Interested Taco Buyer

Hello everyone. I have been looking for a pickup truck to buy and I have heard great things about the tacomas. I live in a city/suburb area so I have been looking at the smaller trucks, mostly the tacomas and the colorados but I have not heard great things about the chevys. The only thing I will really need to haul on a regular basis are a dirtbike or two or a small john boat. I do have some concerns though that hopefully a few could share your opinions about. I will be looking to buy a 2 wheel drive 4 cylinder access cab model.

-The composite bed concerns me not so much for its strength but its tie down points. I have seen some people buy aftermarket racks to put in to hold their bikes in but I would appreciate any input any of you might have about it. The rail system on the side does not seem the most practicle to me for tying stuff down.

-I have read about the tailgates being weak. Seeing that I am looking at ordering a 2010 will this still be an issue?

-I have read about problems with frame rust on some older tacomas. Is this a problem that is still plagueing newer models?

-Are there any other problems/issues with this truck before I decided to make my purchase?

Any input would be great appreciated. Thanks!

 

You can buy these D-rings for the bed. You can put them at any bed bolt. They go under the bolt and are plenty sturdy for holding down the bikes. This is what most people do.

I have never had an issue with my taigate.

Rust doesnt seem to be a problem. I can understand maybe in the salty areas of eastern states. But I wouldnt be concerned.

These are great trucks. If you have read around here we all are in love and you will be too. The 4 cyl you want will get good gas mileage and seems sufficient for your needs.

 

^Can't make it tomorrow Jon......I have work. The one time you actually don't flake.
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-Add Extra D Rings on the Bed and you're set! There is a total of 6 points back there. Then you can also use the Rail Points too for extra Support. Cheap Fix

- Should have been addressed already but you'll be under warranty if it becomes an issue. If you want, you can secure it yourself.

-None I've really heard of but if you live in a climate with a lot of snow, you should spray under your truck.

_ Your comparing the TACOMA to the Colorado. You've got nothing to worry about. I mean, you could of at least made it the Frontier.


P.S - Get the V6 since you'll be Hauling some toys. You'll regret it in the long run.

 

^LMAO.......

Why you bringing up old news.....j/k. You guys have fun out there!
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Thanks for the quick responses guys. My initial concern over frame rust was from all that I read about older models having problems, and yes I do live in the NE so road salt will be a problem. Guess I will just have to keep it extra clean. I have seen some of the d ring mods that guys have done and it does seem sufficient for hauling my bikes. Has anyone had issues with the tailgate? Also I have read about weak leaf springs? Do these issues still exist with the 09s or 2010s?

Also, Can anyone explain to me what the TSBs are? I have read about the tailgate and leafspring TSB. Are these issues that toyota must adress and fix if the truck is still under warranty or are they just for informative purposes?

I would like to know because I plan on ordering a new 2010 4x2 4cylinder access cab sr5 from the dealer and I want to make sure that I will not need to fix anything right off the lot.

 

The leaf spring TSB is not available in the 4x2 model you want.



Since you live in the NE, I strongly (as will many others) recommend 4x4 to not only get you to places you want to go with your bike, but also to get through the snow.


You also will have a higher load/towing capacity.

 

All these points make the Taco great for hauling. It will outlast any chevy product and have way less maintenance issues! You won't be disappointed w/ your purchase

 

So does that mean the 4x2 does not suffer from the same weak leaf spring problem as the 4x4?

 

+1

I'm in the NE and I wouldn't buy a truck unless it was 4x4.

I probably would have been OK with the 4cyl but I'm really glad that I got the 6cyl. The engine is quick and smooth.

Cheers.

 

If you're looking at saving on gas, there isn't THAT much of a difference between the 4cyl and the V6, at least not IMO. Put it this way: I've never seen someone say "I wish I had the 4 cylinder Tacoma."