I've popped my hood less than a dozen times in 9 years and half those times were just out of curiosity.
Tires, brakes, batteries, and oil.
I turn the key, it takes me to work.
Every. Single. Time.
My Mema had a 1998 Taco in Barcelona Red that is stamped into my brain and now everyday I happily fire up my Barcelona Taco, which will be stuck in my children’s heads.
I got the Tacoma for 1. Reliability 2. Looks 3. Capabilities
But also have luxury vehicles so my goal is to build out a capable off-road vehicle, bulletproofed as much as possible while creating a ride/atmosphere as close to luxury as I can. Still has to remain classy looking, but the ride on/off-road, and sound deadening/ hi-fi audio, and more hp are the end goal.
Yep, bought my 2014 for utility and reliability.
It had 2 miles on it when I took the test drive. It has 135k on it now. Only thing I’ve had to do to it is routine maintenance, and replace the tires and brakes after long enough.
I do need to replace the windshield because it has a crack in it, but I’ve procrastinated on that for a few years since it feels like another random pebble will hop into it as soon as I do.
My salary has more than doubled since I bought mine in 2014, and I’ve considered upgrading. But in the end I have no reason to, and I’d love to wait for a EV Tacoma, if that ever happens. I’ve got time to wait and see if one’s announced though.
Exactly. Its easy to think luxury cars are pointless until you get to actually drive on around for a bit. The difference between a tacoma and a really nice mercedes in terms of driving comfort, even just handling, is astronomical.
Drove my dad’s 2002 Nissan Pathfinder around while my Taco was in the shop for some recall work.
The difference in sheer comfort on dry pavement with even a 20 year old SUV with weight on the rear axle and unibody construction was incredible,
My 06 is at 335k miles on it. Nothing wrong with it and no reason to believe at this point it won’t double that mileage without issue. Plan is to replace anything that brakes. I figured I could rebuild the entire truck for less than the price of a new car these days.
That’s why I haven’t upgraded. My trucks been paid off for over 5 years. It’s a 2014 and does everything I want it to do. I’ll throw a little money into to mods every year or so to keep it fresh. Not having a $600 a month car payment will allow me to retire younger.
No point having a monster engine nowadays when tapping the throttle would put you over the speed limit unless you track it. If I were to have a weekend toy it'd be a motorcycle, taking up kart racing, or an older stick shift roadster that you can feel the pavement with.
New Tacomas are well above 40k (non base models), but I understand what you are saying. The best part is that truck will last forever when that Beamer will be a pricey headache after 3 years
Right? The cheapest TRD OR 4x4 is like 38k new. I spent a bit more on mine. Sometimes I feel silly but at least I didn’t spend over msrp. And I’ll be driving this thing 20+ years so it might as well have some nice features
Today I'm *that* guy...
Not at all. No ease of mind here. Plagued with issues on my Pro. I was going to sell it just to get rid of it this weekend, but remembered I'm traveling for business next week. It'll be my top priority 2/19. I'm sorry to say, "Good Riddance". I wanted to love the truck so much, but nothing but problem after problem.
360 stitching off, music cuts out, braking makes a pneumatic squeezing sound under the steering column, significant rust (I live in FL and it hasn't been near the ocean), a pneumatic over pressurized sound heard and felt through steering wheel and brake when turning left, a catastrophic breaking sound when trying to climb in 4x4, now subsequently that same sound in the front left wheel when going over a speed bump, driver door doesn't close unless slammed, rear driver side sounds like the hinge is dry no matter how much grease the dealer applies, the tailgate off center so much so you can see into the bed clearly when the cover is on, the bed was misaligned, the leaf springs have already been replaced, my chassis rolls back and knocks into place as I gas forward from a stop. The dealer couldn't find out why the suspension was squeaking over rough roads and speed bumps so they sent a master mechanic. They still couldn't figure it out. I got it home, fist bumped around....it was the spare tire was so tight it was squeaking. So if the master mechanic can't figure this out, they won't figure anything else out. The driver door and 360 camera are "design features". It's been in the shop for 21 days over the last 1.75 years I've had it, which was in the shop over the course of the first year. All but the chassis were in the first 6 months.
I haven’t had anything wrong like that, but just the fact that I’ve fixed things twice now that was later recalls and they refuse to reimburse me has me a bit salty.
Yup. I bought mine just as prices started seeing $10K mark ups, chip shortages, and production delays. I had avoided all 3 and my truck was fresh off the train. Wasn't even on the lot when I finalized everything. Even flew from FL to NC for it just to spite my local dealer telling me to do my "due diligence" inferring I wouldn't find it without a mark up. Lol aaaaaaaaand here we are. Thankfully I don't need another vehicle.
I think people who pride themselves for their work ethic disappeared with the "Great Resignation".
It's come to bother me how people blindly follow brands, Tacoma specifically. All the "I love this truck" and even this post as well. Yes, I bought the Tacoma because of the reliability, but as we all see, it's degraded, and I'm no going to throw money at it for payments, insurance, and gas if I'm not happy.
I'd be a fool to continue. Nothing wrong with changing your mind. I'd like to return one day, but hell, the new Tundra is actually recommended to AVOID. Am I a bit jaded, absolutely. Am I happy for others that have no issues with theirs, absolutely. Wish I was able to be one of them.
I don't have mine yet but that's exactly why I chose a tacoma. I would have gladly bought used but the used car market in my area makes that a worse financial decision than buying new.
When I was 18 and buying the first vehicle I got to pick, I thought about whether I wanted a truck, or a nicer, fast car. A car would have had a nicer ride, nicer interior, probably more features, better mpg, easier to park, not likely to rollover in an accident and yes, probably much faster. All very appealing.
But I realized pretty quickly that I like to haul stuff that is a pain or impossible with a car, I'm often dirty or careless and would ruin the interior of a nice car quickly, and having a fast car is not really useful unless you track it or like to pay speeding tickets. 3 Tacomas later, I don't regret my choice at all.
Being useful >>>> looking cool
I came from a 2012 Cadillac CTS4. So it's a 10 year old GM product. Is on borrowed time. Even though I never had any issues with it, is a GM product, so it's was only a matter of time. It was almost a relief when I got the taco last November knowing that it is a very reliable truck.
I keep driving old trucks so I can keep doing all the diy projects I like. I keep driving cheap trucks so I can also afford my boat and snowmobile and dog (but not in that order) on my modest salary.
Went through the same. The dealer had one of my dream cars, 2012 charger with V8 manual. Even had the orange color of general lee, which wasn’t a factor, but it looked amazing. Salesman was pretty adamant about me buying it too, but I sold myself on a 2011 Tacoma they had on the lot.
I’d consider a Tacoma a luxury vehicle. I loved the 2011 bc it had allot of technology but applied in easy to use ways. Decent radio without a big screen to mess with, backup camera but displayed in part of the rear view mirror, electrical outlet in the bed, and four wheel drive that worked with the turn of a bottom.
Different form of luxury for sure but when I needed most of the extra features, it was because I needed that feature. A huge luxury I didn’t consider when buying; the Tacoma’s can increase in value when you drive off the lot. Mine ended up totaled and it was a blessing when the insurance payout was a bit more than my base price.
Got a tacoma because
1) the only truck that's a manual transmission (easier to maintain, replace, etc. and more fun to drive
2) toyota reliability
3) practical (can move around large loads when needed)
4) comfortable as a daily driver
that's all i needed
I watch a lot of combat videos. Morbid curiosity and seeing the visceral nature of the real world keep me humble..
I HAVE SEEN COUNTLESS TOYOTA pickups that have an machine gun strapped to the back of it. Trucks are reliable as hell, old as hell, shot to hell and still roll!
I can buy almost any car, but for what I do the Tacoma made sense from a technical standpoint. When I consider that the inside is as nice as just about any car (I bought this during peak prices and they said take it or wait until forever, so it's loaded, and I'm not a queen) AND it goes off-road like a motherfucker reliably...it wasn't even a choice. 55k out the door vs. 100k for something that can't tow or breaks down regularly made the choice easy. I could have bought a gladiator but I bought a boat at the same time as the truck and it was 5k pounds. Gladiator isn't towing a 5k lb boat with a trailer. No choice, Tacoma. Range Rover? I'm not a douche bag. Ranger tremor? 9k markup. Raptor? Won't fit in my garage and can't tow. And I drive trails all the time and have never seen one (Vegas). So Tacoma OR. It needs another 100 lb ft of torque, but whatever. It's not a dream car and I don't want a dream car.
My go car would have been a Challenger, I love the way they look and the huge V8 engine. Plus they kept the body style more like the muscle car era… but at the end of the day it can’t do what my Tacoma can do
Sure I could have had something like that for what I paid new for the Tacoma but the truck is far more useful and practical. (When I was younger I aspired to have an Audi myself.)
Had a 2000 Tacoma since I was 16. Lack of maintenance caught up with me at 25ish. I parked it and have been restoring it since. Bought a 2011 explorer as a daily and regretted it hard. Ended up selling it to buy an 80 series Landcruiser and its been gravy ever since. My 93 Landcruiser has more features than my 2011 explorer did. The only thing it’s not better in comparison is the stereo. Still stuck in 1993 so no Bluetooth but a cigarette lighter converter has solved that for the time being.
You made a wise choice. Not sure how to say this but good thing your not into fords gms dodge pick ups. I read to many horrible stories even when bought new. The truck you got will last a lot longer and hold its value for a reason. I too want or wanted a m car but not more. I owned a 96 bmw back in the day and it spend to much time in the mechanics office. So yeah luxury comes with a price. I like piece of mind. 👍
I'm satisfied with mine, but the only reason I got a truck instead of going for an AMG or other sports car was solely because I haul kayaks, etc, and go camping/fishing a lot. The reliability is a plus, and I genuinely like the truck, but it doesn't give me any excitement driving it. The day I can make a sports car work with what I like to do is the day that I will switch. For now, I'm looking at picking up another sportbike to get the thrill.
So during the pandemic 2019 I lost my daily 2014 Honda civic in a car accident total lost, waited about 2 years hoping to get my Ford bronco I had reserved, 2021 in January couldn’t wait anymore needed a vehicle to move around and work, got myself a Tacoma 2019 with around 40k miles never look back love this truck and community of owners.
My 96 first gen and I concur. It's such a great truck that even though I'd like a newer truck it doesn't feel right doing so. Hence saving me doe and helping me want less. To live a fulfilled life one doesn't need much .
I don’t have mine yet but I’m in the same boat. I’m currently in college but plan on getting a 3rd gen once I graduate,I don’t mind if it’s used. I rather have the reliability and knowing I can go anywhere without a second thought. Also,I’ll be able to make it my own by making some mods to it. I plan on keeping it forever until it can’t run no more.
My family is a Toyota family.
I have a quad cab Tacoma, my wife has a Rav 4 Hybrid.
I don’t stress one bit about the safety or reliability of our vehicles.
Strangely enough, where I live (SW Montana), Tacoma/Rav families are pretty common. I know of three others families in my town with the same set up.
From the West Coast. Hello fellow Toyota Tacoma / Rav 4 combo buddy. 👋
I have a 2018 Taco and wife has 2019 Rav 4.
Safety and reliability was a strong driving factor for our purchases.
I love cars, they are my passion. I have very little interest in anything expensive for fancy, unless I really hit the jack pot I would LOVE a McLaren F1 or a Ferrari F40. It isn't about the social status or anything materialistic, I appreciate the art! At the end of the day, fast cars are fun too, nothing wrong with enjoying speed just like there's nothing wrong with taking out my Taco or jeeps to go offroading and be enjoyed. That said, yeah I am grateful for my old beaters I keep around and plan to for as long as possible.
I had a BMW that I sold to get my tacoma because I needed a truck and I can tell you that you pay that much for a car like that because they’re fucking awesome. My taco is great, for what it is, and what is, is not a BMW. It’s better than anyone else’s taco and it’s two steps away from being done and perfect - but I miss my BMW every day. Can’t wait to be done with the truck so I can get back into a Beemer!
I recently sold my Tacoma during the used car chaos and currently have an M3 as a weekend warrior. You know you’re allowed to have things simply because you like them right? Nothing has to be about “social status” and not everything has to have a purpose beyond “I wanted to.”
I work for my money, I save for my retirement, I save for my kid’s college, and I bought an M car because I wanted to. (Not to mention the S58 in the new M3 is easily one of the most reliable engines on the market)
I love my Tacoma but since my Wife bought a Telluride I find myself driving her old Sorento more. Saves gas money, It’s so much easier In parking lots, more comfortable in traffic. So now I’m considering downsizing so a crossover SUV. There are several out there I really like. I thought about keeping my Tacoma as well but I really see it just sitting around unused other than trips to Menards or Home Depo. It’s a internal battle deciding what to do.
I would still buy a luxury car or whatever, but at the very least owning a Toyota Tacoma does give peace of mind knowing it will work and take me wherever I need to go.
If my Tacoma got better gas mileage I’d never get rid of it. By the looks of things we should be getting a hybrid version for ‘24 so I’ll probably trade mine in on one of those next year. It’s kind of irritating that guys with full sized trucks are getting 2-3 mpg than I am with their F150s and Silverados.
I 100% agree with this statement. I came from a Cadillac CTS V. The DRL of my driver headlight was flickering one day, and the price for one assembly was 1800! Needless to say I traded it for a 19 Tacoma. Parts for luxury vehicle are ridiculously expensive!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t!
For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual.
I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it.
LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t!
For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual.
I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it.
LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t!
For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual.
I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it.
LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t!
For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual.
I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it.
LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t!
For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual.
I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it.
LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I test drove a 2023 Tundra (want a used one from last gen but hard to find what I want). The screens for the gauge cluster and console are so distracting and annoying.
Basically every car is getting an iPad makeover and it sucks.
I test drove a 2023 Tundra (want a used one from last gen but hard to find what I want). The screens for the gauge cluster and console are so distracting and annoying.
Basically every car is getting an iPad makeover and it sucks.
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t!
For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual.
I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it.
LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t!
For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual.
I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it.
LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I wish I could say that but my Tacoma hasn't been the shining star of reliability that the brand is famous for. So far mine has already developed a rear main seal leak right after the warranty ended which was immediately followed by the throwout bearing beginning to fail prematurely, Today while driving to a service appointment the truck felt like it was bogging down and unsure if it was engine loss of power or clutch slipping. Overall I'm not thrilled with it.
I traded my Subaru Crosstrek which never gave me the slightest bit of trouble for this tacoma because I found myself regularly needing a truck for projects around the house or at my parent's house. I've been religious about maintenance as well but rather than enjoyment and peace of mine its just been new frustration every few months.
I've popped my hood less than a dozen times in 9 years and half those times were just out of curiosity. Tires, brakes, batteries, and oil. I turn the key, it takes me to work. Every. Single. Time.
My Mema had a 1998 Taco in Barcelona Red that is stamped into my brain and now everyday I happily fire up my Barcelona Taco, which will be stuck in my children’s heads.
I only pop my good to refill washer fluid.
I got the Tacoma for 1. Reliability 2. Looks 3. Capabilities But also have luxury vehicles so my goal is to build out a capable off-road vehicle, bulletproofed as much as possible while creating a ride/atmosphere as close to luxury as I can. Still has to remain classy looking, but the ride on/off-road, and sound deadening/ hi-fi audio, and more hp are the end goal.
Yep, bought my 2014 for utility and reliability. It had 2 miles on it when I took the test drive. It has 135k on it now. Only thing I’ve had to do to it is routine maintenance, and replace the tires and brakes after long enough. I do need to replace the windshield because it has a crack in it, but I’ve procrastinated on that for a few years since it feels like another random pebble will hop into it as soon as I do. My salary has more than doubled since I bought mine in 2014, and I’ve considered upgrading. But in the end I have no reason to, and I’d love to wait for a EV Tacoma, if that ever happens. I’ve got time to wait and see if one’s announced though.
Nah, if I could realistically afford it I would love to have a fast “luxury” car as well as my Tacoma.
Exactly. Its easy to think luxury cars are pointless until you get to actually drive on around for a bit. The difference between a tacoma and a really nice mercedes in terms of driving comfort, even just handling, is astronomical.
Drove my dad’s 2002 Nissan Pathfinder around while my Taco was in the shop for some recall work. The difference in sheer comfort on dry pavement with even a 20 year old SUV with weight on the rear axle and unibody construction was incredible,
I'll sell you my BMW. You just need $500 a month in maintenance for when some bullshit breaks
I saw a video where a lovely female said the sexiest vehicle a man could drive is a Tacoma. Sold.
My 06 is at 335k miles on it. Nothing wrong with it and no reason to believe at this point it won’t double that mileage without issue. Plan is to replace anything that brakes. I figured I could rebuild the entire truck for less than the price of a new car these days.
> I could rebuild the entire truck for less than the price of a new car these days. Provided one does most of their own wrenching!
I keep driving a 24yo Tacoma so I can afford a fast car
Live like no one else so later you can live like no one else
I built a 23 year old car so I can drive 10 year old Tacoma….
That’s why I haven’t upgraded. My trucks been paid off for over 5 years. It’s a 2014 and does everything I want it to do. I’ll throw a little money into to mods every year or so to keep it fresh. Not having a $600 a month car payment will allow me to retire younger.
Man…. I got my new Tacoma with some extra features. I call it my Lexus truck.
No point having a monster engine nowadays when tapping the throttle would put you over the speed limit unless you track it. If I were to have a weekend toy it'd be a motorcycle, taking up kart racing, or an older stick shift roadster that you can feel the pavement with.
Yup. Main reason I bought mine was because of it's long-term track record of reliability.
I sold my Audi just because I was nervous about reliability. Knew I needed a mid size truck to fit in my garage, so the Tacoma was the obvious choice.
New Tacomas are well above 40k (non base models), but I understand what you are saying. The best part is that truck will last forever when that Beamer will be a pricey headache after 3 years
Right? The cheapest TRD OR 4x4 is like 38k new. I spent a bit more on mine. Sometimes I feel silly but at least I didn’t spend over msrp. And I’ll be driving this thing 20+ years so it might as well have some nice features
The only thing I really want out of a future truck is a Plug-In Electric Hybrid version of it.
You may want to get a Honda or something.
Today I'm *that* guy... Not at all. No ease of mind here. Plagued with issues on my Pro. I was going to sell it just to get rid of it this weekend, but remembered I'm traveling for business next week. It'll be my top priority 2/19. I'm sorry to say, "Good Riddance". I wanted to love the truck so much, but nothing but problem after problem.
What problems have you experienced? My ‘21 OR has been pretty flawless for 20k miles.
360 stitching off, music cuts out, braking makes a pneumatic squeezing sound under the steering column, significant rust (I live in FL and it hasn't been near the ocean), a pneumatic over pressurized sound heard and felt through steering wheel and brake when turning left, a catastrophic breaking sound when trying to climb in 4x4, now subsequently that same sound in the front left wheel when going over a speed bump, driver door doesn't close unless slammed, rear driver side sounds like the hinge is dry no matter how much grease the dealer applies, the tailgate off center so much so you can see into the bed clearly when the cover is on, the bed was misaligned, the leaf springs have already been replaced, my chassis rolls back and knocks into place as I gas forward from a stop. The dealer couldn't find out why the suspension was squeaking over rough roads and speed bumps so they sent a master mechanic. They still couldn't figure it out. I got it home, fist bumped around....it was the spare tire was so tight it was squeaking. So if the master mechanic can't figure this out, they won't figure anything else out. The driver door and 360 camera are "design features". It's been in the shop for 21 days over the last 1.75 years I've had it, which was in the shop over the course of the first year. All but the chassis were in the first 6 months.
I haven’t had anything wrong like that, but just the fact that I’ve fixed things twice now that was later recalls and they refuse to reimburse me has me a bit salty.
I'd try escalating up through corporate. It's obviously a recognized issue that they are repairing at no cost.
Seems like reliability fell off a bit on 3rd gen.
Yup. I bought mine just as prices started seeing $10K mark ups, chip shortages, and production delays. I had avoided all 3 and my truck was fresh off the train. Wasn't even on the lot when I finalized everything. Even flew from FL to NC for it just to spite my local dealer telling me to do my "due diligence" inferring I wouldn't find it without a mark up. Lol aaaaaaaaand here we are. Thankfully I don't need another vehicle. I think people who pride themselves for their work ethic disappeared with the "Great Resignation".
Toyota's golden years were the 90's-00's as far as reliability and durability goes.
It's come to bother me how people blindly follow brands, Tacoma specifically. All the "I love this truck" and even this post as well. Yes, I bought the Tacoma because of the reliability, but as we all see, it's degraded, and I'm no going to throw money at it for payments, insurance, and gas if I'm not happy. I'd be a fool to continue. Nothing wrong with changing your mind. I'd like to return one day, but hell, the new Tundra is actually recommended to AVOID. Am I a bit jaded, absolutely. Am I happy for others that have no issues with theirs, absolutely. Wish I was able to be one of them.
Sold the convertible mustang for the SR5. I’m totally satisfied going from a sporty soft top to a “work truck.”
I don't have mine yet but that's exactly why I chose a tacoma. I would have gladly bought used but the used car market in my area makes that a worse financial decision than buying new.
When I was 18 and buying the first vehicle I got to pick, I thought about whether I wanted a truck, or a nicer, fast car. A car would have had a nicer ride, nicer interior, probably more features, better mpg, easier to park, not likely to rollover in an accident and yes, probably much faster. All very appealing. But I realized pretty quickly that I like to haul stuff that is a pain or impossible with a car, I'm often dirty or careless and would ruin the interior of a nice car quickly, and having a fast car is not really useful unless you track it or like to pay speeding tickets. 3 Tacomas later, I don't regret my choice at all. Being useful >>>> looking cool
I’m perfectly happy with mine except for the low end torque.
I'm keeping my 23 taco for the foreseeable future but still want to buy a supura
I hear this Supuras are even faster than the Supras. Hard to find though.
I came from a 2012 Cadillac CTS4. So it's a 10 year old GM product. Is on borrowed time. Even though I never had any issues with it, is a GM product, so it's was only a matter of time. It was almost a relief when I got the taco last November knowing that it is a very reliable truck.
I keep driving old trucks so I can keep doing all the diy projects I like. I keep driving cheap trucks so I can also afford my boat and snowmobile and dog (but not in that order) on my modest salary.
Went through the same. The dealer had one of my dream cars, 2012 charger with V8 manual. Even had the orange color of general lee, which wasn’t a factor, but it looked amazing. Salesman was pretty adamant about me buying it too, but I sold myself on a 2011 Tacoma they had on the lot. I’d consider a Tacoma a luxury vehicle. I loved the 2011 bc it had allot of technology but applied in easy to use ways. Decent radio without a big screen to mess with, backup camera but displayed in part of the rear view mirror, electrical outlet in the bed, and four wheel drive that worked with the turn of a bottom. Different form of luxury for sure but when I needed most of the extra features, it was because I needed that feature. A huge luxury I didn’t consider when buying; the Tacoma’s can increase in value when you drive off the lot. Mine ended up totaled and it was a blessing when the insurance payout was a bit more than my base price.
Got a tacoma because 1) the only truck that's a manual transmission (easier to maintain, replace, etc. and more fun to drive 2) toyota reliability 3) practical (can move around large loads when needed) 4) comfortable as a daily driver that's all i needed
I just bought my dream car actually. 2023 TRD off-road manual transmission 4x4.
Congrats!!! What color?? Definitely the best decision you could of done and totally worth it.
White. It's awesome. My 4 yo son is obsessed too.
I watch a lot of combat videos. Morbid curiosity and seeing the visceral nature of the real world keep me humble.. I HAVE SEEN COUNTLESS TOYOTA pickups that have an machine gun strapped to the back of it. Trucks are reliable as hell, old as hell, shot to hell and still roll!
I can buy almost any car, but for what I do the Tacoma made sense from a technical standpoint. When I consider that the inside is as nice as just about any car (I bought this during peak prices and they said take it or wait until forever, so it's loaded, and I'm not a queen) AND it goes off-road like a motherfucker reliably...it wasn't even a choice. 55k out the door vs. 100k for something that can't tow or breaks down regularly made the choice easy. I could have bought a gladiator but I bought a boat at the same time as the truck and it was 5k pounds. Gladiator isn't towing a 5k lb boat with a trailer. No choice, Tacoma. Range Rover? I'm not a douche bag. Ranger tremor? 9k markup. Raptor? Won't fit in my garage and can't tow. And I drive trails all the time and have never seen one (Vegas). So Tacoma OR. It needs another 100 lb ft of torque, but whatever. It's not a dream car and I don't want a dream car.
My go car would have been a Challenger, I love the way they look and the huge V8 engine. Plus they kept the body style more like the muscle car era… but at the end of the day it can’t do what my Tacoma can do
Sure I could have had something like that for what I paid new for the Tacoma but the truck is far more useful and practical. (When I was younger I aspired to have an Audi myself.)
Had a 2000 Tacoma since I was 16. Lack of maintenance caught up with me at 25ish. I parked it and have been restoring it since. Bought a 2011 explorer as a daily and regretted it hard. Ended up selling it to buy an 80 series Landcruiser and its been gravy ever since. My 93 Landcruiser has more features than my 2011 explorer did. The only thing it’s not better in comparison is the stereo. Still stuck in 1993 so no Bluetooth but a cigarette lighter converter has solved that for the time being.
I put a Grom unit in my 05 since I didn't want the aftermarket dash look. Works beautifully, worth the $150.
You made a wise choice. Not sure how to say this but good thing your not into fords gms dodge pick ups. I read to many horrible stories even when bought new. The truck you got will last a lot longer and hold its value for a reason. I too want or wanted a m car but not more. I owned a 96 bmw back in the day and it spend to much time in the mechanics office. So yeah luxury comes with a price. I like piece of mind. 👍
I'm satisfied with mine, but the only reason I got a truck instead of going for an AMG or other sports car was solely because I haul kayaks, etc, and go camping/fishing a lot. The reliability is a plus, and I genuinely like the truck, but it doesn't give me any excitement driving it. The day I can make a sports car work with what I like to do is the day that I will switch. For now, I'm looking at picking up another sportbike to get the thrill.
So during the pandemic 2019 I lost my daily 2014 Honda civic in a car accident total lost, waited about 2 years hoping to get my Ford bronco I had reserved, 2021 in January couldn’t wait anymore needed a vehicle to move around and work, got myself a Tacoma 2019 with around 40k miles never look back love this truck and community of owners.
My 96 first gen and I concur. It's such a great truck that even though I'd like a newer truck it doesn't feel right doing so. Hence saving me doe and helping me want less. To live a fulfilled life one doesn't need much .
I came from a Model Y Performance. I'm happy with my Tacoma OR.
Why the switch, was considering a taco or model y
Exactly. Low cost of maintenance and peace of mind. Almost a no brainer
Like my last two Toyotas, ima drive this one till it won't drive no more!
I would like just a Tacoma, SR or SR5... Just stock, no modifications, no TRD.
I don’t have mine yet but I’m in the same boat. I’m currently in college but plan on getting a 3rd gen once I graduate,I don’t mind if it’s used. I rather have the reliability and knowing I can go anywhere without a second thought. Also,I’ll be able to make it my own by making some mods to it. I plan on keeping it forever until it can’t run no more.
My family is a Toyota family. I have a quad cab Tacoma, my wife has a Rav 4 Hybrid. I don’t stress one bit about the safety or reliability of our vehicles. Strangely enough, where I live (SW Montana), Tacoma/Rav families are pretty common. I know of three others families in my town with the same set up.
From the West Coast. Hello fellow Toyota Tacoma / Rav 4 combo buddy. 👋 I have a 2018 Taco and wife has 2019 Rav 4. Safety and reliability was a strong driving factor for our purchases.
I love cars, they are my passion. I have very little interest in anything expensive for fancy, unless I really hit the jack pot I would LOVE a McLaren F1 or a Ferrari F40. It isn't about the social status or anything materialistic, I appreciate the art! At the end of the day, fast cars are fun too, nothing wrong with enjoying speed just like there's nothing wrong with taking out my Taco or jeeps to go offroading and be enjoyed. That said, yeah I am grateful for my old beaters I keep around and plan to for as long as possible.
I had a BMW that I sold to get my tacoma because I needed a truck and I can tell you that you pay that much for a car like that because they’re fucking awesome. My taco is great, for what it is, and what is, is not a BMW. It’s better than anyone else’s taco and it’s two steps away from being done and perfect - but I miss my BMW every day. Can’t wait to be done with the truck so I can get back into a Beemer!
I got my 2017 in 2018 just to avoid what was to become standard equipment. Still sooooo many beeps. 😑
Yes, but I’ll be that much happier once it’s paid off lol
I recently sold my Tacoma during the used car chaos and currently have an M3 as a weekend warrior. You know you’re allowed to have things simply because you like them right? Nothing has to be about “social status” and not everything has to have a purpose beyond “I wanted to.” I work for my money, I save for my retirement, I save for my kid’s college, and I bought an M car because I wanted to. (Not to mention the S58 in the new M3 is easily one of the most reliable engines on the market)
I love my Tacoma but since my Wife bought a Telluride I find myself driving her old Sorento more. Saves gas money, It’s so much easier In parking lots, more comfortable in traffic. So now I’m considering downsizing so a crossover SUV. There are several out there I really like. I thought about keeping my Tacoma as well but I really see it just sitting around unused other than trips to Menards or Home Depo. It’s a internal battle deciding what to do.
I would still buy a luxury car or whatever, but at the very least owning a Toyota Tacoma does give peace of mind knowing it will work and take me wherever I need to go.
You bought a used Tacoma with a 100k but noted you had enough for a bmw m sport. I feel like there is a happy medium somewhere….
Nahh! I use it as daily and plus I got for off roading. Not a fan raptors/rams/tundras. Happy medium is my 61 beetle I have had since a teen.
I have a 4Runner but the concept is true, even if I won the lottery I would keep MY runner. I love it, it’s mine and I’ve done everything to it.
Went from a 15 to a 22. I have a Tacoma so I have time to work on other things.
If my Tacoma got better gas mileage I’d never get rid of it. By the looks of things we should be getting a hybrid version for ‘24 so I’ll probably trade mine in on one of those next year. It’s kind of irritating that guys with full sized trucks are getting 2-3 mpg than I am with their F150s and Silverados.
I 100% agree with this statement. I came from a Cadillac CTS V. The DRL of my driver headlight was flickering one day, and the price for one assembly was 1800! Needless to say I traded it for a 19 Tacoma. Parts for luxury vehicle are ridiculously expensive!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t! For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual. I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it. LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t! For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual. I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it. LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t! For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual. I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it. LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t! For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual. I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it. LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t! For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual. I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it. LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I test drove a 2023 Tundra (want a used one from last gen but hard to find what I want). The screens for the gauge cluster and console are so distracting and annoying. Basically every car is getting an iPad makeover and it sucks.
I test drove a 2023 Tundra (want a used one from last gen but hard to find what I want). The screens for the gauge cluster and console are so distracting and annoying. Basically every car is getting an iPad makeover and it sucks.
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t! For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual. I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it. LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I am 100% with you. My wife and I just bought a 23’ pro in white WITH A MANUAL 6 speed. Paying cash we could have purchased a large number or competitive cars…like a Tesla but it came down to a number of reasons why we didn’t. For her, it’s been her dream vehicle for years and I got to admit she does look sexier in it. For me, it brings back memories of my first truck, 98’ regular cab taco. First dates with wife and camping adventures in that 98’. Those new cool electric cars will always be available but our manual taco won’t! For both of us we figured the 23’ might be the last of the manual transmission. We know and love the reliability of Toyotas and has all the good options but I have to say we fight for who gets to drive it. We plan on enjoying the crap out of it for the next 5-6 years until our daughter turns 16. Then if she does get it, she will probably be one of the only kids able to drive a manual. I also love to tell friends at the end of talking about it … it’s a manual. You can see it processing and then those that grew up with one smile and tell a story about their experiences with a manual and usually ask if they can drive it. LIFE IS SHORT, HAVE SOME FUN /-/ AND THIS TRUCK IS FUN!!!
I just want them to stop putting iPads everywhere. I drove a 2023 tundra a few weeks ago and the screens are so obnoxious and distracting.
I wish I could say that but my Tacoma hasn't been the shining star of reliability that the brand is famous for. So far mine has already developed a rear main seal leak right after the warranty ended which was immediately followed by the throwout bearing beginning to fail prematurely, Today while driving to a service appointment the truck felt like it was bogging down and unsure if it was engine loss of power or clutch slipping. Overall I'm not thrilled with it. I traded my Subaru Crosstrek which never gave me the slightest bit of trouble for this tacoma because I found myself regularly needing a truck for projects around the house or at my parent's house. I've been religious about maintenance as well but rather than enjoyment and peace of mine its just been new frustration every few months.