Initial Impressions: Picked up-2016 Silver Double cab Offroad

wachuko · Sep 24, 2015

Ndanger · Sep 24, 2015

wachuko said: ↑

Click to expand...

Both, the Jeep is rude and crude but a blast... The Tacoma is a fine plush quality experience... mutually exclusive experiences but necessary to have both of them in a civilized world. Sort of like the minimum equipment list required for aviation before you do you file your flight plan. To not would be like having a garage without an automatic garage door opener.

VinTaco · Sep 25, 2015

Mike330R[OP] initial post: ↑

Silver double cab Offroad, 4x4.

9-12-15 early afternoon:
Just picked it up, was surprised it got here when it did. It was in Phoenix, AZ.

Initial impressions, only driven 15 miles.

Engine has enough power for me, about what I expected! It’s not a V8 but it does very well. Hold it to the floor and it shifts around 6K RPM. Feels to shift differently with the ETC Power pushed in. I’d equate it more to a Tow/Haul button.

I love the way it looks! It also stops excellent!

Very quiet inside!

More later as I am going driving!

1st photo is before they cleaned it up.

Again only driven it 15 miles.

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9-12-15 7:45PM Edit-After a day of driving:

My comparison vehicles: My previous Tacoma was a 2000 SR5 with 230K miles on it. I also have a 2004 Chevy Duramax that I don’t drive much unless towing something big. Wife also has an ’05 Cadillac. We also had an 04’ish Tacoma quad cab silver 6-7 years ago. The silver on the 2016 is different and much nicer!

2016 Tacoma-

My build date was supposedly 9/2 but the sales man wasn’t super sure. He guessed it wouldn’t be here for 3 more weeks. Then it showed up today. Timing was perfect since I had already sold my 1st get and my ‘back up’ truck was towed to the dealer 1 hour before the Tacoma salesman called. I was truckless for almost an hour, it was horrifying! Talk about good timing.

Power seems perfectly fine to me, not a ton, but plenty when you need it. Peppy when you lay into it, again it’s not a V8. It’s not super peppy when down shifting a gear to speed up from say 70-80 MPH unless you really get into to which I assume downshifts more than 1 gear. Assume being the key word, I am not sure how many it down shifts. At cruising speed there is almost no engine noise. When down shifting gently it’s hardly noticeable and when ‘deep in it’ you can hear it but it doesn’t sound like it’s being strained to death, but does sound like it’s working hard.

Salesman ‘told’ me that it can go 10K before oil changes, dunno about that yet. Also it uses 0-20w synthetic oil.

Transmission shifts are smooth. It will shift more than I am used to while at speeds. I assume it is shifting from its highest gear to 1 or 2 lower if I hit the slightest hill or want to speed up. Seems perfectly normal to me.

Acceleration onto the highway is not an issue.

With very little throttle and on flat ground you can watch the MPG max out, I assume the Atkinson cycle is engaged at that point. Give it a tad bit of gas and watch the MPG go down. See 2 pic’s below.

Mileage-When I got home from the dealer it was at 12.5 MPG. This was after a few hard accelerations to ‘test’ it . Then we went on a 50ish mile trip to a friend’s house. On the way there I drove approx. 80 and mileage went up to mid 16’s. On the way hoe I was in the 65-75 MPH range and we got home the MPG were in the low 17’s.

Handling- Very stable at any speed, steering is much lighter but feels very secure and responsive compared my 2000 1st gen.

It takes corners with confidence; I assume this with help from the sway bars?

Suspension is plush! At the dealer I went over a smallish speed bump. In my other trucks the rear end would hop over it or feel very harsh due to no weight in the bed. The Tacoma was much more plush on this speed bump. We also have a gutter like thing (to divert rain water) we have to drive over driving into our community. With the way it is situated it needs to be driven over at a 45 degree angle unless you swing way wide to drive over it straight. At a 45 degree angle this gutter feels rough even in an ’05 Cadillac. In the Tacoma is was much smoother. My wife even commented how smooth it rode on the highway as well as through the gutter.

With no passenger I noticed the passenger seat back seemed to ‘jiggle’ similar to my 1st gen, although not near as much. Also the AC (which works amazing!) ad the dash controls seems a tad out of reach for me.

All buttons and knobs are illuminated which I wasn’t expecting. Even the over head buttons and knobs. Also a decent light in the phone charging area.

There’s a lot of room between the grill and the radiator.

On the rear fender between the rear tire and bumper along the lower 4-5” of the fender I noticed what I though was a paint eff up. Paint looks thick, almost runny in this area. I looked on the other side and noticed the same thing although not as pronounced. Bother areas have a clear sticker over them. I then noticed this heavy paint along the entire lower 4-5” of the truck. I assume for protection from rock chips etc etc. I tried to get a photo of each side of the rear area’s but it doesn’t really show in the pic’s. See photo’s. Also noticed what I am calling a plastic rock guard down there.

Seats are very comphy. I’m 5’10” and have 5-6” head clearance. Both my wife and I like the interior panels. She commented a few times how nice it felt. Some areas are smooth, some have a slight texture to it. Also the bottoms of the doors handles have a carpet like material in them. I’d imagine they will collect dirt and sand like a mofo!

Sunroof is nice but I would not have ordered one with it, just not my thing. It came with the package.

Hood seems long. Also it tapers off in a way that reminds me of the curvature of the earth, like standing on the beach and watching the ocean disappear into the horizon. It’s a strange thought but it’s what it reminded me of.

Bed light and I think the XM antenna?

Crappy pic’s of head and taillights. Tails with and without brake lights:

The JBL rocks! Rattles the rear view mirror. I’d say it’s slightly distorted at near full volume. I’d also say it sounds better than my Bose system in the ’04 Chevy.

I will try and get more photo’s and a better side profile photo tomorrow in the sun light.
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9-13-15 Update along with some questions answered:

Engine and frame pic’s.

What should be bolted to this bracket?

I remember reading about how this exhaust is routed. Should only be an issue if you get high centered. Looks like they flattened it out a little.

Took it offroading. Basically just a bumpy dirt road. It’s overcast here today so it doesn’t look as nice as in bright sun light. Misc pic’s:

Couple of strange things I noticed:

I very rarely get headaches. I have noticed I have a slight headache after driving the truck for a while. I can only guess it’s from the fumes from the new plastic interior. Or maybe loud music? I don’t have it loud for very long. I dunno. I have it airing out in the garage now.

Also since the day I drove it home I have heard a strange thumping sound in the roof area 3-4 times. As if someone is bouncing a tennis ball on the roof. It finally dawned on me to check the sunroof and sure enough it doesn’t close tight. You can pivot it by either pushing up on the front of the sunroof or the rear. Not good! It will be going back tomorrow to get that fixed.

Misc questions answered:

The air conditioning works excellent!

Key fob does detect when I am there and when you put your hand on the door handle it unlocks the doors.

I found out that the actual key that is IN the fob does not work for the tailgate. 5 minutes later the dealer emailed me and said they found a key for my truck. Will pick it up tomorrow.

I didn’t look closely enough at the rear bumper to see if it is in fact 3 pieces but I bet it is.

This truck was the only one they had at Toyota of Surprise. I put a deposit on it a week or 2 before it got here. I guess it was the only one allocated to them n the 1st shipment.

As for the price you can do the math, $700 over invoice plus carpet mats, tow package, tax, license, $399 doc fee, and $900 delivery.

FYI: Toyota of Avondale will have this same truck at $1500 over MSRP. I had a deposit on it for a short time

Parking brake is very convenient where it is, I like it.

Unsure about roof rack mounting.
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Crawl Control
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Crawl Control-
I decided to try it out and assuming I was using it right I like it! I’ve been wheeling for quite a few years and never saw a need for it but it is very handy. Offroad cruise control! I remember reading in the manual a couple weeks ago it mentioning something like “extra noise emitted from the engine area is normal during crawl control operation”. Well holly crap the noises! Sounds like you have 2 gorillas playing the drums on your front fenders with rubber mallets!

I stitched together a video that allows you to hear some of the noise. More so going down hill and some going up. Video is me holding a phone camera so it may look more shaky than it actually is in person. Couple shots of the dash area show me changing the crawl control speed dial.

Are these sounds normal or am I using it wrong?

I also noticed the hood does seem long. Hard to see obstacles that are close. Have to plan ahead.

Crawl Control Video

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9/15/15

I had been hearing a thumping coming from the roof area. I finally inspected the sunroof. I found that the sunroof would not stay closed all the way. It would “fall" away from the roof line about ½”. Dealer fixed it in 2 minutes. Some sort of initialization procedure they forgot to do.

Rear seat area-I’m 5’10” and sitting back there I have 3-4” of headroom.

I do not like having to remove the headrests to fold the rear seats down. Even with the headrest folded I could not fully fold the rear seats down. WTF?

Nice storage area under the seats and a pocket on one side.

Messed around with the stereo. Got Entune running on my phone (doubt I’ll even use it). Once sync’d with Entune the stereo did a software upgrade.

Got the windows tinted. The windshield may or may not be tinted.

On an unrelated note, the sun is brutal in Phoenix

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9/15/15

The sunroof is still messed up which kind of ticks me off. I still need to bring them a check from the credit union to pay for it (they have a back up contract in place if I don't show up) which will happen tomorrow. They will fix it before they get the check!

Also I am not crazy about the way back seats seats fold. The head rests tip forward but you can't fully fold the rear seat flat with the heat rest tilted, it must be removed. I also wish the plastic on the back of the back seats was something less slippery. My dog jumped in yesterday and slide into the door on the opposite side. I'll need to find a 2 piece non skid type of mat that I can attach to that plastic. Suggestions?

Passenger leg room in the back will be an issue for an adult if an adult is sitting in the front seats and has the seat slid all the way back. This is a non-issue for me. I got the quad cab (had an access cab before) to keep things in. Passengers back there will be rare for me.

Throttle response in the fist half of the pedal travel is 'non exciting'. You do accelerate but not as quickly as I had expected. Not really an issue just something I was not expecting. The second half of pedal travel gets the job done in a hurry though

Other than that I love it! It's a huge upgrade from my 1st Gen. I even drove my Duramax (with aftermarket suspension) yesterday and was thinking how big, clunky, and rough riding it was compared to this Tacoma. Had a friend in it today and he commented more than once after going over bumps and obstacles that he was expecting a much harder hit.

Interior is very quiet, Can hardly tell the motor is running while at a cruising speed of 70-80.

Love the JBL system and all the features in the head unit. Phone part of it works well, it reads texts to you, and the sound from the speakers sounds excellent when playing music.

I topped of the tank for the 1st time today. It automagically reset the average tank MPG which was I was not expecting. After 30-40 miles on mostly highway at around 70-80MPH it went to just over 17 MPG.

Here’s a few better pic’s of the tint. The windshield is not near as dark as the photo’s make it out to be. Must be because the back windows are in the back ground making it look darker.

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9/16/15

Sunroof appears to be fixed. Turns out the 4 bolts that hold the glass/frame in the track were loose from the factory.

I asked to have the door open and the seat belt alarms turned off. Said they would not turn the seat belt alarm off and had to call Toyota to see about the door alarm. Were told it’s currently not customizable even though it says it is in the manual. They said they might get new software to change it in the future.

ETC Power-MUCH more fun to drive! However it will cost you gas mileage. Much better take off throttle response and it does hold gears longer. Also while at a cruising speed on the highway the ‘Current MPG’ never maxes out of the slider scale seen in previous pic’s. Also if you disengage it at that speed you can feel it. Not sure how to explain what it feels like.

Hauled my 1st ‘load’ today and put a scuff on the plastic tail gate cover *sigh*

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9/17/15

Took it out off-roading today. Nothing to crazy. Tried all the systems (4Hi, low, crawl, terrain select) and they seem to work. Would be nice to have the locker and terrain selection in 4Hi instead of just 4L. Probably a mod for the locker and I will get to that at some point. It seemed very ‘sure footed’.

I do not like how long the hood seems. Makes it hard to see right in front of you at upcoming obstacles. Also I noticed the bed seems to ‘jiggle’ a fair amount.

Suspension seemed to ride very nice off-road. I though it was very plush going over bumps, rocks, etc. Only time it seemed rough was going up a sandy wash. Had to keep the speed up and it did a bit of hopping. However lower air pressure would have helped that. I also drug the hitch through a gully. Pulled the hitch cover out.

I topped off the tank about 5 miles before I left the pavement. MPG was just over 17 in that 5 miles then dropped to just over a consistent 10 for the few hours I was out there.

I stopped to take this pic:

As I got out I heard a hissing noise and figured it was the AC system. Decided to look on the other side of the truck and saw the front tire halfway deflated. I drove to a flat area to change the tire.

At 1st I figured it was the cactus stuck in the tire but once it was off the truck I was able to compress the tire easily and knew there was a bigger hole somewhere. I wasn’t standing in the heat anymore (only 95ish today) and headed out of there. Once back on the pavement I noticed more cacti in the spare tire. Got to Discount Tire and they showed me a non-reparable ¾” gash dead center in the tread. With no confidence left in these “Kevlar” tires I decided to buy new ones. Not something I wanted to do with less than 400 miles on the ‘old’ ones L

Went with one size bigger BFG KO2’s, 265/75/16. They are about an inch taller. They seem a touch stiffer on the road. No rubbing but I have not been off-road yet.

I saw a number of desert pin stripes in the dust on the body. Most seemed like they were just in the dust and not a scuff in the paint. After running it through a car wash I found some minor desert pin striping. Some in the paint and some on the fender flares and black covering on the doors between the windows.

Guess it’s broke in!

Couple suspension pic’s while the tire was off:

And of course a video. I was the camera man and the driver

https://youtu.be/__c9wiMs3pc

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9/18/15

Misc detail photo’s.

Pinion Bearing and transfer case:

Cab Mounts:

Rear axle:

Looking up-between the bed & cab:

Fuse box:

Back side of headlights:

Carrier Bearing:

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9/20/15

Drove it some today. On one leg of running around the Trip MPG, mostly freeway and a distance of about 15 miles was 19MPG. Average MPG for the past few days with most of it on surface streets is 16-17.

Added some bed tie down points from Macs Custom Tiedowns. I have had these for a few years (had them in my last truck) and they are very handy. Won’t be for heavy loads since they are mounted to a composite bed but they do feel very secure. Plus they have the same size backing plate under the bed. These are quick release incase I want to remove them, bases are permanent. Drilling the holes in the bed I noticed more of a fiberglass smell.

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9/22/15

Did a quick off-road trip today to check out the new tires. No rubbing and they seem to work well off-road. The rain was rolling in and I didn’t want to experience a flash flood J

The hood still seems very long, not sure I will ever get over that but will have to get used to it. Have to plan way ahead or get out and look in some situations.

The average MPG’s is hovering right around 17. Keep in mind that’s with the AC always on. Current average miles per tank at around 100 miles is 16. Mix of freeway and city driving.

I took some panels off in the cab today to wire in a radar detector as well as just to look around. There is a mini (the extra small fuses) fuse panel down there but tapping into it wasn’t an option with the parts I had. I ended up tapping into a constant hot wire from a plug that is not in use on this model, shown below. All the panels pull off with the exception of the panel below the wheel having 3 screws as well as push-ons holding it on. I had a hell of a time getting the kick panel back in properly!

Below the steering wheel:

This is whats under the drivers foot rest:

Plug I tapped into:

This shows what’s behind the A-pillar panel. The red hose is the sunroof drain tube. It runs downs and out of the rear of the front fender.

Click to expand...

Wow, you just got the truck and you`ve looked in to every nook and cranny. Great job of pics and videos, did you notice where the oil filter was ?? Will it be hard to do your own oil changes..? Your truck has 42 HP more then the 2nd generation v6, have you ever driven one and if so, how would you compare the power between the 2.. ?

Mike330R · Sep 25, 2015

I have not driven a 2nd gen, just a 1st gen. Seems to have more power but not a ton.

VinTaco · Sep 26, 2015

Mike330R[OP] said: ↑

I have not driven a 2nd gen, just a 1st gen. Seems to have more power but not a ton.
Click to expand...

I thought 42 HP more would almost feel like having a super charger compared to 2nd gen.

king400 · Sep 26, 2015

very nice truck awesome pics and write up... thanks

wachuko · Sep 26, 2015

Ndanger said: ↑

Both, the Jeep is rude and crude but a blast... The Tacoma is a fine plush quality experience... mutually exclusive experiences but necessary to have both of them in a civilized world. Sort of like the minimum equipment list required for aviation before you do you file your flight plan. To not would be like having a garage without an automatic garage door opener.
Click to expand...

I almost bought the Jeep...down to signing the paperwork and because I was compromising on the color (color I wanted had been removed from production by the time I went in to buy), at that last minute I just got up and walked away. Felt sorry for the sales guy as they were great and the discount was fair. But I just could not do the color they had. In the Jeep, color was important to me...in hindsight, glad I walked out...this was about two months ago....

The Tacoma wins in versatility while still providing great off-road capabilities. With all the garage projects I have, it is the best choice for me...and I can't buy both. Wish I could....

Now, if I could only decide on color...they all look great! The ones I like the most: Silver, MGM, Red, and that Orange (want to see it in person first).... I just need to decide which one, for me, will stand the test of time...meaning, that I would not get bored of the color in a few months/years...as the plan is to keep this truck for a long, long time.

Oh, and apologies to the OP for the hi-jack. Great job documenting ownership experience on your new Tacoma!

Back to normal programming !!

jerseymike · Sep 26, 2015

Can you give more details on the D rings in the bed. I ordered a '16 and I now see there is an option for D rings. I thought they were already included though. How many hooks were included and did yours have the D ring option ($55)

Mike330R · Sep 26, 2015

Mine have 2 D-rings on the floor of the bed near the tailgate. Also 2 tie down points in the front corners of the bed mounted closer to the top of the bed.
Neither of these were listed as an option and I assume they are standard.

I added the 2 in the floor near the fender wells. It needed more floor anchoring points.

Maybe the D-ring option is for 2 more on the floor in the front corners?

Herniator · Sep 26, 2015

Could also have the extra D-rings depending on which model you bought. Maybe the SR and SR5 don't have those D-rings.

jerseymike · Sep 26, 2015

Ok thanks

SDTaco4x4 · Sep 27, 2015

Man I hope mine comes in today. I'd really rather that than have to go in after work.

FritoBandito · Sep 27, 2015

Nice truck! Congrats. I'm currently waiting on mine to arrive.

Quick question - does the radio play MP3's off of an SD or micro SD card?

Mike330R · Sep 27, 2015

FritoBandito said: ↑

Nice truck! Congrats. I'm currently waiting on mine to arrive.

Quick question - does the radio play MP3's off of an SD or micro SD card?
Click to expand...

The SD card in the head unit is for maps according to the manual.

I've played MP3's from a USB memory stick in the USB port.

FritoBandito · Sep 27, 2015

That works too! Thanks for the quick answer.

steezinstangl · Sep 27, 2015

beautiful truck man! and thanks for all the pictures!

heyphillip · Sep 28, 2015

Nice Tacoma bro but damn!! that 17 mpg is horrible.I hope it's because it's not broken in yet I would of though some where around 21 mpg

Mike330R · Sep 28, 2015

My MPG has been a consistent 17. I expected better but it's not a huge deal to me. It has just over 800 miles on it now.

fallingdomino · Sep 28, 2015

Sweet Jesus this is one of the best posts I've ever seen on TW. Thanks for putting this up - those pics are great. Congrats on your new ride!

swimmer · Sep 28, 2015

heyphillip said: ↑

Nice Tacoma bro but damn!! that 17 mpg is horrible.I hope it's because it's not broken in yet I would of though some where around 21 mpg
Click to expand...

You shouldn't rely on one data point (one person) to come to a conclusion about what you might expect for mpg.

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