If you hate your transmission, read this.

This is true. If you intentionally accelerate/drive the truck slowly, many of the "issues" don't present themselves. Imagine somewhere that usually takes you 10 minutes to drive to. Intentionally try to stretch that to 13 minutes and you won't experience any of the trans problems so often mentioned here.

 

I bought a 2018 OR Tacoma and traded it for a 4runner after two months. The 4runner feels like I'm driving a somewhat normal vehicle again. I drive a lot of interstate hiway and the 3.5L Tacoma felt like a 4 banger at 75mph.

 

This was one of the last road trips I took in my 2018 OR. I averaged about 12-13mpg for 300 miles. Needless to say, for the type of driving/hauling that I do, the 3rd gen didn't work for me (bone stock). My overall mpg was far better in my 2nd gens.

This won't be the case for everyone, obviously. But there's a general perception that the 3rd gen gets better mileage than 2nd gen. I learned the hard way this isn't always true. I thought at worst it might be similar, but in my experience it wasn't even close.

 

That is some shitty mileage.

 

Not to mention that this tune will void transmission warranty.

I'd say test drive 2019 and see if you like it better. It isn't perfect out of the box but after 650 miles of adaptation and a small learning curve for me, I think it is as good as a 6-speed auto will get in the truck.

 

How so? You can very easily and quickly flash back to the stock firmware before having it serviced at a dealership, and then simply reinstall the tune of your choice once the service is completed.

 

Car manufacturers gotten much smarter over the years. Many if not all manufacturers can now see how many times firmware was flashed/updated. There are other datas they can use to prove that foreign firmware was present. I am into the VAG cars and it's a big problem for those who are tuned. Google TD1 and you'll see what I mean. I am pretty sure Toyota isn't that far behind. In any case are you willing to take a chance on your new $40k truck?

 

Absolutely. I take a million other wild chances with my vehicles/toys every year. Why stop now?

OVtune is probably the only way to make driving a 3rd gen automatic tolerable... or... -gasp-... maybe even fun!

 

I have no idea what model year that limited was I test drove. But yeah, I'm sure the 19 may be a bit better. It sure as heck couldn't be any worse.

 

But, and there is always a but. I hear those that say it made it worse? Everyone is different and if I had enough enthusiasm for the brand I may just pull the trigger anyway. Plus I have to convince my wife. She really didn't care for that back seat on the taco. Mainly because its much more crowded then the Ranger. Unlike most on this forum, I've got a couple years behind the wheel of a T6 Ranger. On the other hand, if I could go down today, right now, I'd buy a Toyota Hilux 4X4 with 2.8 turbo diesel. I would not hesitate a second. Because globally, I have allot more confidence in Toyota's abilities then what they do at home with the taco.

 

Take a driving class...

 

What gear on you in on that snapshot? Seems the rpms a bit high? Where you on a level road? Also, on a Youtube channel there is this guy that is roaming about the country in a new TRD pro that keeps claiming 24 MPG's. But his driving habits would piss off even the old lady from Pasadena. But from what many say, for every MPH you lose more MPG's exponentially. The guy on the yourtube channel said he never would drive faster then 55/60. Of course we made fun of the guy. He no doubt will get rear ended one day. But I think these trucks will suffer horribly at those speeds.

This is a good example where a smaller/boosted engine with more gears could reduce a outcome of 12 MPG or what a 1975 Cadillac fleetwood with a 500 cubic engine would do. I'm also thinking that Toy needs to rework the aerodynamics on this truck a bit. Wind resistance has a huge play in all of this.

 

Sounds like your mind is made up and you are getting a Ranger. I guess you'll be joining a Ranger forum now and migrating over there. Enjoy the new truck.

 

That would be 4th gear. All the interstates around me are 80. It is hard to keep the truck in 5th or 6th at 80 so it runs around in 4th. Especially if there is any grade to the road or wind at all. If you keep the speed at 70 or below it does much better, but it is hard to drive 10 under the speed limit.

 

Well I kind of like the looks of the taco. My wife really can't stand it. I'm thinking of another test drive before I make my final decision. But I'll make sure its a 2019 to see if that helps. The American Ranger is nothing like the one I had in Fiji. Totally different motor/transmission. So there is no way I can know until I drive it myself. Plus you can get the taco in crew with 6 foot box which I would like.

 

Yep, it was prob in 4th in the pic. It bounced between 4-5 most of the time at 80mph. The slightest grade or wind and it drops to 4th. Any headwinds at all at 75-80mpg and the mpg tanks.

 

Well to be honest I think this would be true of most trucks. Not the most aero dynamic. Tacos drag coefficient is about .38 That's on par for trucks. You can only do so much. But this is a good topic to nail down why reported mileage can vary so much. And if this affects all trucks in general. I know in Fiji my Ranger got excellent mileage (with 3.2 diesel) but there is a big difference driving on the island. You Rarely travel faster the 80 kph (about 60mph) because of the winding roads and all the other mayhem one needs to look for ie old buses, cows, pedestrians (everywhere) and only two lanes so your behind somebody slow half the time. The ranger rarely got into 6 gear and if it did not for long. Probably the fastest I got it to was 100 kph.

 

Totally agree with this. I live in a small town and most driving is 45 mph or less. I have no problems driving in s mode. It does try to shift to 5th at 35 mph so I leave it in s4 much of the time. I can see how busy traffic driving could be a concern. The gas mileage you were getting though, yikes.

 

That's the mileage I saw every time I got on the interstate for extended trips. A result of a steady breeze and up and down topography + 75-80mph. Just not a good combo. Around town I'd average close to 18mpg.

It always blew my mind in here when I'd see guys here say they're averaging 22mpg. I'm not saying they're not getting that. But it's just such a deviation from my experience. Crazy how there can be that much difference between driving styles.

 

You miss my point if you think I think OV is a scam. I know it's not. It's just poorly described in a way that is condescending to people on this site IMO. That's my complaint.