Decision time...request advice on Fix TE or trade for Tocoma

[EdinAthens]

I've loved my silver TE since Jan 2010. I have free and clear title and 64,500 miles on it and it fits in my garage next to my wife's Sienna.
It now needs new brake pads all four corners, new 285s all around and the rear hatch needs a new wiring harness installed. I can only open hatch using Techstream - wire brake somewhere I can't find, tried swapping rear door ECU already.

I'm thinking of trading for a 2013 Tacoma 4x4 6 speed manual shortbed. I use my TE like a pickup - chainsaw, gas cans, boxes of marking paint, tools, etc. are always in the back of my 4Runner.

The longbed Tocoma is too long for the garage and a full size pick-up is too big all around. I do pull a trailer with a Polaris ranger regularly for work.

Do any of you have experience with the new Tacoma?

I'm concerned about having lower horsepower - can the 2013 accept a supercharger to makeup the difference?

Or should I fix the Trail and keep going?

 

[homeyclaus]

[Rant]
It's interesting that you blame the silicon in your rear door just because it exists, rather than troubleshoot the system by how it logically operates. If your techstream can open it, but the rear button doesn't, it should be obvious that the rear button or connecting harness is to blame. Closing the hatch detector circuit should verify that.
[/rant]

Anyhow, if you're keeping gas and gasoline-powered stuff back there, a pickup truck is the answer. Breathing hydrocarbon fumes is really really bad for you. So that's my recommendation.

And worst case: Local FJ Cruiser goes Boom! - CK5 Forums

As far as towing goes, the spec sheet says ~3500 lbs for 4 cyl/v6 non-tow-package vehicles, and 6500 lbs otherwise. Safe towing is more than engine power (but pleasant towing is), so if you're towing a 1200 lb ATV on a 1200 lb utility trailer, even the 4 cyl will be safe.

The only thing I don't like about the new Taco is that most are made in Mexico. They'll have better quality than UAW-built stuff, but I personally have a problem sending my money to a country that blames my rights for its troubles and wants more prohibition, where our prohibition is what really did it.

 

[cbreze]

If you check the Tacoma forums you'll see numerous opinions on the standard six speed tranny. Most seem to be happier with the automatic. Definitely research the stick shift issues with the newer Tacomas.

 

[KCcarguy]

I know the hp numbers are lower, but remember weight is too. I had a 2005 taco before my 4runner and it had great power/ acceleration. They're great vehicles. But I agree with Homeyclaus on Mexico thing. My wife and I decided a few years ago to boycott it as a vacation destination for those exact reasons.

 

[94hokie]

I actually traded in my '03 Yukon (185K miles on it) for a '12 Tacoma TRD Sport. I really wanted to get back to a truck (so I thought). Not enough interior storage, and it was double cab. That Tacoma got traded on my '13 SR5 4x4 4Runner. To me, if you're looking for more of a truck, there are better options than than the Tacoma for power/mpg combinations. Don't get me wrong, we're a die hard extended Toyota family, but I didn't regret at all trading in the Tacoma on the 4Runner.

 

[DM4RNR]

Stirring the pot

I have no experience with this truck but , what about a Tundra?

 

[Quentin]

Double cabs are all built in Mexico. All of the regular cabs and access cabs are built in SA. You can tell where they are built by the first digit of the VIN. Texas Built trucks will have a 5. Mexico built trucks will have a 3.

My brother has a '13 DC V6, 5AT, TRD offroad and my dad has an '11 AC V6, 6MT, TRD offroad. So far, no issues with the 6MT so far, but he only has 15k miles or so. The 6MT feels a lot faster than the 5AT but that is because the gearing is so aggressive on the 6MT.

 

[Black T]

I knew that the decks are shipped in from Mexico, but last time I checked all three models are built in San Antonio plant. (Some DCs do come from TMMBC plant)

I will be traveling to SA for a business trip the first week in April. I will confirm for everyone.

 

[homeyclaus]

I knew that the decks are shipped in from Mexico, but last time I checked all three models are built in San Antonio plant. (Some DCs do come from TMMBC plant)

I will be traveling to SA for a business trip the first week in April. I will confirm for everyone.

I saved time, and looked at a dealer web site. I could not find a DC whose VIN did not start with "3", the country code for Mexico.

 

[EdinAthens]

I ordered a Magnetic Grey Tacoma DBL cab 4x4 TRD Off Road with the weatherproof heated front seats, interior light package and LED driving lights. It arrives next week.

 

[EdinAthens]

I saved time, and looked at a dealer web site. I could not find a DC whose VIN did not start with "3", the country code for Mexico.

I have the VIN of the new Tacoma. It starts with a 5.

 

[diverscale]

I owned a 2009 4CYL tacoma SR5 and a 2011 6CYL tacoma TRD off-road.

First, the automatic transmission is the way to go if you have any troubles seeing the gas prices go up, since with the 6 speed transmission, you will net about 2 MPG less than with the 5 speed automatic, due to a smaller final ratio.

As for the power of both trucks, it's generally the same thing, 4runner has more power but more weight. Max I've towed with the tacoma was 5000, with no trailer brakes, and it had no trouble at all towing the load. Be sure to get the 4-leaf pack TSB in the deal before you buy, if you do so

Interior finish of the 4runner, even base model, is much more refined than the tacoma, and do not forget that you won't get heated mirrors, a good audio system, heated seats, and such convenience with the taco.

I really liked the composite bed though, very, very solid, and where scratched, it won't rust out.

In sum, the taco is a very good and very solid truck, that has enough power and not-so-bad fuel economy, but misses much refinement for its price.

edit: didn't see you already ordered, glad you took the TRD off-road, that's the best choice you could have made IMO

 

[EdinAthens]

I owned a 2009 4CYL tacoma SR5 and a 2011 6CYL tacoma TRD off-road.

First, the automatic transmission is the way to go if you have any troubles seeing the gas prices go up, since with the 6 speed transmission, you will net about 2 MPG less than with the 5 speed automatic, due to a smaller final ratio.

As for the power of both trucks, it's generally the same thing, 4runner has more power but more weight. Max I've towed with the tacoma was 5000, with no trailer brakes, and it had no trouble at all towing the load. Be sure to get the 4-leaf pack TSB in the deal before you buy, if you do so

Interior finish of the 4runner, even base model, is much more refined than the tacoma, and do not forget that you won't get heated mirrors, a good audio system, heated seats, and such convenience with the taco.

I really liked the composite bed though, very, very solid, and where scratched, it won't rust out.

In sum, the taco is a very good and very solid truck, that has enough power and not-so-bad fuel economy, but misses much refinement for its price.

edit: didn't see you already ordered, glad you took the TRD off-road, that's the best choice you could have made IMO

I think it'll be a good trade...I ordered it with the All-Weather - 4 way powered adjustable with heat - seating, the factory tonneau, LED driving lights and interior lighting package.

 

[flying fuzz]

I traded my 08' tacoma TRD off-road 4x4 6sp in for a 2012 4runner, two different animals. I miss my pickup for hauling stuff like you said you need to and I really miss that 6 speed and e-locker. But I really enjoy the comfort of the 4runner, it's still a 4x4 beast and it's roomy. If you do trade it in you won't be disappointed but each vehicle has their pluses and minus in certain catagories. I do miss my taco tho...

 

[Jivewalker]

I traded out of a 2011 TRD ORDC for the Runner. I needed weather proof storage and didn' want to put a cap on the Taco. Runner made more sense for me and my family. Taco was quicker, no doubt. Ride was good, but runner is more roomy. The Taco is a truck, where 4runner is more refined. You're gonna like the truck, no doubt. Checkout TACOMAWORLD.COM.