zolo
Explorer
What the retro-grouch's idea of what will work, and Toyota's marketing plan are two different things. :ylsmoke: I don't see too many bare bones trucks running around, if people can qualify for the loan they will go bigger and more power. What I do see is a lot of V6 double cabs, with automatic trannys. A basic 2WD regular cab/manny/4 banger is becoming a rare bird my friend...and you know it. Sure there is a small niche for base model fleet vehicles, even so, that market is dominated by the F-150.
You're just grumpy you can't get what you want... I am guessing a 4WD diesel that fetches 30 mpg's, manual hubs, manual windows, manny trans, am radio with real dials, transfer case with a gawd damn lever!!!, vinyl flooring and seats, all for $20K....right? I would buy one, heck maybe two!
The 2012 Hi-Lux is darn near the same size as the Tacoma now, it would make no sense to sell them side by side here in the States. I guess the bloat is happening world wide now, the compact truck might never come back...maybe in the form of a uni-body ute, rumor has it that Scion version is coming, but I can just hear the hard core body on frame enthusiast complaining now...
Since crew/access cabs are becoming more popular than regular cabs. Today a brand new base model double cab V6 4WD is a smidge over $30K, I just don't see how Toyota can get the price point under $35K with going to a beefier frame and diesel, and that is a basic model, once you start adding TRD or Sport packages the price spikes.
Sure I am guessing at the price point, but if I am right that is fullsize truck territory.
I understand were you are coming from. However, the thread was never will Toyota sell them side by side. The question was will the Tacoma get some design and or beefy equipment from the Hilux. Mainly the D4D.
Also the Hilux is by no mean's near the same size of the Tacoma, it is narrower and not as long. It is a smaller truck with a bigger payload. Pretty much the opposite of what the US market demands. So the larger Tacoma with D4D would be great.
I would like to have one (Hilux) yes, or mainly a Tacoma with a D4d. That would be fine for me. I don't think anyone is grumpy really, just excited about the possibility of a little stouter Tacoma.
When I went to the dealer in Chile to ask about price for a D4D Hilux 4x4 it was the same price as a TRD 4x4 4door Tacoma. So I don't think your thought of could Toyota do it is much a question really. The answer is yes. They could do it.
But what Containerized stated about the tariff, that would be a factor. Obviously making the truck here in the US would be best for profit.
So if Toyota managed to build the Tacoma with D4D option in the US then yes I think the price point would be competitive and it would be popular.
Much as VW has had a growing demand for small diesel cars in the US.
If Toyota is going to redesign the Tacoma for 2014, then they will have the retooling cost already factored in. So adding a bit of payload and offering a D4D option isn't unrealistic to speculate. If its an option that solves all there problems. Diesel engines are an option for most 3/4 and 1 ton trucks as well as VW small cars. It cost more yes, but they still sell and I would gamble that Toyota could offer it as an option and they would sell just fine to those who understood the advantages and wanted the MPG and power gains. They would pay more and get what they wanted.
At least that's my rambling thoughts on it. Id like to see it happen. It would be a huge step forward for clean small diesels.
I think its a more realistic and cleaner plan for automotive future over battery powered cars.
Battery's are dirty to make and to dispose of. Diesels can be clean efficient and rarely need disposed of. IMHO
(BTW, I'm basing a lot of this on the one country Ive been that had the HiLux. After driving one for a while and asking about price. So I'm by to means a HiLux expert just stating what I was told, what I saw, and what I experienced with the truck against my own Tacoma. So don't tear me apart to much)
Last edited: