My experience with a '02 Tacoma V6 4x4 manual

I prefer older vehicles that are well maintained over much of the new stuff made today. Seems like the older ones were better quality.

 

I actually did a fair amount of research on this but I think I ended up with a ChrisFix suggestion (?). I went with the “Bissell 3624 Spot Clean Professional Carpet Cleaner” - but it looks like that is an older model now and has been replaced. I got it late 2019 and it came with a small amount of cleaner. I went through that rather quickly and bought a second bottle. I also used a rotary brush to make sure I got everything out of the carpets. I would go over a section with the vacuum so it was damp, then sprayed more and used the rotary brush, then went back over the section a second time.

 

I agree with you on that one. I have a couple of older cars along with this truck and I prefer them over a lot of friend and family’s cars. But I am envious of the better A/C systems - the Tacoma is good - but my 1987 cars I need to get converted to new systems.

 

I have an "02 Tacoma, I4, manual transmission, 4X4, with manual everything; no power windows, no door locks or cruise control. The only major repair was last year the yoke on the U-joint had worn out. $1,000 in twenty years isn't bad. All other repairs were things I could do myself with the help of Blue Rider.

People have come up to me in the Home Depot parking lot asking if I want to sell. Well, NO, what would I drive if I sold my baby?

Thanks for showing us your Tacoma, it inspires me to do some cleaning and updating on mine. When Toyota comes out with a hybrid Tacoma I will buy one, but I will keep my '02 as my dependable work truck that will last until I can't drive anymore.

My previous truck was a 1978 Toyota Hilux. I put 300,100 miles on it.

 

nice, i picked up a similar one today and it is craaazy how much dirt was in the seats. they're a whole new shade of grey now - delightful. i was surprised by how little i got out of the carpet, though i have had husky floor mats in there.

everything is removed, gotta finish cleaning the inside tomorrow morning with isopropyl alcohol and then start laying down the mat! (and spot cleaning everything as it starts to go back in)

 

I was looking for that bissell a few months back and noticed it was replaced with a newer model. It had really good reviews in the detail community. Mcculloch steam cleaners work well too.

 

Before (R) and after (L). That was after my first pass so gave it another after. World of difference

I went with the Bissell little green pro, happy with its performance though wouldn’t have minded a wider/bigger scrubbing head

 

I picked up a 99 auto. love the little thing. Really don't want to sell it..

 

What product did you use for the headliner?

 

Nice to see your truck getting such nice care! It's inspiring, I should get off my duff and do the same to my interior. We're supposed to go on a desert trip soon (delayed by bad weather) so I'll wait until after. You can't go wrong with that 02. Mine is probably a Lunar Mist as well (I call it silver), 2000, 3.4 V6 extra cab 4x4 TRD with 395k. Starting to plan for my 4th timing belt package.... Your pics also made me realize I'd better post some as a new member at some point. Maybe when it turns 400k!

 

Wow, that is night and day. Makes me want to do the same...

 

+1 upvote for a wholesome thread.

 

WOW!! That is a great comparison! Nice work!!

 

I think I used Ammo shag -

https://ammonyc.com/products/ammo-shag-fabric-cleaner?_pos=1&_sid=41744aa47&_ss=r

 

to be fair the dark one was the driver side and dirtier than the passenger seat, but still...

feels like a whole new truck (almost), 10/10 would recommend a steam cleaner for those neurotic cleaners like me

 

Thank you!

 

Just dropped the truck off at Rising Sun Japanese Auto Service in Austin for a complete run through to get ready for the road trip. Thank you to members in the Texas area that recommended them. Right from the start they gave me a feeling that they love the truck as much as I do!

After the service is getting a good detail.

WeatherTech floor mats, window deflectors and stone/bug deflectors should be here on Friday!