Tacoma Dudes...
- Thread starter Shawn
- Start date
4 doors only come in an auto just for your info. The 2004 have throttle by wire which can be good and bad. Some have had no problems but others have. Also I would look for an 01-04. They came with better engine parts, frame (even though still in the recall) so I have been told.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I recommend getting the ball joints checked/replaced once you do buy one. Steering racks, cvs, and ball joints are the most common replacement parts, and they're all pretty cheap.
You'll be able to get a 2000 tacoma cheaper than a 2001-04 because of the older body/grill style.
Both the 2.7L (4 cyl) and the 3.4L (v6) are great motors. Which motor are you wanting?
You'll be able to get a 2000 tacoma cheaper than a 2001-04 because of the older body/grill style.
Both the 2.7L (4 cyl) and the 3.4L (v6) are great motors. Which motor are you wanting?
Ya, no 4 door or auto for me. Good to know about the 2001+ thanks,
4554x4
always modifing something
- Location
- Sandy Utah
Shawn, I have met Tacoma. He is a little strange but you would probably like him.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
are you looking for a single cab or extended cab? I know the single cab 3.4L 5 speeds are hard to find. My buddy has one. I'll bet he'd be willing to sell it for the right price, but he thinks it's worth more than it is.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
nope, different guy. I know your wife won't let you sell yours 
I don't want to deter you Shawn, but is this for you? If it is, go sit in one first. You're a tall dude and I don't think you'll fit very well. The seats sit almost right on the floor. I loved my Tacoma, but if I was any taller, I think it would have been too cramped.
Something else to look for is check out the frame. Couple reasons, Toyota has a recall out because of severe rusting. So check that, also I had heard that the frames are weak in the rear so if the truck has towed or will tow, the frame could get tweaked, so get the frame braces and weld them on...I think this would apply to being used for wheeling too. You could easily make the braces and weld them on yourself. Just something to check though.
Something else to look for is check out the frame. Couple reasons, Toyota has a recall out because of severe rusting. So check that, also I had heard that the frames are weak in the rear so if the truck has towed or will tow, the frame could get tweaked, so get the frame braces and weld them on...I think this would apply to being used for wheeling too. You could easily make the braces and weld them on yourself. Just something to check though.
4554x4
always modifing something
- Location
- Sandy Utah
Yes, and rust!
Spork
Tin Foil Hat Equipped
- Location
- Saratoga Springs, UT
Doesn't the extended cab have more leg room than the standard cabs? I got to agree with the sit in one comment, I have a standard cab and the seat is all the way back and I'm not even 6'.
Ho hummm.. it does sux to to being tall and big...... I was also worried about this...
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
How tall are you Shawn? I'm 6'1" and don't mind extended drives in the Tacoma, I've clocked ~300k in Tacoma's, figure my spine has matched the seats
Don't know what to say other than they are rock solid trucks. They have a couple of weak links but none that really effect a daily-driver or event a pretty regular wheeler. The frame rust is an issue, but very few here in Utah even had bad enough rust to replace, most were cleaned and treated by the dealer. My frame is actually getting a bunch of cleaning and paint this weekend (yeah, its fun) but mine has more to do with 100% sand blasted parts (rock chip blasting that is) and the amounts of time I spend in the corrosive desert and salt flats. I'd absolutely consider a 3rd Tacoma and in fact when I get back on level ground in my life I plan to sell my current Tacoma and start with something newer and fresh.
Things to watch for, manual versus electronic 4WD. The electronic ones can be problematic particularly on trucks that never saw 4WD use. Likewise on the TRD or factory e-locker models, lack of use can yield them useless. The fix is generally easy but worth looking into.
03-1/2 and 04' models are partial throttle by wire, while I've never had the infamous 'unintended acceleration' (which was 100% proven false btw) I have had several position sensors fail on the throttle body. Its 99% related to my Supercharger and I've now modded it to prevent future issues (knock on wood its been 30k without issues). Toyota actually warrantied both of the fixes.
Your welcome to come motor around in my truck if you want to see how you fit.
Don't know what to say other than they are rock solid trucks. They have a couple of weak links but none that really effect a daily-driver or event a pretty regular wheeler. The frame rust is an issue, but very few here in Utah even had bad enough rust to replace, most were cleaned and treated by the dealer. My frame is actually getting a bunch of cleaning and paint this weekend (yeah, its fun) but mine has more to do with 100% sand blasted parts (rock chip blasting that is) and the amounts of time I spend in the corrosive desert and salt flats. I'd absolutely consider a 3rd Tacoma and in fact when I get back on level ground in my life I plan to sell my current Tacoma and start with something newer and fresh.
Things to watch for, manual versus electronic 4WD. The electronic ones can be problematic particularly on trucks that never saw 4WD use. Likewise on the TRD or factory e-locker models, lack of use can yield them useless. The fix is generally easy but worth looking into.
03-1/2 and 04' models are partial throttle by wire, while I've never had the infamous 'unintended acceleration' (which was 100% proven false btw) I have had several position sensors fail on the throttle body. Its 99% related to my Supercharger and I've now modded it to prevent future issues (knock on wood its been 30k without issues). Toyota actually warrantied both of the fixes.
Your welcome to come motor around in my truck if you want to see how you fit.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I got 22-25 MPG in my double-cab (2001, v6, auto, no lift). I didn't feel like it was lacking power, but I'm used to suzukis, so take it with a grain of salt.
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
I'm around 15mpg w/auto. But I'm a heavy pig and between my foot and the supercharger its not always the most economic (but fast ). I think bone stock (still with the SC) I was high teens maybe 20'ish. Hard to compare against my 5 spd as the SC variable but even fully loaded my manual got high teens. Auto's feel anemic to me behind the 3.4L, the 4.0L is much better but a totally different truck (05-11) with their own problems. I was ready to compromise on the automatic when I found mine with the SC, world of difference but again that is with a heavy rig... stock they scoot around just fine.
). I think bone stock (still with the SC) I was high teens maybe 20'ish. Hard to compare against my 5 spd as the SC variable but even fully loaded my manual got high teens. Auto's feel anemic to me behind the 3.4L, the 4.0L is much better but a totally different truck (05-11) with their own problems. I was ready to compromise on the automatic when I found mine with the SC, world of difference but again that is with a heavy rig... stock they scoot around just fine.
- Location
- Sandy, Ut
So Shawn, I didn't see it mentioned. What are you tasking this truck with? Daily-driver? I know you've got some kiddos getting closer to driving age, this for a soon to be driver? Thinking of any upgrades, lifts, etc?