Potential buyer questions ... wheels & bed

Guys,

Am an older fella (65) and looking at a 4x4 Access Cab I4 truck. Have some questions:

1) I read comments abt wheels and 5 lug being the best. Firstly, in my other association w vehicles lug means bolt so five lug would be a five bolt pattern wheel. Looks to me as if all Tacos are 6 bolt wheels.

Could the posts I've read mean 5 spoke?

If so, why are they better?

2) Abt the bed ... I visited a dealer today and he showed me a truck that met my basic configuration and pointed out the "polymer" bed that he suggested would outlast the truck. Are they really that good? How long do they really last?

Thanks!

Mike

 

well to answer #1, there are tacoma's that come with a 5 lug configuration, and some with a 6 lug nut configuration. The difference is the model or packages on the truck. A pre-runner, has 6 lugs, is always 2 wheel drive, but sits higher up, has a better suspension, etc. all "trd" models are 6 lug. all 4x4's are 6 lug. And you can pretty much mix and match different packages (i.e. sport, off road, stuff like that) to get the type of truck you want for your purposes. a base tacoma has 5 lug nuts. those sit lower to the ground and do not have the same suspension (other tw members correct me if im wrong) and usually come with only 4 cylinder engines.
It pretty much comes down to what you want out of your truck.
if you're towing, get a tow package (i think that tow packages can only be on six lug)
only need a small truck with a bed for hauling some tools and what not (not heavy duty), then get a regular 5 lug.
going to need a better suspension/ haul more?- go with the pre-runner
going to need 4x4, go with, well a 4x4.
My big suggestion would take a few minutes, go to toyota.com, and "build your own." that will show you the difference in trucks and let you see what you can mix and match on the truck so you can feel out exactly what you need.

As for the bed liner. I hve no complaints so far. ive beaten mine up pretty good and it is holding up just fine. i dont know if it will outlast the truck but i see no need to replace it in the foreseeable future, but i havent had mine long enough to really know.

Best of luck! any other questions or clarifications just ask!

 

oh i forgot to mention,
yes i am a little biased but i would highly recommend getting a tacoma, at least if it is the kind of vehicle that fits your needs. There are lots of reasons why i would recommend this truck, but it would honestly be a long list. so if you want me to i can get into it, but suffice it to say that i love my truck and have no regrets getting it!

 

IMO you either need the 5 lug, automatic or just


throw caution to the wind and buy the XRunner! You are old!

 

Hey Mike, I'm 67 and just bought a 2008 Access Cab 4 x 4. It's got 67,000 km (about 43,000 mi.) and runs great. My nephew has the same truck 2005 with 180,000 km (about 120,000 mi) and the only problem he's had so far is the a/c belt needs to be replaced. I got the TRD. Good luck with your purchase.
Mark

 

easternhunter,

Now that we have you thoroughly confused, I noticed that you are looking at a 4X4. In that case, it will have six hole/lug nut wheels.

As for the bed, in 20 years we can positively tell you, but they seem to be holding up pretty good for most folks.