New here, Looking to buy 2020 sport

I'm a GM guy. BUT, GM does not have a truck that fits my taste. I'm 6' and don't like having to get a step latter to check the oil. Why are they so dayam high? Also, GMs are too expensive for what you get. And reliability stinks.
I stopped by a nearby dealer and went through the new Tacoma Sport and other trim choices. I was not sure of the engine and drivetrain. Atkinson engine? So, I looked into this in detail and coupled with the variable timing cams; impressive. I'd like to hear from you guys, how do you like it?
I have a few questions: 1. Does Toyota offer a factory service manual (not an owners manual).
2. What options do you wish you had on your truck?
3. How is the rust protection? I heard that some frames rusted out prematurely.
4. How reliable is the automatic tranny? I've replaced my tranny in my Durango 3 times otherwise it has been a great vehicle.

 

I have a 2015 with 35k Miles . engine works fine, no rust on the frame and Toyota is replacing the rusted frames at no cost and the Auto works fine as well

 

Welcome to the forum. Personally, I love my new Tacoma - moved up from a 2004 Tacoma Extracab Off Road/SR5. Your questions are sure to generate a beehive of responses. There are those who love the transmission and those who hate it...and everything in between. And, there are those who love the 3.5L and those who find it underpowered without enough torque.

In the end, determine what you're going to use the truck for and then test drive one under normal roads and highway conditions. Make sure it fits your size and desires.

For me, it is the perfect size and I have no issues with either the power or the transmission - been driving standards and automatics since 1973.

Good hunting!

 

I had a 2010 that I didn’t really take care of or treat well at all. Checked oil from time to time but rarely changed it. Didn’t do the factory recall on frame rust. Changed other fluids maybe once in it’s life, tho not even sure of that. Dented and scratched it all up. Never had a single problem with it in 10 years. Traded it in recently for a new one. I paid 27k for the 2010 new and got 15.5k for it on trade (and that’s negotiating new truck price prior to talking about trade). If you want a truck you can kick around for awhile without 3 transmission, the Tacoma is not a bad way to go. If you hate it, you won’t lose much on it.

 

i am a old school old fart and i can't wrap my brain around setting up a engine that holds the intake valve open at the beginning of the compression stroke .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKKILW3Zj_Y

 

The trans has very few mechanical issues but a lot of people (myself included) don't like the programming. For me its when using adaptive cruise control on the highway. The truck will downshift at the slightest hill and then just sit at 3500 rpm for an extended period of time (back on flat ground) instead of up shifting back to 6th. In the end its a minor annoyance in a otherwise great truck. TQ is a little soft on the bottom but its corporate V6 so its expected.

It's a pretty typical Toyota product. A little behind the times but an overall solid product that should outlast the competition and great resale.

 

1. My 2010 came with a factory service manual that shows recommended service intervals.
2. My truck is about as basic as they come (I have A/C, automatic transmission, and a sliding rear window); I added a killer stereo system with a subwoofer, as well as a backup camera (standard on all 3rd Gens), and I also added intermittent windshield wipers. I wish I had cruise control and fog lights!
3. In terms of body rust, my truck has been great! In terms of frame rust, I've just been incredibly lucky; My frame was treated in late 2017 under the factory recall, but not replaced.
4. My automatic transmission has been very reliable. Your biggest mistake was buying a Durango!

 

Thanks guys. Great responses. Back to the question of Factory service manuals. When I bought my Corvette (several years ago) I bought the Factory service manual that covered everything when it comes to repairs, check engine codes, electrical wiring diagrams, procedures on how to remove and replace anything, etc. It was 3 volumes and cost around $125. I have serviced and repaired my own cars for the past 50 years or so. Yes, I'm an old fart too, but I enjoy the challenge and work. I was hoping Toyota offered manuals that covered the Tacoma.

Anyone know what "ECT transmission" is? Is it just electronic controlled transmission?

 

BTW, to devious6, thanks for your service Col.

 

It’s a button that holds the transmission shift points a bit longer, for towing, off-roading, etc. most guys turn it on all the time. For me the Off Road package offers a lot more capability, if you plan to take it off pavement.

The technology package is great, blind spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control. I, personally love leather seats, and mine are heated which is a huge bonus for me, bad back.

 

Thanks, Is the positraction good enough or is the locker better? Is there a button for the locker? I don't think I'll be going off road. I'd hate to mess it up.

 

Thanks for your service as well!! Are you still serving? I retired at the end of 2003 - been working in higher ed since then and have been president of a small college for the last 8 years. Punching out at the end of June and hanging up the spurs for good.

The models that have the locker have a button to lock the rear. Generally 4WD is good to get you through most stuff - the locker is there when you're really stuck. You can see the button in the overhead console on my Pro next to the SOS button. How could I resist a truck with a color name of Army Green?

 

i am one of the above. there is even a mod that makes the ECT function come on at start up. drive it around for a while with ECT on and discover the improvement.

 

You should be fine if you are not doing semi-serious off-roading.

 

Welcome to TW
I went from Chevy to Toyota still have the Chevy as a farm truck. But gas mileage is a lot better I really like my tocoma it has enough power the transmission is not a big deal with me I dont use ect unless I am towing a small jon boat. If you are not going to do a lot of off road the sport and is good but if you plan to get off road a lot I would get the off road. Drive both before you buy. I have 33000 miles on my 2017 sport no issues at all.

 

Being the kind of guy that likes to modify my vehicles, is there anything that can be done on the Atkinson engine to improve performance? I would assume that a blower wouldn't work out very well. But then again, it's a pickup truck. If I want to go fast, I'll get in my Vette.

I'll be heading back to the dealer soon. I need to find out prices for factory options. I know I'll start out with the TRD Sport and see what other options will cost. Anybody here have a tonneau cover? Thoughts?

 

Both models have Computer Simulated Limited Slip by use of the brakes, the Off Road offers a selectable Electronic Locker in addition.

 

I'll just chime in that I've had several Chevy's with transmission issues in under 50k miles, not including water pump, A/C compressor, and more issues within 100k/6 years ownership. I recently sold a '13 Tacoma with 107k miles, with zero issues whatsoever. Nothing is 100% bulletproof, but I'd say you have a better chance of a reliable vehicle with Toyota.

 

Go take a long test drive and see if you like it. It will definitely feel like a slug after driving a V8 for years. Just know what the truck is and what it is not. I’ve owned a 2005, (2) 2009’s and now my 2018. Never had a single mechanical issues with any of them.

 

What’s so hard to understand? Did you watch the video?