Looking at Tacoma

Hi, my name is Chris and I'm seriously considering a 2020 Tacoma but I have some questions that I don't trust the local dealership to answer.

Two years ago, I purchased a new 2018 Ford F150 Screw 4x4 STX with a 2.7L/10sp. Troubles started at 4,000 miles. Super hard shifts, clunks, clangs, and slow-speed lurches. Twice on interstate, at 4,000 miles, while using CC on level ground, the truck downshifted from 10th to 4th and redlined. Touched the brake pedal to disengage the CC and it upshifted. No lights and no codes. The last time really scared the hell out of me. This last time occurred at 36,000 miles.

The truck has spent numerous days in the dealership. Yesterday, I got it back after two weeks. They have never been able to diagnose the root cause of the transmission issues. This time they changed out the valve body. After disassembly, it was found to be scored badly. They assured me everything was righteous and right now.

50 miles later, downshifts slamming into 3rd and 4th. I'm done with it. The dealership and Ford are offering to help me get out of this truck. Problem is that I don't trust the 10 speeds. I feel like I'll just be tempting fate.

I like trucks. I haul house trash, bags of mulch and the occasional weedeater, and drive to work.

I'm 52 and have never owned a Toyota. When I purchased small pickups, it was always Datsun and Nissan. I'm tired of worrying if my truck is going to turn on me and attempt murder.

I've read forums and watched videos. I keep hearing that the Tacoma with the 3.5L v6 is a dog. I drove a DoubeCab 4x4 TRD Offroad. I didn't like the gearing in the 6mt. Gearing felt too tall in R and 1st. I'm not opposed at all to the 6AT. I also hear that the frame is weak and prone to rusting out, though I saw that occurred for a specific time period. Another complaint was that the Tacoma uses rear drum brakes. I'm old enough to have owned cars with manual front and rear drum brakes. Rear drums don't scare me so long as they are reliable and consistent. The last complaint that I've heard is that the 6AT can't seem to find an appropriate gear and stay there, always hunting up/down. In light of my experiences with the F150, that scares me a lot!

Noting that Toyota just recalled a bazillion vehicles, I'm starting to worry that even Toyota is slipping in quality! What can I expect as far as ownership? Are Toyotas going the way of Ford?

Are there any of you that are near my demographic: 52yo, male, 6'4 and 265#? When driving the 6MT, I noticed that the center console dug into my right calf. Any of you experience this? Did you come up with a solution to ease that pressure point? I couldn't move my seat far enough back to eliminate the pressure point while still reaching the steering wheel because it doesn't have a long range of adjustment. I'm going back to the dealer to drive a 6AT and see if it feels any different.

Caveat: I'm on a Tacoma forum, but I don't expect you to tell me what to buy. I'd like to hear if any of you have gone through what I have and how did you feel about your decision afterward? This is a big purchase. I had thought I'd be in the Ford for 12 - 13 years like my 2003 Expedition. Trucks cost too much to trade every two years!!! My first priority is reliability, secondary is comfort, and tertiary is aesthetics (except in the case of the Ridgeline. I can't go there.)

I look forward to your input, experiences and suggestions.

Chris

 

Welcome to TW.

 

Well I am 50+ and love my MT, however, I am not 6'4". That right there is an issue that will cause you not to like the truck.

 

Welcome to the forum. I think that the Tacoma is a bit too small for you, I’m 6’2”, 300 lbs and I bought a Tacoma without a moon roof because I couldn’t wear a hat when I drove one with it. If I were you I’d be looking at a Tundra.

 

look at a tundra buddy

 

At 6-4 and 265 you are a big guy. Make sure you are comfortable in a Tacoma. Definitely pass on a sunroof.
The transmission shifts in the 2020 V6/Auto have been recalibrated. It's much improved over previous years.
And yes it's a V6. From a stoplight, I'm not always the first one off the line, but not the last either.
Only a test drive can tell you if it feels good to you. And there's always the Tundra!

 

I'd say take a test drive with a new one and see how that power seat helps you out.

 

Its tightish at 5'10 but I've got a sunroof. Toyota recalls all their vehicles because they are quality. Look at the frame recalls for example. Shit rusts, look at how many Jeep Wrangler frames have rotted out but with no support. Don't look at it as a negative. Most of the complaints here are arbitrary, I've only considered going full size recently but still might wait. Debating between the tested V8 or next gen powertrain.

 

I would not recommend the Tacoma due to your height and weight. You already mentioned issues with seat discomfort in your post, so take that as a sign.

Agree with others -- check out the Tundra instead.

 

I personally think a lot of the common complaints about the Tacoma are overblown. Power is perfectly adequate. The AT shifts fine. The drums are fine. This truck is not particularly fast or athletic, but it's pretty decent for what it is. Low-end power isn't great, but the V6 REALLY picks up in the mid and high range. It can move if you get on it.

I am also 6'4" and I don't have any issues with room. If it bothers you, though, maybe check out a Tundra. They are much roomier than the Tacoma.

 

I'm 6'5 180 and have zero comfort issues so far. I'm pretty well proportion not super long legs or torso etc. so that helps I think. Seat behind me is 100% useless. I went from a V8 Silverado to a 2019 Tacoma v6 DCSB 2WD. It was like going from driving a Cadillac to a gocart at first. You're going to notice the power loss right away, although the mid power band in a taco is crazy power/fast. The taco is shit at low speeds/traffic (other than off-roading I hear) and lurches and lugs a little from time to time...it gets better as you go though. Side by side my taco and Silverado aren't that different in size, but the Taco is way smaller inside. My Taco is really fun and I love it and not my first Toyota (2 4runners) just took almost a year to shake the Silverado off I drove that for 230K. Just my 2 cents

- Take a taco for a really long test drive before you do anything.

 

Take both the Tacoma and Tundra on an extended test drive. See what feels better for you. Most of us love our Tacomas, hence why we're on this forum but everybody is different on what they like and what they fined acceptable.

 

Its such a cliche at this point but the ECT does help if you need it otherwise the truck drives fine to me. I was pleasantly surprised with how good the brakes bite coming from a car.

 

I came from a 15 3.5 ecoboost myself. The Tacoma is a dog compared to it and it really bothered me at first but after some time getting used to the power is OK. It's really soft on the bottom end where I was used to the ecoboost that was the opposite.

Mine does shift funny sometimes when using active cruise control. It'll downshift to go up a hill and then just sit at 3500 RPM for no reason when it could easily upshift again. This is somewhat infrequent and not really a concern more just an annoyance.

Overall I'm happy with my truck (DCSB OR) and its anecdotal evidence but the forums here have less issues than I see on the F150 forums. I was a Ford guy all my life (still have my 01 Cobra I bought new) but had issues with my F150 also and jumped ship to the Tacoma. Overall I'm happy. If the 2.7 ecoboost was in the Tacoma IMO it would be the perfect truck.

 

TLDR

 

I have always had VWs and bought my TRDORDCLB without sitting in one, never drove one. My first brand new vehicle, first vehicle loan, and first Toyota. I wouldn't change a thing. 062 TSB really helped the truck hold a gear longer, use the ECT, be happy in Smode, and remember this V6 has variable cam timing and Loves to rev higher on the tach than any other truck you have driven.

If I want to lug a truck, I take out my '85 GMC Sierra K3500SRW 6.2 diesel.

 

The brakes really are quite good! There have been a couple times where they've saved me from making a big plate of Scrambled Camry when some yahoo thought it would be a smart idea to make a Tron-esque right turn across several lanes of traffic.

 

Ours just rust a lot faster than expected, but if you keep it fluid filmed and clean in the northeast, you'll be fine.

I'm 5'10 in a double cab no sunroof, I could see a few more inches but 6'4 might be a bit of a squeeze. Remember if it's slightly uncomfortable during your 10 minute test drive, you're driving this every day for the next 5-10 years (probably), so...I wouldn't if you're already concerned about the space. Tacoma has a notoriously high floor pan for the ground clearance. I just think you'll regret leaving and getting into a Tacoma instead of another full size/tundra.

I posted in another thread but 5th is an OD gear, I run it in S5 and it doesn't gear hunt, leaves it in 5th for hills since there's enough available tq that 6th can't provide, so instead of dropping to 4th it stays in OD in 5th. Helps a lot with the gear hunting on hills, mileage seems to be better too since it spends way less time in 4th and shifting (shifts are not good for mpg).

 

I swear there are people out there that think they are driving in the Matrix 2.

 

I’m 61 5’10 220 no issues for me, I put 28000 miles on an 18 no issues and 6000 now on my 19. Seen no transmission issues at all