Things to check on the test drive

... and if it is, that's a warranty fix. Even something you can pretty easily check at delivery.

 

I will drive it like a normally do, but still I'd like to hear what others have noticed after some ownership time, and wish they'd checked on their test drive. I'm pretty good at separating the "wheat from the chaff" reading things on the 'net.........and it's not just TW! Take a look at some of the gun or cruise line forums! <g>

 

Good point, I plan to ask for an overnight test, and will look for other into on their website also.

 

Thanks. Those are things I will note on my test drive. Sounds like the AT does a lot of hunting at highway speeds if, for instance, you begin going up a small incline?

I am still debating a manual transmission. I like them, my wife can use them but prefers not, and then there is the trade-in/re-sale issue. I thought the Tacoma could be ordered with the MT in any configuration? I have not decided. The older I get sometimes the AT sounds like a smart thing. I'd most likely have to order an MT anyway, which I'd rather not do (don't want to wait!)

 

How is yours after ownership? Has it developed the crappy shifting, rattles, etc?

 

Now that is helpful, and you are right. Our cell phones are is like that, and I think my wife's car is also. I don't wear polarized sunglasses except when I kayak, but you offer a good point.

 

Another good suggestion. I did drive a moon-roof equipped Tacoma and I had some clearance....enough I'd not bang my head going over a speed bump, but not enough to wear a cowboy hat. I used to be 6 ft, but I think I've settled an inch or so over the years.... Surprisingly, the headroom is actually better in my wife's car, a Mercedes C300 with moon-roof). But neither is as good as my Duramax! <g>

 

Good point on those noises. Heck, you oughta hear my Duramax with the kayak rack on top! Talk about wind noise, especially if there is a cross wind. It's actually less noisy with the kayaks up there. Roger that on the Tacoma differential howl. I could probably only hear that on a well used truck as you say.

Ah; looks. It's so subjective. I like the looks of the Tacoma very much from every angle but the front; but then the GM Twins have similar viewing angles also. I generally care more about the interior "beauty" than the exterior, but there again things I like to see are not what everyone else might.....subjective again....

 

^This.

You spend your time inside the vehicle so the interior has to be a place you enjoy being.

My primary point about the exterior was mainly about the color, as exterior aesthetics are in the eye of the beholder.

Get the color you want and don't "settle" for something that just happens to be available right now. You're going to be living with it for years. Make it a happy co-existence.

Edit: Quick life story. I used to date a beautiful blonde that I came to believe was the source of all the blonde jokes. Beautiful to look at, but as dumb as a bag of hammers.

She was a fun date but not something I'd want to live with for years.

Back on topic:

It has often been quoted that if you don't take a second glance back after you've locked it and started walking away, you obviously bought the wrong vehicle.

 

I agree with the front view, but for me its that dam chrome grill, its got to go.

 

FWIW, I took 2 road trips in the first week of ownership from D.C. to PA and GA then a week or so later back to PA. It's a pretty hilly route up through PA and never noticed gear hunting, never heard of a TSB at the time, averaged 19.5mpgs. I had 4000 miles in a month and no issues.

The only thing I can think of that would cause gear hunting is people being heavy footed and pressing too much gas then off then on again. Drive smooth and the truck performs smooth.

 

that's what i was saying above... it's great, zero issues, solid, totally happy with it and none of the funky stuff from the test drive mules. just turned over 3200mi yesterday, planning on the first oil change around 4k give or take.

 

The Pro Grille cures that!

 

Go to coloradofans and see what the reviews are there for the 2017 Colorado/Canyons with the new V6/8 speed combo. Most say that it is a much better combination with much smoother shifting and better gitty-up off the line too. But definitely drive that 2017 and not a 2016 model.

 

I am pretty flexible on color, interior and exterior. The only exterior color I'd probably turn down would be black. It looks terrific, but it hard to keep looking nice, and gets so hot in these Dixie summers. But I kinda like the silver-gray exteriors with black interiors.....

Ha, I've heard that quote a hundred times, but always in reference to motorcycles.....but you are right; and it's a good way to figure out it you've gotten the "right" one.

 

Thanks for that feedback, it's appreciated. I didn't notice any gear hunting on my short suburban test drive, but I never got onto a highway. I see your Tacoma is the model I would probably get....TRD OR for the softer suspension, DC for the room and moon-roof. Does yours have the Premium and Technology package? At some point I need to do some research on how the "entertainment & Navigation" systems will work for me....but that's a whole different thread!

 

Your experience with your truck probably indicates you take better care of it than those "mules" to which you refer.

 

Roger that! That is the plan. I have driven only a 2016 Colorado L71 so far, and it had more hesitation getting on the expressway that I'd want....might have been just that truck, or the way I was accelerating....however, I think it's wise to go with the 2017 on the next test drive.

 

That's not true though. My dealership is fixing the bed alignment on my truck. I just have to make the appointment for a time I won't need the truck.

 

Good for you.
Let us know your outcome
My dealership said there is nothing they can do about it.