Dumpster 0 #1 April 13, 2004 I just might purchase a new truck - What I am thinking of is the Toyota Tacoma, 2WD, extended cab (room for gear bag) Pre Runner - With the Off-Road package (locking rear differential, etc.) This would include the V-6 engine, too. Motor Trend gives it pretty high marks - Any input is greatly appreciated! Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cruzit 0 #2 April 13, 2004 My husband has a 2001 Tacoma Pre-Runner (just like the one you described). Good looking and great clearance. He has had it up some of the worst 4W drive roads in Colorado and was able to negotiate them just because of the tremendous clearance. We've taken it from Oklahoma to the Grand Canyon, Wyoming, Colorado, and it rides really well on long trips. Lots and lots of room for gear in the extended cab section. The only thing he says he regrets is not going ahead and getting the 4W instead of the 2W drive. We've had no problems with it and we both love how it looks. I agree with you on the V-6...we have the V-4 and it doesn't have the go-go of a standard V-6. Post a picture when you get it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #3 April 13, 2004 The Pre Runner doesn't come in 4WD, otherwise I'd be considering that, too. My off-road excursions are minimal, though. I like the locking differential the truck comes with, just enough to get you out of a small mudhole or snow bank, which is about all I use 4 wheel for now, anyways. (I'm currently driving a 4WD Ranger) I drove a couple trucks with 4 cylinders engines and they just don't have the power. Fours are OK for smal cars, but that's it. Six is a minumum for me. I don't much heavy hauling, if any, so there's no need for me to get a big V-8. Extended cab is a must-have, too. If we can score the truck I'll defintiely post pics - Right now we're figuring out how to get it into the budget. (The little lady just got a new RAV-4 in February.) Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyedivr 0 #4 April 13, 2004 I had a 2002 tacoma pre-runner last year. my only gripe is the transmission constantly shifting out of overdrive to drive on the freeway on a slight grade. it would go from 2,000 rpm's to 5,000 rpms and when it is in cruise control it does it much worse. it gets on your nerves real quick. other than that it is a wonderful truck. pulls a motorcycle trailer with ease (as long as you don't put it in overdrive) hope this helps.my power is beyond your understanding. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casie 0 #5 April 13, 2004 I used to have a Toyota 4-Runner.......luved it! They last for freakin EVER! You'll like, I'm sure~Porn Kitty WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dustin19d 0 #6 April 13, 2004 I just bought a 04' Tacoma extended cab 4x4, V6. Cant exactly coment on it though because its sitting at the house waiting for me to get home in October. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
livendive 8 #7 April 13, 2004 Forget the Tacoma, get a new Tundra with the V8. There's not a better riding pickup truck out there (almost as soft as a Caddie), it's quieter inside than the Lexus SC, and it's available in club cab (w/ 6' bed), with sunroof and power BACK window. I'm thinking of trading in my '01 Tundra 4WD for the new one, but will probably wait till next year to see if they do as I suspect and release 3/4 and 1 ton models. Blues, Dave"I AM A PROFESSIONAL EXTREME ATHLETE!" (drink Mountain Dew) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #8 April 13, 2004 I've driven a Tacoma on a fairly regular basis, and if you want a truck that looks like a truck but acts like a car, this is a good choice. If you want a truck that acts like a truck, I can't think of a better buy than a Silverado 1500 Z-71 with the towing package (Z-71 is the offroad setup). It's got power at both ends, a nice ride where you can still feel the road (personal preference) third door with a rear bench big enough for me to sleep on (done it at the DZ), and with the towing and offroad package, your undercarriage is tough as nails and the parts never wear out. This one is going on 70,000 and the brakes have never so much as squeaked. witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casie 0 #9 April 13, 2004 QuoteThis one is going on 70,000 and the brakes have never so much as squeaked. Sweetie, YOU must slow down to hear them brakes. Didn't we (Mardi Gras Boogie) already talk to you about your driving?~Porn Kitty WARNING: Goldschlager causes extreme emotional outbursts! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zyne 0 #10 April 13, 2004 I drive a chevy avalanche, 1500 in different wrapping. Can't beat em. Slid off the road (@#$%@#$% blackice) in it early 2003 and took it for a flight over a ditch doing about 30 (just took a turn) and dropped a good 3 feet. Damn thing doesnt have a dent, nothing bent, nothing broken, nothing scuffed .. you get the drift .. damn things are built like tanks ... unfortunately the gas mileage is about the same Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #11 April 13, 2004 Quote I've driven a Tacoma on a fairly regular basis, and if you want a truck that looks like a truck but acts like a car, this is a good choice. You know, you took the words right out of my mouth. They *can* be good trucks, but you need to get the 4 wheel drive and then you get to spend time putting different axles in it and every engine upgrade you can think of. The engines can drive ok on the highway but are seriously seriously lacking of any real power for towing or *real* driving. QuoteIf you want a truck that acts like a truck, I can't think of a better buy than a Silverado 1500 Z-71 with the towing package (Z-71 is the offroad setup). Yup. Lesser trucks would have crumbled at what I've put mine through. It has 98,000 miles on it (78,000 of which are mine), and I've put it through the ringer. It can and will tow a 6x12 trailer loaded down at 80mph on the highway without even a care, it will...well, I could go on, but you can get the picture. The only problems I've had is that it likes to chew up alternaters, so first time it goes out, but the expensive one at O'Reily's and the warrentee, then you won't have to buy another one ever. And I bent the frame, but that's from really fucking up and high centering the frame after launching the front wheels off the ground...ANY truck would have bent how I hit my truck. On the upside, got it straightened and its still going strong! The only thing I would change, is that I need to put a locking diff in the front and rear, but I'm willing to bet when I see dirt and mud, its not your average driving situation. In the mean time, the limit slip diffs work good, especially if you know how to drive properly and use your brake/accelerator properly to keep you from getting stuck.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dumpster 0 #12 April 15, 2004 It's offcial now, man! I take delivery Monday. I'll post pics as soon as possible! Congrats on your order from the town to clean up the yard! You gonna frame the letter and hang it on the wall like I did? Easy Does It Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #13 April 15, 2004 Frame it...Hmmmm...that's a fun idea.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
