelers, and mowers all no issue. Sound system sucks big time. But easy upgrade. Aftermarket and factory parts are easy to find and not too pricey. Only real issue I had out of mine was a fluke and most likely my fault. My oil filler neck o ring blew out or got pinched. Causing a noticeable oil leak. But most likely my fault.

Hell just get the truck already

 

Besides they hold their value well, so you might get you money back or close to it if you ever trade it in.

 

OP at least get an access cab.. for that price hell even a used double cab... NO REGRETS! TOYOTA FTMFW!!!

 

I like the nice light single cab. They seem to fly pretty good...

 

Welcome!! I have had three Tacoma's...all have treated my well! No major troubles at all!!! Took me every where I needed to go!!!

 

Just do it! Seriously, everything's been covered here by others. I think your plan is sound ... college, etc. I had a 81 Toyota SR5 pick up that I bought when I graduated HS in 1983; absolutely loved that truck. I traded it in on a "family car" in 1986 when we had our first son. Various family commitments and overseas assignments kept me out of a truck for the next 24 years until I retired from active duty. My retirement gift to myself was my current truck, bought used just shy of 3 yrs old with 23K on the ODO. And I love it as much as I loved the 1981. Absolutely no regrets. The Tacomas have some issues, but IMHO none that can't be handled with a little preventative maintenance or relatively easy repairs. This forum is an excellent resource for that.

Again, JUST DO IT! ... or as someone so aptly stated here "Drink the Kool-Aid, become one of us!

 

On the 4x4 reg cab, there can be a bit of driveline noise on deceleration around 50mph.

(whirr/hum/some folks call it a "grinding" noise but I wouldn't characterize it that way)

Anyhow, it's nothing to worry about.

The 4x4 has grease zerks in the driveshaft (the manual calls it the "propeller shaft" so just make sure you grease it as part of your regular maintenance.

 

IF mine looked like that f*ck yes!