Need 2nd gen opinions and stats

I am thinking about selling or trading my full size truck for a 2nd gen Tacoma, I have a 2012 ram 2500, some body damage diesel mega cab with ram boxes with 75k miles, I was thinking of seeing if a dealer would do an even trade for an 11 DC Tacoma (or that they'd give 27k for the dodge)

Here's the kicker, I need some convincing to buying one, I prefer a stick shift but they are hard to find so I'd settle with an auto. What are some problems that plague 2nd gens? Also what is y'all's actual stock fuel mileage in the v6's. Are they good for hauling small to moderate loads? Or scuba tanks and dirt? How reliable have tall found these trucks to be?

Thank y'all in advance, I know it's a little vague but I'm trying to get a rough gauge on the 2nd gens and make sure my cost perception on them isn't unreasonable

 

Found one I like its a 2014 DC 4x4 stick shift, how hard are DC stick shifts to find? And how do yall like the newer sticks?

 

Okay I'm not an owner of a manual transmission, but I can share some opinions on the second gen double cabs. The earlier second gens had some issues with frame rust, so I'd check the frame throughly. Before you purchase a Tacoma, check the VIN on Toyota's website to see if any active recalls are underway. If the truck has 80k+ miles, check the rear leaf springs for any sagging. Tacomas that have saggy leafs will bottom out under the slightest load (500lbs give or take). Speaking of which, the Tacoma isn't really meant for "work". If the budget allows, a set of Dakar leafs would suite you well for those moderate loads. By no means is it going to perform with a Dodge 2500 as I'm sure you have realized. The V6 has moderate power, but leaves a desire for more. The supercharger (if you can obtain one) would be ideal if you intended to put the truck to good use. Gas mileage for me ranges anywhere from 17-20 MPG. I'm happy with my Tacoma considering I get acceptable gas mileage, it's easy to work on IMO, tons of aftermarket parts, and this forum makes for a good Q and A!

 

I appreciate it! I loved my 02 but I'm lost in the new truck world lol. It won't be hauling much, but the leafs seem like a good investment. I mainly need a truck for wet stinky scuba gear lol. I know it won't beat the power of a diesel but hopefully it won't be bad as my 2.4l .
Thanks for the reply!

 

The stock leafs are really junky, so upgrading them would be a wise decision. Hopefully this bumps you up on the forum, so you can get some manual members up in here!

 

I'm hoping I can make it up to the dealer to test drive one for myself, I wonder how hard the DC manuals are to find, I found one 130 miles away but hopefully one will pop up closer

 

Pictures of body damage and tire wear would help.

Most of us really like our Tacomas while understanding they are not perfect.

The real world mileage depends on how you drive it and where you live i.e. Heavy city traffic, mountain, passes, open interstate, rural roads etc.

I drive mine pretty easy and get about 17.5 around town (not a big metro city) and 21.8 driving 2000 rpms (67-68 mph) on the interstate. Faster speeds and quick acceleration will kill your fuel economy.

The biggest problem I am aware of is frame rust in states with heavily salted roads.

If you plan to haul much dirt you need a bigger truck.

My recent previous trucks were a 2006 Silverado 2500 HD 4x4 with DuraMax diesel and 2008 Sierra 1500 Z71 4x4 with 5.3 gas engine. Both were Crew Cabs. I really like the manuverability of my 2015 DCSB TRD Off Road 4.0 V6 4x4 compared to the full size trucks.

I would not go back to a full size truck unless I absolutely had to have the hauling/towing capacity.

Good luck with your trade. Hope you get the deal you want.

 

If you find one that you really enjoy, but the price is way too high for your liking, resist the urge to splurge. I've seen quite a few come through my area and they're reasonably priced, so wait for the right one to come along. You'll thank me in the long run.

 

I think I uploaded the damage, the tires are brand new.

Used tacomas are hard to find here!

 

The Tacoma compared to your Dodge 2500 diesel will be an entirely different world. Much smaller inside and out. Much less pulling power. Not nearly as "quick" off the line.

The automatic is more fuel conservative than the manual as I understand. If you drive slow (i.e. never go over 2,000 rpm) you can get 20mpg out of a Tacoma V6 auto 4x4.

I guess I'm wondering why you want to go from a heavy duty full size diesel to a mid sized pickup?

 

Main reason is I don't haul anything anymore, I've got a car hauler wasting away in my yard. Fuel mileage is about the same, but the diesel has a fair share of maintenance and doing a bunch of city miles eats up balljoints, I just got my third set! I'll miss the diesel, I shed tears cleaning it out, but I don't need it and tacomas hold their value better anyways until I need another.

How reliable are the autos? The reason I want a stick is so all I have to worry about is a clutch rather than a whole trans around 200,000 miles

 

Went to one dealer today...they said that they don't order stick shifts and that they won't be able to find one used... I know dang well that's a lie because they had a new one on the lot the other night and they are trying to get me to buy today, looks like I'll be finding a new dealer!

 

"Won't be able to find one used" That's complete BS and I would avoid that dealer. If they won't even take the time to try and find your vehicle, they don't deserve your time. Good choice on selecting a new dealership.

 

I was a manual trans guy for a long time but my 09 tacoma has convinced me otherwise. IMO the tacoma is a great daily driver-type and more than enough truck if you aren't going to be towing horse trailers or hauling a half ton of shit every day. I average about 18 mpg's in mixed driving, and thats with me going aroud 80mph on the highway and definitely not trying to conserve gas.

The rear leaf springs aren't great and definitely can be upgraded, the 4 leaf one's are at least a little better than the 3 leaf ones so that's 1 thing to check. Being in NC I doubt you'll need to worry much about frame rust. Some people hate the stock seats, I didn't like them until I put on a set of clazzio leather seat covers. My 09 has 65,000 miles on it and I haven't had a single problem yet.

 

it took me two months for a nice one to come to phoenix, to even attempt to buy. That fell thru and a week later i found the one i wanted 500 miles away, and i bought it. No regrets....gotta have that 6speed

 

Yeah I know they were liars the second he told me that crap because 1. He said his dealer doesn't order manuals, I saw one on his lot 2 days prior 2. The closest DC manual for sale is in FL, nope it's a half hour away at another dealer and is everything I told him I wanted. And 3. Low balled my trade in using the excuse that a diesel would be hard to sell

 

I had essentially the same Dodge as you, only without the body damage.

If you find a car lot that will do an even trade, even on something of equal or greater value, safe bet they aren't a legit dealer, but a front for a crack house..... Car salesmen don't do things like that. They ALWAYS want "boot"...

I sold my Dodge (via Craigslist) , bought the Tacoma (a VERY low mileage 2011 DCSB) and walked away with a few peso's. But that was with a deal (from a private individual) on the Tacoma that was about 7K under book value. (Seller was trying to salvage his credit after losing his job. He set the price, I'm NOT a vulture... ) Tacoma's have a KILLER resale value. Dodge 3/4-ton and 1-ton, not so much these days.

Short of the days my kids were born, the day I parted ways with the Dodge might have been one of the happiest days of my life.

Toyota auto's are VERY reliable.

I have nothing but GOOD things to say about the Tacoma. 4th one I've owned. Won't be the last.

YMMV