Things to check on the test drive

Why are you renting different Trucks?

 

NOPE!, I am not happy that I even have to drive it. But that's what my choice is. I even asked if they had a ridgeline, well not really but I did ask for the Nissan.

I am not enjoying the full-size, its too big, and really no more leg room in the back than the Taco. But dam it has a huge dash, great big armrest and it is thirsty.

Got in an accident last week, and the rental company just sold the truck I am currently in. All its doing is confirming for me why I bought the Taco

 

Oh that's right I do remember seeing that you had a fender bender, that really sucks and I hope they get it all fixed up right.

 

thanks
should have it back next Friday, right now fighting them wanting to put refurbished and reconditioned parts on a truck that I have had less than 90 days.

 

This is a GREAT point. This happened to me, and I didn't think anything of it. Unless you want to push the ECT button every time you turn on the truck, make sure this is NOT enabled!

 

I would be fighting for all new parts too!!!

 

Maybe look around and see if you can find a used '16 or '17 with a few thousand miles on it (always seems to be a lot of them available in this area) to drive.

The dealer will be more likely to let you keep it overnight as they're not so worried about adding miles, and you can see how well it has "aged" and get an idea of where yours will eventually be.

Plus, some of the commonly mentioned complaints such as diff howl and wind noise usually seem to only appear after a few thousand miles.

If the used one is at a Toyota dealer, all the better.

Tell them upfront that you are actually interested in a new one but want to live with it for a bit longer than a test drive to see if it's what you want.

First and Foremost, DON'T "Fall in Love" with one.

Time is on your side and Toyota is still building new ones and the dealers are still getting new stock.

It's a big expenditure. Hold out for what you want and don't settle.

You're going to be looking at it every time you step out of your house for the next several years. Make sure it's what you really want to be looking at.

 

Unfortunately just the nature of tempered glass. Doesn't matter who the manufacturer is (unless they're cheaping out on the glass and not going tempered). Side and rear windows do that too, but a little less apparent. The better glass that doesn't do that (ex: chemically-strengthened Gorilla Glass) is still prohibitively expensive for large applications.
-Science side note of the day.

 

Not to dispute that, but having worn polarized sunglasses for many years I'll assure you it's never been a significant effect with car and truck windows, and only shows a slightly noticeable rainbow effect if the window has a plastic tint film applied. I *can* see the stress patterns on rear windows from the outside but it's never impeded vision from inside.

FYI, there is no effect with the BMW CIC nav/info screen in my funcar ('09 model). I don't remember it being a problem with the uConnect screen in my Jeep JK when I had it a few years ago.

It is a bad enough effect with the Entune system that I switched away from polarized sunglasses in the Tacoma.

 

On the Colorado/Canyon I would suggest trying to get a test drive of longer than 30 minutes. The seat discomfort and subsequent right leg numbness that was the final straw causing me to trade my Colorado was not apparent unless I drove for more than 30 minutes. Sadly, my test drive was too short for it to become apparent or I could have saved myself a bunch of $$ and headache. My other mistake when I test drove the Colorado was not driving it "normally". I spent lots of time at full throttle to see if it felt responsive enough. I did not spend enough time at lower speeds and light throttle to notice the horrid transmission programming. Try driving at 25-30 MPH and then give it slight throttle, paying attention to hesitation and lugging (yes, lugging with an AT). Note that my Colorado was a 2015 with the 6 speed AT, so if you're looking at a 2017 with the 8 speed that problem may no longer be an issue. Also watch for hood vibration or fluttering at highway speeds.

On the Taco I'd recommend test driving the exact model(s) you're considering (SR5, OR, Sport, etc.) as there are substantial differences in ride and handling. Although I didn't need the additional off road ability of the OR, I found the on road ride and handling to be preferable to the Sport. YMMV.

I wear polarized sunglasses and didn't notice any issues with either my Colorado or my Taco.

 

Alright admittedly that was a generalization - using non-tempered glass does not necessarily mean cheap glass.
Things like the angle of refraction, glass thickness, curvature, backlighting and such can affect the stress pattern appearance and severity.
The link below has a pretty good explanation if you're curious and have some time on your hands.
http://www.optiboard.com/forums/showthread.php/7885-Stress-Patterns-and-Polarized-Lenses

As far as the other systems that don't have that issue... either they're not using tempered glass, or...

 

Doesn't matter WHY it's that way in the Tacoma, it just matters that it *is* that way and it's annoying when it doesn't have to be that way. There are times where polarized vs non-polarized make a real difference while in driving.

 

Unfortunately I did not test drive my '17. I test drove a '16 when they first came out then when I wanted to purchase I just ordered mine. Needless to say I am happy.

 

So with the manual except for the crappy shifting as you say. The manual cures the rattling everything,whining rear end,horrible ride,plastic interior,etc. Hmmm that manual cures a lot. Just to pick one out of your list like the plastic interior what kind of interior does the manual have.

 

That's what I was hoping to get from my original question, in general terms. For instance, I hear things about the GM Twins ("hunting" 6 speed auto-transmission, air condition works for a while then blows not-cold air, etc). For the Tacoma I believe I've heard about the things you mentioned happening when? As you come to stop sign? Is there a lengthy hesitation when you attempt to merge onto expressway traffic?

My (local dealer) road test will be about 33% in city, 34% on the highway, and 33% in rural areas. No off road 4-wheeling for me, but I will of course put the truck into 4wd for a portion of the test. I don't plan to ever use that feature, and don't want to pay for the option. However, I am aware it will be difficult to find the TRD DC SB OR I want that is not 4wd.

 

This is true. The first third gen I test drove had a sunroof and I pretty much convinced myself that I would have to get the Colorado/Canyon simply because I couldn't fit in the Tacoma. Fortunately there is plenty of room without the sunroof, I'm 6'4" and don't have any problems.

 

Now that's what I wanted to hear: things to check that seem to be "issues" with the 2017 Tacoma.

I did a short test drive already....actually mainly just to cross it off my list (Canyon, Colorado, Tacoma). Prior to the test drive I had a notion that the seating position and comfort might be a no-go for me, but I found that not to be the case....at least on my short test of about 20 minutes. The power was low compared to our car (MB C300) and of course my truck (Duramax), but the power of the V6 wasn't too low....I am no hot-rodder at my age. <g> I didn't notice anything odd about the transmission.

I still plan a more extensive test drive as I continue to compare the trucks on my list. I want a multi-hour test drive, or even better an overnight where I can spend sometime checking out the interior features which are important to me (heated seats, nav, radio, moon-roof, proximity key, etc, etc)

 

Perhaps that depends on where you are. Here, 4x2 ORs aren't uncommon. A quick glance at two nearby dealers shows each has a DCSB 4x2 TRD OR on the lot. One even has a AC 4x2 TRD OR on the lot.

IMHO unless you're in a bind due to a wreck or similar, there's no reason not to find and get exactly what you want. No more, no less.

 

Sonofagun. First I've read about that. It would not be an issue for me unless it were VERY misaligned! <g>

 

Not to be an azzhat, but haven't a few weeks on TW made those pretty clear?