changing from FJ40 to Tacoma

[justbecause]

HEY YALL! as soon as i can sell my 80 fj40 im going to trade my diesel jetta for a tacoma i know i want a truck, i thought i wanted a 4cyl because of fuel economy but looking around im not sure the difference in MPG is really worth the power difference (opinions?) i dont care if its auto or a stick (opinions? ups and downs to each, please share)
it HAS to be 4wd ex-cab would be nice, but i dont think id ask anyone to ride in that tiny backseat for any real distance anyway so a single cab is ok... if i can find a 4door for a price i could swing id be all over it, what im asking for though is what should i be looking for?
any known problems associated with one year or another? one package or another?
i live in central alabama im going to do most of my driving on road no rock climbing or mud racing, i just want something i can load down with gear and firewood and take camping, ill be eventually looking at getting a bed cover and a RTT
i just really want some help learning more aobut the trucks know what i should look for an what i should be aware of with the rigs and if anyone has any successus/failure stories please let me know i just want to get the best truck for my money

any what kind of price do you think i should be expecting to pay? iv been checking e-bay and autotrader and the prices seem to be all over the place i dont want to pay 4k$ thinking im getting a great deal and it wind up being a lemmon...

 

[hoch]

First of all, what is your price range? Secondly, I would personally opt for the V6. The power difference is very noticable, but the MPG is not--especially if you're hauling/towing. You will appreciate the extra grunt of the V6.

Also, notice that there has been a recall on a lot of 95-00 Tacoma's due to their frame rust issue, so look for a 2001+. They can be had for ~$8k - $16k. I love my double cab, as it can carry 4 adults (or 5, if they are small) and I don't mind the 5' bed. If you need a 6' bed, at least get an extended cab. That extra space in the back comes in really handy, and it also allows you to lay your seat down for quick power naps, which in a single cab, you can't.

Auto vs. stick is an endless debate and it really comes down to your preference. I like manuals and have driven only manual cars, but in a truck, I'm good with an auto. The last thing I want to do after a day of camping, hiking, skiing, biking, etc. is shift--especially if I'm stuck in traffic.

I'd look for a TRD Off-Road package, as they come with a rear locker. That's what I have, and even though I have not needed the locker very often, it's nice to have and could mean the difference between coming home early or calling a buddy to pull you out.

 

[justbecause]

9k is about as high as i can go... thats trade in on the jetta and im already making payments on it... i could possible go as high as 10 but i REALLY dont want my payments to go up at the same time that fuel will become more expensive (not the price of GAS going up but the ammount ill have to buy from chanign 45mpg to 16mpg) also... is 16mpg about right for a v6 4x4 auto???

 

[Jacket]

A few things to add to your complex formula...

4 door is probably out for you given your price range, and a desire for a 4 cyl.

If you opt for the 4 cyl, then I would definitely go with a manual tranny (can you even get an auto with a 4cyl?). There is probably a few mpg difference, but its up to you whether or not its worth it. Both the 4cyl and 6cyl engines are fantastic workhorses; the 3.4 V6 won't overwhelm you with power, but it will do a pretty good job in the passing lane when needed.

I think 16mpg should be on the low end for the V6 - you should see more like 19 mpg on average with a stock truck and reasonable driving habits.

As far as price goes, I think you can find a mid to late 90's Tacoma with 100,000-150,000 miles on it for your price range.

 

[hoch]

As Jacket said, you will probably see ~19MPG mixed driving with the V6. With the I-4, you will be at 21MPG mixed. With my stock sized tires, I was at ~21MPG on the highway with my double cab V6.

With $9k, you will probably end up with an extended cab, I-4 or V6. If you get something before year 2001, make sure to check out the frame for rust.

 

[justbecause]

what areas on the frame do i need to look at?? or is just the whole frame prone to rusting?
there are several in my price range v6 auot 4x4 on autotrader right now one i really like is even the color i want and only has 111k miles
just the first step is getting the FJ sold...

 

[FlatlandTRD]

what areas on the frame do i need to look at?? or is just the whole frame prone to rusting?

Inside frame around the front leaf spring hangers. There have also been 01-04s that have been bought back due to the frame issues. Due to the massive recall, the prices have dropped and will continue to go down as it's seen as a reliability issue (Thanks Dana Corp.)

So a question to ask the seller would be, "has it been inspected by Toyota" check out the ttora thread, even has some pictures, and might try to drive a 4cyl & 6cyl to get a feel for your preference.

 

[Blue77FJ40]

Why not both? I have a '40 for wheeling and a Taco for DD

 

[justbecause]

flatland thanks!
blue... sadly b/c i dont have the funds for both

 

[WES1977]

Have you ever owned a truck? My Taco is my first pickup and I love my truck but you have to throttle lightly in the rain due to the light rear end.

 

[justbecause]

yes iv owned a truck my first car was a 95 v6 dodge ram a rolling POS i hated hated hated that truck.... and yes i know all about a rear end that will come out from under you in the rain.... been there many many times (i was 16 couldnt afford new tires these things were BALD but the parentals didnt seem to agree... so i was stuck)