1st time Tacoma owner

Lots of great info on this site! First time Tacoma owner, I have been a Nissan hard body/frontier guy since 2004. Long story short, my last truck (06 frontier XE) got to the point where I was throwing $$$ in it at an unacceptable pace. Sold it, found a great deal on a 5 lug on craigslist, and jumped on it. I'm a simple guy, I have driven 4cyl 5 speed trucks for as long as I can remember. Nissans have been god to me (generally), and have towed/hauled all I could put in them. from reading the posts here, I am sure the Tacoma will do just as well.


Here’s what differences I have noticed so far between the frontier and Tacoma:


’08 5 lug base vs. 06 frontier xe

Ride height: frontier sat a little higher, which I liked

Road noise/driving: frontier felt more like a truck, more noise, rougher shifting

Trim: the frontier XE had cruise, intermittent wipers, etc. The interior of the Tacoma seems more roomy to me. Both trucks are extended/access cab. My kids get in the little jump seats much better in the Tacoma.

Power/engine: the Tacoma seems quicker with more torque. I'm sure the gearing has something to do with that, and the fact it has 15 inch tires. The shifting seems much tighter-in a good way-with the Tacoma. Overall it feels like I'm in a car (not a bad thing).

More to come. overall very happy with the truck.

 

Welcome to the family. While not versed on the ins and outs of every trim package I have heard of people retrofitting cruise control, intermittent wipers, and other options from other trim models for minimal investments.

 

5 lugs are awesome basic service vehicles. I love mine.

There is a 5 lug forum here that might be helpful. Just don't try to make it something it isn't supposed to be, and it should be a great vehicle for you.

One tip. When its tire time, 235.75.15 tires will fit the wheels, lift the truck 1", have minimal impact on the drive ability, and let you be a touch more robust.

 

Welcome!

 

thanks Bill!
yes, I have been lurking here looking at what folks are putting on their 5 lugs for replacement tires. The gentleman I bought it from had brand new tires on it, still with the little rubber tabs, so I have a while before that happens. I have no plans at all other than that of modifying, im on a budget, which is why im loving the 23+mpg with this truck
thanks again!

 

thanks GT.

All I know so far is the SR5 seems to be the next step up. base is fine with me, I miss cruise, but I like the simplicity of it. my old hard bodys were the same.....

 

I think what is so appealing about the upgrades is that the wiring for them is already there and all is needed to add are the controls themselves. Like I said, I'm not versed in the ins and outs of each trim model but I know that there are lots of people here who have done these upgrades here that have documented how and what part numbers to be on the look out for.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

best place possible for information, almost too much info, I was a bit overwhelmed when I first started reading up here.

welcome aboard

 

Hahaha I had a Nissan pathfinder for a couple years never did me wrong man, then I had a gmc jimmy, always breaking down haha long story short I sold it for my Taco, best thing I ever did

 

I too was a nissan owner. Still have an 88 with 300k on it with no major problems. Also had an 03 frontier SC. With stock 4.63 gears and supercharger with pulley kit it would hold its own. But with almost 200k it was starting to Nickle and dime me. I loved the look of the 03 and when I went looking for a new truck, I hate the new frontier...I even waited months hoping the 17 would change. I'm glad I got the tacoma. Now it's starting to nickle and dime my with mods..

 

My last truck was an 04 Frontier. I liked it, but I always wanted a Tacoma.