Low mileage from Toyota Tacoma

[MrLynn]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

Or my new choice, I decided I wanted an SUV rather than a truck, so I got that same EB drive train in a 2019 Expedition.... Fabulous ride, and can tow 9300 lbs. 8 passengers or a 7 ft cargo bay.

My 2013 Expedition has the same capabilities, with a 5.0L V8. Doesn't look like Ford is offering a V8 in the Expedition any more, though it's still available in the F150. Not that I'm in the market. . .

[SageRpod]

Originally Posted by Selkirk

The EcoBoost F150/Expedition appears to be a popular Tow Vehicle choice amongst forum members.

For those how have purchased an F150 recently, did you give any consideration to the 3rd generation (2022+) Tundra? Why or why not?

Based on my experience with the reliability of my current Tacoma, I would be leaning towards the Tundra....if I eventually end up making the jump to a full-size truck.

Admittedly, I have heard of a few teething issues with the turbo V6 on very early-build trucks. However, these problems now seem to be resolved. The fact that the Tundra shares a common platform/powertrain with the global flagship J300 series Landcruiser suggests to me that there should be no long-term concerns with reliability.

We did look at the Tundra, Titan and Silverado. We skipped the Ram because of reliability issues we hear about. In the end, it was the Ecoboost engine, spaciousness of the super crew cab, 36 gallon tank and overall comfort that sold us on the F150.

[Ooshkaboo]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

visit a ford dealer, and sit in a late model Expedition Limited, now get in that Tundra and compare the seats, controls, interior fittings. The seats in my Expy remind me of those in my wife's late model Mercedes E series wagon, supremely comfortable on long trips, controls with great ergonomics. Toyota feels cheap and plasticky by comparison.

Speaking of cheap-
I and others refrain from taking cheap shots at Fords, not to mention the many recalls and unreliability.
Diving with a lot on the line right behind you in at times remote areas, reliability is no small issue…

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Ooshkaboo

Speaking of cheap-
I and others refrain from taking cheap shots at Fords, not to mention the many recalls and unreliability.
D

Is that what's called damming with faint praise?

Ron

[Mike Lewis]

My Tacoma passed 300,000 miles today. I pulled over and turned off the engine before taking the photo; I'm not low on oil.

[WillyB]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

My Tacoma passed 300,000 miles today. I pulled over and turned off the engine before taking the photo; I'm not low on oil.

[SageRpod]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

My Tacoma passed 300,000 miles today. I pulled over and turned off the engine before taking the photo; I'm not low on oil.

Very nice!

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

My Tacoma passed 300,000 miles today. I pulled over and turned off the engine before taking the photo; I'm not low on oil.

That's great Mike, no doubt the Taco is a durable vehicle. But there's no way I'd tow my 19 with it and give up my F150 EB supercrew.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

That's great Mike, no doubt the Taco is a durable vehicle. But there's no way I'd tow my 19 with it and give up my F150 EB supercrew.

Ditto

Ron

[jjdeluca]

Originally Posted by Selkirk

The EcoBoost F150/Expedition appears to be a popular Tow Vehicle choice amongst forum members.

For those how have purchased an F150 recently, did you give any consideration to the 3rd generation (2022+) Tundra? Why or why not?

Based on my experience with the reliability of my current Tacoma, I would be leaning towards the Tundra....if I eventually end up making the jump to a full-size truck.

Admittedly, I have heard of a few teething issues with the turbo V6 on very early-build trucks. However, these problems now seem to be resolved. The fact that the Tundra shares a common platform/powertrain with the global flagship J300 series Landcruiser suggests to me that there should be no long-term concerns with reliability.

I've been a Toyota guy for the past 40 years and really wanted to buy a Tacoma as a TV for our future Escape, but after talking to friends, they convinced me that I really needed a full sized truck.
So my first stop was the Toyota dealership to look at the Tundra. I thought it was a very nice truck, but the dealer was suggesting I consider a used 2nd gen Tundra with the 5.7L V-8, due to the twin-turbo issues they were having with some 3rd gen trucks (this was back in 2022, so there wasn't much of a track record with the new Toyota engine).
I briefly considered a used Tundra but was looking for a bit better gas mileage. So I pivoted and started looking at the F-150, eventually buying a 2023 model with the 3.5L ecoboost.
In retrospect, it sounds like the Tundra turbo V-6 problems were not nearly as widespread as I'd feared. If I were doing it again today, would seriously consider the new Tundra, but am quite happy with the F-150 and plan to keep it for the next 10+ years.

[MarkinVan]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

My Tacoma passed 300,000 miles today. I pulled over and turned off the engine before taking the photo; I'm not low on oil.

Well that confirms Toyota's reliability.

I had dreamed for those kind of miles out of my EcoDiesel but only got 78,000 km's out of the engine. Fortunately it was covered under the extended warranty. Now with only 12,000 on the new engine I'm having over-heating problems in the mountains when towing our E19. After spending 4 Grand on dealer diagnosis, special flush, new radiator and thermostat the Dealer's head mechanic told me he would trade it in while still under new engine's 2 year warranty. Turns out I have to continue paying for dealer diagnosis's till they actually confirm the problem before it would be covered under the warranty. I ask him what he drives he told me that he & his wife have a Toyota and a Lexus.

[John in Santa Cruz]

For sure, Ford has had some transmission problems over the years.... Heck, my 2001 new E150 "Traveler" van ate 3 transmissions in the 40K miles I owned it, and I think the 2nd and 3rd ones were dealer service induced. A friend had a 2001 F150 with the same 5.4L Triton and 4Lwhatever trans and he went through 2-3 transmissions in the first year.

and yes, the 10L80 in the newer Expeditions and F150s has had some teething problems, but mine seems fine, and its a wonderful transmission when its working right. They had a series of issues with the 24V 5.4L V8 too, the previous 16V was fine. and they have a issue with some of the Ecoboost V6's, but the updated 3.5 seems fine.

Ford sells a HUGE number of trucks every year, so we all hear about any problems.

[Viajante]

A while back, 20 years?, Ford based an entire ad campaign on the dubious slogan "Have You Driven a Ford...Lately?" Meaning, "yes, we used to make and sell lousy vehicles, but we don't do that anymore."

[Randy in Maine]

Originally Posted by Mike G

I simply shifted down and slowed to around 40 mph (35-45 depending), running at about 4000 rpm; I never desired to push it harder, for tranny's sake. No discernible pinging.

Just as semis are required to do, I use my flashers at speeds below 45 mph on Interstates.

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

For sure, Ford has had some transmission problems over the years.... Heck, my 2001 new E150 "Traveler" van ate 3 transmissions in the 40K miles I owned it, and I think the 2nd and 3rd ones were dealer service induced. A friend had a 2001 F150 with the same 5.4L Triton and 4Lwhatever trans and he went through 2-3 transmissions in the first year.

and yes, the 10L80 in the newer Expeditions and F150s has had some teething problems, but mine seems fine, and its a wonderful transmission when its working right. They had a series of issues with the 24V 5.4L V8 too, the previous 16V was fine. and they have a issue with some of the Ecoboost V6's, but the updated 3.5 seems fine.

Right there is why I don't mind paying for the gas in my Tundra.

[WillyB]

My ‘’79 Grand Prix was born with transmission problems. My ‘94 F150 ate 2 transmissions in 130k miles. My 2001 Tundra ate 2 in 96k miles.

I’ve owned Honda cars over the years and never had a single issue with anything. Tires/Brakes/Oil and a headlight bulb. We traded our ‘01 Honda Accord with 250k miles only because “The Boss” wanted a 2014 Honda Pilot. Currently at 137k with zero issues.

My ‘16 F150 with 57k is doing just fine so far but when Honda makes a truck I’ll be the first one in line.



Fingers crossed.

[Chamberman]

Originally Posted by WillyB

My ‘’79 Grand Prix was born with transmission problems. My ‘94 F150 ate 2 transmissions in 130k miles. My 2001 Tundra ate 2 in 96k miles.

I’ve owned Honda cars over the years and never had a single issue with anything. Tires/Brakes/Oil and a headlight bulb. We traded our ‘01 Honda Accord with 250k miles only because “The Boss” wanted a 2014 Honda Pilot. Currently at 137k with zero issues.

My ‘16 F150 with 57k is doing just fine so far but when Honda makes a truck I’ll be the first one in line.

Fingers crossed.

Its probably most important that whatever manufacturer that you choose to buy that you NOT purchase the 1st year model of any new drivetrain or chassis if you're really worried about reliability. I personally will not buy the 1st two years of any new design. I've been bitten by these early model bugs many times in the past. New engine, stay away,,,, New transmission, stay away,,, New body style, stay away. Let the excited fan boys be the proving grounds.

I've seen manufacturers claim a million+ miles of testing before releasing a new design only to have serious flaws that were corrected after the REAL test began and they started selling their new engine, tranny, chassis, etc.

The secondary problem is when you go to sell that 1st year model car. If its known to have manufacturing issues then your sales value will also be affected compared to the later models where this issue was corrected.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

A friend had a 2001 F150 with the same 5.4L Triton and 4Lwhatever trans and he went through 2-3 transmissions in the first year.

Ford sells a HUGE number of trucks every year, so we all hear about any problems.

Yes, and my friend is still driving his 2001 F150 with a 5.4 Triton and he's never had any problems with it.

Ron

[jennykatz]

John ,We have the the same color but a 2018 model tows the c21 no problem .

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by Mike Lewis

My Tacoma passed 300,000 miles today. I pulled over and turned off the engine before taking the photo; I'm not low on oil.

I'm trying hard to catch up. 220,000 miles to go. (Assuming I don't fall for a 2025 Tacoma.)