A new ride

[curlyoak]

Just got it yesterday. My dodge dakota I bought new in 08 is toast. This is a '22 toyota tacoma sr5. Extended cab which I prefer. Configured like my old truck. It gives  me extra room inside. The crew cab reduces the bed too much for me. I can easily parallel park it. V6. I expect this will be my last truck. The toyotas have a reputation of going 250 to 300 thousand miles. If I get Alzheimer's I would trade it for an autonomous car if there was an opportunity. Otherwise my new truck has long term possibilities.

[Botch]

Congrats!  I had 230K miles on my first Toyota truck when someone ran a stop sign and totaled it; my '08 Taco (bought used with 1,700 miles) only has 62K on it so far, NO unsched Mx so far, and I suspect it'll be my last truck too.  

[gee-dub]

Still driving an ‘05 Taco. I expect to drive it to the tomb. 

[Immortan D]

On 6/24/2024 at 8:37 AM, gee-dub said:

Still driving an ‘05 Taco. I expect to drive it to the tomb. 

I expect the same from my '98 4runner. Had to change the stereo system recently though. The cassette player wasn't working anymore.

[Chet]

On 6/24/2024 at 7:16 AM, Immortan D said:

The cassette player wasn't working anymore.

Whaaat?

[curlyoak]

I just found out that this truck has 2 more oil service at no charge. And learning how to use the electronics. I finally feel in command on cruise control. And my iPhone plays on the screen for gps and my large library of music just comes on when I start the truck. I have the music on random songs. And the truck keeps the blue tooth on.  This truck is a lot different than the 07 Dodge that I bought new. The highest tech was a jack for the mini players.

I like the feel of the ride. Power is there if needed. The truck feels tight and well put together. And I prefer the extended cab over the crew cab. For my needs. I can haul 10' with the tailgate down. And it is small enough to parallel park easy.

The reputation of longevity is what lead me to the brand. I feel I got that and more.

[curlyoak]

On 6/24/2024 at 7:37 AM, gee-dub said:

Still driving an ‘05 Taco.

Like advertised! Gee-dub what has been your experience over the years on expenses for repairs. Maintenance is predictable. Repairs are the variable. And how many miles on your Taco?

Thanks

[gee-dub]

On 6/27/2024 at 2:54 AM, curlyoak said:

Like advertised! Gee-dub what has been your experience over the years on expenses for repairs. Maintenance is predictable. Repairs are the variable. And how many miles on your Taco?

Thanks

Routine maintenance only.  Despite living in California our yearly mileage is quite low since retirement. IIRC there is almost 90k on the truck which means the second major maintenance is about due. We did have a dealer recommend a water pump replacement around 25k miles due to a leak.  An independent mechanic could find no sign of a leak and we did not have that done.  We also do not use that dealer anymore.  Oil, all filters, wipers, brakes, and tires on schedule is all the thing has ever needed.  Of course, where we live we have no weather.  The left coast is pretty easy on vehicles.  The truck hasn't seen a garage since about 2008.

[curlyoak]

My 07 Dodge which I bought new in 08 and sold it with 93000 on it. All things were up to date. It had one issue. Hard to start. The easy answer was check the code. Could not get one. With no code the mechanic could not find an answer. The starter would crank but no fire. If I left it alone for a day it would start. With no known reason how to fix it I had to get rid of it. The new owner was told all. Took a gamble. I hope it goes OK. But no longer my concern. Sold as is.

When I took it to the car wash and left the motor running.

[Gary Beasley]

Sounds like a bad sensor. Hopefully the new owner can track it down.

[curlyoak]

New bling. The x trim package raises up the truck. And I am short and old. So it was not easy getting in the truck bed. This step is perfect. It works with the tailgate up or down. Not toyota parts. $80. Toyota up to 300. Which brings me to the only criticism I have of the brand is the price of parts. I got one key only with the truck. The key worked as a key but would not lock and open the doors. A new one at toyota is $300. I found a locksmith that has chipped keys as a key only. $80. That is what I use.

The scar on the bumper came with the truck. I will see what choices i have if any to improve it.

[fcschoenthal]

On 7/16/2024 at 9:22 AM, curlyoak said:

This step is perfect. It works with the tailgate up or down. Not toyota parts. $80.

I've got a Tacoma that I'd love to have one of those on. Mind sharing where you got it?

[curlyoak]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B65HH1P1?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 

On 7/16/2024 at 3:39 PM, fcschoenthal said:

I've got a Tacoma that I'd love to have one of those on. Mind sharing where you got it?

 

[fcschoenthal]

On 7/16/2024 at 4:14 PM, curlyoak said:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B65HH1P1?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 

 

My Toy is a 2008 and don't see any that are compatible. Thanks anyway, I'll have to keep looking.

[Tom King]

If you want to make that scuffed up bumper cover look better, it's really not hard.  Wet sand to 220 and spray can of plastic bumper primer, wet sand that to 400 and use a matching spray paint.  I've fixed worse and it's not really hard work that requires much skill.

https://touchupdirect.com/touch-up-paint/toyota/?

That place sells spray cans too, although I didn't see them scanning over that page.

[curlyoak]

On 7/16/2024 at 7:08 PM, Tom King said:

If you want to make that scuffed up bumper cover look better, it's really not hard

Thank you Tom!  I have a new project.

[Tom King]

The way it stops on that side makes it even easier so there doesn't need to be any transition where it needs to be blended into some other painted surface.  Just do that whole piece.

[curlyoak]

On 7/17/2024 at 12:23 PM, Tom King said:

The way it stops on that side makes it even easier so there doesn't need to be any transition where it needs to be blended into some other painted surface.  Just do that whole piece.

Do you mean just do the whole corner? Thanks

[Tom King]

I meant the whole bumper cover on that side.  Most of it only needs to be wet sanded and painted.  You don't need to sand off all the good paint.  It would be more trouble to paint just the scuffed up part of it and blend it in than to paint the whole thing.  It's not that big anyway.

I used this on my truck fender several years ago and it's holding up just fine under the paint on the plastic dually fender.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HAXLZO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?

[Tom King]

Probably all you need for prep is one sheet each of wet-or-dry 220, 320, and 400, an open ended water hose on low flow, and most important something comfortable to sit on at the right height.