Anyone own an '05-07 Tacoma?

[Islandvic]

How does a CrewCab Tacoma V-6 get the same or worse MPG than full size V-8 Trucks.

My other option is a GMC Sierra 4.8 SLE1 extended cab with Trailer Towing Pack, Leather Bench Seat upgrade, 17" Alloy Rim Upgrade, and Locking Diff.

Wouldnt the Sierra get worse MPG than the Tacoma?

 

[crw]

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Go small or go big... this mid-size stuff in the pickup market OUGHT to be the "best of all worlds", but it appears to be the worst of all options.

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Looks that way, unless you get a regular cab Taco, Ranger or Colorado with the 4 cyl 5 speed. The others get the same (some worse) mileage than a fullsize.

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Yes, that's what I mean by "go small", regular cab, 4 cylinder 5-speed.

 

[Fatboymoe]

Seems to be a cult following against Tacoma's. Everybody thinks that their decision was the best, and everyone else is either badly mis-informed or just plain dumb for buying such a vehicle. Well, I don't think much of the other choices, especially the Nissan Titan. That would of been last on my list. I would of bought another Ford before buying a Nissan.





I just love it when people play the numbers game with resale, interest and total cost when they don't know what numbers to start with. Skewing numbers should be left to to experts, the Federal Government, not here on this thread.

 

[Warlord]

Whatever you do don't get one with the bottom of the heap wheels. I see a taco once in a while that I assume has 4 little spare tires on and then I see that they come like that from the factory. They're not particularly attractive to begin with but they look alright with bigger wheels. I don't know if I could stand driving a midsize v-6 truck and getting the same mpg as a 5.3 v-8 silverado. Especially when the silverado is significantly cheaper.

 

[cousincletus]

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How does a CrewCab Tacoma V-6 get the same or worse MPG than full size V-8 Trucks.

My other option is a GMC Sierra 4.8 SLE1 extended cab with Trailer Towing Pack, Leather Bench Seat upgrade, 17" Alloy Rim Upgrade, and Locking Diff.

Wouldnt the Sierra get worse MPG than the Tacoma?

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I was comparing a V-6 fullsize to a V-6 midsize. They get the same mileage. I know people with Dakotas who get the same mileage as my fullsize Dodge. So unless you just like the smaller size and slightly lower cost (in some cases) my opinion is to get a fullsize Chevy 4.3. This is a proven design, costs reasonably to buy new, parts are cheap, and gets the same mileage (better than some) as a midsize.

 

[1sttruck]

"How does a CrewCab Tacoma V-6 get the same or worse MPG than full size V-8 Trucks."

How does a less than full size truck, smaller SUV, BMW, or Audi, or Honda minivan, etc., get the same or worse mileage (city at least) than a full size truck ? The same or worse than a 3/4 ton 4x4 ? Some just do. Funnier yet, they can cost more too, not last as long especially when worked hard, and being smaller often aren't as comfortable.

GM seems to have perhpas done best in improving mileage on their full size trucks, as I've heard some getting as good or better mileage from their 'gassers' as my 3/4 ton diesel.

 

[cousincletus]

I would have to agree about GM being the best for gas mileage. Every GM I have ever owned gets at least the EPA mileage, most have been better. Wife's Durango lucky to get EPA city mileage as combined mileage. I have an Impala 3.4 that gets 33-34 mpg on a trip w/cruise control set @ 67 MPH. I wouldn't even believe this if someone told me, but I've seen it for myself that a fullsize car could get this kind of mileage.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

Vic,
I have an 06 dbl cab Taco. It's a nice truck , too nice for what I use it for (hauling dirt, fishing etc..) It has the same driveline as my wifes 4 runner, but her 4 runner is much lighter and quicker, so the newer Taco is kind of heavy.

Mileage is decent I honestly only get about 20 highway while the 4 runner gets agracious 23-25 mpg. Again the Taco is comparably fat.
For me a new truck was a waste, I don't need one that's new for the amount I use it and if I can sell mine I will get an old beater fullsize To haul dirt and mulch and take me to the river. Not that I don't love the Taco, I just hate making payments when I may only drive it 3-5 days a month when I haul stuff otherwise we drive the 4 runner.

The Tacoma is a wonderfull vehicle but it is not a good value when compared to some discounted full size offerings out there.
I know you need a presentable vehicle if you are still practicing real estate but a 06 or older Tundra in good condition would probably be a better deal. Same with some of the GM offerings.


As for your laundery list, The performance and reliability and satisfaction with the vehicle are great, I love the truck.
I have a 2wd TRD offroad package dble cab with the short wheel base and towing package. If you get a Taco get the Towing package, the extra cooling capacity is worth it alone, I have never attempted the 6500 tow rating.
Previous Tacos I had were more sporting, this one is more refined and much more comfortable with the larger cabin and the much nicer seats.
The bed is great for hauling dirt and mulch rocks etc, no dents, no scratches.
The engine and 5 speed auto match up nicely. And I have never had it in the service department. Ever. in the 1.5 years and 8500 miles I have owned it it has hauled alot of stuff for the house and been a nice ride, just a bit to nice and too expensive for what I need(which isn't much more than a glorified ranch truck).

Good luck with the shopping.
Bryan

 

[Islandvic]

A few here did not read my second post about how I would option a GMC, or what I am really looking for in any truck I buy.

I will not get a 4cyl taco, V-6 Full size, or a beater Blazer as some have posted would be better options.

Yes the GMC may have lower initail cost, but there are other factors also.

I will probably still keep my '95 Z-71 to "junk around" in.

More comments welcome.

 

[Mokanic]

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FXJohn,
Don't tell me about Domestic build quailty. I have an 05 Mustang GT that I am suing Ford under the lemon law. 5100mi and 20,that's right 20, trips to the dealer and it still is not repaired. Bad radio, slipping transmission, 3 master cylinders, 3 trunk releases and the list goes on and on. Junk. Pure and simple.

I have had my Toyota since March. Want to guess how many times it been back to the dealer in the same amount of miles? Zero!

You also state that the price of parts are more expensive. Well, if you don't need as many parts, the overall cost is lower.

I am not an "interest payer" and I do my own maintenance. So the cost of ownership for me is low. Initial buy in might be more expensive, but less time and money wasted at repair shops or under the hood doing it myself is worth it. How much is your time worth? If you have the time, great. I don't.

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The old line about parts being astronomical for a Toyota and Chevies being cheap to fix went out with the old 350 Chevy engine and considering GM won't stand behind anything by calling everything "normal" Toyotas are much more economical to maintain. I'd rather have a control module for the ABS on a Toyota cost $1000 and not ever need one that a GM module costing $500 that dies every 80K on a Silverado. Tacomas are not the cheapest truck to be had but their reliability record and resale value has been impeccable. I sold my 99Tacoma ext. cab 4X4 V-6 for 12.5K. It had 145K when I sold it. I had bought it three years earlier when it had 90K on it for $12K. Nothing but maintenance in between. Try that with a Dakota or a S-10. I don't like the new bigger Tacomas becouse of their swelling size but they are still super reliable trucks. My dad got rid of his 01Ranger for a 03Tacoma and it's never been back to a dealer for anything other than the volentary ball-joint replacement. The Ranger had three transmissions before it had 30K on it and dad has never towed a thing in his life.
The customers I have are so loyal to their Tacomas becouse the trucks have never let them down. They do oil services on them and maintenance when needed and thats it.

 

[FXjohn]

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FXJohn,
Don't tell me about Domestic build quailty. I have an 05 Mustang GT that I am suing Ford under the lemon law. 5100mi and 20,that's right 20, trips to the dealer and it still is not repaired. Bad radio, slipping transmission, 3 master cylinders, 3 trunk releases and the list goes on and on. Junk. Pure and simple.

I have had my Toyota since March. Want to guess how many times it been back to the dealer in the same amount of miles? Zero!

You also state that the price of parts are more expensive. Well, if you don't need as many parts, the overall cost is lower.

I am not an "interest payer" and I do my own maintenance. So the cost of ownership for me is low. Initial buy in might be more expensive, but less time and money wasted at repair shops or under the hood doing it myself is worth it. How much is your time worth? If you have the time, great. I don't.

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The old line about parts being astronomical for a Toyota and Chevies being cheap to fix went out with the old 350 Chevy engine and considering GM won't stand behind anything by calling everything "normal" Toyotas are much more economical to maintain. I'd rather have a control module for the ABS on a Toyota cost $1000 and not ever need one that a GM module costing $500 that dies every 80K on a Silverado. Tacomas are not the cheapest truck to be had but their reliability record and resale value has been impeccable. I sold my 99Tacoma ext. cab 4X4 V-6 for 12.5K. It had 145K when I sold it. I had bought it three years earlier when it had 90K on it for $12K. Nothing but maintenance in between. Try that with a Dakota or a S-10. I don't like the new bigger Tacomas becouse of their swelling size but they are still super reliable trucks. My dad got rid of his 01Ranger for a 03Tacoma and it's never been back to a dealer for anything other than the volentary ball-joint replacement. The Ranger had three transmissions before it had 30K on it and dad has never towed a thing in his life.
The customers I have are so loyal to their Tacomas becouse the trucks have never let them down. They do oil services on them and maintenance when needed and thats it.

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Bull. There are no cheaper parts to get for a vehicle than an S10 especially the old square body style.
In 240k I have only needed a fuel pump and a transmission on my S10. I should have changed the transmission fluid more, I realize now. 22mpg highway with the 4.3. Oops, guess you were wrong.

 

[mshu7]

Islandvic,

I leased an '07 Taco TRD Sport DC 4x4 a few weeks ago. I grew up in a GM family and have never owned a Toyota before.

I have to say, I love the truck. I haven't driven it much it because I haven't gotten rid of the car it's replacing yet.

Here's the deal I got on mine:
Tacoma TRD Sport DC 4x4
MSRP: $30,229
Negotiated Price: $27,840 plus tax and doc. (98.20 plus 1.25 tire tax).

I've only filled up the tank once but I got 19mpg with the very first tank (87 octane I assume). The manual recommends premium fuel so I suspect it will get better between engine break-in and correct octane use.

Anyway, I absolutely love the truck. The engine & 5-spd. auto trans perform great. At ~600 miles, I can't find anything to complain about on the truck. It has a 7K RPM tachometer but I can drive it comfortably and keep it at 2K RPM's or less.

Good luck with your search.

 

[JohnBrowning]

Anyone that thinks domestic autoparts prices are that far off from imports prices are liveing in the dark. Prices for vechile parts made in the last 7 years are going to be about the same from OEM dealerships parts counters. The after market is still slightly cheaper on domestic parts then import parts but not by much. It is not like the 1980's where I could buy 8 small block chevy rods for the same price as one Toyota rod for a 22RE.

Ask someone with a central port injection unit on a GM vechile if they like haveing to have it professionaly flushed or replaced every 55,000 miles. Theose units are so bad California Air Research Board mad GM warranty them in that state for 300,000 miles.

How about all the rotors and pads that GM owners go through. The multiple water pumps,window regulators,fuel pumps,blower motors,starters,alternators,injectors,upper,lower intake manifolds,warped manifolds etc.... So while the parts might be slightly cheaper you go through many more of them so were is the saveing????

 

[FXjohn]

I haven't needed all those parts you listed. The fact is that used doemstic parts are more abundant and cheaper than foreign also.

 

[Mokanic]

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I haven't needed all those parts you listed. The fact is that used doemstic parts are more abundant and cheaper than foreign also.

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Used domestic parts certainly are more abundant as there are many more of them in junk yards but not cheaper. Demand is what drives used part prices not whether it's an import or domestic. I work on domestics and "import" cars and the domestics almost allways cost more to keep on the road in top codition. You most certainly can patch an old Chevy for less but if you compare parts prices on a new Colorado with parts on a new Tacoma you'll learn something about parts prices.

 

[FXjohn]

I paid 800 to have a used trans installed in my S-10. How much to install one in a 96 Toyota pickup? By the time the trucks need those parts, they will be old and used obviously. If you are only going to use that truck for a few years and don't care that a full size can get just as good of mileage, it's your money to waste.

 

[Fatboymoe]

$800! Wow, what a rip off. One used 700R4 or 4L60 + install. Guess someone saw you comming. Talk about wasting money.

 

[Mokanic]

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I paid 800 to have a used trans installed in my S-10. How much to install one in a 96 Toyota pickup? By the time the trucks need those parts, they will be old and used obviously. If you are only going to use that truck for a few years and don't care that a full size can get just as good of mileage, it's your money to waste.

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Unless a 96 Toyota truck is the victim of abuse or neglect you aren't going to be putting a transmission in such a new truck. To answer your question, my mailman runs a 97 Tacoma on his mailroute. At 375K his transmission finally gave up due to the abuse a mailroute puts on a vehicle. I got him a low-mileage unit from Japan(43K miles on used transmission) for 500 bucks. I installed it along with a cooler for 250 bucks. So you see, your Chevy is entirely too expensive to buy parts for. If you think that price is not accurate on the transmission do a little research for yourself before you make a false statement about the cost of repairing a Toyota.

 

[FXjohn]

hmmm, so your claims about all the breakdowns which happen to all chevies and not mine ISN'T a false claim? LOL
You didn't address the inferior mileage.

 

[FXjohn]

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$800! Wow, what a rip off. One used 700R4 or 4L60 + install. Guess someone saw you comming. Talk about wasting money.

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What should the price have been, fats?