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4130biker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!
May 24, 2007
3,884
450
Thank you everyone who provided valuable input- I finally bought a truck yesterday! After learning a couple things from this thread: a) Tacoma doesn't compare to f150 (size) b) to set my price/ priorities, I started looking at the Tundra. Gas mileage isn't as good, but the size I want is there, and it's a Toyota so I feel like I have a truck that won't have things rattling loose and going to S--- on me.
It's a TRD which should help a bit on the rough road/ shuttling, and it's a 4 door to fit moar people/ kids.
Anyway, super stoked, thanks for the input, Merry Christmas!
-Scott
 

4130biker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!
May 24, 2007
3,884
450
so you went from the top mini truck, or 1 of the 2 top fullsizes and you went with one of the worst fullsizes?
Wow, I didn't know it was so horrible. I should have consulted you, Mr. Kickstand. My research, Toyota's reputation for reliability, and my personal experience be damned!
Why are you even posting? Does it make you feel good to bag on other people's choices? Are you that much of a big ol' bad ass MAN?? I sure hope this makes you feel great about yourself to make contributions like this.


Kanter- I will post pics soon :)
 

loco-gringo

Crusading Clamp Monkey
Sep 27, 2006
8,887
14
Deep in the heart of TEXAS
I'm not reading all of this, but here's an example...

I had a husband and wife couple I was friends with. Both had 94 Dodges with a Cummins motor. One auto...one manual. Auto had 3 transmissions in 40,000 miles and the manual had 2 in that same time. They both complained that Dodge didn't have transmissions strong enough to handle the torque. Maybe they were right, but they also stayed hooked to 36' cattle trailers and pulled livestock 5-6 days a week. Yeah...Dodges were crap...It had nothing to do with the 30-45k lbs that was on the truck 5 days a week. :think: Sure...over time, most of the big 3 have worked this out, but this was early 90s and no one could handle loads like that with a 1 ton truck.

Point is...people will complain about vehicles. I read some of the tirades on here and know that it's application more than quality that leads to dissatisfaction.

Don't know if you found a truck, OP, but I hated my Chevrolet. So much that I'll likely never own one again. Awful.
 

loco-gringo

Crusading Clamp Monkey
Sep 27, 2006
8,887
14
Deep in the heart of TEXAS
Get a Chevy
I've paid 2 chevy trucks off (a 1500, & a 2500hd) without ever ONCE using the warranty on either.
I've had 0 recals on my trucks in 10 years. can toyota say that? not even close...:thumb:

Been great trucks, & will drag a toyota truck across the parking lot when chained up bumper-bumper. hehe
This is a stupid thing to say...I had a 2000 and mine was in for warranty over 10 times. I traded it when the front axle seal was leaking at 36300 miles and they wouldn't warranty it. Even though it was apparent it was leaking for well over 300 miles. F*#k Chevrolet and their sh*tty trucks. Had some issues with warranty on Ford and never had a problem.

And if you've not owned a Toyota in 10 years, yes, Toyota can say they've had 0 recalls on your trucks in 10 years. :think:
 

IH8Rice

I'm Mr. Negative! I Fail!
Aug 2, 2008
24,524
494
Im over here now
I'm not reading all of this, but here's an example...

I had a husband and wife couple I was friends with. Both had 94 Dodges with a Cummins motor. One auto...one manual. Auto had 3 transmissions in 40,000 miles and the manual had 2 in that same time. They both complained that Dodge didn't have transmissions strong enough to handle the torque. Maybe they were right, but they also stayed hooked to 36' cattle trailers and pulled livestock 5-6 days a week. Yeah...Dodges were crap...It had nothing to do with the 30-45k lbs that was on the truck 5 days a week. :think:
actually as big of a Dodge fan as i am, the earlier Rams had huge problems with their trannys, transfer cases and rear ends. granted towing all of the weight didnt help, but that generation of Ram had tons of issues with the drive train (besides the bullet proof engine)
 

kickstand

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2009
3,441
392
Fenton, MI
Yeah the rams have notoriously had tranny probs, then again hooked to big ass trailers all the time doesn't help.

Wow, I didn't know it was so horrible. I should have consulted you, Mr. Kickstand. My research, Toyota's reputation for reliability, and my personal experience be damned!
Why are you even posting? Does it make you feel good to bag on other people's choices? Are you that much of a big ol' bad ass MAN?? I sure hope this makes you feel great about yourself to make contributions like this.
A bit touchy? Ford and Chevy make the best fullsize trucks, period. You were originally considering one of the best fullsizes, in the Ford, and the best midsize in the toyota, I just find it ironic you went with a fullsize that doesn't rank as well and is in reality not a great truck.

I'm not posting to bag on your decision, or feel like a big ol' bad ass MAN as you put it. You originally asked about the two best trucks you could have chosen in their respective class...I just find it odd that you strayed from that.
 

Kanye West

220# bag of hacktastic
Aug 31, 2006
3,741
473
I was going to suggest looking at a '05-'06 Tundra AC V6 auto. Not sure it comes in a 4x4 option though. Good mileage, lots of capacity, great bike/gear hauler.

I would disregard any advice coming from Fenton, MI noobs. If that isn't biased I don't know what is.
 

kickstand

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2009
3,441
392
Fenton, MI
I was going to suggest looking at a '05-'06 Tundra AC V6 auto. Not sure it comes in a 4x4 option though. Good mileage, lots of capacity, great bike/gear hauler.

I would disregard any advice coming from Fenton, MI noobs. If that isn't biased I don't know what is.
Yeah, my advice is completely biased, why don't you try reading what I've posted instead of just looking at my location?

I'll promise I've turned more wrenches on vehicles than you have in your life, I don't really care what you drive, I care what I drive. Which is why I drive a chevy.:thumb:

Pissing match, you can have it back.
 
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stevew

resident influencer
Sep 21, 2001
40,594
9,607
my brother never had a problem with his 12V cummins diesel/auto trans hauling a 40ft trailer and the various cars the trailer contained.....what sucked about it was the plastic dash that collapsed in on itself.

the only thing he replaced was the injection pump before he sold it.

my dad's tundra is a boat to drive.....a rather comfortable boat.
 

Straya

Monkey
Jul 11, 2008
863
3
Straya
The Taliban uses Toyota trucks so that is good enough for me... I would get another one in a heartbeat.
Yeah but they drive Hilux's and Landcrusers which I believe aren't available in America? Which is a shame as they are pretty damn good.

I don't think you guys get the Nissan Patrol either which is another good 4WD in my opinion.
 

syadasti

i heart mac
Apr 15, 2002
12,690
290
VT
Yeah but they drive Hilux's and Landcrusers which I believe aren't available in America? Which is a shame as they are pretty damn good.
We have the Lexus LX and GX which are versions of the Landcruiser. For 2010 is there is a US Toyota brand Landcruiser.

These aren't the greatest trucks though as the Toyotas rust out significant faster than any other brand (Toyota finally admitted fault after a NHSTA investigation and grudgingly gave an incentive to customers - all 1995-2000 Tacoma pickups, some 813,000 units and Tundra 2000-2003, 110,000 units)

A large number of 4x4, T100 pickups and 4runners had internally known defective steering mechanisms for over ten years and many were unnecessarily injured or died to save Toyota a buck. They were recalled in Japan but in the US Toyota kept silent for an additional year...

A decade later, Toyota recalled about 330,000 vehicles in Japan after a 2004 crash there -- caused by a broken steering linkage -- seriously injured five people. The vehicle in the accident, a Hilux Surf, was sold in the U.S. as the 4Runner. Other truck models sold here, including the Toyota 4x4 and T100 pickups, also used the same linkage, a steering relay rod.

Despite that, the company told NHTSA in an October 2004 letter that it would not conduct a U.S. recall because it had not received information here indicating a problem with the part.

Documents entered in four lawsuits filed in Los Angeles this year, however, show that Toyota had received numerous consumer complaints dating from 2000 and had replaced dozens of the parts under warranty. The documents also show that Japanese police, in an investigation of the defect, said that Toyota employees had known about the problem since 1992 and should have initiated a recall immediately.

In September 2005, Toyota recalled nearly 1 million vehicles in the U.S. to replace the part, its second-largest campaign.
 
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4130biker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!
May 24, 2007
3,884
450
tuck.JPG

As painful as it is, I'm going to bring up this Zombie thread and eat your faces off ;) God I have been an idiot on here at times... Sorry Kickstand. Anyway, reread the whole thing and the Truck saga continues.
I have been really happy with the Tundra- I'm glad I bought certified pre-owned- Toyota's warranty has been great, no hassles, free rental, etc. I had to take it in for a faulty emission control air pump(?)... Anyway, very satisfied with how they took care of it.
The thing I'm not a big fan of is the gas mileage. With where I drive, and how I drive, the truck says I've been averaging 14mpg. Luckily, I don't do a lot of miles, so it's not really breaking the bank, and with a new house, the full size truck has definately come in handy.

ANYWAY- I hit an elk a couple of nights ago, and my airbag went off, luckily my dog's didn't in the passenger seat. And we're both ok- glad I wasn't driving the civic! Anyway, radiator is destroyed along with the transmission cooler, airbag, bumper, obvious cosmetic damage mushed into the front door. Power steering is toast, but it still starts up.

So a few questions:
1. Do you think it's totaled? I'll find out shortly and post results. 75% of value for repairs will be a chunk of change, but in WA they can also add 10% for loss in value for after it's fixed.
2. Any words of wisdom for if I do have it fixed?
3. Any words of wisdom if I have it totaled?
4. And finally, any suggestions for a truck that will get better mileage? The research I've done shows most trucks with minimal gains in average mileage, but I'm open to switching if there is a setup that does significantly better.
 
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jimmydean

The Official Meat of Ridemonkey
Sep 10, 2001
41,197
13,340
Portland, OR
It might be totaled, depends on what the repair estimate is on it. If you are happy with the truck and they want to fix it, then fix it and be happy.

As for a truck with better mileage, I would either go Tacoma, or diesel. My 2000 F350 got about 18-20mpg on B99 (it was about $.80/gal cheaper than dino) and could haul/tow anything.
 

4130biker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!
May 24, 2007
3,884
450
It might be totaled, depends on what the repair estimate is on it. If you are happy with the truck and they want to fix it, then fix it and be happy.

As for a truck with better mileage, I would either go Tacoma, or diesel. My 2000 F350 got about 18-20mpg on B99 (it was about $.80/gal cheaper than dino) and could haul/tow anything.
Just found out that they're considering it a total loss.
I'm going to look into the deisel rigs. I'm a Ford fan, so I'll start there, I suppose. Full size has been nice, but I do dig the Tacoma since they're more fun to drive on and off road. Not to mention the fact that a lot of the time it's me, alone, in an empty truck. Such a big truck seems a waste at those times. Kicked around the idea of a fuel effecient car and some sort of old farm truck to do the dirty work when needed.
 

Quo Fan

don't make me kick your ass
I have an '08 Tacoma access cab and is perfect for myself and the wife. Mine is an I4 with a 5 speed manual, and I got 22-24mpg until I put "real" tires on it. I run Firestone Destination AT tires, because my job requires that I don't always get to drive on improved roads.

My truck was a "base" model, no SR5 or TRD options. Came stock with non-intermittent wipers and no cruise control. Upgraded to intermittent wipers (change the stalk) and added cruise control (added the control stalk and drilled a hole in the cosmetic panel, added the clutch cancel switch), no additional wiring required. If I were to replace it today, I would get the V6 with 6 speed manual and the SR5 package. That would also include the intermittent wipers, cruise control and electric windows.

When I was looking for a replacement truck for my totaled '98 Tacoma, everybody said for a mid-sized truck, get the Tacoma.

My $.02.
 

4130biker

PM me about Tantrum Cycles!
May 24, 2007
3,884
450
I have an '08 Tacoma access cab and is perfect for myself and the wife. Mine is an I4 with a 5 speed manual, and I got 22-24mpg until I put "real" tires on it. I run Firestone Destination AT tires, because my job requires that I don't always get to drive on improved roads.

My truck was a "base" model, no SR5 or TRD options. Came stock with non-intermittent wipers and no cruise control. Upgraded to intermittent wipers (change the stalk) and added cruise control (added the control stalk and drilled a hole in the cosmetic panel, added the clutch cancel switch), no additional wiring required. If I were to replace it today, I would get the V6 with 6 speed manual and the SR5 package. That would also include the intermittent wipers, cruise control and electric windows.

When I was looking for a replacement truck for my totaled '98 Tacoma, everybody said for a mid-sized truck, get the Tacoma.

My $.02.
Thanks for the input-
I went to the dealer and drove one that I really liked- sr5, automatic, four door, long (6') bed. Problem is that it's expensive as heck! Guess I'll find out what I get for my Tundra soon enough...

The ecoboost ford seems cool, but I'm guessing out of my price range there.
 

bean

Turbo Monkey
Feb 16, 2004
1,335
0
Boulder
Have you considered a Nissan Frontier? I liked it better than the Tacoma (which I was disappointed with the two or three times I've driven one).
 

skyst3alth

Monkey
Apr 13, 2004
866
0
Denver, CO
Have you considered a Nissan Frontier? I liked it better than the Tacoma (which I was disappointed with the two or three times I've driven one).
If you're going that route, just buy the Suzuki Equator - same truck but with a 100k mile warranty. And factory bedliner.
 

kickstand

Turbo Monkey
Sep 18, 2009
3,441
392
Fenton, MI
Kicked around the idea of a fuel effecient car and some sort of old farm truck to do the dirty work when needed.
3 years later this is where I am at.

I bought a focus to drive daily, and I have an f350 7.3 diesel for chores and road trips where I need to haul a lot of gear.

My father just picked up a newer chevy 2012, essentially the same as my 07 but with a new 6 speed trans. Since this original thread ford has also come out with the eco boost which is the cat's ass for a hauler and can still tow a boat load and pull down some pretty good mpg's.

I still don't like dodge.

The truth is, almost all of the new half tons have been revised over the last few years and are SO much better than the previous generation of trucks. I'm starting to tire of high diesel prices and 18-20 mpg. I'd really like to get back into a 4 door half ton truck, even if I have to give up some bed space.
 

duck

Monkey
Apr 8, 2007
507
1
Cranbrook BC
Personally, for half tons I'd go with the 5.3L Chevy. I've heard of some problems with Ford's Eco-boost, even their newer 5.0Ls have been rough. As far as I know, the Chev will get better milage than my Tacoma, that being said, mine is on 33" MTRs.