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Are the RPM's in the optimal range with the current tire size and gearing setup?

I'm very surprised to hear that heavily modified Tundra's are averaging 15 mpg. The 1GR-FE in my 4runner is lucky to hit 16 mpg for winter driving in rural/suburban areas. As for the choice between the Tacoma vs Tundra: if you're going to keep the Tacoma mostly stock, it should handle the 3k...

I’m not aware of any major faults with the 1gr-fe v6 at the 80k mileage mark. Check the factory manual for recommended maintenance intervals and check to see if prior owners adhered to it. Other than that, check to see how bad the rust is. The 4th gen 4Runner is a solid platform, one that is...

@TexomaPowerboater, I'm pretty sure the OP's Tacoma is well-loaded (modifications, bumper, armor), so comparing its mpg to that of a stock Tundra or other 1/2 ton isn't really apples-to-apples. I do agree the domestic 1/2 ton trucks have come a long way in terms of fuel efficiency. Still, I...

Your truck is coming along nicely! Any plans for a front bumper? I totally get what you're saying about 'loving' a vehicle. My 4runner gives me that feeling every time I drive it. I've sat in the newer Ram's and I can definitely seeing myself 'loving' those trucks as well.

I get the financial argument that has been made against the OP's purchase of the Colorado (I even agree with that argument). The argument that Colorado lacks the reliability, fame, resale and aftermarket of the comparable trucks is still just speculation. As is the the idea that Ford is going...

Bias - prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. It doesn't matter if you think you have the experience to back it up...bias clouds judgement. You make sarcastic cracks about GM products and you freely admit...

This coming from the person who has "landcruiser" in his screen name, which of course proves that there is absolutely no bias in his views and statements. I have actually. You can find a good number of them with high mileage (150k-250k) going for $8k-$9k, which is only a few steps away from...

And yet somehow other companies (GM, FCA, Ford) have found good, financial reasons to offer 4x4 accessories and heavily-modified offroad variants for their SUV and pickup lineup. It makes business sense for other companies to cater the 4x4 market, but not Toyota? That sums up Toyota NA...

No, a gasoline Toyota w/ 200k is considered in need of maintenance and a potentially new engine. It's a great platform, if maintained and run properly, but all these claims that these engines will run for 500k miles with nothing but basic maintenance are embellishments. Some of Toyota's...

I'd say Toyota's North American offerings are selling okay. Toyota certainly has a firm grasp on the mid-sized 4x4 and pickup market (Tacoma, 4runner), but they're no longer the only game in town. Their Tundra sales are inferior to domestic sales. And honestly, if they continue to rely on...

So if the Lewis-built Arms aren't compatible with Thuren's suspension, what suspension will they work with?

Not to sound like a broken record, because I've said what I'm about to say before: Toyota's do get pushed hard and heavily used in the 4x4 community, but Toyota North America, as a company, has been very slow to appreciate and market itself to that community. The 4runner/FJ, Tacoma and LC are...

So I don't disagree with the financial argument both of you are making (paid off versus financing new truck). But what are these "GM issues" you are talking about. I know that new platforms tend to have more problems versus older platforms. But I do think there is some brand bias being...

Perhaps, but I still stand by my original point. IMO, the true market appeal of a smaller truck, like a Tacoma, is that it is cheaper and more practical for everyday use, and not necessarily that its better at rock-crawling or technical offroading.

Yes, the mid-sized trucks are inherently better suited for the tight, technical jeep trails. But, I don't think most people buying Tacoma's and Colorado's are intending to use them on such trails. People either buy a Jeep or build up some old 4x4 (toyota, jeep, gm) that they don't mind...

I really don't think your mpg results are abnormal. Stock 4runner, around town I'm at ~15 mpg. Mixture of highway and rural driving, ~18 mpg. With armor, lift, tires, the 12-14mpg you're getting seems about right. The 1gr-fe with the 5 speed isn't all that efficient.

The cost is up there, I agree. But it's no different from someone spending $60k on a mid-trim Ram 2500 and then spending an additional $15k-$20k for AEV packages. Or spending $60k on a Raptor + $10k-$15k in additional upgrades. Some people tend to spend boat loads of money on their vehicles...

The maintenance costs are pretty easy to figure out. I have the same 1gr-fe v6 as your Tacoma. Annual maintenance (assuming 15k miles a year) will run about $110 (5.5 qts @ $23 for 5 qts, $17 oil filter and drain plug gasket) if you do the oil changes every 5k miles as per Toyota's...

As am I.