Taco (gen 2) write up...350k crossed & jamming to 400k

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 1, 2019

a fellow member asked about my windshield....its been like this since 2000 miles (happened in dec 2012 one month into ownership)
plan to leave it this way until 500k, lol

Rustytaco71 · Jul 1, 2019

Chiloquin_Car_Care[OP] said: ↑

just turned 320k
did the oil

see yall at 325k
Click to expand...

That’s impressive. I hope mine gets to those miles with no issues if you see me rolling around town honk at me I’m one of the few inferno reds in the area. Always cool seeing local people from TW.

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 1, 2019

Rustytaco71 said: ↑

That’s impressive. I hope mine gets to those miles with no issues if you see me rolling around town honk at me I’m one of the few inferno reds in the area. Always cool seeing local people from TW.
Click to expand...

will do!

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 8, 2019

kinda goofy, but I will cross 321,000 today

Marshall R · Jul 8, 2019

Should be good for another million miles

https://www.torquenews.com/6626/man-behind-one-million-mile-tacoma

FishingPups · Jul 8, 2019

Super attention to detail on maintenance, I bet he makes one heck of an omelet

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 26, 2019

little over 200 miles to go before I cross 325k
oil change time, new cabin & engine air fliter, rear diff fluid swap, check the brakes
& I really should change the front shocks finally (still the factory originals)

TacomaSport86 · Jul 26, 2019

Lol you oil changing clown

Rick's 2012 · Jul 26, 2019

Awesome post!!!
It's always great to hear when someone puts so many miles on their Tacoma.

My 2012 only has 150,000Kms (93,000Miles). I feel so ashamed!

At this rate it'll take me another 20 years to get to where you are today.

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 26, 2019

Rick's 2012 said: ↑

Awesome post!!!
It's always great to hear when someone puts so many miles on their Tacoma.

My 2012 only has 150,000Kms (93,000Miles). I feel so ashamed!

At this rate it'll take me another 20 years to get to where you are today.
Click to expand...

you are too kind
& happy motoring in costa rica!

bret · Jul 27, 2019

use a thread chaser on your spark plug threads

Rick's 2012 · Jul 27, 2019

Chiloquin_Car_Care[OP] said: ↑

you are too kind
& happy motoring in costa rica!
Click to expand...

Thanks Man.

The roads aren't always the best. But the scenery sure is!

Plain Jane Taco · Jul 27, 2019

Chiloquin_Car_Care[OP] initial post: ↑

THE BASICS:
-2013 v6 auto 4 door quad cab white 6’ bed 4x4 with factory tow package
-I am the original owner. Purchased new at Santa Cruz Toyota (CA)
on Oct 31st 2012 with 2 miles on the odometer.
-Current mileage as of 10/1/18 is a hair shy of 295k & I put all the miles
on the truck. Of the 295k current miles, only 1000 miles was
in 4x4 (rough estimate)
-This Tacoma has always turned on, never failed & always got me to
where I wanted to go. Never any major mechanical issues.
-I have self-maintained the Taco for 295k miles
EXCEPT- tires/wheel balancing performed by
America’s/Discount Tire Co
in Santa Clara, CA & Bend, OR
-The factory DUNLOP tires the truck came with can be acquired
& installed for $400-500 by the above-mentioned company.
I replace my tires yearly right before winter.
Total cost for tires for 6 yrs/300k miles = $2.5k roughly
-My yearly maintenance cost- $1.5k (including a new set of tires)
total service cost for 6 years/300k miles = $9k roughly
-This Tacoma helped build my home in southern Oregon. Countless trips
to home depot & hauling materials.
-This Tacoma has safely transported my kids & I on countless
journeys/adventures
-I drive 50k miles per year
-The truck runs like new ATM, & in my opinion
better than when I 1st purchased
-I have not modified the truck, other than the paragon bed cover
(awesome cover BTW), it is completely stock
(even the tires- I go with same DUNLOPS the
truck was fitted with from factory)
-I only use OEM parts/fluids (except for gear oil- Valvoline synthetic)
-I live at 4200 feet above sea level in a 4-season driving environment
-The Taco has not been in an accident thus far
-I have spent roughly $40k on gas to get to 295k
-The truck has been to the following cities at least once if not numerous
times- Seattle, Tacoma (had to go home, lol), Portland,
Medford, Bend, Boise, Salt Lake City, Reno, Las
Vegas, LA county (too many cities to name),
Orange County (too many cities to name),
SF Bay Area (too many cities to name),
Sacramento, California in general
(too many cities to name), basically all over the
West coast!
-The truck has performed over 250 roundtrips from Chiloquin (Oregon)
to SF Bay Area (200,000 miles) & of these 200,000 miles
20,000 miles occurred in the ‘hero run’….this is where I
drive from southern Oregon to SF Bay Area, then turn
around & drive back to southern Oregon in one day. I
usually cover 800-900 miles in one day on the ‘hero run.’
I have done this ‘hero run’ over 25 times. So, this truck is
able to drive 800+ miles a day with no issue, over & over
again.

MAINTENANCE DETAILS/ADVICE/MISTAKES
-With a modest investment in tools ($300-400) you can have all the tools
needed to maintain this truck on your own.
There are no special tools needed, but make sure to
acquire a 24mm socket.
Most expensive tool would be a torque wrench.
This is the most important tool to own if doing auto work.
I truly believe my truck is running so long & so well because
I regularly (& possibly) over maintain the Taco & I torque
check all my work. Torque values for every bolt/connection
on the 2nd gen Tacoma can be easily found online.
-I have never changed front shocks or had an alignment.
The truck stops fine, corners well & drives straight down the road.
The rear shocks have been changed once at 150k.
Plan to change the rear shocks again at 300k.
-The factory battery lasted 5 years & when replaced was working fine.
In six years, I only deep cycled battery twice by leaving
headlights on without knowing
-The rear brakes are factory original
-I generally change the cabin air filter once a year.
-I install new wipers right before winter every year.
-I have swapped the power steering (as best/much as possible) fluid at
90k, 180k, & 240k. For the last 150k miles I have noticed a
whining noise that the steering system makes when yoked
far left/right. This noise was not there when I initially got
the Taco.
-I try & wash the Tacoma at least once per week. I pressure wash the
undercarriage during each wash. I have experienced no rust
issues. Twice a year I buff/polish the exterior paint along
with wet vacuuming the interior carpet. At 225k miles I
removed the front seats to reach all the spots that cannot
be accessed without doing so.
-I changed the 1st serp belt at 160k & again at 225k. I noticed a slight
wobble on the 2 belt pulleys at 160k, so I decided
to replace them. They were fine at 225k. I believe I may have
damaged them running the original serp belt for 160k.
-I changed the factory front rotors/pads at 150k, then again at 225k.
I am due to change them again at 300k (5k miles away ATM)
-I ran the tranny 1-1.5 qt short from 90k-240k due to my novice auto
mechanical skill set. At 240k mile service I did it
correctly using built in feature for DYIers.
You will only be able to extract 4-5 qts of fluid
of the 12 qts in the tranny when servicing.
-I only change the front diff fluid once per year right before winter arrives
-I only change the transfer case fluid twice a year (every 25k miles)
-At 90k, I only pulled 1 gallon of radiator fluid out because I was
unaware of the two additional peacock valves of the sides of
the motor. You can pull 2 gallons when done correctly.
-I opt to change the engine air filter every 30k (manual says 15k)
with factory OEM filter
-Again, with my novice auto mechanical back ground, I only lubed the
propeller shaft zerks 3 times in the first 160k miles. My last
U-joint starting clicking at 160k miles due to this &
I ended up replacing the entire prop shaft &
carrier bearing ($1000 cost for parts).
I lube all zerks now when I change oil every
5k miles (as is specs in the manual).
-I have always used the OEM factory oil filter (every 5k miles changed
with oil)
-At 500 miles I did an oil change using standard oil
-At 1000 miles I did an oil change using standard oil
-At 1500 miles I did an oil change using Castrol full synthetic
-At 5k I did an oil change using Castrol full synthetic beginning the
standard oil change every 5k miles procedure.
The 3 early oil changes were an attempt to remove engine
break-in particulate metal & shavings.
-At 90k miles I switched to Mobile 1 full synthetic until now
-I have always used 5w-30 grade oil
-I didn’t change air filter for 1st 90k miles. At 200k miles MAF failed.
I believe I shortened the lifespan of the factory MAF by not
changing the air filter for so long. I was prompted to change
the MAF due to an engine check light which produced
a 0101-error code calling for a new MAF. I tried a bosch
aftermarket MAF which produced the same error. I then paid extra money for the Denso Factory OEM MAF & the
issue was resolved.

COMMENTS/ISSUES/SUGGESTIONS:
-Windshield broke at 2k miles. I never replaced. 295k miles & still
driving with busted windshield.
-There should be interior b-pillar protection for seatbelt slap back
damage.
-There is no dipstick on the tranny, making the service of the tranny a
real nightmare. Major shortcoming in the R&D dept Toyota!
-Both the drivers left foot rest pad & driver left arm door rest broke at
100k miles. Toyota should beef up these major driver
contact points for long term rigidity.
-If you turn off car from passenger seat (with headlights on)
& don’t open the driver door the headlights stay on (how I deep
cycled/drained battery twice). The auto light feature logic
should be included on front passenger door.
-Minor electrical issues. The interior bulb that illuminates the gear
indicator next to the gear shift burned out at around 200k.
From 100k miles to 250k miles the driver side head light
Filament burned out 6+ times. I can only suspect water got
sucked into one of the wires (of the 3) & created a short
point. I ended up buying two aftermarket heavy duty
pigtails & cut off both headlight wires & replaced.
I silicone crimped/heated & insulted the new connections.
Its working great for the last 50k miles with no premature
bulb failure on the driver side.
-Strange metal on metal slapping noise that emanates from the engine
during light acceleration in 5th gear most notably when going
uphill. This noise is intermittent. When I first
purchased the truck, I feared this was a major flaw
& the truck would never make 100k, let alone 300k.
I guess it is the nature of this truck with double cab
& 6’ bed configuration. Many owners online complain
of this same strange noise. Most interesting is that
mainly owners of the quad cab/6’ bed have this issue.
My way to stop this is by shifting into 3rd gear &
working back up the 5th gear as the truck builds up
speed.
-Engine pinging in warmer climates is annoying & may damage motor.
I live is colder environment, so I have been okay on this I
suspect. When I travel south or during warmer
summer days I notice the pinging. I notice
elevation also plays a factor in this issue. Likely
why I experience little pinging, as I reside at 4000’

MAINTENANCE DETAIL BREAKDOWN:
500 miles (swap oil w/standard)
1000 miles (swap oil w/standard)
1500 miles (swap oil w/synthetic)
5k (oil change synthetic)
10k (oil change synthetic)
15k (oil change synthetic)
20k (oil change synthetic)
25k (oil change synthetic)
30k (oil change synthetic)
35k (oil change synthetic)
40k (oil change synthetic)
45k (oil change synthetic)
50k (oil change synthetic)
55k (oil change synthetic)
60k (oil change synthetic, new tires)
65k (oil change synthetic)
70k (oil change synthetic)
75k (oil change synthetic)
80k (oil change synthetic)
85k (oil change synthetic)
90k (oil change synthetic, swap brake fluid, 1st air filter, 1st spark plugs
1st rear & front diff fluid swap, 1st transfer case fluid swap
1st air filter, 1st radiator service 1 GALLON ONLY, lube zerks,
power steering fluid swap)
95k (oil change synthetic)
100k (oil change synthetic)
105k (oil change synthetic, rear diff fluid swap)
110k (oil change synthetic)
115k (oil change synthetic)
120k (oil change synthetic, air filter, spark plugs,
rear & front diff fluid swap, transfer case fluid swap,
radiator service 2 gallons, tires, tranny fluid/filter, lube
zerks)
125k (oil change synthetic)
130k (oil change synthetic)
135k (oil change synthetic, rear diff fluid swap)
140k (oil change synthetic)
145k (oil change synthetic)
150k (oil change synthetic, 1st front rotors & pads, swap brake fluid,
rear diff fluid swap, transfer case fluid swap, spark plugs,
air filter, rear shocks)
155k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
160k (oil change synthetic, 1st serp belt/2 pulleys, replace propeller
shaft/carrier bearing)
165k (oil change synthetic, rear diff fluid swap, lube zerks)
170k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
175k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
180k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks, air filter, spark plugs
rear & front diff fluid swap, transfer case fluid swap
radiator service 2 gallons, tires, tranny fluid/filter,
power steering fluid swap)
185k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
190k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
195k (oil change synthetic, rear diff fluid swap, lube zerks)
200k (oil change synthetic, MAF replace due to 0101 error code, lube
zerks)
205k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
210k (oil change synthetic, rear diff fluid swap, transfer case fluid swap,
spark plugs, air filter, lube zerks)
215k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
220k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
225k (oil change synthetic, front rotors & brake pads, swap brake fluid
serp belt, rear diff fluid swap, lube zerks)
230k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
235k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
240k (oil change synthetic, air filter, spark plugs,
rear & front diff fluid swap, transfer case fluid swap,
radiator service 2 gallons, tires, tranny fluid/filter,
1st battery change, lube zerks, power steering fluid swap)
245k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
250k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
255k (oil change synthetic, rear diff fluid swap, lube zerks)
260k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
265k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
270k (oil change synthetic, rear diff fluid swap, spark plugs,
transfer case fluid swap, air filter, lube zerks)
275k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
280k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
285k (oil change synthetic, rear diff fluid swap, lube zerks)
290k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
295k (oil change synthetic, lube zerks)
300k upcoming……

UPCOMING 300k MAINTENANCE DETAIL SPECIFICS:

Rear shocks $150 & Tires $500

Serp belt $30

Radiator fluid swap $50

Front brake rotors & pads & fluid $300

Rear diff, front diff, & transfer case fluid $90

Sparks $30

Air filter $20

Oil & lube (mobil1 5w30 full syn with factory oil filter) $35

Tranny service (gasket, O-ring, filter, fluid) $150

Remove & replace as much power steer fluid as possible $10

TOTAL COST $1365

SUMMARY:

This 2013 Toyota Tacoma is the best automobile I have ever owned. Reliable, fun, powerful, versatile, value holding, well-engineered, built to last, safely get you around in any terrain or weather scenario….I could just go on & on…. But the truth is with all its multi-faceted capabilities roughing 20mpg & costing about 30-35k, there is no better truck. Period. I am taking this steel horse to 500k. Maybe even to 1 million if she is worthy. Not only did this Taco take me places, It also took my novice understanding of auto mechanics to an intermediate level. Being my own mechanic is a great life experience & the Taco helped me achieve this new mental clarity. It was a challenge at times. The first brake job, swapping the serp belt, & not to forget the drive shaft R&R. Its been a great 6 years & 300k with this polar white Tacoma!

UPDATED INFO- I am currently nearing 307k miles!
Click to expand...

Perhaps I missed it in there somewhere. But what fluid are you servicing the tranny with?

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 27, 2019

Plain Jane Taco said: ↑

Perhaps I missed it in there somewhere. But what fluid are you servicing the tranny with?
Click to expand...

toyota WS trans fluid

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 27, 2019

bret said: ↑

use a thread chaser on your spark plug threads
Click to expand...

5k miles from next spark plug service (330k)
thanks for the heads up & I will check out a thread chaser solution

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 27, 2019

either tomorrow or monday latest, I will cross 325k officially

ThaiChillyTaco · Jul 27, 2019

Man you deserve the longevity award. Most guys on this forum own their Tacoma's for less than one year.
I hope to keep my 2012 forever. Fingers crossed. I

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 27, 2019

ThaiChillyTaco said: ↑

Man you deserve the longevity award. Most guys on this forum own their Tacoma's for less than one year.
I hope to keep my 2012 forever. Fingers crossed. I
Click to expand...

gen2 bro! these trucks are built to last
I love your signature line....taco's are all you eat, huh? lol

Chiloquin_Car_Care · Jul 27, 2019

BlazinBlueTaco said: ↑

I will say this...because you spent so much time detailing all of the things that clearly show how much love and pride you have for your truck, keep it. You’re at a point where that truck is a part of you. Don’t give up a good thing for uncertainty. That truck of yours is a proven warrior. Keep it and forget about this post and any of the people who tell you to trade.
Click to expand...

when I first got my 2013 taco, I never imagined it going this far
I appreciate your comment & support
Im riding this tacoma to 500k!
cheers bud

btw- blue is the best!

gmann1972 · Jul 28, 2019

BlazinBlueTaco said: ↑

Thank you and I would have to agree! Haha. It wasn’t my first choice. Actually, the Barcelona Red was but I’m glad I found mine. Cheers to another 350K. I’m hoping I can be that crazy ass rarity at 1 million miles.
Click to expand...

This post gives me a lot of faith in my 2013 Tacoma, although slightly modified and I am a mechanic, I can see that these trucks are built well and if properly taken care of and loved they will last a very long time. and wow, 300k on a 2013, I only have 55k on my Tacoma. I guess I have a long way to go, and I will have this truck until I retire in 20 years and beyond. Great right up OP...CHEERS

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Welcome to Tacoma World!

Taco (gen 2) write up...350k crossed & jamming to 400k

should I get a gen 3 or keep pushing the gen 2?

keep it & go to 500k!

sell it/trade in & get a new one/start over!

keep it & get a new gen 3!

#121
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#122
Rustytaco71 Well-Known Member

#123
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#124
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

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#127
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

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#130
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#131
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#132
Rick's 2012 Well-Known Member

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#134
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#135
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#136
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#137
ThaiChillyTaco David aka Chilly aka Booty Freak

#138
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#139
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#140
gmann1972 Well-Known Member

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Welcome to Tacoma World!

Taco (gen 2) write up...350k crossed & jamming to 400k

should I get a gen 3 or keep pushing the gen 2?

keep it & go to 500k!

sell it/trade in & get a new one/start over!

keep it & get a new gen 3!

#121 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#122 Rustytaco71 Well-Known Member

#123 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#124 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#125 Marshall R Well-Known Member

#126 FishingPups Well-Known Member

#127 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#128 TacomaSport86 2010 Tacoma/2016 4Runner Pro

#129 Rick's 2012 Well-Known Member

#130 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#131 bret Well-Known Member

#132 Rick's 2012 Well-Known Member

#133 Plain Jane Taco Well-Known Member

#134 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#135 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#136 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#137 ThaiChillyTaco David aka Chilly aka Booty Freak

#138 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#139 Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#140 gmann1972 Well-Known Member

Products Discussed in Entire Site Forum: 2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)

#121
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#122
Rustytaco71 Well-Known Member

#123
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#124
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#125
Marshall R Well-Known Member

#126
FishingPups Well-Known Member

#127
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#128
TacomaSport86 2010 Tacoma/2016 4Runner Pro

#129
Rick's 2012 Well-Known Member

#130
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#131
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#132
Rick's 2012 Well-Known Member

#133
Plain Jane Taco Well-Known Member

#134
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#135
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#136
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#137
ThaiChillyTaco David aka Chilly aka Booty Freak

#138
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#139
Chiloquin_Car_Care [OP] homie dont play that

#140
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