Four years in a Tacoma, a frustrating experience

A lot if dislikes don't show up on a 15 min test drive. Most complaints come from spending months and putting some miles in. After time, you finally realize some things. Not in 15 minutes. And you're not towing, hauling and going off road on a run of mil test drive.

 

Yeah the pro suspension really eats up those washboards and little pot holes on the dirt roads.
Sand flats road in Moab is a good example, always washboarded out and I can cruise 40-50 comfortable while my buddy in his TRD offroads teeth are chattering doing 25-35

 

Wise words. I agree. Sometimes, though, what had been expectations are actually requirements that you didn’t know you had.

 

I think it's more about where this engine makes power. A funky power band for a truck.

 

Weren't you in that game of thrones show?

 

One thing some folks overlook it that Toyota engineers intentionally made the seating that way. To keep that awesome factory ground clearance there had to be some compromises. That translated into a high floor and a squishy cab where you can loose a little sight of some traffic lights. Especially if you have a longer torso. I have long legs, average torso. I have to get into my truck a certain way or I'll hit my head. Once I'm in all good. The power adjustable seat really helps for me too. I'll keep the high floor boards along with the high ground clearance from the factory.

 

My dog owns my Tacoma backseat.

 

Mine rides up front.

 

EVERY ICE vehicle has poor performance above 8000' Not just you.

For every 1000' in elevation there is a 3% change in HP; 8000' reduces the hp 24%.

I live at 7000 a drive over 12000 and never had a problem. I used to drive a 52hp VW Diesel at 7000'.

 

For sure, the stock shocks on the Off-road and Sport are like $50 specials, nothing high tech about them whatsoever.

 

I think the added ground clearance is just a byproduct of chance, as all 4x4 Tacomas were designed as RWD 5 lugs 1st and those same cabs are also used for 4x4 6 lug configurations the ground clearance is there to clear the 6 lug running gear. Still a good thing IMO. That's one thing I have always liked about Toyota trucks.

 

I bought my 2017 brand new without driving any Toyota Tacoma and I would not change a thing.

 

I own a fur, mud and water machine. My dog loves to swim so I have multi factor grime protection in the back. Is does no good!!!

I don’t really care much. The Tacoma is the go anywhere, do anything, dogmobile. It’s perfect now with electric seats, led lights, better shifting,etc. We like it.

 

Somewhat related; I remember riding my KX80 in the early to mid 90’s in Ouray at about 9,500-10,500 and I’d wind it up and let the clutch out and have about 1.2 HP and go about 10 feet and run out of power and die.

a few older men in 4 stroke Hondas rode past me and I knew the stroke was done. Dad got me a XR200 and the next summer I made it to the top of Imogene. 12 year old me was happy.

 

You didn’t change the headlights?

 

H9 low beam bulbs

 

You can't tell much about a new vehicle on a test drive. Other than it starts up runs and the steering and the brakes function. You aren't going to learn much about a vehicle during the initial brake in period. It takes time.

 

Yea, I knew you changed them.

 

and keep it overnight.