Toyota Tacoma. Who's got one (or at least an opinion on them)

[Goin Breakdown]

6 hours ago, Augie said:

 

This should come with a DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME warning. Everything else does…..for a reason, I suppose. 

Dang I wanted a Tboned Tacoma 

Guys this is great. I've always been a Honda guy but Toyotas have been on my radar. Wife wants a Highlander at some point. Her parents are Toyota people. So anyways this all helps. 

[Augie]

8 hours ago, Goin Breakdown said:

Dang I wanted a Tboned Tacoma 

Guys this is great. I've always been a Honda guy but Toyotas have been on my radar. Wife wants a Highlander at some point. Her parents are Toyota people. So anyways this all helps. 

 

I’ll never forget when I dove a Camry and my mother drove an Accord. I think of them as being competing vehicles with both being reliable, but my Camry felt solid and durable while it felt like a tin can when I closed the door on my mother’s car.  This was years ago so maybe it’s changed, but it was a striking difference. 

[BillsFan4]

I used to sell Toyota’s at one of the biggest Toyota dealerships in the country. They are some of the best vehicles on the market. I also used to sell Honda’s.

 

I would purchase either without any hesitation. If you take care of them (do the maintenance/upkeep) they will last forever. Or at least that used to be true. I haven’t sold cars in years now (since before the pandemic). But I remember seeing many Toyotas and Hondas with very high mileage come in for service. I remember one guy had over 350k on his old Honda and the thing still ran great.

 

I don’t know how true this is but I heard there were at least a couple rough years (2021-2022) for most car manufacturers due to so many supply shortages during the pandemic, and having to use what parts they could get. I’d assume that’s corrected now. I’d still be a bit more leery about outright buying a 2021 or 2022 model though, unless you’ve already driven it for years and know it’s reliable.

[LeviF]

29 minutes ago, Augie said:

 

I’ll never forget when I dove a Camry and my mother drove an Accord. I think of them as being competing vehicles with both being reliable, but my Camry felt solid and durable while it felt like a tin can when I closed the door on my mother’s car.  This was years ago so maybe it’s changed, but it was a striking difference. 

 

Everything is a tin can now lol

[Goin Breakdown]

1 hour ago, BillsFan4 said:

I used to sell Toyota’s at one of the biggest Toyota dealerships in the country. They are some of the best vehicles on the market. I also used to sell Honda’s.

 

I would purchase either without any hesitation. If you take care of them (do the maintenance/upkeep) they will last forever. Or at least that used to be true. I haven’t sold cars in years now (since before the pandemic). But I remember seeing many Toyotas and Hondas with very high mileage come in for service. I remember one guy had over 350k on his old Honda and the thing still ran great.

 

I don’t know how true this is but I heard there were at least a couple rough years (2021-2022) for most car manufacturers due to so many supply shortages during the pandemic, and having to use what parts they could get. I’d assume that’s corrected now. I’d still be a bit more leery about outright buying a 2021 or 2022 model though, unless you’ve already driven it for years and know it’s reliable.

Do you recall any "look out for...." when it comes to Toyota?  Like Honda is always timing belts at about 100k. Both of my accords have needed work on the cam actuator. Makes a loud loose chain sound when starting. They also both burn oil. 

2 hours ago, Augie said:

 

I’ll never forget when I dove a Camry and my mother drove an Accord. I think of them as being competing vehicles with both being reliable, but my Camry felt solid and durable while it felt like a tin can when I closed the door on my mother’s car.  This was years ago so maybe it’s changed, but it was a striking difference. 

My daughter's accord has that feel to it. Solid car but it does feel thin. 

Edited August 19 by Goin Breakdown

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

1 hour ago, Augie said:

 

I’ll never forget when I dove a Camry and my mother drove an Accord. I think of them as being competing vehicles with both being reliable, but my Camry felt solid and durable while it felt like a tin can when I closed the door on my mother’s car.  This was years ago so maybe it’s changed, but it was a striking difference. 

If there's one thing that struck me about Hondas, it's their automatic transmissions could have used another gear.  Soichiro liked his engines revving high. 😁

[LeviF]

4 minutes ago, Goin Breakdown said:

Don't recall any "look out for...." when it comes to Toyota?  Like Honda is always timing belts at about 100k. Both of my accords have needed work on the cam actuator. Makes a loud loose chain sound when starting. They also both burn oil. 

 

 

Depending on what year Taco you end up with look out for gear slipping. Transmissions have been kicking it like they're Jeeps the last few years.

[BillsFan4]

17 minutes ago, Goin Breakdown said:

Don't recall any "look out for...." when it comes to Toyota?  Like Honda is always timing belts at about 100k. Both of my accords have needed work on the cam actuator. Makes a loud loose chain sound when starting. They also both burn oil.

 No, not really. Nothing too major anyway.

 

I remember some models a while back had an issue with the fuel pump failing. And some older Toyota’s used to go through brake pads quicker than they should have but I think that was resolved iirc. I also remember an issue with some older models having a somewhat weak a/c compressor. Some old Toyotas will use up oil more quickly but that’s an issue with many old cars.

 

Most of the issues we’d see were mainly from improper maintenance.

 

I do remember hearing about a big recall of 2021-2023 Toyota vehicles for debris left in the engines from the machining process.

[ExiledInIllinois]

5 hours ago, BillsFan4 said:

 No, not really. Nothing too major anyway.

 

I remember some models a while back had an issue with the fuel pump failing. And some older Toyota’s used to go through brake pads quicker than they should have but I think that was resolved iirc. I also remember an issue with some older models having a somewhat weak a/c compressor. Some old Toyotas will use up oil more quickly but that’s an issue with many old cars.

 

Most of the issues we’d see were mainly from improper maintenance.

 

I do remember hearing about a big recall of 2021-2023 Toyota vehicles for debris left in the engines from the machining process.

Toyota were also notorious for engine oil sludging and stuck accelerators with floor mats in the 20-naughts...

 

I probably won't get another Toyota.  Ain't bad... This is my second Taco... But meh... WtF can't Toyota do things like include the tailgate lock in fob... Gotta go aftermarket to tie one in... Same with adding trailer brakes, had to add aftermarket. 

 

Also... The slightest little loss of ground at battery, won't kill the vehicle, but electronics go schizo... For the life of me couldn't figure out why radio was rebooting, other electronics acting squirrelly... Had a bad ground adapter (after market) running offnegative terminal so I can have extra power distribution box under hood.  Seems Toyotas are built too sensitive.  Terminal block tests fine, but just doesn't play nice... Had to get a replacement... Probably last 5 years too.

 

Probably go back to Jeep.  Still running my 2006 Jeep TJ... They hold value better than Toyota.

[Mike in Horseheads]

2 hours ago, ExiledInIllinois said:

Toyota were also notorious for engine oil sludging and stuck accelerators with floor mats in the 20-naughts...

 

I probably won't get another Toyota.  Ain't bad... This is my second Taco... But meh... WtF can't Toyota do things like include the tailgate lock in fob... Gotta go aftermarket to tie one in... Same with adding trailer brakes, had to add aftermarket. 

 

Also... The slightest little loss of ground at battery, won't kill the vehicle, but electronics go schizo... For the life of me couldn't figure out why radio was rebooting, other electronics acting squirrelly... Had a bad ground adapter (after market) running offnegative terminal so I can have extra power distribution box under hood.  Seems Toyotas are built too sensitive.  Terminal block tests fine, but just doesn't play nice... Had to get a replacement... Probably last 5 years too.

 

Probably go back to Jeep.  Still running my 2006 Jeep TJ... They hold value better than Toyota.

You have a trailer?  Your like Aristo in a camper.

[BringBackFergy]

2009 Tundra TRD drove until 270k miles. 
Wanted another so I found a 2019 Tundra TRD with 50k miles. Plan on driving it another 200k miles. 
 

Toyota makes a reliable truck. 
Enough power to haul 16 ft trailer with tractor on it. Roomy inside. 
Only complaint is sight lines (blind spots) on back trim. 
 

 

[boater]

Just throwing this out there, based on my previous car hunt....

 

Consider a Honda Ridgeline. It's a pickup, but the drive train is more car-like, a smoother ride.That was a consideration for me due to having a bad back. Better gas MPG than the Tacoma, for sure.

 

EDIT: I just Googled and Honda is offering 0.99% financing. Good deal.

Edited August 20 by boater

[Draconator]

What is the consensus thoughts on Nissan? I've driven a Murano for 7 years, and I love it! The redesigned Murano's appeal to me, and was thinking of stopping into our Nissan dealership to look more closely at them. 

[Augie]

49 minutes ago, Draconator said:

What is the consensus thoughts on Nissan? I've driven a Murano for 7 years, and I love it! The redesigned Murano's appeal to me, and was thinking of stopping into our Nissan dealership to look more closely at them. 

 

Here is a silly (but serious) response for you - my sons drove Nissans (an Altima and a Rogue) and the annoying part is when they lock them the horn gives a little honk. Not crazy about that all the time, especially when they were coming home after midnight. A little beep is plenty and the neighbors will need to pay attention to keep track of your comings and goings. 

 

Never really had trouble with them, but we prefer Toyotas. 

[DrDawkinstein]

On 8/18/2025 at 11:33 AM, Goin Breakdown said:

I'm looking to maybe get one at some point here. Tired of getting in and out of a car anymore and I don't want to drive a crossover. Any opinions are appreciated. 

 

You cant go wrong with a Toyota. And the Tacomas are great. Last forever with just minimal regular maintenance. And hold their value for their whole life.

 

Go for it. Tacoma, 4Runner, etc.

 

(2017 4Runner owner here)

[DrDawkinstein]

1 hour ago, Draconator said:

What is the consensus thoughts on Nissan? I've driven a Murano for 7 years, and I love it! The redesigned Murano's appeal to me, and was thinking of stopping into our Nissan dealership to look more closely at them. 

 

Nissan was great for decades, and then fell off hard over the last 10-20 years. Quality is still mostly there, but they fell behind in innovation. I know they are pushing hard to make a comeback. I used to be a Datsun/Nissan guy before flipping to Toyota (with a brief horrendous period with Jeep in between).

On 8/18/2025 at 11:37 PM, Goin Breakdown said:

Dang I wanted a Tboned Tacoma 

Guys this is great. I've always been a Honda guy but Toyotas have been on my radar. Wife wants a Highlander at some point. Her parents are Toyota people. So anyways this all helps. 

 

Both great choices. You wont see any drop off from Honda to Toyota, and probably some improvements in certain areas.

[Process]

3 hours ago, BringBackFergy said:

2009 Tundra TRD drove until 270k miles. 
Wanted another so I found a 2019 Tundra TRD with 50k miles. Plan on driving it another 200k miles. 
 

Toyota makes a reliable truck. 
Enough power to haul 16 ft trailer with tractor on it. Roomy inside. 
Only complaint is sight lines (blind spots) on back trim. 
 

 

My father has a 2012 Tundra with 250k miles. Never needed any major mechanical work and still runs great. 

 

I just replaced the transmission in my Sierra at 90k miles. 

 

My next truck will be a tundra 

[BringBackFergy]

1 hour ago, Process said:

My father has a 2012 Tundra with 250k miles. Never needed any major mechanical work and still runs great. 

 

I just replaced the transmission in my Sierra at 90k miles. 

 

My next truck will be a tundra 

Same. No huge repairs. One water hose cracked. Everything else was brakes, oil, tires, etc. maintenance. 

[Goin Breakdown]

3 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said:

 

Nissan was great for decades, and then fell off hard over the last 10-20 years. Quality is still mostly there, but they fell behind in innovation. I know they are pushing hard to make a comeback. I used to be a Datsun/Nissan guy before flipping to Toyota (with a brief horrendous period with Jeep in between).

 

Both great choices. You wont see any drop off from Honda to Toyota, and probably some improvements in certain areas.

I never hear anything good about Jeep. And those ducks.....

[Not at the table Karlos]

West herr bought the dealership my car was at for repairs. Took my loaner away and gave me a rental Tacoma. I don’t think I’ve ever hated a vehicle before but I could not stand that thing. Felt like getting into a lifted car. Was awkward getting in and out. The cabin was small for a truck. I’m 6’1” and i felt cramped in it. Didnt like the way it drove or handled. Felt cheap. Was terrible in the snow. Got stuck at Bills playoff game following my girlfriend’s sedan out of the lot. 

Edited August 20 by Not at the table Karlos