Why I bought a 4-banger Taco

Should have took pics of it up too!!

Where in NYS can you buy ethanol free? I am all for the environment, but it doesn't make sense. Add 10% ethanol so our vehicles run cleaner. But we lose 15% fuel economy. Doesn't it equal the same fossil fuels and green house gases in the end??

 

I've towed my 17' bowrider boat a few times lately with my reg. cab 5-lugger 5-speed, but not far enough to see what kind of impact it has on my fuel economy. I was very pleased with how the truck handled the weight - and the power was adequate. Had to downshift on the big hills, but that's no big deal. Fully expected, in fact, given the 3.31 rear end. No real trouble getting up the ramp when pulling it out of the water either. Very happy with it.

I also have a 1972 Coleman pop-up - but it LOOKS its age! LOL! Haven't towed it with the new Taco yet.

As for avoiding the ethanol CRAP, I finally found a station around here that is ethanol-free... but it's a CITGO station. I hate to support the Venezuelan government (and more importantly Hugo Chavez), but I hate having ethanol shoved down my throat worse. I've been filling up there regularly and will continue to.

 

[quote="OldManTan";786094]Should have took pics of it up too!!

Where in NYS can you buy ethanol free? I am all for the environment, but it doesn't make sense. Add 10% ethanol so our vehicles run cleaner. But we lose 15% fuel economy. Doesn't it equal the same fossil fuels and green house gases in the end??[/quote]
There are a few stations around here in Albany. Mom and pa type ones that have signs saying "Ethanol free gas".

 

If you think there is a V8 4x4 truck out there that gets 20mpg while hauling or towing anything your mistaken. The epa figures that the manufacturers post are never realistic. Ive owned many full size trucks with V8's, I work in the auto industry and Ive driven them all (Chev, Dodge, Ford, even Tundras) And ive yet to see one that gets over 15mpg on the high way. Thats not towing or hauling anything.

 

I just did a 3500 mile road trip towing a simular size tent trailer and I averaged about the same 20-21 MPG. I was very pleased with the fuel economy and the power from the old 4 banger too!

 

The best mileage I ever got out of my 2004 Silverado was 18.5 and that was on a long freeway trip with an empty truck. I averaged 14-15 in daily mixed driving.

 

I have the small, regular cab, 5 speed manual, 2.4 liter first gen taco. On the freeway it does get close to 30MPG. Always has. I'm guessing the OP's truck is a lot larger then mine or something. In regards to V8's getting over 20MPG, back in the late 90's when I was returning from college I rented a moving van with a Ford Triton V8. Even with the van loaded, it got a little over 20MPG.

 

My father has a 2007 Silverado, and just pulled 18 on a highway trip. But also got around 14 hauling their smaller fifth-wheel.

 

I'm kind of surprised that a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick would get 20 mpg. Especially with a Triton V8. Those are good engines, but are not known for fuel economy.

 

You are missing some HUGE differences between our two trucks. I have a 2.7L, 4x4 with a cap. Plus I was towing a loaded camper with my bed loaded too, and the wife and dog were with me. That is not only a large weight difference, but also a wind resistance issue too. I am taking the trip back to my brothers at some point without the camper, and I will let you know what I get without it. I can bet it won't be close to thirty, cause I still will have a 2.7L, 4x4, with a cap. And probably the k-9 kid and wife too.

 

OP's truck is a little larger and heavier, but the big difference is gearing - I bet you have a very tall rear end designed for fuel economy, but the OP has a nice tow/get up & go 4.10 rear end for power.

Same reason why his truck gets 22 or 23 usually while other 5-luggers of the same generation get mid to high 20s.

 

Sweater, That is not a bunch of crap. My '97 2.4 5 spd routinely got 28-32 on the highway depending on what speed I ran. Towing a 1000lb trailer dropped my mileage to about 28 on the highway. Wifey might do better with regular gas, more energy in it per gallon.

Bobwilson, What V8's get better than 20mpg towing a trailer? My brother's V6 Taco, can barely manage 19mpg with no trailer.

 

Sometimes I wish I had bought a 4 cyl. 2.7l instead of the V6. If I did not have a boat to tow, I definitely would have bought a 4 cyl. My V6 access cab with 4wd gets 18 on a really good day with a strong tail wind driving about 68 on the highway with cruise control on. I was sorely disappointed with this truck with the 6 spd manual. I thought it would at least get the same mileage as my '07 did with the V6 and auto. Well I have it now and it would cost too much to trade back out of it so I'm pretty much stuck with it. It's a good truck (after bilstein 5100's all around, and helper springs in the back) and fixing to change out the POS stock sound system but if I had it to do over again...

This truck sucks down gas like no tomorrow and I really envy you guys who have the 4 cylinder trucks. I should have just sold the boat, got a 4 cyl Tacoma, and got a kayak to fish out of. Oh well...

 

I love my 2.7 taco for what it is. The only thing I would like better would be a diesel version!

 

X2!!!! We desperatley want a diesel, Toyota!!

 

X3!!! If they offered a turbodiesel, that would have been a done deal. About a 3l I4 turbocharged would be perfect. Probably never happen.

 

If this new Mahindra truck sells well, Toyota won't have a choice.

http://www.dfwmahindra.com/

 

It may turn out to be a good truck, but it's styling does not fit the North American market. The diesel is the only thing that will give it a chance. JMO.

 

The styling is pretty hideous on that truck. Plus it is a totally unknown name in the US. I just wish Toyota was a lot more responsive to what customers really want. I think they have drifted quite a ways from what made the brand so attractive to start with. To survive and thrive in the ultra-competitive market, a manufacturer has to stay on top of what customers want and deliver product that really works at a price point that a consumer cannot argue with. The domestic manufacturers have not done that at all and that is why they faced such huge resistance in the marketplace. Toyota should already have a diesel engine in the lineup in a Tacoma and then there would literally be no competition. As I said before, probably not going to happen.

 

I don't mind the styling of the Mihandra myself, I like it's size. I wish Toyota still offered a pickup the size of the first gen taco.