1996 Toyota Tacoma SR5 3.4 V6
Summary:
Most reliable all around truck you can buy!
Faults:
Absolutely nothing.
General Comments:
I used to have friends at every parts store in town when I drove domestic cars, but it's been lonely since I got my Tacoma, since nothing wears out. Sure, I still buy the occasion ice scraper or oil that I don't need to stay in touch with my parts salesman friends, but it's just not the same, since I never have any grease on my hands or the panicked look when they don't stock the parts I need, so they know I'm faking it.
I got my truck 2 years ago at 165,000 miles, and changed out all the fluids, brakes, tires and the timing belt as preventative maintenance. It's 2 years and 35,000 miles later, and I just hit 200,000 miles and I still haven't found one part that has worn out or started leaking. This thing is amazing!
It still drives like new, so I see no reason it shouldn't have another 200,000 miles in it.
It gets between 17 and 26 MPG depending on the season (the hotter the weather, the better the mileage). It doesn't leak or burn oil, and the tires barely show any wear so far.
I can't say enough good about my Tacoma... I highly recommend it!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 19th February, 2013
21st Mar 2016, 03:48
Update... I'm now at 243,000 miles and still going strong. The starter failed at 240,000. It cost nearly $400 to repair and was nearly impossible to remove without removing the exhaust, suspension, etc. But it's hard to complain since my total repairs in the last 80,000 are still under $500.
21st Mar 2016, 12:41
I am also good friends in the parts stores, buying upgrades for my new domestics. Not replacement parts, just upgrade parts other than batteries or tires. My truck has aftermarket wheels, sound system and more chrome. Plus detailing supplies. Buying 150-200k rides however, I can see needing some maintenance items.
9th Mar 2013, 21:53
Tacomas are great small trucks, although they do have one very big problem; the price! Sure they are probably worth it, but the prices people ask for these in the used market is absolutely ridiculous.
I have seen mid 90's Tacoma's with over 300k on them selling for over 10k. No truck with 300k on it is worth that much.
The Ford Ranger / Mazda B series trucks do everything the Tacoma does for less than half the price. My brother has over 350000 on his 97 Ranger, and it doesn't even burn any oil. Both trucks will still need maintenance like tires, oil changes, brakes, etc, so there is no point in paying double just for the Toyota brand name.