High mileage observations... 2015 Tacoma

So... I got to thinking the other day when I posted that I was able to get 100k miles from a set of Duratracs- naturally it was met with some skepticism. Ok, no biggie. Then I thought- shit, I didn’t have to put brake pads on till 100k Just put 3 universal joints in the rear driveshaft at 197k (they weren’t “bad” but changed them trying to isolate some driveline vibes) 200k mile serpentine belt still doing its job (I bought a Toyota replacement but can’t find as much as a crack in the 200k mile one) Just put shoes and drums on the rear, that was maybe 180k. Trans has never had a fluid change but I’m gonna do it, I just put it off since the fluid still looks bright red. 2 sets of plugs (not counting originals) one air filter (it’s the washable TRD one, I use my cleaner and oil from my dirtbikes to service it!) Just changed my front hub assemblies today- 200k miles... neither one were the least bit loose or had any catches or roughness! I was convinced that they needed to be changed (so many people here say 100k is about their lifespan)
I AM aware that I’ve got a bad rear axle bearing... I’ll be having both sides changed soon.

My point- if there is one... depending on how you use your Tacoma- things can last a LONG time! Either that or I happened to get the most perfectly assembled TRD DCSB that ever rolled off the assembly line

 

Wait, are you saying that you drive 40K miles per year?!

 

That's great to hear. My old SR5 Pickup was up around the 200k mark before the first components needed replacing (bearings,UJ's etc) its good to hear the Tacoma platform is holding up the build quality standard.

I still miss my old BJ60 (cdn diesel model) Landcruiser. Those old trucks really lasted forever minus the rust issues of course.

 

A lot of the stuff (like wheel bearings) will wear out exponentially faster if you go off-road. My 2nd gen had a wheel bearing die at 72k - it got loud on the drive back from a wheeling trip, and already developed a severe wobble by the time I got home. If you get your steering rack submerged in water/mud, the rack will develop rust which will eventually damage the seals, causing PS fluid leaks.

Rear wheel bearings are a lot more difficult to change

Modern serpentine belts don't crack. They just lose material in the grooves, so a go/no-go gauge is required to check them:

 

43,000 typically

 

I never knew this about the serpentine belt!

 

Wow that's impressive. What has you on the road that much?

 

Maybe the OP is a foreign-educated medical doctor driving his Tacoma as a taxicab in Chicago

 

Failed to mention in the original post- I did have to replace the lower control arms... adjustment cams were frozen. Ball joints were fine. I replaced the uppers at the same time just to be able to get better alignment specs. I did have one outer tie rod end that went bad. Can’t remember the mileage on that one.

Definitely not wheeled like they used to get wheeled, mostly logging roads, some mud, whatever the woods have to throw at me. But only get out a couple times a year- the dirtbike takes up most of my spare weekend time and I figure I might as well ride that sucker while I still can.

 

Conservatively you’re at roughly $20k in fuel?

 

Combination of things... if I’ve got to be in our office it’s 86 miles round trip. If I’m on the road installing or doing service I’ll drive if it’s within 6 hours or
so. Then I’ve got the dirtbike stuff and my place in northern WI, an easy 550 miles almost every weekend. All adds up I guess... but hey, I didn’t buy it to look at it parked in my driveway. I knew the kind of miles I’d be piling on. Turns out the Tacoma has been a rock solid choice.

 

If I’m driving for work naturally the fuel goes on my work card. And the way we’ve worked it out, my mileage reimbursement pays my truck payment and insurance. I’m definitely not making money on the deal, but I believe I break even.

 

I build/install/service industrial process systems (I do the industrial controls and integration with existing equipment) We’re BUSY, I’m in demand... so lots of windshield time.

 

Well played! Well Enjoyed!

 

Totally agree with you, I’ve had mine for 7 years, original owner, and plan on driving it for many more. Tough to beat these years!

 

From my experience, how long parts last are completely dependant upon driving style and where the truck is when not driven and diligence in regards to maintenance.
Me, it's all highway miles, usually 30,000 - 35,000 per year, I don't offroad. I do all my own maintenance except for a job I just can't handle myself (like rear wheel bearings)
For the past 10 years, while at the work the truck is in a parking garage. When at home it's in a garage that in the winter is heated as well. After 450,000 miles, I'm still on the original passenger side front wheel bearing, AC components, PS pump/rack, engine, trans, diffs, transfer case, fuel injectors, throttle body.

 

Pretty amazing. I’d love to see 400k although I’ve got a daughter who will be driving in a couple years and has already said “I want that truck” so.... I’ll probably toss her the keys at around 340k

I WISH mine spent any time indoors... but it’s an outdoor cat. No garage time ever. The frame gets Fluid Film every year though, keeps things looking new underneath.

 

I'm at 208,000 on my 07. Serpentine belts are cheap and easy to replace. Having one break at the wrong time could be a PITA and they give no warning. I'll replace every 100K just to be safe. 80,000 is typical for front brakes for me, 150,000 on the rears on pretty much every vehicle I drive. I still have original drums and rotors. I've replaced one U-Joint and the alternator. Other than that it's just fluids, batteries, tires, and brake pads. I still have factory hoses. I was a bit concerned about that but the mechanic I use assures me they are fine. He still has factory hoses on his 2004.

 

Agreed, replace the serp belt for sure. Cheap EASY insurance and like stated the new age ones dont show cracks / failing they just wear out and go poof. Replace it and keep the old one in the truck incase of a failure of the new one (rather have it and not need it then need it n not have it)

 

I sold an '04 last year with 229k miles (2wd/4 cyl). Other than oil, tires, and brake pads, I think the only thing I did was change the plugs, belts and rear diff fluid - each only once. I bought it to use as a commuter and I ran the shit out of it! It still ran like a sewing machine when I sold it.

The frame on the other hand.....