Why no V6 5-lug versions?

So it just dawned on me that Toyota may be missing out on a niche market, by not offering the 4.0L with the AC, 5-lug version of the 2nd gen.

Case in point, was at a job today when an older fella came over and complimented my truck (base '14, DC, PreRunner I4) he asked me about it, then asked if he could sit in it. (He's a much larger dude than I, both heighth and width) Said he loved everything about my truck, except since he's up in age and wife is disabled, he would prefer a lower entrance and a V6 seeing he's currently driving a 2011, 2wd F-150 EcoBoost.

He did not think his wife could get in and out of his F-150 anymore, and tha Tacoma size would be better. He also said he would like to be able to still tow his 4k lb TT occasionally. This got me thinking? The 1st gen X-Cab, 5-Lugger with the 3.4 sold like hot cakes, and was kind of a sleeper as well. A modern 2014 version of the truck, would technically have the highest payload and towing ability with the 4.0 combo.

This would also greatly appeal to an aging generation that bought the old 1-ton Hilux with 3.0L and long bed, as well as those that bought 2nd gen versions with the AC and 3.4, 5-lug. I swear I even remember 3.4L regular cabs (XS?) I think it was called.... But anyway. Just talking out loud, and wondered why Toyota doesn't built that kind of truck in a 2nd gen. I know they made XRunners, but the styling on those was over-the-top, and the lowered stance doesn't appeal to everyone. IIRC, the towing was limited and manual only is counter intuitive to the target market of a V6, 5-lug truck.

 

That's when you tell him to get a 2014 Ram with the air ride suspension. It kneels for easier entry.

He can get the eco diesel and get 27mpg highway and tow 9K.

 

Also not knocking manual trams, I love them and prefer them actually. However when I got married, it pretty much nixed the idea of ever getting another manual, as my wife can't drive one, and refuses to learn.

 

the did make it.... it was called the xrunner. they sold like crap.

 

Time to find a new one.

 

Looks like he basically wants an el camino. I hated the few 5lugs I sat in and drove. Almost no point to having a truck that low, especially on a job site. He can get a v6 frontier pretty low, they don't have the "pre runner" suspensions that are raised so high and drastically different like the taco.

 

Ever notice everything that is "manual only" sells like crap. I would have bought an automatic XR, more so if it came in white. But that's not what I'm talking about here.

I've personally owned 2 5-lug trucks, they are awesome as "work trucks" as the load height is much lower of the side rails .vs a PreRunner or 4x4. If you work out of your truck all day long, as I do your arms will thank you.

Also the 5-lug suspension, while not as stout as the PreRunner and 4x4 models, is much smoother. My '14 PreRunner is STIFF, but my last truck '13 Ford, F-150, rode like a Caddy, so I was kind of spoiled there.

 

IIRC, all 2nd gen Frontiers have the same suspension, ride height no matter if 4x4 or 2WD. I'm sure he could look at those, but Frontiers completely blow. My 2008, SE, 4x4 Crew was a complete POS.

I just feel like the legendary Tacoma should have a V6, 5-lug option. Not everyone needs or wants a TRD-Off Road. 50% of the 2nd gens I see here in Northern California are at least 5-lugs, that configuration is quite popular , especially for a small business. No business is going to buy a TRD-OFF Road or Sport for their company.

 

Unless their business use includes off pavement conditions where the rear locker and A-TRAC would add the security of not getting stuck. Of course I am talking about the Off Road, since a Sport (2009+) is a 'looks' package and has no traction choices above a base 4WD Tacoma.

 

Back in the day of the 1st gens the 5 lug v6 manual or auto didnt sell very good either... nothing is going to change now.

 

Perhaps he is worried that he won't get squat for his trade in.

 

You can get a pre runner/4x4 without the trd option with a v6 or 4cyl. Caltrans uses the 4dr base pre runner/4x4. I see them quite a lot. Not battling, but if I were running a company I would get the smallest engine ( fuel economy and my guys not abusing the power) and the cheapest cost, so I can haul crap and drive the street 100%, that would be the wisest choice and that would mean the smallest pickup. But if needs require more power, for towing or whatnot 90% of the time they will just buy a full size, almost literally the same cost with more benefits, space, depreciation write offs, power. By all means Toyota can sell that model, but as Americans our motto is bigger is better, hence 75-80% of the time the lifted truck sells so much better than a whimpy small pickup. Sorry, had to do it btw, I cannot think of any way to justify a-ttac for any business when I can get a f150 fleet with a locker and 4x4. Yeah crawl control my butt, if your stuck, and all wheels are spinning, a-trac won't help. Believe me I know.