Researching a Tocoma

Hello, everyone.

I'm currently deployed as a fire truck mechanic and I'm looking for a new used truck to replace my old trusty 1994 Ford ranger. I've been interested in a Tocoma for a while now and been a fan of Toyota as a company. Toyota is pretty neat once you read a book or two about their business practices and history of the company.

I've done some research while out here and I'm pretty aware of the problems with the second gen Tocomas : Rust, front bed bolt sleeve wearing, steering ect. I don't know everything about these trucks, but I think I have a pretty good idea. I've always been amazed about these little trucks; I had a friend who flipped his first gen and just absolutely destroyed it. It actually caught fire when it was resting on its cab. Luckily he was safe and put the fire out and actually flipped it right side up and drove that truck home! I honestly couldn't believe it once I saw the condition it was in, that he was able to drive it back from the trail to the dorm parking lot.

Anyway, I appreciate you guys having me and can't wait to learn more about these trucks and forum.

 

Welcome! Are you getting that tax-free pay? If so, do enjoy!

Haha you mean Tacoma right? and lol what was your friend doing to flip it?

Are you looking specifically for a first, second, or third gen? Used or new? It goes down to what you will be using the truck for.
There are problems with any machine, it's mainly what you are willing to accept. And as you probably know, maintenance is key to mitigating and preventing a lot of the problems that can occur.

I can only speak for myself, I have a second gen and really like it. If you have any questions you can search almost any problem you could ever run into, and see some entertaining arguments and information in the off-topic section.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome and thank you for your service!

If you want 'little' as in closer to your Ranger in size, you'll want to make the effort to shop for a 1st gen. Of course they have their problems too, including frame rust if they lived in salt country. Suggest you give test drives to good examples of both generations, in the configuration you are shopping for. If relatively unmodified, even better, as it lets you see the true character you are starting with.

 

I'm getting that tax free money My friend was driving too fast and hit a blind turn, from what he told me he rolled it about three times if I remember correctly. I wish I had photos of it.

I'm looking for a used second gen Tacoma* 4x4 dual cab. I would like to be able to go in the woods with it and camp, hike, hunt, basically anything outdoors. I want to own this truck for a long time, so I would like to have a double cab for when I have a family. I might occasionally tow, but I feel like the towing capacity of the Tacoma is more than enough for my demands.

I agree with you 100% on vehicles having problems and maintenance. Every vehicle/brand has problems, if you can't find one, you're not looking hard enough. I also work on my friends vehicles from time to time and it amazes me with the lack of maintenance that they put into them. I think its because that I'm a mechanic that my maintenance for my vehicles are pretty extensive. I mean my little ranger is a POS, but oil, coolant, air, timing belt, or any wear items that if left alone can cause horrible problems have already been addressed or replaced.

anyway thanks for the reply. I look forward to looking through the forums.

 

I'm going to test drive a couple of 1st gens and 2nd gens once I get home. Who knows, I might like the 1st better than the second and doing things such transmission/engine replace don't worry me that much, so Ill definitely keep a 1st gen in mind. thank you