BajaNomad - First Look 2016 Tacoma 4X4 OFF ROAD TRD

First Look 2016 Tacoma 4X4 OFF ROAD TRD

David K - 1-12-2015 at 12:29 PM

What was to be an entire new truck (3rd generation Tacoma) has some changes, but the body itself looks the same...

Gone are the big plastic mud flaps (they snap off when off roading anyway). Added is an actual 4x4 badge and sticker, like the Tundra. Also different is the tailgate with the Tacoma name molded in and not badged on (also like the new Tundra)... The engine is the all new 3.5 V-6 with more miles per gallon and more horsepower than the 10 year old 4.0 V-6.

The next photo is a Limited and not Off Road Tacoma, but you can see the name in the tailgate better...

As with all changes and new things, it will take some getting used to. Some will hate it and some will love it...

mtgoat666 - 1-12-2015 at 01:46 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Added is an actual 4x4 badge and sticker, like the Tundra. Also different is the tailgate with the Tacoma name molded in and not badged on (also like the new Tundra)...

an actual badge! a molded-in name in tailgate! I can't wait!

i also read that every tacoma will come with a built in go-pro camera mount. why don't they just provide the camera too? and what if i want to buy a tacoma without the go-pro mount?

my 4runner is long in the tooth, i may just get a 4 dr tacoma next year. especially now that it has an actual badge

BooJumMan - 1-12-2015 at 01:46 PM

Not a huge cosmetic change IMO. I remember hating the new body style in 2005... This one though I like. They always do seem to follow what the 4Runner changes to. Interested to drive the new engine.

norte - 1-12-2015 at 02:11 PM

one look..one word..Ugly.

Ateo - 1-12-2015 at 03:09 PM

That is a strange color.

rts551 - 1-12-2015 at 03:44 PM

now, here is a real truck. One that looks hot!

http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/1501-all-new-2017-ford-f-150...

David K - 1-12-2015 at 03:47 PM

Yes, that is beautiful... but not a Toyota nor a mid size truck... so it deserves its own thread.

Hook - 1-12-2015 at 05:03 PM

Quote: Originally posted by rts551

now, here is a real truck. One that looks hot!

http://www.fourwheeler.com/news/1501-all-new-2017-ford-f-150...

WOW, that thing has BAJA MODE !!!!!

chuckie - 1-12-2015 at 05:52 PM

Another Toyoder commercial...WHY does it deserve it's own thread???....How much is this fool being paid to do this??? I only make this comment because I love Baja, and want to help everyone to be happy...

David K - 1-12-2015 at 07:04 PM

Because the Toyota Tacoma is BUILT IN BAJA, and about the most popular small Baja truck with Baja Nomads. That is the Baja connection.

How many Nomads have Raptors vs. Tacomas or Tundras (as the Tundra is the size equal vehicle to the Raptor)?

chuckie - 1-12-2015 at 07:22 PM

What do you have to show that it is the most popular truck among Baja Nomads? Have you surveyed everyone who owns a truck on all these forums? I didn't think so...More of your prepaid BS.......

mtgoat666 - 1-12-2015 at 07:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chuckie

I only make this comment because I love Baja, and want to help everyone to be happy...

chuckie: thank you for service!

:lol:

rts551 - 1-12-2015 at 07:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Yes, that is beautiful... but not a Toyota nor a mid size truck... so it deserves its own thread.

oh darn. how about the Colorado being Motor Trend truck of the year...
from Motor Trend...
"So when the Colorado reappeared, it trounced the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier in a comparison test, clearly marking itself as a segment leader. No other vehicle tested stands out as much."This is a really good, honest little truck," Evans said. "I can see it being very popular with small businesses that have been running old Rangers and the like.""

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/oftheyear/truck/2015_chevrolet_col...

I still like the Raptor. Juaquin de La Bocana bought a new one in 2014....does that count?

[Edited on 1-13-2015 by rts551]

rts551 - 1-12-2015 at 07:42 PM

Hey wait a minute...has any one heard from a friend of a friend of a friend if Motor Trend is taking bribes? I may have to remove my post.

bajadogs - 1-12-2015 at 08:19 PM

I don't think it would be proper to start a new thread just to say I would be much more comfortable taking my 15 year old Ram down the peninsula than this new Toyota thing.

mtgoat666 - 1-12-2015 at 09:12 PM

Quote: Originally posted by bajadogs

I don't think it would be proper to start a new thread just to say I would be much more comfortable taking my 15 year old Ram down the peninsula than this new Toyota thing.

please dont accuse me of defending the bloviator,... but a new tacoma would be much more comfortable than a 15 year old worn out old dodge,... just saying...

anyhow, the tacoma is a fine toyota, and nothing to be proud of or ashamed of. it's just a cheap small pick up truck for light to medium loads, perfect for the occasional trip to home depot to buy 2 sheets of plywood, a gallon of paint and still have room to stop at costco for a case of wine and 50 pounds of dog food for your mangy dog that is drooling on the cheap upholstery in the back seat

aguachico - 1-12-2015 at 09:13 PM

I noticed both the tacoma and raptor have that funky looking grill design. i guess there's some air flow functionality in it, but it sure is fugly.

Tacoma is a kick ass mini truck. Stock tacoma is good for hauling beer, fish and a s s.

Tioloco - 1-12-2015 at 09:39 PM

Well put, Goat

David K - 1-12-2015 at 11:12 PM

LOL... it was the people on the Baja Internet (Neal Johns, jeans, BajaBoy, Taco de Baja, Alejandra de Baja, the list is endless) that convinced me to give Toyota a shot when I was shopping for a Ford Ranger... and boy am I GLAD they did. Even the owner of this forum drives a Tacoma 4WD truck!

I will always remember the Mexican rancher who drove up to where I was making a sandwich between Sauzalito and San Juan de Dios... I asked about the road ahead... he said "es muy malo", then scanned my ride... and broke out with a big smile, "for you, no problema"... Toyota es number one!

Oh, and he was in a 1980's Toyota 4WD pickup! Oh, what a feeling!

rts551 - 1-13-2015 at 08:10 AM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

LOL... it was the people on the Baja Internet (Neal Johns, jeans, BajaBoy, Taco de Baja, Alejandra de Baja, the list is endless) that convinced me to give Toyota a shot when I was shopping for a Ford Ranger... and boy am I GLAD they did. Even the owner of this forum drives a Tacoma 4WD truck!

I will always remember the Mexican rancher who drove up to where I was making a sandwich between Sauzalito and San Juan de Dios... I asked about the road ahead... he said "es muy malo", then scanned my ride... and broke out with a big smile, "for you, no problema"... Toyota es number one!

Oh, and he was in a 1980's Toyota 4WD pickup! Oh, what a feeling!

Even the owner of this forum? Well that clinches it for me! Take that Motor Trend!

bajalearner - 1-13-2015 at 08:46 AM

That color puts the U back in TRD.

Hook - 1-13-2015 at 08:58 AM

Goat said it pretty well, as far as the Tacoma goes.

That said, I (gulp) have to agree with David. Start a new post, if you want to talk about the new Raptor. Unless you want to draw direct comparisons with the two trucks. And that's really not possible for a 2017 model.

BTW, I never put much faith in Motor Trend. I think they can be bought. Or, at least, they spread the award around and try to please all the Big Three from the US, plus Toyota.

Besides, reliability might be the #1 criteria for me in ANY vehicle. That's not predictable in a new version of a truck.

Geeez, I'm agreeing with Goat and DK in the same post.............. :?:

Video view inside and out...

David K - 1-13-2015 at 09:18 AM

mtgoat666 - 1-13-2015 at 09:58 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

Geeez, I'm agreeing with Goat and DK in the same post.............. :?:

the 4runner will run circles around a tacoma, and is much more comfortable than the kidney busting bouncy tacoma. i like the trd pro, comes with a lift and available with tangerine bling. the tacoma is so loud on the freeway it will cause driver to have hearing loss. the r4unner is nice and quiet, best for listening to leftist NPR radio!

willardguy - 1-13-2015 at 10:14 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajalearner

That color puts the U back in TRD.

I got a touch of that colorblindness going on, it seems odd they would pick that color to promote their new truck? its some kind of light green?

Ateo - 1-13-2015 at 10:38 AM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

Quote: Originally posted by bajalearner

That color puts the U back in TRD.

I got a touch of that colorblindness going on, it seems odd they would pick that color to promote their new truck? its some kind of light green?

It's the color of snot. Not sure why they would use this color to promote the new model.

Goats red 4 runner looks badass.

chuckie - 1-13-2015 at 11:17 AM

I'm a convert....It was the Hi Tech innovations from TRD that won me over..A separate 4x4 Badge, name molded into the tailgate....There is a rumor that an optional "A Track" chrome thingy is in the offing! And that Carp grill! Oh My...

mtgoat666 - 1-13-2015 at 12:42 PM

if it's made in mexico, why is it called a tacoma?

how come the tacoma does not come with this badge?

willardguy - 1-13-2015 at 12:53 PM

how come the Subaru Baja was built in Indiana? :light:

Hook - 1-13-2015 at 01:16 PM

I moved away from Toyota compact trucks in the late 1990s because of all the cab noise, compared to other trucks; import or domestic. They are just so loud at anything over 50 mph. Nothing has changed in the newer Tacoma versions.

The Frontiers, particularly, are WAY quieter on the road. That's important to me because ALL trucks these days are pretty good trucks.

dtbushpilot - 1-13-2015 at 01:30 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666

if it's made in mexico, why is it called a tacoma?

how come the tacoma does not come with this badge?

It should be called the "Tacoman".....I'd buy one then.. :lol:

willardguy - 1-13-2015 at 02:05 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Hook

I moved away from Toyota compact trucks in the late 1990s because of all the cab noise, compared to other trucks; import or domestic. They are just so loud at anything over 50 mph. Nothing has changed in the newer Tacoma versions.

The Frontiers, particularly, are WAY quieter on the road. That's important to me because ALL trucks these days are pretty good trucks.

tacoma owners (notice I didn't say david!) probably don't notice the noise cause they're cruisin the town with the beiber cranked up as loud as those cheesy tacoma speakers will allow! :lol:

David K - 1-13-2015 at 02:11 PM

I don't know what some of you have ridden in, but it sure can't be a new Tacoma... they ride almost as smooth as a passenger car, and they are quiet on the inside. Only if you add mud terrain tires do you hear noise (from them). I have had three new Tacomas (2001, 2005, 2010) and specially with the second generation (2005-2015), they are almost too nice a ride... the rear suspension could be stiffer... wouldn't mind if it was more truck-like!

The four wheel drive is the boss, and with both a locking rear differential or A-TRAC (four wheel crawling traction), you will have no issues getting to/from Mission Santa Maria or any of the other wild locations Baja has to offer!

rts551 - 1-13-2015 at 03:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

I don't know what some of you have ridden in, but it sure can't be a new Tacoma... they ride almost as smooth as a passenger car, and they are quiet on the inside. Only if you add mud terrain tires do you hear noise (from them). I have had three new Tacomas (2001, 2005, 2010) and specially with the second generation (2005-2015), they are almost too nice a ride... the rear suspension could be stiffer... wouldn't mind if it was more truck-like!

The four wheel drive is the boss, and with both a locking rear differential or A-TRAC (four wheel crawling traction), you will have no issues getting to/from Mission Santa Maria or any of the other wild locations Baja has to offer!

You should try other vehicles every once in a while. Like Hook says...there is some pretty nice ones out there now. Tacomas are noisy relative to others.

David K - 1-13-2015 at 04:08 PM

I do ride and drive in other trucks and cars... Raptors, Corollas, Priuses (or Priusi?), and Jeep Patriot are the most recent I can think of... Buy whatever you want, but do so in an informed manner. In this case, I was only informing about the new generation Tacoma, because it is YOU folks that encouraged me to buy a Tacoma, and I am so glad I went and drove it and checked it out (back in 2000). For Baja, get the 4WD Off Road TRD, as only it had the locker and A-TRAC (The Sport TRD or others, do not)!

[Edited on 1-13-2015 by David K]

mtgoat666 - 1-13-2015 at 05:24 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

it is YOU folks that encouraged me to buy a Tacoma

don't try to blame us for your mistakes!

i rode in a tacoma last week. the doors felt thin and flimsy. the road noise was not muted. the thin doors had a tinny sound when closing (not the solid thunk of a substantial door), which reminded me of my buddy's late 1970s datsun pickup.

chuckie - 1-13-2015 at 05:47 PM

I was going to say much the same...Don't blame us...You bought it, live with it.....

David K - 1-13-2015 at 06:28 PM

Funny how you don't read the rest of the words in a sentence... you too Chuckie.

"it is YOU folks that encouraged me to buy a Tacoma"

Here are the words that followed the above partial quote:

"and I am so glad I went and drove it and checked it out"

If it wasn't high quality and Baja proven, I wouldn't repeat getting new Tacomas... twice! It is by far the best made, highest quality small truck (mid size truck) out there, and that is obviously something shared by others, otherwise, it wouldn't be the #1 small truck in America from the #1 automotive manufacturer. PLUS, it is the only truck made in BAJA, last I heard!?

David K - 1-13-2015 at 07:24 PM

Haven't you heard, we either don't want to work or are happy with all the hope and change we got? The elites say we are so well off that we can buy homes in Todos Santos without concern!

If American jobs was your biggest concern, then you wouldn't spend a dime on a Baja vacation, robbing American vacation industry workers of income.

I bought my Tacoma from an American at an American located business, owned by an American, financed by an American bank, and my truck is serviced by American mechanics, in America.

My dad taught me that to buy the best product at the best price was the American way. How else will there be incentive to build the best? I tried American brand vehicles, and each time they failed me, big time. Japanese brands have always been incredible with little or no issues (Subaru, Mazda, Toyota). We had a Hyundai as well, and it never broke down like my Jeep and Plymouth both did, repeatedly.

willardguy - 1-13-2015 at 07:53 PM

for the 2nd year in a row toyota lead the pack of recalled cars and trucks with a whopping 5.3 million recalls. how can that be?

rts551 - 1-13-2015 at 08:05 PM

While most people move on as the industry has changed in the last 10 years, some will always be mired in sand....so to speak. Most informed people say "shop around" ....it is a rapidly changing world. I switched last year after doing so.

David K - 1-13-2015 at 10:48 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

for the 2nd year in a row toyota lead the pack of recalled cars and trucks with a whopping 5.3 million recalls. how can that be?

When you sell the most, and are safety concerned for your customers, better to recall than let people die when you know there is a problem! Let's examine an American car brand and what they did (or didn't recall):

from Internet:
On February 7, 2014, General Motors (GM) recalled about 800,000 of its small cars due to faulty ignition switches, which could shut off the engine during driving and thereby prevent the airbags from inflating.[1] The company continued to recall more of its cars over the next several months. As of June 30, 2014, GM has issued 45 recalls in 2014, which have involved nearly 28 million cars worldwide and over 24.6 million in the United States. GM says it expects to charge $1.2 billion against its second quarter earnings as a result of its ongoing recalls, and the charge could get worse as lawsuits and investigations continue.[2]

The fault had been known to GM for at least a decade prior to the recall being declared.[3] Some have suggested that the company actually approved the switches in 2002 even though they knew they might not meet safety standards.[4]

The company is facing multiple investigations into why it did not attempt to fix these faulty ignitions sooner, including a federal criminal probe,[5] as well as a probe led by Anton Valukas, the latter of which produced a report which GM made public on June 5, 2014.[6] On March 31, 2014, GM's CEO, Mary Barra, met with the families of some of the people who had died in car crashes as a result of the faulty switches.[7] Barra testified at a House Subcommittee hearing on April 1; in her testimony, filed in advance of the hearing, she told the United States House Energy Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations that "When we have answers, we will be fully transparent with you, with our regulators and with our customers."[7]

Because it will be brought up:
When people died from double floor mats in a (Lexus) loaner car, under the accelerator, it led to a huge recall after exhaustive tests that proved in the end there was no defect that cause unexpected acceleration despite the phony stories from people expecting a free ride. My truck was purchased soon after that incident in 2009... and they had recalled it to shorten the size of the accelerator pedal... I declined (I will never put two floor mats under it). My truck has been stellar so far in its 70,000+ miles with me.

willardguy - 1-13-2015 at 11:02 PM

how bout you give us a little more than "from internet" as a source david?

and rather than examine an american car brand, why don't we concern ourselves with toyota's? I thought you were saying anything else should be a new thread. didn't you? :?:

[Edited on 1-14-2015 by willardguy]

David K - 1-13-2015 at 11:15 PM

Since you asked, that was from Wikipedia when I typed in 'recall after deaths'... and it gave me that great GM feeling!

Here is from another forum (TacomaWorld) when someone was asked about their new Ford truck:

How is that Ford Working For you?

2014 Ford FX4 F-150 V-6 Ecoboost 4x4 ...

It's my daily work truck. Creature comforts are great at the FX4 trim level that's really the only big + is interior bang for buck. However and I have nothing to gain or lose by telling you this, again remember 70%+ of this trucks life thus far is in fact (off-road) I have approx 15,000 miles on it as of now. Asthetically outside I think it is a good looking truck truthfully.

1.) I have the 5.5 foot bed, the ride highway is great, off road it rides like a lumber wagon no joke. Looking into fox replacement suspension to give my chiropractor a break from visits.

2.) Best MPG I have seen and it is obviously well past break in is 17mpg tops.

3.) Dash molds are better now but first 10,000 I thought a parakeet was living in my dash, literally everything squeaks and I think most of the contacts have rubbed out by now.

4.) It's due to go in shop within next few weeks as the front end ball joints are almost shot already. That or there are other culprits as it has become very loose.

5.) I had the front plastic crap under-pan come off 5 times until I threw it away after it got balled up by turbo nearly intoxicating me from plastic bomb burn smell etc... Replaced with aftermarket skid plates that cost me a grand...

6.) The box seems to be seperating at the front weld joints on drivers side, now has seperated approx 5-6" back.

That's where it is at now, it has to last 75K miles but I don't see it happening not without some major money thrown at it based on what I have seen so far. For a city truck I think they would be great, as an off road truck I am truthfully not that impressed as it has shown great wear and durability issues already.

willardguy - 1-13-2015 at 11:21 PM

why would you type in "recall after deaths"? and WHY would you paste something from tacomaworld about fords????

didn't you say conversation about any other manufacturer be on ANOTHER thread?

David K - 1-13-2015 at 11:27 PM

Not everyone owns just one car, and I don't read Ford forums.
Can you guys stay on topic?
If you could, then I wouldn't need to entertain you with followups to the non-Tacoma replies, right?
Anyway, the Ford owner's experience is just one more reason Toyota (or other quality companies with quality minded workers) has little to fear.

willardguy - 1-13-2015 at 11:28 PM

these are simple straight forward questions david, yes?

willardguy - 1-13-2015 at 11:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Yes, that is beautiful... but not a Toyota nor a mid size truck... so it deserves its own thread.

we are staying on topic david, seems you are the one veering?

willardguy - 1-13-2015 at 11:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by willardguy

why would you type in "recall after deaths"? and WHY would you paste something from tacomaworld about fords????

didn't you say conversation about any other manufacturer be on ANOTHER thread?

david?

David K - 1-13-2015 at 11:37 PM

sorry, can't hear... beiber is cranked up too loud!

Mexitron - 1-14-2015 at 06:51 AM

Well, as long as you're trashing GM and Ford---my 2009 Tacoma, before 60,000 miles, lost the AC, ABS brake system completely failed, radio stopped working, and the steering column made a death rattle noise during and for days after driving over washboard. Extended warranty covered all but they wouldn't fix the steering column even though a technical bulletin was issued covering it. Oh yah, and there was another annoying rattle in the cab that they wouldn't fix too. Then the coup de gras, while driving out to CA last summer the engine completely seized up (at 68,000 miles)---took Toyota two months before they said they would cover the repair (an oil tube broke and drained the oil out of the engine----no sensors went off until about 30 seconds before melt-down). Ahhh, legendary Toyota quality. Traded the Toyota in as soon as I got it back. My Chevy Silverado on the other hand went for 205,000 miles with very few problems---and that's a Baja truck AND work truck that was used daily to haul.

[Edited on 1-14-2015 by Mexitron]

aguachico - 1-14-2015 at 07:25 AM

Toyota's forward thinking has helped all truck makers over the past 10 years.

Remember when Toyota dropped that punny tundra design - SR5? That design seemed to become the new Tacoma design, then Toyota released a better $$$$ costlier 1/2 ton pickup. F'n Tundra comes in at $50-60K and now all the other truck makers can put out a costlier better truck and people are buying the damn things.

Dodge Rebel, Ford Raptor IMO owe a lot to Toyota for raising the $$$$ bar on the 1/2 ton pickup. Now people are buying mini trucks for $30-35k.

I also see many more Nissan Frontiers in Baja then Tacomas as Tacomas are more a gringolandia truck. Nissan both the Altima/Sentra and the Frontier are more affordable with the necessary features. Comfort, AC, auto-tranny.

PaulW - 1-14-2015 at 11:41 AM

A Tacoma with selectable lockers F/R should be quite a relief from any of the comparable full size offerings for price and physical size. For sure Toyota offers all the comfort items. Not sure the springs would be stiff enough for me?
Has the HP and economy improved significantly. No small turbo yet?
PW

rts551 - 1-14-2015 at 12:05 PM

I shopped around last year and found the Tacoma trd's price comparable to Ram Bighorn and Ford xlt full size 4x4 trucks. Did not check GM.

tacoma

J.P. - 1-14-2015 at 12:33 PM

I Have lived in Ensenada for over 12 years. I see a lot of Tacoma's here but by comparison I see a whole lot more Lobos
Ensenada is a town of 500K plus I would think that would be a pretty good population comparison for the rest of Baja North.
Maybe the reason might be Tacoma is made here but made for Export as the majority of products made in the maquiladora factories.

American Iron

durrelllrobert - 1-29-2015 at 11:51 AM

movinguy - 1-29-2015 at 03:49 PM

Quote: Originally posted by J.P.

I Have lived in Ensenada for over 12 years. I see a lot of Tacoma's here but by comparison I see a whole lot more Lobos
Ensenada is a town of 500K plus I would think that would be a pretty good population comparison for the rest of Baja North.
Maybe the reason might be Tacoma is made here but made for Export as the majority of products made in the maquiladora factories.

Toyota does not have a strong presence (dealer-wise) in Baja or northern Mexico. They have not made it a priority, but that may change soon.

Footnote: I work at the plant in Tecate :yes: