My First Tacoma!

Wow . . . this is a great forum!

I hope I made the right decision for this next vehicle. I just bought a used, fairly high mileage 2001 ExtraCab 4X4 TRD to replace my 1989 4Runner. The 4Runner still drives OK, but at 282K it's ready for its second timing belt, first water pump and the drive-line is making a strange oscillating rumble that could be an out-of-balance wheel or . . . ? The motor runs and sounds great but barely passed its last smog check. It even gets decent gas mileage. No, this isn't an ad, and yes, it is for sale.

I'm hoping that the Tacoma can continue in the outstanding tradition of the 1st Gen 4Runner. Many of my friends that wheel with me in Baja California and CA/AZ/NV mountains and deserts have the 1st Gen Tacoma TRDs with the rear-locking diff that has made all the difference in getting up those really difficult loose, rocky pitches on the way to our special nirvana camp sites. My biggest concern is that big stretch between the front and rear axles. I'm looking forward to doing some research on this site to see how others have dealt with this in preparation for fairly rough, rocky wheeling circumstances. My second concern was build quality with the Tacoma, but after giving it a good look-over, it really seems to be a solid, well-built truck like my 4Runner.

This Tacoma I just bought looks really great, inside and out. I know I'll cringe when I hear that first SCREEEEECH! when I drive through the mesquite branches overhanging the trails in Baja, but hey . . . it's a truck, right?

My compliments to the good folks who created and maintain this excellent forum, I'll have to put it right up there with KLR650.net. Thanks!

 

Welcome from Phoenix.

 

Welcome to TW.. How many miles are on the tacoma?

 

welcome

 

Welcome to TW !!!!!!

 

It has 163K and drives nicely but a little louder in the cab than the 4Runner. After driving a few Tacomas I realize that this is the case. I could see doing some sound-dampening.

Looking for a camper shell for it and planning to outfit the bed for camping. It has a "tight & right" feeling that I like! I feel confident in this purchase, as the most serious Tacoma complaints seem to be clock location and seat belt tension.

True that . . .

 

Welcome Sir from VA