When it rains, it freaking pours...

[JulesMaximus]

Other than a battery dying in one of the wheels (fking TPMS...I forgot to check that when I replaced tires, too), my '05 Tundra has been just about perfect (only 47k on it, though). My '98 Tacoma was great until the frame rotted out at 198k.

My Brother-In-Law had a Tacoma he put a ton of miles on before selling it and buying the Infiniti G35 he drives currently. He never had any trouble with the Tacoma. Of course, frame rot really is a non-issue here in SoCal. His wife has a Camry that has also been quite good.

 

[theeedude]

I think 1997 Camry was when Toyota decided to stop building up its reputation and start living off of it.

 

[Arkaign]

Full disclosure...I own a 2005 Tacoma TRD Offroad.

There are a few niches that the Toyota fills that the Ford F150 does not.

1) Smaller than the Ford F150. While the Toyota has grown from its older (more nimble) size, it is still a good bit smaller. This really only counts when offroading...but there are definitely times I've been able to get places where my friends have not in their larger full size trucks. I specifically have the access cab model....the double cab long bed is a freaking long truck.

2) bare bones 4 cylinder. You can get the toyota in a very bare bones, 4 cylinder config that will get very good mileage and do 90% of the work a F150 can do. Sure it can't haul huge loads or tow enormous, but it works for a lot of people and gets great gas mileage doing it. One of my friends is a Contractor out in California and that is all he needs. He drives a LOT and needs to make runs for items...but nothing the Tacoma can't handle. To be honest, I have a number of friends who work construction in different forms and none of them use their full size work trucks to their potential...all of them drive them around like cars with the occasional bit of crap in the bed. Their companies could easily give their employees 4cyl Tacomas and save a lot in gas (they could get the Ranger...but really???).

Those two points being made, the F150 is definitely a better deal for the amount of car that you get for the price especially when compared to a higher end Tacoma.

Those are excellent points. I'm in Dallas, where big trucks are everywhere all the time, so size is not an obstacle in the area I'm in (though it can still make someone used to small cars claustrophobic in tight parking scenarios!), but can definitely see it being an issue in some areas.

And yeah, some people just don't have the need for a full-size truck. The Ranger is so small as to be nearly impractical imho (and again, the overlap on a decently equipped Ranger vs. a bargain/rebate/special F150 is so close that I can't understand that route).

I really like the Chevy Colorado (aside from the fact that I got rear-ended by some idiot driving one of them), but other than driving a Uhaul rental around for a few hours I have no idea if they are a truly great choice. First impressions were solid though. It seemed a nice midsize, and odds are it's more cost effective but probably not as luxurious/configurable as a Tacoma. And of course Tacoma resale will be near tops

 

[PricklyPete]

Those are excellent points. I'm in Dallas, where big trucks are everywhere all the time, so size is not an obstacle in the area I'm in (though it can still make someone used to small cars claustrophobic in tight parking scenarios!), but can definitely see it being an issue in some areas.

And yeah, some people just don't have the need for a full-size truck. The Ranger is so small as to be nearly impractical imho (and again, the overlap on a decently equipped Ranger vs. a bargain/rebate/special F150 is so close that I can't understand that route).

I really like the Chevy Colorado (aside from the fact that I got rear-ended by some idiot driving one of them), but other than driving a Uhaul rental around for a few hours I have no idea if they are a truly great choice. First impressions were solid though. It seemed a nice midsize, and odds are it's more cost effective but probably not as luxurious/configurable as a Tacoma. And of course Tacoma resale will be near tops

The Colorado is not a bad truck...just not great either (kinda like a Toyota Corrolla). I haven't driven one recently...but when I was buying a truck in 2004, I drove several Colorado's as it was high on my list until the new Tacoma/Frontier came out. The Chevy was the best option out there (IMHO) when it first came out. It rode fairly nicely, had more space (I didn't fit well in the old Tacoma). I really didn't want a full size (otherwise I'd have bought an F-150 or Sierra), but I wanted to fit (I'm 6'5"). When the Frontier/Tacoma came out and there just was no comparison in its segment. Sure I could have saved a few dollars on the Colorado, but the engines are infinitely better in the Tacoma/Frontier and the trucks were much more substantial. I know the Colorado now has a V8 engine which would probably have helped it a lot at the time. The Frontier/Tacoma was a toss up, but I went with the Tacoma for some features/styling.

Most of my truck's time has been spent in South Carolina, but the last two winters have been in St. Louis where they layer the salt on the roads. I'll have to get under it once it warms up a bit and see if there is any rust on the frame that was the huge problem with the previous gen Tacoma.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

I think 1997 Camry was when Toyota decided to stop building up its reputation and start living off of it.

Funny you mention that. One of the family members I mentioned in a previous thread has a 1997 Camry and an 07 camry. Of the two he says the 1997 is in better shape mechanically than the newer one, which has had a whole boatload of problems.

He traded it in a few days ago for a Fusion V6 sport

 

[StageLeft]

Those small trucks won't take a sheet of ply will they? A small truck that won't take a sheet of ply or drywall is not a truck for a man.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

The Colorado is not a bad truck...just not great either (kinda like a Toyota Corrolla). I haven't driven one recently...but when I was buying a truck in 2004, I drove several Colorado's as it was high on my list until the new Tacoma/Frontier came out. The Chevy was the best option out there (IMHO) when it first came out. It rode fairly nicely, had more space (I didn't fit well in the old Tacoma). I really didn't want a full size (otherwise I'd have bought an F-150 or Sierra), but I wanted to fit (I'm 6'5"). When the Frontier/Tacoma came out and there just was no comparison in its segment. Sure I could have saved a few dollars on the Colorado, but the engines are infinitely better in the Tacoma/Frontier and the trucks were much more substantial. I know the Colorado now has a V8 engine which would probably have helped it a lot at the time. The Frontier/Tacoma was a toss up, but I went with the Tacoma for some features/styling.

Most of my truck's time has been spent in South Carolina, but the last two winters have been in St. Louis where they layer the salt on the roads. I'll have to get under it once it warms up a bit and see if there is any rust on the frame that was the huge problem with the previous gen Tacoma.

I almost got a colorado instead of my cobalt as my first car, if I had, then I might still have it. The interior on those are butt ugly but the drivetrain is pretty damn solid. My friends dad has one for his contracting business and it has something like 300k+ miles on it with no major work required

 

[zoiks]

Another one for the road.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100205/ap_on_bi_ge/as_japan_toyota_prius

 

[Squisher]

I own a '08 Prius and I've noticed a decided difference between the ABS in it and what I've experienced in other vehicles that had ABS. It is almost like the pulses or intervals of brake on/brake off that you get when the ABS is activated seem to be much much longer on the Prius than any other vehicle I've driven. I've seen this most when braking lightly coming up to a stop and encountering rough pavement or gravel on the roadway. It is almost like the brakes let go for a long interval then reapply themselves.

 

[spidey07]

I own a '08 Prius and I've noticed a decided difference between the ABS in it and what I've experienced in other vehicles that had ABS. It is almost like the pulses or intervals of brake on/brake off that you get when the ABS is activated seem to be much much longer on the Prius than any other vehicle I've driven. I've seen this most when braking lightly coming up to a stop and encountering rough pavement or gravel on the roadway. It is almost like the brakes let go for a long interval then reapply themselves.

What speed are you going when this happens? Most ABS cut off around 5-6 Mph. Next time you are some snow or ice slam and hold your brakes at about 10-15 mph so see how they behave. Safely of course.

 

[Squisher]

What speed are you going when this happens? Most ABS cut off around 5-6 Mph. Next time you are some snow or ice slam and hold your brakes at about 10-15 mph so see how they behave. Safely of course.

I don't know exactly, but it has happened a lot when I was just 10-15 ft. before my expected stop, so I'm going to guess at less than 10 mph. There seems to be an almost loss of braking that lasts 1 1/2 - 3 feet. None of this has come close to causing an accident, probably because I drive like an old man, but it certainly is disconcerting when it happens.

 

[spidey07]

I don't know exactly, but it has happened a lot when I was just 10-15 ft. before my expected stop, so I'm going to guess at less than 10 mph. There seems to be an almost loss of braking that lasts 1 1/2 - 3 feet. None of this has come close to causing an accident, probably because I drive like an old man, but it certainly is disconcerting when it happens.

Well give it a test and always just keep firm pressure on the pedal. My first thought was the ABS stopping and crossing the threshold where it should stop and the difference between normal and regenerative braking. That would explain the programming update to fix it.

Normal ABS brakes if you activate them at 10-15 mph in loose traction (snow, ice, rain, gravel, etc) you can tell in pedal feedback and tire action of when the ABS stops and you have wheel lock. I don't know the specifics, just personal experience it's normally below 10 mph. My current car it's more like 3-4 mph.

 

[BarneyFife]

Now they are looking at Lexus hs250h. Just crash and burn.

 

[RU482]

I think people are starting to taste the sugar in their high quality placebo pills.

bravo!

 

[Meghan54]

Toyota and the Prius......a debacle that may cost Toyota what remaining reputation it had.

Dec. 24, 2009, reports surface of complaints of brake problems with Prius automobiles. Toyota downplayed the complaints, suggesting they might simply be the result of inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with anti-lock brakes.

Fast forward six weeks to this past Wednesday and suddenly Toyota says their investigating potential problems with the ABS on Prius autos.

“Toyota is currently in the process of confirming these reports and investigating the vehicle driving conditions under which the reported phenomenon occurs," the company said in a terse statement. "It would be premature to comment until the investigation has been completed."


Then, a day later--on Thursday, Toyota revised its story yet again, but this time dropped the bombshell that it had already found the source of the problem and fixed it on third-generation Prius sedans that have been rolling down its assembly lines for weeks.


So, no problem exists---driver error---to "We're investigating to see if there is a problem" to "Yes, there is one but we've already fixed it, so shut up," all in a span of 6 weeks.

So now, how can anyone believe anything coming from Toyota these days given their recent history over a simple ABS problem that'd been allegedly fixed already but lied it about over and over?

 

[Arkaign]

The Colorado is not a bad truck...just not great either (kinda like a Toyota Corrolla). I haven't driven one recently...but when I was buying a truck in 2004, I drove several Colorado's as it was high on my list until the new Tacoma/Frontier came out. The Chevy was the best option out there (IMHO) when it first came out. It rode fairly nicely, had more space (I didn't fit well in the old Tacoma). I really didn't want a full size (otherwise I'd have bought an F-150 or Sierra), but I wanted to fit (I'm 6'5"). When the Frontier/Tacoma came out and there just was no comparison in its segment. Sure I could have saved a few dollars on the Colorado, but the engines are infinitely better in the Tacoma/Frontier and the trucks were much more substantial. I know the Colorado now has a V8 engine which would probably have helped it a lot at the time. The Frontier/Tacoma was a toss up, but I went with the Tacoma for some features/styling.

Most of my truck's time has been spent in South Carolina, but the last two winters have been in St. Louis where they layer the salt on the roads. I'll have to get under it once it warms up a bit and see if there is any rust on the frame that was the huge problem with the previous gen Tacoma.

Damn. I love Myrtle Beach.

Anyways, I appreciate the logical run-down, I'll keep it in mind as I'll probably be in the market for either a used full size or midsize truck in the next year or so, with a budget of probably $7k-$10k.

Cheers!

 

[Hyperlite]

Well give it a test and always just keep firm pressure on the pedal. My first thought was the ABS stopping and crossing the threshold where it should stop and the difference between normal and regenerative braking. That would explain the programming update to fix it.

Normal ABS brakes if you activate them at 10-15 mph in loose traction (snow, ice, rain, gravel, etc) you can tell in pedal feedback and tire action of when the ABS stops and you have wheel lock. I don't know the specifics, just personal experience it's normally below 10 mph. My current car it's more like 3-4 mph.

This exact issue was the cause of a huge recall of my 98' isuzu rodeo. For reasons i still don't fully understand, if ABS was engaged and rough or uneven pavement was encountered under braking, ABS would freeze on the off pulse and you'd loose nearly all breaking power. This almost got me killed on more than one occasion before an unrelated accident permanently disabled the ABS. The recall was issued several months later, 2001 or 2002 i think.

 

[PricklyPete]

Damn. I love Myrtle Beach.

Anyways, I appreciate the logical run-down, I'll keep it in mind as I'll probably be in the market for either a used full size or midsize truck in the next year or so, with a budget of probably $7k-$10k.

Cheers!

My wife's parents have a house in Myrtle Beach (Cherry Grove to be exact) and it is nice to spend some time at the beach each summer. We actually live closer to the mtns in Greenville, SC. There are some very nice places to live in the state...and some very not nice places to live in the state (Columbia and most of the southern swampy part comes to mind).

The colorado may be just the ticket for your as they likely do not keep their value well at all, so a used purchase could be a steal...especially if you can find one with the V8.

I love my Tacoma...but the Frontier is equally competent, has arguably the better engine (although slightly worse gas mileage), and likely is cheaper (A Suzuki Equator may be even cheaper...and is the same truck).

Good luck when you come around to buying. How is the focus handling after coming back from the body shop?

 

[Pliablemoose]

I've owned nearly every major brand, and the Toyota's I owned weren't anything special at all. I never understood the fanaticism about them...

 

[AdamK47]

I've owned nearly every major brand, and the Toyota's I owned weren't anything special at all. I never understood the fanaticism about them...

Most everyone knows it's their infallible quality backed up by unquestionable facts touted by their very intelligent owners. Only smart people buy Toyotas. If you don't, you aren't very smart. You don't want to be perceived as being unintelligent, do you?

 

[StageLeft]

This exact issue was the cause of a huge recall of my 98' isuzu rodeo. For reasons i still don't fully understand, if ABS was engaged and rough or uneven pavement was encountered under braking, ABS would freeze on the off pulse and you'd loose nearly all breaking power. This almost got me killed on more than one occasion before an unrelated accident permanently disabled the ABS. The recall was issued several months later, 2001 or 2002 i think.

fvck me, that must have been horrific.

 

[JulesMaximus]

those small trucks won't take a sheet of ply will they? A small truck that won't take a sheet of ply or drywall is not a truck for a man.

lol!!!

 

[Arkaign]

My wife's parents have a house in Myrtle Beach (Cherry Grove to be exact) and it is nice to spend some time at the beach each summer. We actually live closer to the mtns in Greenville, SC. There are some very nice places to live in the state...and some very not nice places to live in the state (Columbia and most of the southern swampy part comes to mind).

The colorado may be just the ticket for your as they likely do not keep their value well at all, so a used purchase could be a steal...especially if you can find one with the V8.

I love my Tacoma...but the Frontier is equally competent, has arguably the better engine (although slightly worse gas mileage), and likely is cheaper (A Suzuki Equator may be even cheaper...and is the same truck).

Good luck when you come around to buying. How is the focus handling after coming back from the body shop?

The Focus is handling flawlessly, the shop really did an A1 job, I'll try to post pics one of these days soon.

I have a need for a truck probably on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, with frequent needs for moving a lot of stuff. Borrowing my brother's truck (Titan) is effective but inconvenient to both of us. As I'm helping with the new house I'm building later this year / early next year, it's going to be a really crucial piece of the puzzle.

I guess I'll look at Colorado prices. I like the Frontier, but the bed looks small to me.

 

[PricklyPete]

The Focus is handling flawlessly, the shop really did an A1 job, I'll try to post pics one of these days soon.

Sweet...you always have to worry about that when you wreck a car...but nice to hear it went well.

I have a need for a truck probably on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, with frequent needs for moving a lot of stuff. Borrowing my brother's truck (Titan) is effective but inconvenient to both of us. As I'm helping with the new house I'm building later this year / early next year, it's going to be a really crucial piece of the puzzle.

I guess I'll look at Colorado prices. I like the Frontier, but the bed looks small to me.

I'd check out the dimensions...I'm thinking the Frontier bed is the same if not larger than the Colorado...at least the long bed variant...but I could be wrong.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Funny you mention that. One of the family members I mentioned in a previous thread has a 1997 Camry and an 07 camry. Of the two he says the 1997 is in better shape mechanically than the newer one, which has had a whole boatload of problems.

He traded it in a few days ago for a Fusion V6 sport

I have a 98 and my mom has an 07. While the 98 is nearing 170k miles and has had its share of problems, those problems are usually minor and as a result of parts wearing down anyway. Nothing major like transmission dying. But the first 100k were beautiful, and this car still runs beautifully and feels very solid.

The 07 on the other hand feels like a cheap piece of crap. I like how it's larger and the new engine is definitely more powerful with a better transmission, but the craftsmanship, you can tell, has suffered in the recent years. I'd say Camrys were still good up till the previous generation (06). The 07s took a nasty turn downward.