2015/2016 New 3rd gen Tacoma Debut in Detriot

[DaveInDenver]

I haven't got anything to tow, so those specs are meaningless to me. But I've shown to be out of step with the majority time and again.

The Hilux does add value in my mind, service life. And probably simplicity/reliability. That photo of the interior has the proper second stick... Plus looks like a more simple interior that could accommodate a Tuffy. Plus I prefer a nice, simple DIN radio.

If what Clutch says is true that they are actually the same underneath then cram all the junk you want inside. I don't need any of it, but whatever floats your boat. My truck buying cycle is about 15 years and when I do it's historically been something used at about 5 to 10 years old. My first truck was a Ford Ranger that didn't even make it to 100,000, my second is the 1991 that has gone way beyond anything I could have hoped (seriously, $5K when I bought it, 165,000 miles I put on it, is incredible) and now the 2008 with 43K that cost us quite a bit more than $5K.

So far I'm not particularly impressed. In the 13 days of ownership it's been back at the dealer twice. Tomorrow it goes in for steering rack evaluation since alignment and balancing didn't solve the steering shimmy that came on when I put a topper on it. Glad I got a Toyota certified pre-owned otherwise I'd be pretty ticked. I already know I'll have to put a suspension on it, the topper (which is a basic 150 lbs fiberglass topper, not my WilderNest) has caused the rear springs to go inverted, so they won't last long.

 

[p nut]

Maybe you can correct me on this, but does the current model year Hilux offer better service life? Or simplicity? If you're talking about the bare bones version sold in Uganda, perhaps. But even IF we got the Hilux here, I'd imagine they would resemble our current Tacoma. Only difference being maybe that transfer case lever and the frame. Don't know---I don't see that as much (or any) advantage in my eyes. Maybe you're saying that since the platforms will be the same, you COULD import all of the "utilitarian" parts and fit them on your truck. Can't imagine that being cheap, though.

 

[speedtre]

He's absolutely right that a "world truck" wouldn't work here. Why is the Ranger not being sold here if Ford thinks they can make a good return on it?

So you say a "world truck" wouldn't work here and then you post a picture of this showing us how luxurious the Hilux is? Do you really think this Hilux "wouldn't work here" despite it's bones being a little more truck like?

The real reason we still have a US only model truck is mostly corporate politics. Toyota of America convinced the parent company that they "needed" an American version because that made TOA more important in the scheme of things and there was probably a bit of truth to that in the early 90s when this was being decided and the Hilux was much more workman like. It's in TOAs interest to have a USA only model and nobody else's at this point. If you have spent any time working in a mega-corporation or in govt. then you know exactly what I'm talking about. Depts/subsidiaries/branches exist to grow in scope and "importance" and if you don't grow, you are considered to be dying.

The current Hilux would sell just fine over here, if you don't think so, show me the small truck built from 95' till now that would have stolen market share from Toyota if the Hilux was sold here....I'm not holding my breath. You can try and make the argument that it's a volume issue, not market share and that is easier to try and defend (especially early on in the Tacoma/Hilux split), but I would disagree. And as evidenced I'd point to the picture above that you shared. The Hilux could (can) be gussied up enough to suit the American consumer just fine. Corporate politics is why we still get an Americanized truck from Toyota.

 

[Clutch]

I haven't got anything to tow, so those specs are meaningless to me. But I've shown to be out of step with the majority time and again.

The Hilux does add value in my mind, service life. And probably simplicity/reliability. That photo of the interior has the proper second stick... Plus looks like a more simple interior that could accommodate a Tuffy. Plus I prefer a nice, simple DIN radio.

If what Clutch says is true that they are actually the same underneath then cram all the junk you want inside. I don't need any of it, but whatever floats your boat. My truck buying cycle is about 15 years and when I do it's historically been something used at about 5 to 10 years old. My first truck was a Ford Ranger that didn't even make it to 100,000, my second is the 1991 that has gone way beyond anything I could have hoped (seriously, $5K when I bought it, 165,000 miles I put on it, is incredible) and now the 2008 with 43K that cost us quite a bit more than $5K.

So far I'm not particularly impressed. In the 13 days of ownership it's been back at the dealer twice. Tomorrow it goes in for steering rack evaluation since alignment and balancing didn't solve the steering shimmy that came on when I put a topper on it. Glad I got a Toyota certified pre-owned otherwise I'd be pretty ticked. I already know I'll have to put a suspension on it, the topper (which is a basic 150 lbs fiberglass topper, not my WilderNest) has caused the rear springs to go inverted, so they won't last long.

Probably should of bought another US HiLux. I am guessing you aren't going to be happy with anything else but one of those.

Clean ones do still exist under $10K, and just fix it as it breaks. Have two of them in rotation.

Yep, everyone knows the springs suck on the Tacomas, first thing I upgraded. Didn't have a major engine failure with your 22RE?


I dunno, my Tacoma has been stellar...didn't start nickel and diming me until 250K miles. Did a little under carriage refresh, rebuilt the coil overs, all new bushings and few other things this past spring, feels and drives new again. Engine still feels strong, though if it seized tomorrow at 292K miles...I feel I got my money out of it. Think I am just going to get another low mile one from Japan and sling that in there when it does go.

I want to see if I can get 500,000 miles out of this thing.

 

[Mrknowitall]

According to Torque News, Toyota communications directly assured them that a Manual 5-speed trans would be available on 4cyl models.
http://www.torquenews.com/1083/2016-toyota-tacoma-manual-4-cylinder-combination-questioned

 

[DaveInDenver]

Yep, everyone knows the springs suck on the Tacomas, first thing I upgraded.

Not everyone. I assumed they'd be soft like every other factory Toyota springs, but I didn't think at 43K miles they'd be worn out that 150 lbs would overload them (they are 3-leafs, which I believe are also known to be soft). I'm waiting for Toyota to figure out what they want to do since my truck will be covered under a recall for defective rear springs. They are doing a recall because the leafs can fracture and puncture the fuel tank. I hoped to get a year out of them to save for an OME kit.

Didn't have a major engine failure with your 22RE?

Yup, the DOA metal back timing chain guides failed. I put them in at 125K as preventative since the nylon guides were supposed to be junk (mine were fine at the time). The driver's side top half snapped off about 30K miles later and lodged itself between the chain and crank gear, which caused it to break a side link. That caused the #3 cylinder to jam into the exhaust valve, bending it and cracking my head. I rebuilt the engine with factory timing parts and a Engbldr head and it's gone another 110K.

 

[Clutch]

The real reason we still have a US only model truck is mostly corporate politics. Toyota of America convinced the parent company that they "needed" an American version because that made TOA more important in the scheme of things and there was probably a bit of truth to that in the early 90s when this was being decided and the Hilux was much more workman like. It's in TOAs interest to have a USA only model and nobody else's at this point. If you have spent any time working in a mega-corporation or in govt. then you know exactly what I'm talking about. Depts/subsidiaries/branches exist to grow in scope and "importance" and if you don't grow, you are considered to be dying.

The current Hilux would sell just fine over here, if you don't think so, show me the small truck built from 95' till now that would have stolen market share from Toyota if the Hilux was sold here....I'm not holding my breath. You can try and make the argument that it's a volume issue, not market share and that is easier to try and defend (especially early on in the Tacoma/Hilux split), but I would disagree. And as evidenced I'd point to the picture above that you shared. The Hilux could (can) be gussied up enough to suit the American consumer just fine. Corporate politics is why we still get an Americanized truck from Toyota.

They sell the Tacoma along side the HiLux in Mexico. I wonder which one sold better? I can't seem to find the numbers.

http://www.toyota.com.mx/


I have seen the Mexican version up close in personal, a guy in my neighbor brother up from Mexico has one. Honestly other than frame...I can't see much difference. Same 2.7l 4 Banger as ours (no diesel available in Mex)...believe the manny transmission is different the HiLux 5 speed is the W56, and the US version is the W59

 

[Clutch]

Not everyone. I assumed they'd be soft like every other factory Toyota springs, but I didn't think at 43K miles they'd be worn out that 150 lbs would overload them (they are 3-leafs, which I believe are also known to be soft). I'm waiting for Toyota to figure out what they want to do since my truck will be covered under a recall for defective rear springs. They are doing a recall because the leafs can fracture and puncture the fuel tank. I hoped to get a year out of them to save for an OME kit.

My TRD springs and shocks...totally clapped out at 60K. Seems too soon to me... but oh well.

Then to 5 spring Deavers, those ended up being too soft...happy with the OME's

Yup, the DOA metal back timing chain guides failed. I put them in at 125K as preventative since the nylon guides were supposed to be junk (mine were fine at the time). The driver's side top half snapped off about 30K miles later and lodged itself between the chain and crank gear, which caused it to break a side link. That caused the #3 cylinder to jam into the exhaust valve, bending it and cracking my head. I rebuilt the engine with factory timing parts and a Engbldr head and it's gone another 110K.

That sucks...to think if you put another fresh set of plastic guides it might of been fine.

The two 22RE's I had did ok...sold one at 150K the other at 215K.

Very pleased with the 3.4's reliability.


I am seriously considering just buying another 1st gen Taco, and have one as a spare.

Thought of a 90's HiLux as well, but would have to do a coil over conversion, I don't care for torsions.

 

[Mrknowitall]

They sell the Tacoma along side the HiLux in Mexico. I wonder which one sold better? I can't seem to find the numbers.

http://www.toyota.com.mx/


I have seen the Mexican version up close in personal, a guy in my neighbor brother up from Mexico has one. Honestly other than frame...I can't see much difference. Same 2.7l 4 Banger as ours (no diesel available in Mex)...believe the manny transmission is different the HiLux 5 speed is the W56, and the US version is the W59

From what I can tell the MX sales aren't a fair comparison- the Hilux is only sold as 4cyl/5man/2wd in SR and lower trims, while the Tacoma comes only in Crew/Auto/TRD Sport 2 and 4wd. There is a huge price gap. I'm sure the Hilux far outsells the Tacoma. Not sure about the trans thing- according to this
https://www.marlincrawler.com/tech/transmission/transmission-gear-ratio-chart
the W59 was only behind the RZ- the TR sounds like it has some other trans. Do like the cyclonic air filter in the TR powered hilux tho.

 

[Clutch]

From what I can tell the MX sales aren't a fair comparison- the Hilux is only sold as 4cyl/5man/2wd in SR and lower trims, while the Tacoma comes only in Crew/Auto/TRD Sport 2 and 4wd. There is a huge price gap. I'm sure the Hilux far outsells the Tacoma. Not sure about the trans thing- according to this
https://www.marlincrawler.com/tech/transmission/transmission-gear-ratio-chart
the W59 was only behind the RZ- the TR sounds like it has some other trans. Do like the cyclonic air filter in the TR powered hilux tho.

Yeah, probably not a good comparison. But the only market I know of that sells them side by side. Are there any others?

Thanks for the Marlin link...I was looking on Wiki..so it might have some misinformation about the trannies.

 

[toylandcruiser]

It was never a problem with the 79-95 Pickup because despite being built on the Hilux 1-ton chassis Toyota rated them 1/2 ton. Their GVWR and tare weight never suggested to any road authority that they were in any way a commercial vehicle. But the reason I liked them is that their 1-ton-ish nature meant they could take a beating. This manifests in little ways that add up over time. Wheel bearings last longer, u-joints last longer, steering lasts longer. And when something did eventually wear out, it was fixable. The Tacoma is a reflection of our superficial, throw-away mentality, barely sufficient to meet the demand and nothing more. Since the demand seems mostly to be grocery getter and carting around realtors, it's less and less meeting my "lifestyle". I do some of that stuff but that's not it's sole or even primary duty. I commute across town 6 miles and in the period of a year most of the time that's done on bicycle or motorcycle. That's why my truck only has 265,000 miles on it but those are 265,000 hard miles, a lot of which were in 4WD and/or heavily laden. I seriously doubt my 2008 will go 250,000 of the miles I put on trucks. It's intricate and fiddly, needlessly complex IMHO and scrimps in critical areas.

Local dealer still services a tacoma that has a million miles on it. All original.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[2025 deleted member]

Probably on its third frame and second engine. No way a inferior Tacoma could last that long.:sombrero:

Local dealer still services a tacoma that has a million miles on it. All original.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[toylandcruiser]

Probably on its third frame and second engine. No way a inferior Tacoma could last that long.:sombrero:

Ha I see what you did there.
It's crazy, the tacoma has been for sale for longer than the hilux in this country.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Clutch]

Ha I see what you did there.
It's crazy, the tacoma has been for sale for longer than the hilux in this country.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sure about that? Thought the US got the Hilux in '69?

 

[toylandcruiser]

Sure about that? Thought the US got the Hilux in '69?

Eh was thinking 4wd


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk