New truck needed.

I’ve always liked Toyota since my first truck in 1987. Need a reliable vehicle, preferably a truck. I am looking at Tacoma, Frontier and Ranger. I really like the 4Runner too but a truck would come in handy. The 2024 will be at dealers in the coming months. New models typically have issues. I like the increased payload and torque. Any thoughts on these truck and which might be best for everyday driving, light towing under 4,500 pounds, road trips and chores around the house?

 

Tacoma.

 

Thanks. How is the cabin noise? Some complain of gear hunting. Any issues with yours?

 

My 3rd gen manual 4x4 was great, no gear hunting, but I know that was definitely a complaint for some, at least early in the 3rd gens. Cabin noise was a non factor. I haven't heard much about it recently. 2024 would be different anyways.
You're definitely getting biased opinions on here, but historically Tacomas have been more reliable than the other brands. They hold their value better also if that matters to you. They just generally hold up better than those other brands in my experience.

 

Recovering Frontier owner here. Had a 2000 2WD manual that had a lot of trouble free miles, but traded at 212K because I couldn't take putting on chains. Got a 2006 NISMO that worked great to 130K but then needed tons of work. The transmission got SMOD at 150K and it was all downhill from there. At 174K traded it on a 2103 low mile Tacoma and love it. After what have heard about Nissan transmissions I’d avoid them.

 

My 2023 is fine as far as hunting gears....That said it's the only automatic truck I have ever owned. I had my mind set on getting another manual till I drove a 2022. It was BAD and not in a good way. Shifts were clunky and figuring out when to shift was a nightmare. This was a used truck so it should have already been broken in. Some around here love there manuals just test drive one before you buy. I can't compare other brands I have only owned Toyota trucks. You pay upfront but they really hold their value. My last Tacoma was a 1999 that I had for 8 years and put 170,000 miles on it. Sold it for $500 more than I gave.

Good luck with your hunt....
Brian

 

I had a 2016 auto and have a 2023 auto now. The gear hunting isn't really an issue like it was in the 2016. Most modern autos hunt gears for efficiency anyways.

 

People have posted several threads on wind-noise-proofing the rear of the cab, the doors, maybe even the roof (cannot be sure, but ask and I am sure someone knows). Not physically hard, just will expose entire interior walls of the cab in the process.

 

You're paying for Toyota reliability and resale value you probably don't get historically with other brands. '24 reliability is to be determined, but will probably be fine at some point. The '24 technology will be cool if it holds up. Trucks are just getting so damn expensive, and gas will be $10 a gallon before we know it. So, it's dealer's choice in the meantime what you buy until the engineers figure out the EV technology and government figures out the infrastructure. 5-10 years from now will be very interesting for the auto industry. Then we can all pick what $100k daily driver we want. I'll probably opt for the EV Hilux

 

50k will buy this.. a real deal ‘32 Ford pick up.

 

Raptor lights would be an insult on that.