BajaNomad

Toyota Pickups

TMW - 12-18-2006 at 08:18 AM

Last Friday I got my new company truck. It's a Toyota Tacoma 4x4 double cab like David K has, even same color, silver. 4L engine, 5 speed auto. I spent time over the weekend putting about 250 miles on it to make sure it was OK before pulling a 5,000lb trailer with snowcat into the 7500 ft snow packed mountains this week.

I really love the power of the engine, a heck of an improvement over my 1993 3L daily driver. The tranny is extremely smooth. Overall I'm very happy.

There are a few things I don't like or would like better. The lack of an overhead hand grip on the passenger side. The lack of an auto-dimming rear view mirror, maybe that's an option, I don't know. I don't like the wide drivers side armrest where the electric door locks and window buttons are, my knee lays against it and I think going off road it might be a problem bouncing around. In the center console is a cup or can holder behind the shifter which is really nice but two would have been much better. Forward of the shifter is a two cup holder with a real mickey mouse divider. The holder is really too wide for a normal cup or can and when moved it's too small to hold anything. The radio is OK but the features are not as good as my 04 GMC. Last and I'm being picky here. I don't like the red or near red night lighting on the dash instruments. I don't think they are nearly as good, again as my GMC. I have a hard time reading the temp and compass at a glance.

Give me another week or two or more and I may change my tune on some or all of the above.

Also Saturdays paper had a good write up on the new Toyota Tundra truck. It will be available in Bakersfield in February as I assume the rest of the country.

Merry Christmas to all, mine is.

[Edited on 12-18-2006 by TW]

Tomas Tierra - 12-18-2006 at 08:46 AM

What??????? only one "oh sh-t!" handle on the passenger side!!!!
That is THE most important passenger side feature..

I to just traded up from a '93 3.0 ltr. engine in my old t-100, to a '02 V8 tundra 4X4.....OH WHAT A FEELING IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT!!!

funny, my '02 Tundra has two "Oh Sh-t!" handles on the passenger side,happily..

Oh what a feeling!

John M - 12-18-2006 at 09:55 AM

TW - we have found a few of the things you've mentioned also but after 6 months and 12,000 miles - we've been very happy!

John M

Toy.jpg - 39kB

David K - 12-18-2006 at 09:59 AM

TW, the daul cup holders in front of the shifter that seem way too big are ADJUSTABLE! Just pull on that piece in there and it adjusts to fit any cup... At least that's the way it works in my Tacoma...

Both the driver and passemger have grab bars... but I think they are more to aid in getting in and out?

My negatives are the soft rear suspension (bottoms out with passengers in the back seat while hitting bump, at speed) and (only on the first pads), an intermittent squeel coming from the front right brake they couldn't get rid of. Also, the mud flaps... First time they got mudded (Laguna Salada mud, mind you) the weight of the mud pulled 3 of them off!

The positives naturally outweigh the negatives and my truck which is 1 year and 4 months old has 45,000 miles on it now... No mechanical problems, no breakdowns...

[Edited on 12-18-2006 by David K]

805 004.jpg - 43kB

Frank - 12-18-2006 at 04:02 PM

What kind of mileage are you getting on average? Lets say 4 people, some luggage and a full tank of gas.

tripledigitken - 12-18-2006 at 05:14 PM

DK,

Have you looked into Super Springs? Their product should solve your problems when loaded for a reasonable price, and not affect the soft suspension (desirable) when the truck is light.

Ken

TMW - 12-18-2006 at 05:49 PM

I put 250 miles on it Sat and Sun and used 12.7 gal gas, that's about 19.7 mpg. Just me in the truck on a run down to Tehachapi, around town on errands and over to I-5 and Panama Lane (hwy43) area where the new 1/2 mile NASCAR race track will be built in 2007. Another nit picky thing is the steering wheel does not tilt as far down without losing the top of the speedometer like my other trucks. I like a more vertical wheel. This one lays at more of an angle and reminds me of Roger Mears in his class 7 truck. I am interested as to how much hitch drop I'll have when I hook up the snow cat.

Mexitron - 12-18-2006 at 06:01 PM

Only complaint I had with my old 1992 Toyota was the lousy turning radius...my brother-in-law had the same problem with his 2004 Tundra. Has that been fixed?

TMW - 12-18-2006 at 06:58 PM

Mine seems to turn fairly tight. I would have to turn the same turn in my 93 and this one to really compare. I just ran over to the airport and I must say the power is surprising, the acceleration was great. I did notice as I was getting in the truck that there was no light around the key entry on the steering column, another nit picky thing, but no big deal. David K is probably thinking I'm a real nit picker. But it rides really good, something most trucks don't do down hwy 99. The seat is comfortable, as least the drivers side. The seat belt retracks good, something my 93 doesn't do, never did. Steering is tight compared to the GMC. There is no tranny dip stick. Take it to the dealer at 100,000 miles. It has a 400 watt AC outlet near the tailgate for the blender. Funny my GMC has a tranny dip stick but no radiator cap.

[Edited on 12-19-2006 by TW]

David K - 12-18-2006 at 07:34 PM

It has a tighter turn than my '01 2 door Tacoma... That's great...

My milage varies from 16-20 MPG

Thanks for the super springs tip... I will check into that... Where in San Diego County do I go to check it out?

bajaguy - 12-18-2006 at 07:37 PM

I'm waiting to test drive a 2007 Tundra............

Dipstick

John M - 12-18-2006 at 09:42 PM

I too was somewhat puzzled at no ability to check the transmission fluid level. I was kinda wondering what happens if ya get a slight leak; it would be pretty tough to add fluid (if that is even possible) without knowing how much to add.

I believe that is one thing I'll look into one day soon.

As for mileage - when the gauge gets low we add gasoline. Never tried to figure it out, doesn't matter much at this point, I got years and years to pay for the darn thing and gas mileage is just one of the issues I've given up thinking about.

John M

Frank - 12-18-2006 at 10:20 PM

I hear ya about the mileage John. There wasnt enough of a mileage difference 16-20 vs 12-18 on my F350 CC Diesel to push me over the edge. I do like those Toyotas though!

tripledigitken - 12-19-2006 at 08:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
It has a tighter turn than my '01 2 door Tacoma... That's great...

My milage varies from 16-20 MPG

Thanks for the super springs tip... I will check into that... Where in San Diego County do I go to check it out?


DK,

4 Wheel Parts in El Cajon 619/447-2457 handles them. When I was there a month ago they had a sample spring you could see.

I have the same situation with my 2005 Xterra Off Road. Rides like a car with just the two of us, but when loaded offroad it will bottom out. I will be installing the SS's myself before my next camping trip.

David K - 12-19-2006 at 09:04 AM

I was just by there last weekend... I will stop in and see. Many thanks!

Auto trans service

John M - 12-19-2006 at 10:09 AM

Curious about servicing I called our locat Toyota dealer, Valley Hi Toyota in Victorville.

The service advisor who answered the phone said this - "oh you live in the high desert, Toyota considers the high desert as an 'extreme driving environment,' and that means you should service the transmission at 15,000 miles."

I asked why extreme environment and he says because of the temperature variations here on the desert.

He said the trans is sealed and should be serviced by the dealer only (naturally). He said they drain and refill from the bottom of the pan, under pressure.

Cost - $70.00 - they must not change torque converter fluid - if there is one - sounds too cheap for that.

Anyone have any similar dealer responses?

John M

TMW - 12-19-2006 at 11:12 AM

John they should be able to connect into the lines that go to the radiator or cooler and circulate and replace all the oil which is about 10 qts+/-. Some maybe most of the oil change places offer that service. I think someone on Nomads or maybe I read it somewhere that a TV station in SD or LA investigated a quicky lube type chain and found they were not changing the oil as they said they were, especially the tranny fluid. They had hidden cameras on the vehicle. I assume one could just drop the pan to change the fluid in it, I used to do that on my chevy before I put a drain plug in it. Would need to measure how much fluid came out.

I should add that it would mostly be a benefit to add a dip stick tube when the pan is off.

[Edited on 12-20-2006 by TW]

TMW - 12-19-2006 at 07:57 PM

Well I must take back my statement about the mickey mouse forward cup holder. After really looking at it there are two arms that rachet out to hold the cup in place. So take one nit picky thing off the list. Went up to our lower mountain site today, 3000ft on Mt Adelaide. It's a one lane paved road but fairly steep climb. No problems. I do like the rear diff locking switch. My 93 has a positraction rear diff and on turns the inside wheel always wants to spin. On this truck I left it off and what a difference on the switchbacks.

Santiago - 12-19-2006 at 08:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
Also Saturdays paper had a good write up on the new Toyota Tundra truck. It will be available in Bakersfield in February as I assume the rest of the country.

[Edited on 12-18-2006 by TW]


TW: Unfortunately for BKRSFLD, the rest of the country already has them...... heh, heh

BHS
Class of '69

David K - 12-19-2006 at 09:42 PM

John... don't skip the recommended services! The truck is a 30,000 dollar gem... so treat it right and have the dealer do the services.

Toyota Carlsbad/Oceanside has reasonable prices in my opinion so I have them do all the servicing. An oil change is only $22 and if I don't want to wait they will drive me home (5 mi.) and pick me up... free. The 30, 60, and 90K mile services are pricey... But when the truck does everything you want and won't break down on you or cause you expensive repairs after the warantee, it will be worth it!

Mango - 12-19-2006 at 10:27 PM

I love Toyotas. Great cars and trucks. I drove a Sienna until recently. Sold it to my sister with 170,000 problem free miles on it.

However; I wound up comming home with a Subaru Forester. 11,000+ miles and its doing great as well.

My Subaru has good ground clearance, AWD, good mileage, and handles like a dream. It does well offroad; but, I have not fully tested it yet as it is still pretty "new". I see it more as an off road worthy car than a truck or SUV. It seems to do well sand and loose stuff; but, I will have to take it super easy around rocks. I'm not expecting to do anything too hard core with it...after all it's not a Toyta truck!

I suspect you will be very happy with your Toyota. They start out good and just keep growing on you. Toyota makes super tough and reliable trucks. Enjoy.

Check out how tough!

Ken Cooke - 12-19-2006 at 11:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
But when the truck does everything you want and won't break down on you or cause you expensive repairs after the warantee, it will be worth it!

Don't buy a Jeep...They're nothing but trouble.LOL


TMW - 12-21-2006 at 08:25 AM

Yesterday I pulled the 5000lb snowcat and trailer up Breckenridge mtn east of Bakersfield to the 5000ft level where we leave it for the winter. No problem at all, even the steepest sections the Tacoma went right up. The only problem I had was when I got to this narrow passage area at 4500ft it's a single lane section with the mtn embankment to my right and a 300 ft drop off to my left, the road was covered with ice. I was soon stopped and sliding backwards, no traction, wheel spin only. I steered it (actually it went on it's own) to the snowy section on the edge of the embankment with the trailer resting against it. We put chains on and away we went, up up and away.

[Edited on 12-21-2006 by TW]

David K - 12-21-2006 at 08:33 AM

Here's what you need for snow... but they do make noise when driving... Cooper STT. Not so good in sand, unless you get down to 10 psi.

I have 20,000 miles on mine and they are wearing very well, ie. look almost new!

The BFG Rugged Trail TAs that came with the Tacoma didn't last 25,000 miles! They work good in sand, but probably not as well in snow.

discoverer_STT.jpg - 7kB

Miss our old Toyota

DianaT - 12-21-2006 at 09:01 AM

All this talk about small Toyota trucks makes us sentimental. We love our Tundra, but still miss our old baby---1984 Toyota. In 1997 with a new paint job, and 200,000 miles on it, we drove it to Honduras.

Yes, it had a lousy turning radius and without power steering, it kept the arm muscles in good shape. John bought it new before we were married and I always said he was so attached, he would be buried in it.

In 1998 we moved from Honduras to Guatemala and our baby was stolen---stolen in less than 10 minutes parked in a very small parking lot in the best part of town and in front of 3 armed security guards---they saw nothing. :fire:

The worst part is we had just paid the import duty---we have the Guatemalan license plates we picked up after the truck was gone.

Here is a scanned picture of our precious lost baby---it was taken in Honduras in front of the school where we taught.


Trying to deal with the police in Guatemala was, well let's just say a real experience and lesson in don't waste your time. That old Toyota is probably still working on someone's Coffee finca.

While we love our Tundra, that old Toyota was so simple---

Diane

[Edited on 12-21-2006 by jdtrotter]

TMW - 12-21-2006 at 11:47 AM

DK, I'll probably put those on when the tires on it wear out. I don't get into the sand with this truck or not very often, since it's a company truck. Snow in the mtns is my biggest problem.

Mexitron - 12-21-2006 at 01:43 PM

Diane--I definitely miss the simplicity of those earlier models--even my 1992 Toyota had only a few fuses...In 2000 I bought a Chevy Silverado because of my landscaping business; the truck has been great, but on one trip in Baja the automatic door locks kept unlocking and locking, especially when the road got rough. So my friend and figured there was a short and we'd just pull the fuse and not worry about it--after pulling about 5 or 6 of them we were finally able to shut down the locking system...complicated!

Heh, of course it turned out that the extra key remote I keep in the console was jammed against something and every time we hit a rough spot in the road it was enough to push the keyless entry button...:rolleyes:

Oso - 12-21-2006 at 05:05 PM

Since buying McGyver's '04 Taco, I have been as happy with it as a retard at ChuckECheese. As I am fast approaching the end of the original warranty at 36k/3yrs, I am now faced with the dilemma of to buy or not to buy an extended warranty. So far, I've only had to use it once and that was for a bolt in the seat.

I usually reject extended warranties on appliances and such as a waste of money, but I'm not sure about Toyota. I would appreciate hearing about experiences pro or con with such.

Barry A. - 12-21-2006 at 05:39 PM

I did not know that you could buy an extended warrantee near the end of the original warrantee-------would that not be rather expensive??

Extended warrantees, especially on a toyota, strike me as being excessive, and probably will not "pencil" out in the long run.

But I have no idea what I am talking about, really. :no:

Bob and Susan - 12-21-2006 at 05:41 PM

buy a new one:yes: (truck)

Oso - 12-21-2006 at 05:55 PM

According to the dealer, as long as i'm a mile and a day short of the end of the original, I can buy an extended. The question is: Is it worth it?

TMW - 12-21-2006 at 06:02 PM

My 04 GMC Z71 came with a 3 yr 36,000 mile warranty. earlier this year when I reach 30,000 miles I had already had it in for a problem with the 4x2/4x4 selector switches, a software problem I'm told. Then the speedometer was erradic, they changed the instrument cluster. Then the temp gauge didn't work, they changed the instrument cluster again. Then I had a rattle that felt like a pencil tapping the steering column. I thought they had left something loose under the dash. I looked and felt but never found anything. Then on a trip to Baja bouncing around the rattle went away!!!!! But after the last instrument cluster replacement I asked about extended warranties and I was given several options. I chose the 3 year 45,000 mile for $1,800. It comes with a $100 deductable. It started when the original factory warranty ended. With all the computer stuff on it I'm not sure what I'd be able to fix without taking it in. I have a fleet of vans and trucks at work and frankly $600 per year is not a bad deal. When I had my Dodge 2500 4x4 at work, everytime I took it in for a problem it seemed to cost $700+. Just had one of our Ford E350 vans repaired at the Ford dealer, oxygen sensor replaced $380. That ruined the catalyic converter which cost $480 to replace at a muffler shop. Ford wanted $1,200 for the converter alone. Part of the decision it whether you can do the repairs yourself. Frankly if I never had any problems with a vehicle for 3 years I probably would not get an extended warranty. Then again is $50 per month (tank of gas) worth getting it.

Toyota Extended Warranty

John M - 12-21-2006 at 07:59 PM

We purchased an extended warranty for our Toyota 4WD double cab pick up.

The dealership where we bought, Toyota of San Bernardino, offered to sell it at the point of purchase and we declined. The cost they offered it at seemed excessive - Around $1,500 - this was a factory warranty, not aftermarket, with $0 deductible, 6 years, 100,000 miles coverage.

With the miles we put on the truck we figured we'd hit the 100,000 near the six year mark.

We started shopping on-line.

Although others will scoff at extended warranties as unnecessary, we went for it, though not through our local dealer here in the high desert, nor through Toyota of San Bernardino.

We purchased it through Lexus of Greenwich (CT) and Toyota Financial Services. Total cost for the exact warranty coverage mentioned above was $990 - this was in May 2006.

Oso, if you u2u me I will provide a name and phone number although you could just as easily contact the dealership.

There is one thing to understand, according to Toyota Financial - the folks who oversee the warranty. The factory warranty does not extend outside of the continental United States - at least mine doesn't. I suppose if you obtain it in a foreign country it wouldn't cover in the U.S.???

So they suggested if I have an issue in Baja I have a couple of choices. First if close enough, or it's possible, have it towed across into San Diego or Calexico. Secondly, and this is more risky, have the repair done in Baja, get receipts and submit everything to Toyota Financial for consideration.

With the warranty came a listing of the excluded items. Very minimal in my opinion - normal wear items, wiper blades, tires, trim, upholstery, fan belt sort of things. I'd call this a "bumper to bumper" warranty. Other coverage plans are available, with deductibles, shorter coverage spans and so forth.

John M

[Edited on 12-22-2006 by John M]

Oso - 12-21-2006 at 09:04 PM

TW, thank you for your experience in general and if I had Detroit Iron, I would definitely consider the extended warranty. But, I'm asking specifically about Toyota here, which although now manufactured largely in the U.S. by the same alcoholics and drug addicts, is still somehow maintaining a somewhat lower incidence of repair record. :lol:

John, thanks, I would like to compare the local guy's quote with another.

Bruce R Leech - 12-21-2006 at 09:47 PM

when they get 900 dollars to replace a fan clutch I would say yes.

TMW - 3-22-2007 at 05:46 PM

Today I took 3 other guys up the mountain and thru the snow in my 2007 Tacoma. I had about 100 lbs of stuff in the bed. Well David K the rear end bottoms just like yours. What I consider a small bump and bang it went. This is the first time I've had a load in it. I'm ready for an add a leaf.

Crusoe - 3-22-2007 at 06:47 PM

Go trade it in for a Ford....... Their wide enough, so you can lay down in the front seat and have yourself a nap!!

David K - 3-22-2007 at 06:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TW
Today I took 3 other guys up the mountain and thru the snow in my 2007 Tacoma. I had about 100 lbs of stuff in the bed. Well David K the rear end bottoms just like yours. What I consider a small bump and bang it went. This is the first time I've had a load in it. I'm ready for an add a leaf.


Gadget gave me a contact with a Toyota suspension expert... I haven't heard back from them, yet... I will let you know.

I fear that adding a leaf will raise the back end which will make a front end raise necessary, possibly... I don't want to start an evil circle to keep the Tacoma level... LOL

BajaWarrior - 3-22-2007 at 08:11 PM

David, you want an overload spring which is nearly flat but thick, it only goes to work when you have a load, otherwise you get your comfy ride the rest of the time.

I put some on a 87 Ford Ranger Utility bed truck and I bought them from Off Road Warehouse for about two hundred dollars and installed them in about an hour and a half. They worked very well and did not raise the truck at all, just held it at it's present height.

David K - 3-23-2007 at 09:05 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaWarrior
David, you want an overload spring which is nearly flat but thick, it only goes to work when you have a load, otherwise you get your comfy ride the rest of the time.

I put some on a 87 Ford Ranger Utility bed truck and I bought them from Off Road Warehouse for about two hundred dollars and installed them in about an hour and a half. They worked very well and did not raise the truck at all, just held it at it's present height.


Thanks, that was a serious option I was considering.

TMW - 3-23-2007 at 12:27 PM

The add a leaf from ORW that I put on my 93 Totoya and more recently on my 04 GMC were basically flat with only a slight curve. They did raise the rear a little but not a great deal.