2020 Tacoma 4cyl SR 4x4 Review

Folks.i was looking.at a.2020 Ford Ranger XLT and honestly liked this truck much more than then Tacoma, but felt the 2.3 Turbo was putting too much stress on engine and was not a fan of direct.injection because of known carbon buildup issues.

The Tacoma 2.3l 4cyl is sooo.slow but the ride is very smooth and the engine is bulletproof. My only gripe about Tacoma is known frame rot but got mine undercoated and rustproofed

Some here complained about the transmission hunting and not shifting smoothly mine is smooth and very good up hills and down hills.

The ride is very compliant, takes bumps very smoothly, interior cabin is quiet and with the undercoating has been even quieter.

My only complaint is I bought a Yakima Overhaul HD which was $1800 yikes! But after looking at several other.racks they were cheaper but junky.

AFTERMARKET WHEELS
I thought about replacing the OEM steel wheels but almost every aluminum aftermarket wheel was a 17". I love the standard tires and it helps with the ride quality. For me to put lower profile wheels would only result in cargo in back being jolted. Since I am carrying expensive equipment, I prefer smoother ride

WHEEL WELL FENDERS
Was considering this as well but unless I had cast aluminum wheels it did not make sense.

RUST PROOFING AND UNDERCOATING
I struggled to find a rust proofing and undercoating place that I could trust. Many claimed to be the best but after making calls to these outfits, I didn't like what I was told. I.e. this one rust proofing outfit, said when I bring the truck in, they will put truck on rack and if there is dirt on frame they will just wipe off with rag...umm...that was definitely a no go for me. Another dealer LineX told me it is a one time application but after going to LINE X company they told me it is a yearly application. Ziebart when I spoke to the dealer, I was very impressed with his knowledge. Most Ziebart dealers are independent franchieses so the quality may vary to very good to very bad. The manager explained the entire process, they first power wash underside, then they spray a wax like inside all door panels. Then they use rust eliminator to nutruelize all rust before undercoating carriage. Then they wash car and final inspection to make sure they did not miss any spots.





Anyway love.this truck

 

2.3 L tacoma?

 

Its the new hybrid version

 

Man, you have made a good choice. IMO That 2.3 eco boost wont be good in long run. They are great if you are leasing and under warranty though.

And on the plus side, you will get no speeding tickets

 

Wonderful that you like the truck! Don’t get that Ziebart shit on your truck. It Traps moisture and rots frames from the inside out and just hides damage. Go with a oil or spray rustproofing that’s applied annually.

 

I looked at all.those and wasnt impressed. The ziebart they put elinator first which nutraikizes rust then they spray. I am pretty confident it will.hold up.wepl

 

pick two. since you bought the most basic taco, you opted for cheap. you also bought a tacoma which is known for its excellent reliabilty and resale, which is great. going by the logic, fast wasnt choosen. you got a deal getting a tacoma. its gonna do everything you ask of it within reason, but you wont be blitzing to your destination.

 

Is the OP sending a telegram??? <STOP> ....

 

4 cylinder Tacoma is good on gas but on the highway...you’ll get passed by a kite!

 

That is very true but didnt buy it to race. One thing i wanted.to do is get cast aluminium wheels.but wondering if.the stock rims provide.a softer.ride.than aluminium mwheels.

Also wondering.if.flared.out fenders.are.amgood.idea

 

Typical Friday thread, sub’d

 

You lost me at Ranger. Lol

 

Why.do.you.put.periods.aftrr.everyword.?

 

. Maybe.he.likes.ur.mom


sans cotton pony.

 

My keypad on phone is too.small

 

Been flying down the highway 80 mph between Nevada and Utah for 2 weeks after owning my 2017 4 cyl 5 speed for 3 years in Oregon, 45k miles, and its done great. Sometimes I need to downshift once to pass or go up long hills, but she purs at 3k. 2" ome lift and 32" falkens
Don't care what anyone says, I only use premium gas and she runs much smoother.

 

Higher octane gives you few more hp at WOT.
I have always used 91 or higher in all my japanese vehicles. They seem to run smoother and get a bit better mpgs.

Domestics i have always used 87 and they ran great.

 

Definitely dont Ziebart it unless you want to rot the frame even faster. The 2.7L will last forever but is weak and not something you want if you will haul stuff in the bed or tow. It got worse once they dropped the manual transmission option after 2017.

 

Well.too late already done it but they use rust eliminator before appplying umdercoatimg.so.should be fine

 

this is *only* true on vehicles that call for premium fuel. they are tuned to run on high octane and if you use a lower octane the ecu will adjust timing to avoid engine knock. this cuts the horsepower slightly.

toyota’s factory tune is for regular, so it doesn’t matter what octane you pump, it’s the same result.

i’m not here to rain on anyone’s parade; if you like to use premium gas and think you get more horsepower, fuel economy, whatever, then great. i’m glad you’re happy, and you should keep doing what makes you happy. but please don’t post misinformation as fact or advise others with no disclaimer and a perceived anecdotal experience as your sole evidence. if you have dynamometer charts of a stock truck on 87 and 93 back to back, please share and i’ll stand corrected.