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David K
Honored Nomad
       
Posts: 65287
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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When asked... the local ranchers and fishermen will call Toyota #1.
There has been more than one time when passing a local on a backroad and asking about the road ahead... will get a 'muy malo' answer... but after
glancing at my Tacoma will say " no problemo por Toyota " !
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grace59
Senior Nomad
 
Posts: 614
Registered: 9-14-2004
Location: San Felipe, Baja, Mexico
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Last year my 1997 Ford F150 broke down and had to be towed twice in one week (for two different reasons). I told my husband that I was through with
that truck and wanted something new. I got the Toyota FJ Crusier that I'd had my eye on since they were reintroduced. I absolutely love it. I
wanted it originally as a Baja Rig, but living here in Washinton it has been so handy for snow, ice and a few flooded roads. It is very stable, has a
5 star impact rating, drives and rides quite nicely. It came with roof rack, rock rails, skid plate, VSC, locking rear diff., ..on and on...with the
economy the way it is my husband was able to get a good deal on it, too. The only thing it was missing was my BajaNomad sticker and the "Lower the
latitude, Better the attitude" licence plate frame, but I've taken care of that. I wouldn't trade my Toyota in for anything else. I love, love, love
it!
Whenever I hear that rainy, chill wind blow. I think it may be time to head for Mexico. Tengo que obedecer mi corazon!
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Oso
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 2637
Registered: 8-29-2003
Location: on da border
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Mood: wait and see
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I am very happy with the '04 Taco v6 I bought from Max a couple years ago.
All my childhood I wanted to be older. Now I\'m older and this chitn sucks.
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
     
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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Quote: | Originally posted by David K
In 2005 (for the Tacomas at least) the engines went from a 3.4 to a 4.0 litre... when the Tacoma increased in size. I had a 2001 and a 2005... (3.4
and 4.0), both automatic (4 speed on the '01 and 5 speed on the '05) transmissions.
If you could swing it, the newest models have VSC (Vehicle Stability Control, developed by Bosch in Germany) and TRAC (using limited slip
differntials)... making sliding out-of-control on slippery roads a thing of the past...
Watch this 2 1/2 minute video on Toyota/ Bosch VSC:
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/206114/68969
There are more fetures in traction control on the new Toyotaa, but safety sounds like the beiggest concern.
  

[Edited on 12-19-2009 by woody in ob] |
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BooJumMan
Senior Nomad
 
Posts: 919
Registered: 8-11-2007
Location: San Diego
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I've only owned Toyotas my whole life. Right now I've got a 1996 Toyota 4runner and a 1966 FJ-40.
The 1996-2003's have a 2.7L I-4 or 3.4L V6. The V6 is far superior than the previous 3.0L V6 that ran from 1989 to 1995.
Also, the 3rd generation (1996-2003) 4runners come with a factory electric differential locker. This, if you do not know is what real offroad trucks
use...locks the rear end to prevent ANY slipping from either wheel...
I run 35" tires on my 4runner with 5" of lift. A lot of guys can run a 33" tire with a 2-3" lift. Coils are easy and far superior than leafs in my
opinion. You can get beefier coils for about $200, and dont require tools to remove and replace. The front of course is more involved but shares the
same front end as a Tacoma.
Also there is a ton of aftermarket parts for the 4runner and Tacoma, (which are almost identical except for the obvious).
Check out websites like yotatech.com for tons of information. Toyota is the way to go for sure. My old 1989 4runner had 300,000 miles on it and was
still running strong!
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TheColoradoDude
Nomad

Posts: 287
Registered: 2-10-2009
Location: Colorado/San Carlos, Sonora
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Mood: Paz, Amor, y Tacos de Pescado
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FJ Cruiser
Yeah I would have to say that I love the FJ Cruiser too. Whether camping in Baja or exploring a mountain pass in Colorado.

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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
     
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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Patch
it's coming. google it!
edit: http://image.dieselpowermag.com/f/8226359/0804dp_01_z+2008_t...
that thing gets my chubby up!
[Edited on 12-20-2009 by woody in ob]
[Edited on 12-20-2009 by woody in ob]
[Edited on 12-20-2009 by BajaNomad]
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TheColoradoDude
Nomad

Posts: 287
Registered: 2-10-2009
Location: Colorado/San Carlos, Sonora
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Mood: Paz, Amor, y Tacos de Pescado
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Quote: | Originally posted by soulpatch
Beautiful pic. Where is that second one?
I just wish you could buy the Toyota with a diesel here......darn it! |
that is Black Bear Pass overlooking the town of Telluride.
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Pescador
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3587
Registered: 10-17-2002
Location: Baja California Sur
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Well, the old arguments continue over which vehicle is the best, but the strongest indicator what consumers really think is reflected in the price of
used cars. Toyotas hold their value and represent a better value to the consumer than Dodge, Ford, or Chevy, and certainly outdistance the other
foreign vehicles like Mazda, Nissan, and Honda.
You can fool some of the people some of the time, but ..........
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Wingnut
Nomad

Posts: 171
Registered: 5-5-2007
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Mood: Baja Pensive
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So like everybody says a lot boils down to your personal choice and intended use for the vehicle. I used to be a Ford guy all the way until I bought
my Toyota Tundra. For years I had Ford vehicles, F-150, F-250 and the Ford Explorer, my last Ford product. My explorer was 1993 and I must have had
one of the good ones, no repairs outside of normal wear and tear, but I really needed more hauling room for camping trips and frankly missed having a
pickup truck.
I traded in the Explorer on a 2003 Toyota Tundra TRD with 4 wheel drive and the trailer towing package. It's a V8 and I have never had a smoother ride
or a vehicle that handles off road as well as it does. To date, only repairs have been brakes, tires and fluid changes. What makes it great is the
Bilstein off road shocks that came standard on it.
I have a friend who is a total Ford nut. He has a 97 Bronco that he loves and it handles Baja just fine. So it really matters what you individually
want out of the vehicle.
Just for the record, since Toyota pushed to size up on the new Tundra's, I really am not in favor of that huge truck, but the advantage of the
resizing is in the new Tacoma's. They are now a full size truck and compare quite well with my older Tundra. For ease of handling, hauling and long
trips, I would look at the full size Tacoma before the 4-Runner. But as I said earlier, it's a personal choice. I believe that if you spend a lot of
time in Baja, you are going to be better off with a Toyota than a Ford.
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Iflyfish
Ultra Nomad
   
Posts: 3747
Registered: 10-17-2006
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Our care and regards to you and MrsDiver. Glad she is ok. Scarey!
Iflyfish
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
     
Posts: 15939
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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Quote: |
Just for the record, since Toyota pushed to size up on the new Tundra's, I really am not in favor of that huge truck, but the advantage of the
resizing is in the new Tacoma's. They are now a full size truck and compare quite well with my older Tundra.
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agreed! i got the same TRD as you do and LOVE it!
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David K
Honored Nomad
       
Posts: 65287
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Ummm, a lot of full size truck owners might not agree with that statement about the second generation Tacomas.
The new (2005 +), larger Tacomas are not 'full size', but better described as 'mid-size' trucks. However, the new Tundra is indeed full size (now),
and the Tacoma is close to the size of the first generation, smaller (pre 2007) Tundra.
The Nissan Titan is also a full size truck... all made to compete against American brand full size trucks... People wanted the quality of Japanese
brands available in true, full size trucks.
The Tacoma has a 4.0 litre V-6 and puts out something like 240 horsepower. The Tundras have two V-8 engines available... Check out Toyota.com for the
specifics.
Whatever you decide, I hope you are happy with it and that it proves to be a safer drive for Mrs. Driver!
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k-rico
Super Nomad
  
Posts: 2079
Registered: 7-10-2008
Location: Playas de Tijuana
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Quote: | Originally posted by David K
However, the new Tundra is indeed full size (now)
The Nissan Titan is also a full size truck... |
Do you mean a 4 x 8 foot sheet of plywood lies flat in the bed? In my book that defines a full size pickup and is a requirement.
[Edited on 12-21-2009 by k-rico]
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Paladin
Nomad

Posts: 164
Registered: 3-25-2006
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1996 Toy started with 3.4 and dumped the 3.0 which had all the headgasket problems.
I have a 93 4runner...blown 4 gaskets...toy fixed the first 3
I just poured in "glue" in last time
still going great.
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David K
Honored Nomad
       
Posts: 65287
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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Quote: | Originally posted by k-rico
Quote: | Originally posted by David K
However, the new Tundra is indeed full size (now)
The Nissan Titan is also a full size truck... |
Do you mean a 4 x 8 foot sheet of plywood lies flat in the bed? In my book that defines a full size pickup and is a requirement.
[Edited on 12-21-2009 by k-rico] |
4X8 plywood...
Well, 4' is 48" and the Tundra is 50" between the wheel wells. 8' is 96" and the Tundra is 97.6"
Here are the specs on the long bed and short bed Tundra...
DIMENSIONS
Exterior dimensions (in.):
Overall height 76.2
Overall width 79.9
Overall length (Standard Bed/Long Bed) (Short Bed on CrewMax) 228.7
Wheelbase (Standard Bed/Long Bed) (Short Bed on CrewMax) 145.7
Inside bed length (Standard Bed/Long Bed) (Short Bed on CrewMax) 97.6
Inside bed depth 22.2
Inside bed width at tailgate 66.4
Inside bed width between wheelwells 50
Track (front and rear) 67.9
Ground clearance 10.6
Maximum load height 35.4
Exterior dimensions (in.):
Overall height 76
Overall width 79.9
Overall length (Standard Bed/Long Bed) (Short Bed on CrewMax) 228.7
Wheelbase (Standard Bed/Long Bed) (Short Bed on CrewMax) 145.7
Inside bed length (Standard Bed/Long Bed) (Short Bed on CrewMax) 78.7
Inside bed depth 22.2
Inside bed width at tailgate 66.4
Inside bed width between wheelwells 50
Track (front and rear) 67.9
Ground clearance 10.4
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k-rico
Super Nomad
  
Posts: 2079
Registered: 7-10-2008
Location: Playas de Tijuana
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Then the answer is yes.
Finally. Took 'em long enough.
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David K
Honored Nomad
       
Posts: 65287
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
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Mood: Have Baja Fever
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This is nothing new... and I am not sure what the bed size was of the 2006 and earlier Tundras.
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k-rico
Super Nomad
  
Posts: 2079
Registered: 7-10-2008
Location: Playas de Tijuana
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2006 is like yesterday to me. I'm driving a 1991 Ford and hopefully it will see its 25th birthday in my driveway.
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Barry A.
Select Nomad
     
Posts: 10007
Registered: 11-30-2003
Location: Redding, Northern CA
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Mood: optimistic
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Just to muddy the water---------For your additional consideration, take a look at the Nissan X-Terra. Tho certainly not a pickup, I think it compares
very favorably to the Toy 4-runner and the Toy FJ. In fact I was so impressed I bought one. (2007) We love it!!!! It is the same chassis, I
believe, as the Frontier which IS a pickup------also impressive.
We did have to beef up the suspension (it was really woosy), but now it is near perfect. Look at the "off road" model and the specs---------VERY
impressive. (elec lockers, bilstein shocks, and other goodies come stock)
Barry
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