What DON'T you like about the Tacoma

I sympathize with you on no rear bed lighting (other trucks don't have it either, or not enough to warrant it as "good" lighting), but everything else sounds like you wouldn't be happy in any vehicle and makes me wonder if you even test drove it before you made a purchase/lease/whatever you did. You would have found all the issues you did before purchasing.

 

Don't much care for the gas mileage, but it's a truck, still, you'd think in this day and age with all the technology we have, they'd do better. But, I don't complain as soon as winter hits and I need my 4x4 and get to watch all the silly front wheel drives spinning out on hills and at stop lights while I just blow by effortlessly powering through it all!

 

I've had an 89 ranger (new), 96 Dakota (new) & 04 gmc (used). I should have stayed with a full size American truck. I took too short of a test drive i guess but after some seat time I liked all 3 of my other trucks better than this one. When I went out for the test ride I didn't step on the gas enough to get the shudder, I only noticed that after I broke it in for 1000 miles. Everyone of the trucks listed there had bed lighting off of the 3rd brake light. For the money I could have had an extended cab full size from gm loaded up with some nice features. Dodge sells an express with 385hp and nicely equipped that can be had for 4g less than I paid. I hate to say it as much as you hate to hear it but this truck fails to impress me and I will not be driving this one for 10 years as was my intentions when the purchase was made.

 

Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

Not a fan of the 2012's not having any information on how to turn off the seat belt chime. All the smart asses will say " just buckle up" Does anyone know how to turn it off? kinda a pain in the ass when you can't even drive across a parking lot with out it sounding like it's going to explode LOL

 

I don't mind people that find the Tacoma is just not for them. To each their own, but it is silly to find fault in the Tacoma in features you were well aware of when you bought it, aside from the vibes you have, which I will give you that. Midsize trucks just must not be your thing, nothing wrong with that.

 

I don't care for the seatbelt chime either. And as far as I have looked into it, there is no legit way to eliminate it. No one seemed to find out where the beeper is, and some just disconnected the seat harness entirely. (I refuse to do that since i want no problems with my airbags deploying)

But my only other gripe is that you cannot reprogram the key fob like 1st gens to unlock all doors on ONE press of the unlock button.

 

I have 9 issues:

The first two are a tie:

#1. The fact that you have no choice but to have electronic shift four wheel drive, I'd MUCH rather have a lever!!! (the FJ cruiser for example has a lever so, it's not like they don't have it in the parts bin, plus, I really don't need 9 cupholders in the cab, I'd sacrifice the 3 in the center console area for a t-case with a lever!)

#1. The fact that you can't get a V-6 and 6 speed regular cab! I wanted a reg cab but went access cab to get the V-6 and 6 speed.

#3. Would only matter to me if they rectified the V-6 availability issue but- The fact that regular cabs can't get optional items like TRD OR package for a locking diff, color matched flares, and bucket seats. (Fully color matched black, V-6, 6 speed, TRD Baja reg cab (sans vinyl graphics), with a lever t-case was my dream truck- was quite disappointed to discover that it couldn't be a reality)

#4. I wish the front axle centerline was a couple inches forward, yeah it'd entail the loss of some crush zone space but, the truck would look more proportional, would have a better approach angle, and bigger tires would fit easier with modifying the cab mounts and cab corners.

#5. Could wish payload capacity was a bit higher, I'd gladly take a little hit in MPG for a thicker frame, beefier chassis and higher payload. ALSO, whilst talking about frames, I sure do hope they finally fixed the corrosion issues!!! Those are what prompted me to buy new, after having looked at some used trucks, one had holes in the frame you could stick fingers through! (granted a first gen but, a quick search on here reveals second gens in similar shape!)

#6. I could wish it had a metal bed, not because of any durability concerns but because I really want to bob my bed eventually and the composite bed is going to make it quite the challenge.

#7. Why no bed lights off the third brake light??? I've never seen a pickup without this feature!

#8. It's really just a small quibble but, it would be my preference- The fact that the access cab can't be had (in 4x4) as just an extended cab with two doors and that's it. Yeah, the four doors are VERY convenient BUT, I'd rather have the greater body rigidity of a two door cab. Along that same lines, I would have liked the option of a rear seat delete with merely a parcel shelf with some storage bins beneath it, whether 2 door extended cab or 4 door access cab!!!! Also in this category, the doors shut with a tinny clang, would greatly prefer a more solid clunk, would make me feel more warm and fuzzy! LOL!

#9. VERY much a nit-picky quibble: Interior materials choices and radio and HVAC designs could stand to be more visually/tactically appealing. The variety of interior textures and colors don't flow all that well in some cases, IMO (granted this is personal aesthetic and others' opinions may vary widely). The quality of materials is definitely on par for its price range, it just doesn't do much for me. (Few of the new market of vehicles do, the only exception I can think of off hand that's in same the price range is the JK Wrangler, I find its interior materials choices a good bit more appealing)

Sorry for the rant, just some things I wish Toyota would have done differently! That all being said, I love my 2013 access cab SR5! Now I just need to figure out something for it's rear cab area, LOL!

For those that may question my choice of a Tacoma if i seem to have so many problems with it, fact is, it appeals to me the most out of any new vehicle in my price range by FAR!!!! Some key points:
It's a pickup. It's an affordable one. I can get a stick shift in it. It has plenty of power (V-6). It is the most appealing small pickup (IMO). It's interior is tolerable (ergonomics in terms of overall layout from driver's seat are great, front seats are great (material, cushion, adjustability, comfort)). Exterior appearance is sexy as hell! Also, aftermarket support is excellent!!!

From what I can tell, the only two pickups on the market that offer a combo of killer exterior looks and powerful engines with stick shift transmissions are Tacomas and Cummins Rams. I went Tacoma and will hopefully be glad of it.

 

if you hate it...why wait 2 years.

it will never be worth more than it is currently.

 

Mpg is lower than advertised. Glove box and fuel door don't lock.

 

1.Sun roof.
2.Driver's seat height adjustments (manual/power)
3.Cargo bay light (every US pickups has it)
Toyota should offer these as an add-on options on all Tacoma versions.
(I have a 2005 TRD sport package prerunner. This is my 3rd taco. Driver's seat lack of height adjustments is the most important factor that it may be my last Tacoma ever)

 

Agreed:
No cargo light
No Locking Tailgate
No 4x4 Switch light
No 12v outlet power @ engine off
Doors have no meat, squeak with every bump
Interior materials mar and stain too easily
Center console / cupholder needs a redesign for efficiency
Overall lack of options in multiple areas

These aren't luxury items...these are truck standards of the 21st century. Somehow, the styling and appeal of Toyota dependability overshadowed these assumed standards during the test drive. "A fool for your 'love'"

 

I have read through this thread ... I posted earlier myself.

Some of the dislikes I can understand, the things that come up as time and miles are added on.

Others I have to scratch my head on... ... those physical items on the "punch list" wanted on the truck we are purchasing.

Your Tacoma is most likely your 2nd or 3rd biggest investment ... after a home and education.

To me, a lot of the "dislikes" were there when we researched and before we purchased the truck. Having weighed all out options, we still went ahead with the purchase.

So, to be disappointed or surprised that "this is missing" or "my Hyundai was equipped with that" somewhat stikes me odd.

That's it ...

 

^welcome to America, where we want it all.

I agree though. If someone doesnt do their research and is disappointed about sonehibg that is on the buyer.

I could go on and on about the above

 

Its nice when you have all the time in the world to make the most educated choice. Sometimes people have to make a quick decision in a pinch and assumptions can bite us in the arse. Hopefully automakers like Toyota will make the changes to satisfy their customers demands. Overall, my Tacoma is awesome and I can live with these voids for now as long as I get the expected longevity & dependability. But if they refuse to make the changes in the future, I'll go back to an American made truck.

Speaking of longevity and dependability, one more thing I didn't like about my Tacoma (to bring it back to topic;-) :

Purchased a CPO 2010 4x4 w/ 40k miles. 1st Toyota ever. Never ran the 4wd until the next week. After engaging, a noise developed. Long story short, 5 months and 4 trips to dealer service and loads of negative thoughts later...it was the front differential. I guess Toyota techs these days aren't so thorough in the CPO process, especially in SW Houston off of I-45

 

Let me be very clear...I love my Taco and have no major complaints. But in the perfect world I would change a few things.

1. I would like a cargo light.
2. A lockable fuel door would be nice.
3. Having a Multi-speed wiper (which I fixed with the Tundra wiper switch mod).
4. Factory front mudguards for the base model.

 

I like my taco, but there are a few things it should be standard in it such as:
1. lockable fuel door
2. 4x4 light switch indatior
3. seat needs more meat and adjustments
4. heated mirrors
5 the center console is an overkill
6 like to see a long stick shift instead that shorty thing.

 

i wish my single cab had power windows but thats it! other than that, its perfect!

 

priced a little high and 2.7L is way under-powered

 

So, what did you purchase instead of a Tacoma?