Looking to become a Tacoma owner

Hola everyone! Due to a new daughter, I've outgrown my 2004 Ford Ranger extra-cab and am looking to get a 4-door Tacoma. Not interested in buying new, so a later model 2nd gen seems like a good option.

Joined here to learn more about what to look for and also learn as much as possible in general about the Tacoma.

Thanks!

 

Keep the Ranger for beating, buy a 4runner. Win-win.

 

Welcome to TW

 

I sold my Ranger access cab because I had my son. Tacoma works need the crew cab for rear facing seats comfortably but access cab will due if you or your wife are short.

Love the truck and I expect it to be as reliable as my 20 year old Ranger was. Miss the old girl but love my Tacoma too!

I bought this because it had much better crash test ratings compared to some of the others. I also compared the Ridgeline but it drives very vague and floaty (like a boat) and feels huge when you are inside so you never know where the corners are. Interior was nicer than the Tacoma though as far as space and flip up seats. Just felt driving the Tacoma was more Ranger/truck like than that ridgeline.

 

Welcome to the site. Quick breakdown for ya. These are things I would have liked to known way back then.
2nd Gen is a good platform. Always check the frame for rust.
Skip 2005-2006 models due to possible head gasket issues and skip 2012 models due to possible air injection valve/pump issues. Motor and Auto trans is solid as well as the manual but can have squeaky pedal and TO bearing/shaft issue. Those are what to be aware of for the most part.
SR5 is the basic model, Sport has stiffer suspension and hood scoop, color matched grill surround, bumpers, handles, etc. Off-Road has the rear locker, double cab in short bed only. 2008- last year for mechanical limited slip on sport models. 2009-2011 does not have air injection system, beginning of A-Trac in 4x4 off-road models.
If I missed anything, I'm sure someone will chime in. Happy hunting.

 

welcome

 

Welcome to TW good luck on your search.

 

thanks everyone!! @tarbal255 I've been looking for a Ridgeline (17/18) for awhile, REALLY want the in-bed audio and trunk and dual-action tailgate, but I'm not ready to drop $30k or more right now. Interesting that you said it drives "vague" but not really surprised with the 4-wheel independent suspension and all.

@DriverSound thanks for letting me know what issues to look for.

If I DO get into modding with a Tacoma, I'd be looking more for speed/on-road performance than a crawler. My ideal vehicle will always be a sleeper, regardless of car or truck. Something fast but unassuming.

 

Ridgeline's don't seem to hold value as well as the Tacomas. Saw a few 1-2 year old preowned for low mid 20s. It's pretty fast too, definitely a car with a pickup bed though. Tacomas are drive by wire as well but I think Toyota just got their joysticks programmed better, couldn't feel anything in the Ridgeline and everything just felt delayed. Hit gas........... zooom... hit brake.. okay you want stop I see... calculating...

Bed trunk was cool, liked that and that golf clubs would fit under the rear bench seat and no transmission hump. Bed sound system is more gimmicky it uses the plastic bed as the speaker... sounds like a plastic speaker... I'd rather plug in my bose speaker into the bed outlet.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld!

 

We had a Ridgeline in the family years back. It was good for what it is. Great on road manners, real smooth. It all just depends on what you use it for. We never towed or really hauled with it so I couldn't comment on that. I do know it was front wheel drive and would activate the rear wheels when needed like a four wheel drive. From what I understand, it doesn't stay on 4WD after a certain speed.

Now if you want power, then you want a 2nd Gen Tacoma for it's superb aftermarket support. Turbo and supercharger are available as well as headers, gears, etc...

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Welcome to TW!