Four years in a Tacoma, a frustrating experience

Eh I think it’s more they kept the roof as low as possible for those slight percentage improvements in aerodynamics.

 

FI motors lose a lot fewer hp than NA engines per unit of altitude. It’s why late WW2 warbirds had such elaborate turbo superchargers.

I live at 6,000 ft. On the Tacoma that’s a loss of 52hp, for a total of 235hp. They’re even more dogs up high.

 

I’m just over 6’1 And I feel like my access cab was made for me. No sunroof. Yes, the transmission programming is atrocious and Toyota should be embarrassed. Drivetrain would be fine I think if Toyotas programming (and certain gearing) let the engine actually get up to reasonable RPM in normal operation

 

I wouldnt if I were you, changing things is not something Toyota is known for. Just buy a Chevy or Ford and chalk it up to experience.

6' and no head room problems, havent done a 1,000 mile day, but done a half dozen in the 700 - 800 range with no problems. That may be because I came out of an 04 and the 3rd gen seems pretty roomy after 200,000+ in the 04

 

Better than the 15 minutes. Doubt if any one is going tk let you keep a truck overnight today. Outside of the test drive I operate every system open and close every moving part several times crawl underneath the truck and visual inspect everything open the hood and get into every space I can inspect. Sit in every seat pretty much test everything on the vehicle I'm aware of.

 

every single truck on the market today has a higher payload including Ridgeline and even the little maverick and Santa Cruz. Payload has to include passengers in cabin too. So 1100 isn’t a lot. If you tow 5500lbs it means you only have room for maybe 2-3 people in the cab with nothing else in the truck before you’re over payload.

 

I live just shy of 7k feet and I don't find it terrible. I also don't expect it to be fast or super powerful. I was stepping down from a Tundra and had previously owned a WRX, so I knew what I was getting into.

 

didn't realize people bought Tacomas for the overwhelming power

 

I know, that is basically what I said in my post you quoted.

 

I test drove more Rangers than any other vehicle. I still couldn't tell you what it's like to drive one for a week.

It would be nice if dealerships had vehicles you could test drive for a week. That way you could get a feel for what its like on an average week.

 

Tacoma can tow 6800. That's some pretty big people in the cab. 400+ each.

 

I think you misunderstood. He was saying that a 5500 lb trailer should have a 10-15% tongue weight so say it's 12% and you're at 660 lbs. 1100 payload minus 600 tongue leaves 500 pounds for passengers, gear, and any/all mods on the truck.

 

When I wondered about going from 2nd gen 2015 Tacoma to a 3rd gen, I rented one for a week (while on vacation, economy of scale, killed two birds with one stone)... I also had rented a Nissan and Ram p/u on two other occasions while traveling

 

I appreciate OP’s review and not sure why so many jump on him for giving long term, honest feedback. There is enough about the truck that he doesn’t like that he’s ready to move on. I’ve thought about upgrading to the 3G for several years but every test drive/rental makes me realize they’re not much better than my 2010. $40k+ plus for a truck with a list ‘of problems that have been well documented on a Tacoma enthusiast forum’ seems like a lot. Best of luck OP and thanks for the review.

 

I'm nowhere near your size in height, but I to have a problem with the leg room. There is more leg room in... my Samurai. As for the power problems stated, the only time I wished I had more power was when I was towing a full 6,500-pound trailer. Better gas mileage would be a good thing too, but I knew about that before buying.

 

Don't get bent out of shape with "all the well documented" problems on the 3rd Gens. I have a 2020 and they were all worked out by then. No third brake light leaks, almost all the problems with the "hunting" of the transmission and all the other list of problems were fixed and are gone. Still under-powered, and the seating position is a bit tough for me at 6'2" but I love mine.

 

I also have a 2020, for about 7 months now, bought with barely any miles on... Have found nothing to complain about... Honestly cannot relate to any of the OP's complaints. That stated, his experience is what it is... I'm almost 60 years old now, have driven far too many vehicles to count or recount, same with motorcycles, and what I've come to learn is that not every vehicle is for everyone... For so many reasons...

 

That's a good way to do it. I'm sure I wouldn't like the additional cost added to the vehicle if dealers offered 7 day test drives.

 

I'm short compared to you 5'9"... and my wife is tiny (5'0")
I had a 2017, and it was fine for me, but for some I can see the seating position is not normal. Considering I had toyota pickups my whole life (1989, 1993, 2003, 2013, 2017, and a 2021)... I guess the seating position just felt normal... that being said, my wife HATED the 2017... she had to sit on a towel to see over the steering wheel, even though she could adjust the seat forward. Got the 2021 with the power driver's seat. Problem solved.

The 2021... I'm running a 34, with 4.88's and an OV Tune... you're not wrong... gear whine, yep got worse after regearing. Replaced the diff oil and it is a bit better.
I run my truck fairly light, but I will be adding a RSI Smart cap and racks soon... I might consider 5.29's at that point. But you're not wrong. Compared to driving my Ram 2500 with a Cummin's, its anemic. And even with the tune and 4.88's gas mileage is terrible. But it does go up and down the hills far better than with the 34's and without the gears and tune.

We don't drive very high speed here... but if I was doing a lot of towing or highway miles... yeah... not the best vehicle.

For rock crawling lava roads to far off beaches. The taco is the #1, hands down better than a 2500 Ram.

I guess it just really depends on what you want to do, and where you want to go with your truck.

If I was on the mainland, crushing highway miles and towing a trailer... and you asked me what truck you would rather road trip the western USA and I had to had to tow, a Tacoma or a Ram 2500... the choice would be obvious... Highway miles and towing a trailer... clearly the Ram is a better choice. But if you were going to run the Rubicon, I think the choice is also obvious.

I understand that most people can't afford two trucks, but you have to be willing to compromise and understand your trucks limitations.
That being said, if you spent 4 years being uncomfortable in a taco, I think you would be much happier in a fullsize truck, don't tell these tacoma world guys, but I really want a RAM TRX, my buddy got one, and completely stock and the thing is INSANE. So much power!

 

Your complaints are justified but 1,100 payload for a truck this size is normalish. I overload my tacoma numerous times and it was fine. Not a day goes by my guys don't overload their super dutys or mine