My test drive experience yesterday

So this wasn’t my first test drive on a taco, but first one since I’ve been reading over the forums for the past few weeks so I was paying more detailed attention. Any feedback would be appreciated. The test vehicle was a 4x4 DCSB OR MGM, nearly my ideal truck.


First and most important, I was going to check for the vibrate/buzz-gate issue. Unfortunately the steering wheel had it at around 2000 RPM, right around 65 -70 MPH. Wasn’t terrible, but I can see how it can get old real quick.

When I pulled out of the dealership, I hopped into the second lane with probably about 100 feet in front of another car. I decided to rev it up a bit so I’m not that jerk he has to pass. The dang thing would barely accelerate. I pushed and pushed and I was just barely able to cruise any faster for the first 5-7 seconds. I don’t expect a racing truck but if this thing can tow 6000+ lbs, I expect a little pick up from it. I don’t know if this has anything to do with ECT, Sport Mode, or the transmission trying to learn me…does it improve with time?


We tested the parking sensor since it was a feature on the car I thought would be good to become familiar with. I pulled up closely to the car in front of me with no alerts or signal. The Sales guy thought it was supposed to have a sensor on the front but then just reverted to saying “Oh it must not have them in the front”. Is this true or was it not functioning properly?


Overall, the 2016 taco is an amazing looking vehicle and potentially a dream vehicle. The vibrations and slow pick up are really dampening my mood though. As some of you may know, I’m new to the truck world so I’m trying to gather as much information as I can on the internet and forums without being too much of a noob, but I appreciate any informative feedback.

 

Buy a Dodge!!!!!!

 

No front sensors on the truck. Back sonar sensors only come with tech package, but all come with backup camera.

 

I haven't driven a 3rd gen yet, but I've seen them accelerate from a stop light as fast if not faster than my 2nd gen.

 

The sensors are only on the back. Did you notice the difference when you put on the ect button as far as power and get up and go?

 

I most always use ECT in traffic for exactly the reason the OP mentioned. However, if you do "push it down" it WILL go.

G.

 

You gotta jump deep directly into the pedal. Not like other Tacomas where you feather the throttle to get off the line. Actually accelerates fairly well if you do that. I was afraid to use the pedal deep into it's travel on first test drive too. It's a different kind of driving experience.
The manual feels like older trucks though. Barely hit the throttle and you will sink back into the seats.

 

Well thats good to know. I'm always afraid of jumping gears and jerking everyone by using too heavy of a foot, i'll try it out again on the next test drive

 

Yeah I think they map the throttle like that for better MPG. Took a bit to get used to but if you aren't afraid to use the pedal travel, she will get up to speed fairly well. Not a sports car but it will hit 60 mph before 8 seconds which is pretty respectable for a truck.

 

Yes back when I tested the automatic transmission version i noticed it to be really dogged down compared to even the explorer I was driving at the time.

I figured that couldn't possibly be all the truck had to offer so I put the pedal to the floor and unleashed the beast.

Then I went and bought a manual transmission so I could live happily in the higher RPM range.

 

The transmission get better the more breakin time it has.

 

I have the truck you test drove. 4x4 DCSB OR.

Transmission shift points have gotten better and needs less prodding to get a downshift. It started getting better around 1000 miles and now with almost 4000 miles is quite a bit better. What hasn't changed at all is the torque converter lockup behavior. It always locks up right before I need a bit more power so I need to go for the full downshift.

The engine has a huge bump in power above 3500rpms and will accelerate like you think it should. One thing I have noticed multiple times is that once I am rolling slowly, it's hard to get a burst of acceleration at low speeds under 10-15 mph. Like when you pulled out the dealership, I bet you were accelerating slowly through the turn before you gunned it. Whether you went quarter, half or full throttle, what you felt was all the power the engine has at those speed. What feels like 5-7 seconds seems about right too.

 

It should also be noted that, if letting on slowly, then gunning it: if you gun it at the beginning of 2nd gear (and if i am correct, beginning of 4th), it will have WAY more get up than at any other point. I have also found that if you gun it at the wrong time, say, the middle-end of 2nd gear, you will get the least throttle response. I first noticed this behavior on my 01 camry I4, but it seems to also be the case for the 3.5

 

Also, don't hesitate to learn and use S mode.

G.

 

That right there is funny. I don't care what muscle car you've never driven!

 

Buy a Ford F150 make sure it's either a 2013 or 14, then let us know what you think

 

The traction control also limits power. Press and hold the TC button for 5-10 seconds until it turns completely off, then press ECT and I guarantee you will notice significant improvement.

 

Try a MT?

Absolutely love mine.

 

Shift that son b into S mode at a stop drop it into first gear and smash the pedal to the floor and shift up at 4k+rpms rinse and repeat. that's where all engine power is.

 

Yeah, and if you drive aggressively with the pedal to the floor to get the performance that you expect, don't expect to get "good" mileage. If you lug it along like grandma and grandpa it'll be a lot more economical. If you need acceleration off the line, or for pulling something where time is money, you might be better off with an American diesel pickup. Take your pick, they're all off the clock in terms of HP and torque.