Toyotas in the Woods

[joecool85]

That's good for me I guess, but I find it hard to believe that people are getting below 19mpg. I have owned 2, 4.0 Rangers a 2003 that I wrecked and my 2004. Both were identical setups and got similar mileage. Granted I don't do much or any city driving but I always got above EPA sticker mileage. For what the 4.0 is pulling around I would expect to get 25mpg highway from a small truck. Why can't small trucks (any brand) get much better mileage than a full size? For comparison, my 4.6L F150 gets 19.5mpg highway. The truck is a lot bigger, weighs more, and gets similar mileage to any compact pickup with a V6. Hopefully the 2012 Ranger does better. The current platform is done at the end of 2011. I hope they keep all the good stuff and improve on everything else. The current Ranger is just too small for what I need but I LOVE that truck.

We might not get a 2012 Ranger, but if we do it will probably be the Euro one like they are doing with the Fiesta. From what I've heard the difference is that instead of a 2.5 and 3.0 V6 diesel offerings we will probably have a 2.0 I4 turbo ecoboost (gas) or something.

 

[PB]

We might not get a 2012 Ranger, but if we do it will probably be the Euro one like they are doing with the Fiesta. From what I've heard the difference is that instead of a 2.5 and 3.0 V6 diesel offerings we will probably have a 2.0 I4 turbo ecoboost (gas) or something.

The current euro version is still based on the USA made platform, that platform is going away. A 2012 is going to be a ground up new model and speculation is it will be bigger and have the F100 badge. Of course, like everything with new models, this is all conjecture.

The euro version and Mazda B50 (I think that is right) have much more up to date styling but still ride on the same chassis as the US ranger and explorer. The 2011 Explorer is already off that chassis and went to the Taurus platform, which sucks, and that to me is an indicator of a ground up develop for any new small truck.

 

[Big_Al]

I used to look on rangerstation quite a bit but now usually go to ford-trucks.com for my ford info. The 3L is usually called the 3 slow, thought to be reliable but underpowered. Most prefer the 4L, same mileage with more power. I can't speak to the auto tranny rangers, never had one. I do know my 5 spd will routinely run low 20's at highway speeds, mid teens cruising the woods. Not great but beats the heck out of my F250 with 460.

 

[Eccentric]

Mini Trucks are a separate class of vehicle in Japan. They come in various configurations, and all the Japanese manufacturers make a version (Toyotas are marketed under Daihatsu for mini trucks).

Anyways, there are many gray market importers of these trucks, mostly in the 4X4 version. Then you can add lift kits, camo, big tires, etc. Suzuki models are the easiest to modify into serious off road vehicles. I bought this truck for $4000, which is about the going rate for a moderately used 4X4. I have about $2000 into it. This one does not have AC or power steering, but many do. It does have heat, windshield washer, driver's airbag, nice stereo (I installed) shift on the fly 4WD, Hi-Lo. Almost all of them are 5 speed manual tranny. The engines are all regulated at 660cc, which with stock tires will get them up to 60 mph or so. The suzuki has a nice 3 cylinder fuel injection system, and the thing runs awesome.

There is a whole forum on mini trucks, http://www.minitrucktalk.com/

You can def get one in Ca, but good luck getting it street legal. Some states allow them on the road. Out on my farm I slapped a orange triangle on the back, and I don't bring it into town.

Thanks a bunch for the mini-truck info!

 

[banshee67]

so cmon.. whos gona be the first with a toyota taco to admit they had to bring it in to have the whole frame swapped?
im still surprised there is no talk of this in a thread discussing tacos VS rangers!
when lookin for a used car id sure wana know if it was one of the ones id have to bring in and have them totally disassemble it for a new frame!! not exactly an oil change and tire rotation!

 

[joecool85]

I used to look on rangerstation quite a bit but now usually go to ford-trucks.com for my ford info. The 3L is usually called the 3 slow, thought to be reliable but underpowered. Most prefer the 4L, same mileage with more power. I can't speak to the auto tranny rangers, never had one. I do know my 5 spd will routinely run low 20's at highway speeds, mid teens cruising the woods. Not great but beats the heck out of my F250 with 460.

Yeah, it is called the 3.slow, although with 4.10 gears and a 5spd it isn't that bad, quite spunky actually and plenty of torque for a small truck, at least in the 155hp/190tq circa 2000 iteration. I've had over 1,500lbs in the bed and it does alright even on hill starts. And you are right about their reliability. Can't beat them on that, about the same as the old 1.9 CVH motors in the 2nd gen mid 90's escorts.

 

[headleyj]

so if the OP is lookin for a used taco, i think the main thing to consider would be which years were effected with the rust issue, and weather or not the previous owner has brought it back for its "recall" (a new frame, correct?)
and then at that point, do you want a truck thats been totally taken apart and put back together to have the frame replaced?
not bashing toyota, but i think its odd no one has brought this up yet in a thread about tacos

I did - check pg 4

 

[epicklein22]

Yota's are the best truck for the woods! Nimble and tough! 270k on this one. Would still be on the road if not for EPA testing here in NEO.

If anyone wants a Yota, my buddies will have a few for sale soon......

 

[bobsreturn]

looks like a one owner . last one got the optional disolve a body . they do that here but dont replace the chassis . looks like you are getting your moneys worths

 

[fishercat]

here are some facts.

so cmon.. whos gona be the first with a toyota taco to admit they had to bring it in to have the whole frame swapped?
im still surprised there is no talk of this in a thread discussing tacos VS rangers!
when lookin for a used car id sure wana know if it was one of the ones id have to bring in and have them totally disassemble it for a new frame!! not exactly an oil change and tire rotation!

Early tacomas are under recall.Toyota gives you blue book and a half.they are reimbursing for accessories as well.late model tacomas and early tundras get new frames installed.at Toyota's expense.this is in rust belt regions.
no one I know is complaining.

I would never buy anything but a Toyota truck.I have three.an 85,88,and a 97.I would kill someone over any of them.

Most people I know have a Toyota or are getting one finally.look at the 95 and up t100 with the 3.4 V6.they are bulletproof.

 

[fishercat]

one more thing.

If they replace your frame,they extend your warranty.no matter the mileage.

 

[bdeboer]

Early tacomas are under recall.Toyota gives you blue book and a half.they are reimbursing for accessories as well.late model tacomas and early tundras get new frames installed.at Toyota's expense.this is in rust belt regions.
no one I know is complaining.

.

On the 2001-2004 Tacomas they are only replacing the frame if they fail the rust test. The others are getting a rust coating by Toyota. They also will not extend the rust warranty if the coating is not done by October 31, 2010. At least that is letter we got on my wifes 2004 Tacoma. It also think they are handling different states and regions differently.

 

[fishercat]

it is regional.

On the 2001-2004 Tacomas they are only replacing the frame if they fail the rust test. The others are getting a rust coating by Toyota. They also will not extend the rust warranty if the coating is not done by October 31, 2010. At least that is letter we got on my wifes 2004 Tacoma. It also think they are handling different states and regions differently.

I have a couple friends with frames that are fine on early tacomas.another friend just forund out he;s getting a new frame on his early Tundra.He is very happy.

Everyone I know that owns a Tundra says it's the best truck they have ever owned and the will never buy anything else.I feel the same about my T100 but there are on;y so many out there. Kinda weird that a clean used T100 gets more money than a clean used early Tundra.

 

[PasoRoblesJimmy]

Ever ridden in a WW2 Half-track or an M1 Abrams tank?

They are the ultimate off-road vehicles.

 

[joecool85]

Ever ridden in a WW2 Half-track or an M1 Abrams tank?

They are the ultimate off-road vehicles.

Unless you have to fit through anything narrow.

 

[banshee67]

Unless you have to fit through anything narrow.

just run it over! whatever you cant run over, use a saw , or the gun on the tank, right?

 

[joecool85]

just run it over! whatever you cant run over, use a saw , or the gun on the tank, right?

Yeah, Mom didn't need that barn anyway.

 

[bdeboer]

I have a couple friends with frames that are fine on early tacomas.another friend just forund out he;s getting a new frame on his early Tundra.He is very happy.

Everyone I know that owns a Tundra says it's the best truck they have ever owned and the will never buy anything else.I feel the same about my T100 but there are on;y so many out there. Kinda weird that a clean used T100 gets more money than a clean used early Tundra.

I mean't to add her 2004 with 90K+ and 6 Ohio winters had no problem. She took it in for the rust coating, and they gave her a loaner for 2 days.

 

[R Walter]

In the oil patch all you ever see are 3/4 and 1-ton fords, chevys and dodges because anything else gets beat to all hell!

 

[CHEVYTOWN13]

A hooktender told me that Toyota Pickups will go anywhere, and proceeded to drive, successfully over a slide in the road. :jawdrop:

I've seen some Taco's do some gnarly stuff:jawdrop: Particularly at Moab.

And without a doubt, get the locker.

If you ever get the chance, in the Southern Sierra, you can take Sherman Pass. Awesome trail.