buying new tacoma soon

Hey All,

New member here.

I owned an '01 Tacoma 5 spd, v-6, x-cab, TRD. Loved it, sold it, regret it.

I owned an '06 Tundra double cab, limited, loaded. too big, too nice, sold it.

Looking to buy a new one this summer or fall. Drove a 4cyl 5 spd (4x4) this morning, and decided that it will be fine for my needs. All it had was the conv. package, no SR5. I can live without the fancy stuff, but think it would be nice to have power windows, etc.

So I'm hoping for a little advice, and have a few questions:
1)realistic gas mileage to expect?
2)must have accessories?
3)I want to throw on a heavy duty bumper, fog lights, and aux driving lights and have been thinking ARB and PIAA. Is there a better choice? (I also want a heavy duty rear bumper, but ARB doesn't make one... ideas here???) I've got PIAA lights on my BMW 1200GS and am happy with them, so you're probably not going to talk me out of that.
4)Was hoping to wire fog lights so they come on with low beams, AND install driving lights to come on with the high beams. Is this possible?
5)Anything I should do different? ("no moron, get the v-6 and suck it up when you're at the gas station" or "ahhh save the money and skip on the power windows")
6) Just to stir things up a bit, I figured I should start an argument over synthetic oil and oil change intervals

thanks....
Adam

 

Welcome to TaomaWorld Adam.

1)realistic gas mileage:
Low 20's with the 4X4

2)must have accessories:
Intermittent wipers... See my guide in the cheap mods section

3)I want to throw on a heavy duty bumper, fog lights, and aux driving lights and have been thinking ARB and PIAA. Is there a better choice? :
Both are decient so probably not.

4)Was hoping to wire fog lights so they come on with low beams, AND install driving lights to come on with the high beams. Is this possible? :
Anything is possible if you want it bad enough.

5)Anything I should do different? :
Introduce yourself in the new members section before asking lists of questions.

6) Just to stir things up a bit, I figured I should start an argument over synthetic oil and oil change :
I have determined that everyone should compromise by using a blend of half synthetic and half dino oil. Change it every 4000 miles and no one gets hurt.

Enjoy your stay!

 

^That's about the size of it. Not much to add to that response.

Oh, one thing: If you're satisfied with the 4cyl, DO NOT DRIVE THE V6.

Awesome. Love that.

 

already have driven the 6! for the first time in my life, my rational side is winning out... less money, more fuel efficient, and a good excuse to not tow my friends' crap around!

 

2008 model 4 cylinder works great for me; why would anyone want a 6 cyl with $4 gas? I'm getting about 24 mpg average so far with the 5 speed, probably couldn't do nearly as well with an automatic that makes your driving decisions for you. I'm a believer in the 2000 club (shift at around 2000 rpm). I drive fast, but I don't drive hard.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Because I want one and because gas won't be $4 forever (it's actually $3.67 here but who's counting). Not being rude, just how I feel. I don't let gas prices dictate what vehicle I drive. Besides, some of us tow.

 

I suppose you're right. It's only a matter of time before it's $10/gallon. And after Canada takes over, we'll be buying it by the litre anyways.

 

Funny.

 

damn, adam, you're already fitting in perfectly here, just a little more sarcasm and you'll be part of the gang

sounds like you know what you want and it sounds like a good choice. i love my truck but i'm finding a new love for the 4 banger. if i had it to do over again i would probably still get the V6 but the I4 is a sweet engine. as far as must have accessories..... well you're already getting a nice beefed up bumper, so you realize you'll have to strengthen the front suspension right? so you might as well go ahead and do a 3 inch lift with nice big coils up front to support that extra weight. no point in having a 4x4 that sits low. add some good tires (the factory tires are only good for tire swings) and rims if you wanna change the look, if not keep the factory wheels. thats about all i got for now