Thinking about joining the toyota army

[Sep1911]

I've been into Isuzus for a while and I'm thinking about making the switch to toyota because of a recent engine failure. I'm thinking about getting a tacoma in particular because I've always enjoyed the act of just throwing s*** in there without worry of mess. Especially things like fire wood for off road trips I do.

Anyways, I've been doing a lot of research figuring out what I want. I'll definitely be getting the 4 banger with the 5 speed. I've read the 6 speed has some issues and I am not trying to deal with issues because my isuzu gave me plenty of issues in the past 2 years, plus I dont want to be dropping out the transmission to replace throw out bearings.

For the most part I am happy with everything I read about the tacomas. The one thing that bothers me though is the rust issue. They salt the roads where I live if they think it's going to snow so the frame will be seeing a lot of salt. I suppose the 2013-15 are too new to tell if they "fixed" the problem but it seems like manufacturers these days don't really give a s***. I am very surprised to see how bad some of the rust is given my 15 year old isuzu only has front end rust and it's not rotting or anything too crazy.

I've been reading about the 2016 models and the information I found was mainly in regards to a new frame thats "stronger and lighter." Anyone have any info on whether they have improved corrosion resistance? I am also wondering if this frame is made out of any special alloy or if it's been heat treated. Mainly because I plan on welding on rock sliders. Can the 2015 below frames be welded on? I know it may seem like a silly question but as I understand it, you're not supposed to weld onto heat treated because it weakens the frame in those sections.

Also, how strong the CVs? Whats a safe limit on tire size when running a front locker without breaking the CVs left and right on the trail?

 

[Tigerstripe40]

The 2016 Tacoma is all new, so it's bound to have some teething issues.

If I was the type to buy a truck every 2-4 years, no issue as it would be under warranty the entire time, but I'd steer clear of used models of the first year of a new 'generation'. Though the 4 cylinder I don't think is changing in the 2016 model. The V6, though, is a better option. Has nearly 100 more hp than the 4 cylinder and the new atkinson cycle V6 is netting really good mpgs. The A750 automatic transmission is VERY stout. The tacoma is actually the lightest truck Toyota puts that transmission in. (they were putting them in V8 powered 4Runners and Land Cruisers). Though I personally prefer a manual, the 6 speed issues were just too much for me in the year range I was able to afford when I got my tacoma.

The frame issue isn't really one. If you get a truck with a bad frame, it's most likely going to be covered under the recall. Toyota is really good about that sort of thing.

I don't know about the third gen tacomas (2016's), but the frame on my 2nd gen Tacoma can certainly be welded on.

Tacoma CV's are pretty stout, I wouldn't really worry about them holding up. If you DO end up breaking them you can swap the half shafts out for 300m shafts from Total Chaos (and likely other vendors).

I've had some personal experience with Isuzu Rodeos.... I think you will be pleased with Toyota.

 

[Sep1911]

The 2016 Tacoma is all new, so it's bound to have some teething issues.

If I was the type to buy a truck every 2-4 years, no issue as it would be under warranty the entire time, but I'd steer clear of used models of the first year of a new 'generation'. Though the 4 cylinder I don't think is changing in the 2016 model. The V6, though, is a better option. Has nearly 100 more hp than the 4 cylinder and the new atkinson cycle V6 is netting really good mpgs. The A750 automatic transmission is VERY stout. The tacoma is actually the lightest truck Toyota puts that transmission in. (they were putting them in V8 powered 4Runners and Land Cruisers). Though I personally prefer a manual, the 6 speed issues were just too much for me in the year range I was able to afford when I got my tacoma.

The frame issue isn't really one. If you get a truck with a bad frame, it's most likely going to be covered under the recall. Toyota is really good about that sort of thing.

I don't know about the third gen tacomas (2016's), but the frame on my 2nd gen Tacoma can certainly be welded on.

Tacoma CV's are pretty stout, I wouldn't really worry about them holding up. If you DO end up breaking them you can swap the half shafts out for 300m shafts from Total Chaos (and likely other vendors).

I've had some personal experience with Isuzu Rodeos.... I think you will be pleased with Toyota.

I totally forgot I even signed up on here and made a post. Yeah, I pulled the trigger on a 2016. I test drove the v6 with manual trans and that thing took my breath away. Theres an old saying that its more fun to drive a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow. When I test drove the 4 cylinder manual I fell in love instantly. It wasn't quite like the V6, but it wasnt slow either. I thought the power band on it was great.

I decided to go with the SR model thats bare bone with no back seat. No point in BS options. I'd rather save the money and use it on something real like regear with ARBs and a lift.