2017 Tacoma

Hey, new to the board here. I was recently able to finally go pick up my late father's 2017 Tacoma SR5 V6 4x4 6ft bed w/tow package. It was his first time buying himself a new car in nearly 40 years, always putting the family first making sure we had necessary family vehicles, putting us through school debt free, etc. He often joked it would be his last vehicle purchase, thinking it would last him 20+ years, sadly he was right but all too soon.

It will now be something for my kids and I to remember him by when I drive it, so it will still serve its purpose of carting his grandkids around.

He didn't use it to commute to work, so it only had around 19,500 miles on it when I picked it up and drove it back home this past weekend. Since I work from home and my kids aren't old enough for the extra-curricular activities, I maybe put 2000k on my car each year (the family vehicle gets the most of it). So this should last me a long time and I do not plan on getting rid of it until it dies/is totaled/rusts out/etc.

Just from looking around to see whats up with the Tacoma community I picked up on a few things but would appreciate any advice/suggestions for more universal quality of life type mods/accessories/maintenance tips. He already installed a license plate frame with the sensors that beep when you get close to objects while backing up, since that wasn't standard with the backup camera apparently. I'll probably do that tweeter swap for OEM Subaru ones since those are direct swap and am fine with the bass but did notice the higher end could use some clarity/brightening up, it has the Entune radio (with the apps/turn-by-turn navigation) but not JBL package.

Also, since it will have 2-3 car seats and/or booster seats in it for the next 5+ years, I may be looking to find some type of storage/tool box that secures in the bed with the bed hardcover still on where I can put the jack/tools just in case I need to change tires and don't feel like removing car seats on the side of the highway or wait for AAA. Maybe something that hangs down from the bed rail but doesn't interfere with the hardcover? So if there are any recommendations for that, I'd greatly appreciate it.

I saw people talk about having Toyota flash it for improved shift points and whatnot for the transmission, is that something easily scheduled or do you have to bug them to do it? I did notice it trying to find the right gear, especially when downshifting whenever I gave it a light nudge at highway speeds just to keep up with the flow of traffic. Not bad, but noticeable.

Saw there is a TSB for the 3rd brake light leaking water into the cab. Is that something they only do if it is an issue or can you take it in for preventative service?

Thanks!

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
3rd brake light is a freebie, just schedule an appointment.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thanks, will go ahead and do that. Try to get that update while it is there too.

Thanks!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Nice truck ! welcome

 

Welcome! Does the bed have the storage compartments in it? Maybe the factory jack and tools will fit in one of those? I'm not super familiar as I'm still waiting on getting my truck

 

Thanks!

Mine has the full sized compartments on both sides (doesn't have the power jack like TRD packages have). I haven't looked closely enough at the bottle jack, maybe you could fit it in one but not sure as the compartments may not be deep enough for the width/diameter of the jack. Wouldn't be able to fit any of the other tools though, so would still need a solution for those.

I have seen some people just screw anchors through holes they drilled in various tool/storage boxes to attach to the bed rails, but would need to find anchors that extend down to get a clean fit. I also ran across the "swing case" while searching around online. Would need to double check that I'd still get full access to the bed storage compartments they are filled with tie downs/bungies and whatnot. Have considered getting one of those molle panels for the front of the bed and could just anchor a storage box or milk crate to that, but those are as expensive as (or more than) the swing case. Also would need to make sure I could easily access the storage boxes since the hard cover stays folded 1.5-2ft over the front of the bed.

For now I just left everything in their place and installed the car seats. If I get a flat in the mean time when I have the kids with me, I'll just wait on AAA I guess if it is too dangerous to get them out of their car seats to access the tools (like on the side of highway), plus by the time I'd take the car seats out, change the tire and put car seats back in, may as well have just waited on AAA to send someone.

I did that Subaru tweeter swap, and it was definitely worth it. Much more clarity on the high end, and listening to podcasts doesn't require turning the volume up as much, so you don't end up getting as much boom/mud from the bass in the voices from the door speakers. I'd like to eventually swap the rest of the speakers too I think, but will hold off for awhile. Low priority. Also got one of those padded covers for the center console, makes for a much more comfortable arm rest, worth a buy.

Enjoy the truck when you get it!

 

Sorry for the loss of your father. It sounds like you have one special truck there. You can be assured it’ll last a long time! Lots of great info here. Enjoy & welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

Much appreciated, thanks!