Omaha Taco noob

Hey all (or anyone that reads the noob forums, at least),

I bought (I mean leased) my first Taco last Monday (April fools day), and took delivery of it the following Saturday. It's a black'19 TRD OR DCSB auto with prem tech package. I was very clear about the fact that I didn't want it to be driven any significant distance, but it had 159 miles on it when it arrived. I had some choice words and got a pile of free car washes out of the deal. Meh... wutev...

This Taco is the second non-ford product and second new product I've ever owned out of: 1993 Escort GT, 1988 F-150, 1990 Mustang Lx 5.0 5sp (currently own, long story), 2002 Exploder, lifted 1969 F-100, 2001 Grand Cherokee 4.7L, 1988 T-bird Turbocoupe, 2009 Fusion, and most recently a 2017 Fusion Sport twin turbo 2.7L AWD.

I'll be honest. I like the Tacoma, and always have. It's a good truck that fits my needs perfectly. That said, I'd have rather gotten a Ranger. There are a couple reasons for that. First is the engine. After owning the Fusion, I have absolutely fallen in love with the ecoboost power delivery. Ford puts snails on them that are ridiculously undersized so they spool almost instantly. That gives them an almost diesel-like power band. Power fell off a bit early for my liking in the Fusion, but it would be perfect for a truck. I also like the Ford interior slightly better. That volume/scan pad on the steering wheel drives me bonkers in the Taco, and my kids don't like the lack of vents or plugs in the back seat. I'll be damned if the Taco doesn't have an abundance of cup holders, tho... I do like that the Taco doesn't need a leveling kit right off the bat, tho. It also has a power rear window and tailgate damper which the Ranger lacks. There are obviously many other differences, but those are the ones that stand out most to me.

The one primary reason I chose the Taco is because, for now at least, Ford DOES NOT want to lease the Ranger. I could buy either truck for a marginally higher payment than the lease payment on the Ranger. It's nuts. In any case, I'm still pretty pleased with my Taco.

So now for some "about me." I joined the Marines out of high school. My recruiter told me to go infantry and opt for a security forces billet so I could be "Marine Corps SWAT." I chose Anti-tank Assaultman because it had the highest ASVAB requirement out of the infantry jobs, and went for security forces as a secondary. Well, my recruiter, like most recruiters, was full of **it. There are very few security force members that get to be on the "SWAT" team called the Recapture Tactics Team. Fortunately I was in exceptional shape and was a pretty good shot. One of the Designated Marksman (DM) on the team approached me and suggested I apply to the team. I went through the spin-ups (two weeks of hazing) and was one of two out of 15-20 that applied to the team that was sent to DM school. I did that for a spell, then dropped back to the fleet Marine Corps to blow up tanks. Sadly, by the time I did, all the tanks had been blown up, so I just drove around Iraq in a Humvee trying not to get blowed up myself. I didn't get blowed up, but there were some close calls, some hard times, and some strong bonds formed.

I followed my now ex-wife/baby momma to Nebraska when I got out, and here I am. I don't know how to live in a career that doesn't have me constantly looking over my should, so I got into law enforcement because being a hitman hasn't been legalized... yet.

I was a mod in the the fusionsportforum, but my activity fell off a lot when I switched to a more active shift at work. I've switched shifts again, and foresee myself being a lot more active on forums again.

If either of you that read this whole thing have any questions, fire away.

I don't have pics atm, but it's not hard to find photos of a stock taco.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW

 

hey noob, maybe I see your new black Taco 'round the town!
might be hard not to see my little truck, not too many real old ones around here anymore or so I am noticing

 

Welcome welcome!

 

Welcome to TW the Tacoma was your right choice. I have had several Fords and traded my F-250 on the Taco I have now. Toyota's longevity is where its at many 1st generations still on the road. Thank you for your service my Son was a 0311 and he took a beating in the sandbox. Good luck with the new truck and enjoy!

 

I'll be keeping an eye out for ya. What part of the area are you in?

 

I don't doubt that the Yota engine will run longer before a rebuild since the smaller 2.3L ecoboost has far greater stresses acting on it to make the power it does. As far as the rest of the truck goes, I think they are likely to be about on par with each other. Both trucks have been tried and proven in some tough environments, and there are a lot of old Rangers still banging around as well. IMO, both of them have their good and bad years, and both can last a lot longer than many would think is feasible if properly cared for. I have no interest in turning this into a this vs that debate, though, because both are great trucks, I think.

 

usually driving on L street near 108th to 60th (I prefer to hop on I-80 to get places) and Dodge from 72nd/UNO to as far west as I can go until that washed out road is repaired
any chance (being in law enforcement) that you have access to radar!? I need a radar check (above 60mph) because I think I am going 65 on west dodge and keep getting passed like everybody else is going 80 to 90mph

 

I don't have plates on my truck yet, but the ones I have in mind will make it pretty obvious its me if you see them.

 

there are a ton of black trucks (of all makes) in this town but a new Tacoma should be easy to spot.

$151 4door QAA is Compatible with 2016-2020 Toyota Tacoma 6 Piece Stainless Body Molding Insert Trim Kit, 1.5" Width MI16172

4door should be even easier

 

Hi Tyler!

 

Welcome to TW...Thank you for your service!!

 

Welcome!

 

Holy cow. I completely forgot I had a 2001 Grand Cherokee as well. I guess this Taco isn't the first non-Ford I've owned...

OP edited to reflect.

 

choice words
i did not go that far with a recent visit to Baxter service dept.
not sure about when i visit the other place, try to keep my cool

 

welcome

 

I know new car break-ins are a controversial issue, but nobody other than the guy that engineered the engine will convince me they don't need a break-in. They tried to argue that with me, saying they've never even heard of a break-in period on a Toyota. With my only other new car being a Ford, I didn't know what the Toyota owner's manual said about it, but I told the manager that highway miles and idling are the worst thing you can do to a new engine. He insisted I was crazy, but if I could find it in the manual, he would do what he could to make it right with me. Sure as shit, I found it. Clear as day. Then he tried to argue even more with his own interpretation of what the manual says, but offered a handful of free washes anyway.

Since it's a lease, I let it slide. However, the chances of me buying out the lease at the end are much slimmer now. I guess we'll see if Toyota can tempt me out of the 2022 Ranger when this lease is up.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW brother! I live about an hour away! Small world. Same profession as well.