I'm in the market for a Tacoma to replace my 95 F150 and I was wondering what kind of hubs the 4x4 Tacomas used. I replaced the automatic manually locking hubs on my 150 with Warn manuals, so I'm either in or out depending on what I select. Does the Taco have automatic hubs or is the front always engaged?

Other questions include:
+ V6 vs 4cyl experiences - I've driven a 4cly fairly extensively but not really the V6. The 4cly was anemic in the power department but I was driving a pre-runner double cab and still got close to 25mpg. How about the V6

+ Pre-runner vs 4x4 - obviously one is 2WD and one is 4WD, but I was wondering how well the pre-runner handled off road on moderate trails (the kind that you would use to get you somewhere, not the kind you go looking for trouble . . . done that enough)

Anyone who has $.02 about Tacomas in general is welcome to toss that in as well.

12/12/2007 11:02:57 AM

I like tacomas, if I was in the market for a newer vehicle, a tacoma would be it.

they came with 3 different engines, a 2.4 cyl earlier on, a 2.7 4cyl (which is a great engine), and the 3.4 6 cyl. I've heard all sorts of stuff about the latter- good as long as the timing belt is replaced regularly and maintenance is kept up with, and a toyota tech I know who hates the engine.

manual hubs were available on base model trucks, and are the standard aisin hubs which are pretty tough, warn replacements are actually weaker. you can convert the automatic hubs to manual- offroad solutions sells a kit, but its expensive as you have to change out CV's.

I'd just go ahead and get a 4x4 model. whether you opt for the more expensive TRD package (rear e-locker) is up to you, and whether you think you'll ever need the rear locker. ( handy in some situations)

are you looking at 1st gen taco's or 2nd gens? I'd shoot for an 01-04 tacoma, x-cab 4x4 TRD, with under 100K miles, for under $15K

12/12/2007 12:58:53 PM

Great trucks. I have a 99 4x4 with the 2.7L. It's definetly not a towing machine but it has plenty of power for my needs. Done some light off road and really like the stock hubs. Average 22-24 mpg highway.

The prerunner is essentially the same truck, just minus the 4x4. Tacos are such light trucks that you really need to go ahead and get the 4x4 for decent traction, esp on ice

12/12/2007 9:31:05 PM

i've had 2 taco's

1st was a 2004 Doublecab TRD 4x4 V6. absolutely great truck. bought it for 22k w/ 16k miles on it. TRADED IT IN with 50k miles on it w/ bald tires for 19.5k. No problems at all, drove it on the beach, to work, everywhere. Enough power for its size (do not get the 4banger in a double cab). Probably the best vehicle I've ever owned as far as a balance b/t utility and economy. They hold there value like nothing else.

2nd was a 99 TRD V6 extracab that had been beat to hell I bought for $2700. It had 190,000 on it when I bought it. I replaced a few parts, cleaned it up, put some big tires on it, and drove it for a summer. Still ran great even though it had obviously been abused. Sold it for $5700.

Go with colter's advise. I will add make sure you get the V6, especially 5 speed. They are much quicker than you'd think (much more power than any other small truck). Dead reliable, 250k miles are no problem. Like I said, one of mine had almost 200k and I probably gave it its first oil change in a couple of years.

12/12/2007 10:15:58 PM

plus you can put the TRD supercharger on it.

12/12/2007 11:46:04 PM

I'm kind of looking to get something that will hold me over until the (rumored) diesel hybrid truck comes out on 2010.

I'll run more questions by here soon. Appreciate the advice so far.

12/13/2007 10:20:41 AM

I bought a 96 regular cab v6 manual tacoma and I really doubt I will ever sell it. I got it when it had 130k miles on it and with only ever having to replace the timing belt and coil-pack, its been great. Having the 4x4/locker is worth it, they need it bad for traction if you are ever going offroad/snow/ice. My only suggestion to get an extended cab, there is not much room in the regular cab.

12/15/2007 1:44:10 PM

I plan on getting a 4 door.

What about transmissions, I'm partial to a straight drive, but I have no problems with automatics. Has anyone heard anything one way or the other as to which is more / less reliable?

12/17/2007 1:51:03 PM

4 door is auto only until the 05 body style....the auto is pretty well built, only problems ive heard about it have come from people using the trd sc with it

12/17/2007 3:28:53 PM

Ahh, thanks.

Any recommendations on where to look? I know the basic websites (cars.com, autotrader.com, but I haven't really looked for a new vehicles sine '00.

12/20/2007 6:48:20 AM

I just picked up a 2008 DC Prerunner. Its been fine so far with about 18mpg driving around Atlanta. Heres a good website for you to learn some stuff about the newer tacomas. http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=61

12/20/2007 9:31:56 AM

http://www.ttora.com

tacoma territory bulletin boards lots of taco only tech, geared toward offroad stuff

12/20/2007 9:15:06 PM

Anyone know when the 3rd door clam-shell option became available?

12/25/2007 7:28:17 PM

again 05 models and up

12/25/2007 8:19:09 PM

Picked up an 04, 4x4 TRD, V6, 4 door today. Price was pretty fair, not great but I don't think I got burned (time will always tell on that one). Appreciate all the help in this thread.

12/29/2007 1:38:45 PM

^ thats a nice ride. exactly what I'm leaning toward

12/29/2007 7:43:18 PM

I plan on replacing the factory stereo with an XM / MP3 capable, how easy / hard is this and does anyone have any recommendations on where to look?

12/31/2007 9:35:15 AM

If you want an OEM look, you can bolt in a Scion head unit and get both features. And its not hard at all to switch out radios in Tacomas, I had mine out 7 or 8 times with all the head units I went through. I might have some extra unused harnesses and dash kits if you want to go aftermarket.

12/31/2007 9:40:42 AM

Yeah, I'm not all that concerned about factory look. I'll keep the old stereo (hell, I still have the original radio for the F150) but I wouldn't mind capturing that space beneath a smaller stereo since for an iPod or sunglasses. I'll install it myself probably, I assume that the plastic trim around the radio just pops off, or is there a trick to it?

12/31/2007 3:51:04 PM

No answer to ^ yet so:

1/4/2008 8:45:58 PM

no tricks to it, take out the screws then the rest will unclip as you go up

1/4/2008 11:20:06 PM

I don't mean to hijack your thread in any way but this is relevant and I didn't want to clutter up the section with another Tacoma thread. My 98 just hit 225,000 miles. My fathers keeps telling me to get the timing belt changed but I was wondering what else should be checked out to keep it running for a while longer. The only thing I have needed to do to it is change the oil, tires and wipers. I don't mind taking it somewhere to get looked at but I don't want to get ripped off. Halp?

1/5/2008 5:26:46 PM

I would definetly consider having a coolant system flush and all the fluids changed (transmission, differential, t-case, etc.)

You may also want to consider some general tune-up stuff too. I.E. new plugs, wires, fuel filter change, PCV valve, fuel injectors cleaned. This is all pretty basic stuff.

1/5/2008 6:37:03 PM

About how much does it run to do all of that?

1/5/2008 7:05:54 PM

^^^ Nah, more power to you, this is my first Taco, so the more information this thread gets the better.

1/5/2008 9:44:45 PM

I've got a '97 2wd 4cyl 5-speed extended cab... practically the Corolla of trucks. Driven it the last 30k miles to 112k, had it 2.5 years, and has needed little along the way. Rides on badass embarrassing 14"s. Gets 24-30 MPG. The Pioneer USB MP3 player is the only add-on it has.

Congrats on the TrD!

1/6/2008 11:21:28 AM

I'm really considering a 08' Tacoma Pre-Runner Double Cab...the lease is tempting (as I would like a car payment around $260 a month), but i'd prefer to buy...anyone had any experience with a lease?

I know all the facts about it, basically renting a car for the most part...what happens when you bring it back at the end of the lease & you don't want to purchase it...to lease another car do you have to pay a down payment again or how does that work...any info for my dumbass would be appreciated.

1/6/2008 8:35:11 PM

different cars and dealerships have different things to follow

if you go over mileage for the car, you have a big fee to pay

there are a lot of things that should tell you not to lease a car, if you want a low monthly payment, dont get an expensive car or dont get a new one or just string out the overall pay period to a few extra years

1/6/2008 9:42:33 PM

Alright, time for stage two . . . recommend mods for the truck. I probably won't go with many of them, but I want an idea of what I can do to this truck.

Basic stuff; stereo replacement, Line-X, nerf bars are all already planned, any other suggestions? Remember, this is a daily driver that I occasionally use off road going to and from hunting / camping sites.

1/10/2008 11:09:45 AM

I have a Westin Safari bar left over from when I sold my 04. I also think I still have the dash kit for the stereo, maybe a wiring harness as well. I also have factory corner lights, grille, floormats, bucket seats, bumper, but you probably have good ones on yours still.

1/10/2008 11:27:10 AM

PM Sent

1/10/2008 1:13:43 PM

go to the ttora site I mentioned above, and you'll see all the mods you can do.

start with a coil spacer up front, and a add-a-leaf or shackle in the rear for a little lift, then a ARB bull bar or other aftermarket bumper up front with a winch. optima red or yellow top battery for the winch, maybe some aux. lights. Screw the nerf bars and get good rock sliders- all pro offroad, or offroad solutions, more aggressive tires, do the gray-wire mod for the e-locker so you can use it in 4wd hi, (see ttora), and a toolbox or camper shell.

1/10/2008 5:29:31 PM

Looking for suggestions for, or people selling off-road lights.

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1/31/2008 11:48:51 AM

^^ V6's have timing belts that need changed periodically (90k i think), 4 bangers have chains

1/31/2008 1:01:02 PM

First off..thanks to JCASHFAN for starting this thread and then directing me to it.
I am looking into getting a Tacoma..possibly by mid summer.
I have started researching...but I can see that I have a ways to go.

At the moment, I am thinking a V6 engine, Xtra Cab, 2WD.
For me, the most important things are MPG and reliability.

I do not for-see ever going off-road. And while I do not need to do any heavy hauling, I am a little nervous getting the 2.7l because there will be occasional times that I will need to haul things.
I did not look at the 4x4 for a couple of reasons. The first is that I am afraid of the loss of MPG.
The second is that I have a 4x4 Explorer. I had to replace the Front Diff and also the Tranny in 105K miles. And while I realize that a Toyota will perform better than this on its worst day, I got a real close look at the higher cost of parts for a 4x4 V/S a 2wd.


I have a few questions that perhaps some card carrying smart guys here might be able to answer.
My first question is this....
Why is nobody opting for new?
I know that new is usually not a good idea. It just seems however that these trucks do not depreciate from new any faster than most cars depreciate from 2-3 years old.
Or am I incorrect here?
I have never bought a new car in my life..but if I do not get the benefit of depreciation in price and then do not have any control of how the truck is cared for in the first few years, that might make me pull the trigger.

Next....is it true that all Toyota engines are now chain?
If so, what year did that happen?
I had heard that all Toyota engines were chain now but here I am seeing comments that this only applies to the 4 banger.

Also...what is the word on the VVI engine?
Is this all hype or are there real benefits?

Lastly..at least for now....I am nervous about the 2.7l ..but I have not totally ruled it out.
Is there a real drop in MPG when you step up to the v6?

1/31/2008 7:44:55 PM

FWIW, I drove and almost bought a 4 door 4cyl Pre-runner (it would have been at a great price if the guy had sold it) but it was anemic on power. My 13 y/o, never-rebuilt, full sized Ford with 207,000 miles had more pick-up than it did with only 48k. I wound up with a V6 4x4 double cab and I'm pleased with the power / fuel economy balance. I get ~18 running up and down 95 at 75-80 mph and can squeeze 20mpg running 55 on back roads.

2/1/2008 8:25:37 AM

I got a 03 TuRD V6 5speed 4x4 EX cab, Smalle OME lift, and some BFG's, I love this truck and will never get rid of it, hands down the best vehicle i have ever owned and plan on driving it till the wheels fall off, oh yea a PA system is a must

2/1/2008 8:57:39 AM

I'm not going to tell you nothing will break on a taco... but you should not be scared of the 4x4 for that reason. There is a huge difference in build quality between an explorer and taco, especially in the driveline area. You mentioned resale, that is another place where the 4x4 comes in, it tremendously helps the resale, not only in price but to your market. I, and many others, for example wouldn't even consider a used 2wd when you get ready to sell at pretty much any price.

Definately get the V6 if you can swing it, unless you want a single cab, then the 2.7 is actually more than adequate.

2/1/2008 10:37:09 AM

I have another question to add in with the prior questions...

As I said, I am considering new.
How would you rate the new design of the the truck (body, drivetrain, engine) against the last redesign of the truck?
Are there any real differences/benefits?

The reason that I ask is that I read a side comment that the new 08 was light years ahead of a 2000. I was curious as to why a person would make that comment.

2/1/2008 10:55:47 AM