Still looking for “The One”

Now looking at a 2016, 2x4, 80,000 miles Tacoma Sport. Great style & peppy engine. I’m nervous about it having No Warranty. When does transmission typically have issues in this year/trim? Is the RWD decent in inclement weather, and would slip differential help? Thank you!

 

The auto transmission has been bulletproof in these trucks. Many people are disappointed with Toyota’s shift point choices, but as a piece of equipment, it is an extremely durable transmission that Aisin built for these trucks. Especially considering all the newbs getting into Tacomas and pinning it on the trails.

The complaints of actual transmission failures in this forum are extremely rare.

 

Since no one else is chiming in I’ll give an answer to your second question:

I drove 2WD pickups for years in crap weather and snow so have some decent experience with the subject. A 2WD Tacoma Sport will have traction control and vehicles stability control. Both of these systems use the brakes to help in keeping the vehicle moving forward in a straight line. The traction control simulates the action of a limited slip diff, so I’m not sure an upgrade to a true mechanical limited slip differential would be justified.

That being said, with a 2WD pickup in inclement weather there is absolutely no substitute for good tires, at the right pressure, and good snow tires if required. Weight in the bed helps in snow, and proper use of the throttle to avoid spinning out on rainy streets if the bed is empty (which applies to 4WD trucks as well as no one drives around in the city in 4WD).

90% of the places the broverlanders on Instagram get to can be reached is a 2WD Tacoma Sport with someone who knows how to drive. If it’s the truck you can afford, I’m sure it will serve you well. If you are thinking you want a 4WD, I’d hold out for a good deal on one of those. 4WD trucks require more maintenance, are more sluggish, and less fuel efficient, so if you don’t plan on using the 4WD system a lot, it may not be worth it.

 

Thia guy gets it. A good set of rubber can make or break you.

 

I have had 2wd Tacoma’s and other 2wd trucks all my life. My company truck is 2wd and they send me out in blizzards. 99.9% of the time you’ll never need it. Not sure where you’ll be Off Road but 2wd, Weight in the bed, tires, and momentum will get you through. Test drive it. Get it up to highway speeds and see how the alignment is. If it’s off even slightly tell them it needs to be adjusted.

 

Another thing to keep in mind, 2016 was the first of the bunch, in 2017 the main change was the addition of a power rear glass. It may not sound like a big deal, and to many its not, but it may be something you want to consider.
I can't tell you much about inclement weather, other than heavy rain, and my 2wd Sport does well in that case.

 

Typically pickup trucks suck in inclement weather. 4X4 and winter tires help immensely!

 

That's also a lot of miles in three years.... something to think about

 

Thanks for the responses! It’s a big decision, and you’ve given me information to process.

 

If the transmission has not been serviced or if you do not know if the transmission has been serviced...I'd have it professionally done so you KNOW it's done correctly! *I* think it would be money well spent.

A "proper" transmission service includes draining the fluid, removing the transmission pan, replace the transmission filter, re-torque the valve body bolts, check / adjust the shift linkage, check the inputs from the throttle position sensor (a faulty TP sensor will cause erratic shift timing and affect torque converter engagement), and refill with fluid. Beware of "flushes" that claim they can change 100% of the fluid, blah, blah, blah.

Ed

 

My gut reaction tells me that if someone drove it 80k miles in 3 years, they are more of a consumer than an enthusiast. Unless it has meticulous maintenance records paired with an unbeatable price, I would pass. Likely lots of highway miles, so paint issues would be the first thing I would check. Someone driving that frequently probably doesn't care to wash it very often, either. With good maintenance, an 80k mile Tacoma drive-train doesn't worry me. My feeling is that a 2016 with that many miles probably was used as a work vehicle, in which I would steer clear.