Tacoma not most stolen

I saw a report this AM that listed the most frequently stolen vehicles. #1 was full size Chevy trucks, #2 was full size Ford trucks. Not sure why they steal those POS's instead of our Tacomas, but I am glad.

 

Because they're easy to steal and even easier to chop.

 

Because there are way more of them to steal.

 

Also it refers to older vehicles without immobilizers, famously chevy trucks and ford diesels can be stolen in seconds.

It lacks context.

 

We are back to that now with keyless entry and start. A lot of modern vehicles can be stolen within minutes using a laptop to clone the key signal that is always broadcast and then just unlocking and driving it out of your driveway.

 

Yes, but requires much more tech and expenses compared to a screwdriver.

We haven't had a car stolen out of a driveway yet with our clientele. With the smart key cloning.

Where as employees have had older cars stolen regularly.

 

Because they're abandoned on the side of the road broken down so often?

 

As an owner of a full size chevy truck, they are shockingly easy to break into.

GPS trackers designed for the "Buy here, Pay Here" car dealers are perfect if you are concerned though. They even have a remotely activated relay you can wire into whatever you want.

 

I thought Hondas were on the top of the most stolen list - maybe the list mentioned is just trucks. My Tacoma may be a little less prone to be stolen, steel wheels and a standard transmission.

I'm on a standard transmission forum where occasionally a story will be posted about an attempted theft standard transmission vehicle. The theft was unsuccessful and the vehicles were abandoned.. in some cases a few hundred feet down the road. I know some kids are driving manuals, not that all the thieve are young... but at this point very few newer vehicles can be had with a standard transmission.
I've heard that's even the case with big rigs. I think school buses have been automatic for years. Not those I rode on back in the 60s and 70s.

 

The “pros” seal the ones that they can sell in pieces. Typically, you don’t need many pieces or parts on a Toyota. Mostly because they don’t break as often. And the parts are not really in high demand.

I’d say there are more people willing to buy stolen powerstrokes, duramax and Cummins than a 2.7/4.0 Tacoma.

Price an engine for each. You’ll see why one gets stolen more then.

 

On this list Civic was #3, Accord #4 and CR-V #7.

 

Ford and Chevy v8's and some transmissions are popular budget hot rod, street rod, low rider etc. engines.

The only person wanting to steal a Tacoma for the performance of the engine is one who thinks TRD is a real thing.

 

1. There are more of them on the road.
Did you see that Corolla, Camry, Accord Civic are the most popular stolen cars? It's all numbers.

2. More domestic fullsize PU on the road means there is more demand for fullsize replacement body and mechanical parts.

3. Rental fleet vehicles.

I don't know what the numbers are, but the most commonly produced vehicles. Also happen to be the most common vehicles used by rental fleets.

I wonder how many stolen vehicles are actually stolen from the rental agency? Most of which are probably vehicles that have not been turned in at the end of the rental agreement?

 

Ok - I've had #4 and #7. I guess pickup trucks are popular with those that are active. Just came back from a walk on the trails. In the nearby parking lot were just trucks. My Tacoma, a Honda Ridgeline, a Ford F150 and F250. Some with bike racks.

Not sure if it's still the case - in previous years the Ford F150 was the best selling vehicle in the U.S.

 

I used to leave the keys in my full-size Chevy/gmc. When I had a 1988 k1500 the key was not needed at all to start and drive the truck. It was stolen once at a party in college and returned before I woke up in the morning. There were so many questions. Just roll the ignition forward; I installed a battery disconnect.

 

Wow - maybe somebody leaving the party accidentally took the wrong truck, when they woke up they realized it. With my first car I was able to remove the key after it was started. Freaked out a couple friends that I let drive it when I was the passenger and removed the key without them knowing, until they tried turning it off.

I've heard now - if you get locked out and don't have your phone with the app you can call the vehicle's security line. As long as you can provide a PIN or something to prove who you are the vehicle can be unlocked remotely, I assume by using a cellular signal. Good and bad I guess. If it can be done legitimately, it could probably be done maliciously.

 

My second Chevy Celebrity I had in college (yes I said second) had a worn master key which would also allow me to remove it while the engine was running. I know it was the key as I also had a duplicate key I made several years prior when I first got it that would not do it. Was funny to watch people's expressions if we went to run into a convenience store on a very hot or cold day and I locked the doors after removing the key.

Very true re the security line thing. My wife's 2014 Rav4 doesn't have the app..the key is the theftlock one. I got a copy made locally for $4 that won't start it but at least gets me in the doors if she locks the keys in.

 

It's easy to sell LS and Powerstroke motors in craigslist, offer up, and even ebay. There's a demand for the engine and trans.

 

That's what I'd do sometimes when warming it up - remove the key. Speaking of keys, I'd say to my friends you can drive my Saab if you can find the ignition within a minute. None did - the 1979 99 GL's was on the floor between the seats.

When I had a Honda CR-V I did the same as you did for your Rav4 - had a key made inexpensively that would just open the doors. I was planning to have a key made for my 2007 Tacoma when I bought it a few months ago - fortunately it came with a spare. I've heard 4 cylinder Tacomas don't have chip keys, or at least the gen 2s 4 cylinder trucks don't.

 

My Celebrity was always kept outside so I would sometimes let it run and pull the key for a few if it snowed the night before, made it a little easier to clean the angel puke off. And that's hilarious, never knew that about the Saabs.

I can't speak to all the of the 2G 2.7s, but my single cab also is not a chip key. Though if any of the Tacomas weren't going to have a chip key it would be that style, since they were so bare bones they didn't even have intermittent wipers. Most of them ended up being sold for fleet use such as delivery drivers. That reminds me, I need to order a replacement key for her Rav4 just in case. It's a total of $100 to cut and program it right now since I have the original. If I lose the original, that goes to $400-500 plus I have to get it towed to the dealer.