2024 Tacoma - What do you think?

[Romer]

Finally . . . After months of waiting my Truck arrived at the Dealer today in Boise. I am going to fly Sunday night and pick it up Monday morning. Then the 12 hour drive home. Should give me a chance to really check it out.

This has been a different experience waiting, tracking, getting my hopes up to watch it sit for a week in transit. Normally I have only bought off the lot from Dealers. I wanted to make sure this was exactly what I wanted. It was more stressful, but hopefully more rewarding in the end

 

[Romer]

On my way home

 

[RayRay27]

On my way home

Congratulations Romer!

 

[gungriffin]

On my way home

Lookin good! The new Tacoma looks really great in person. It is actually surprising to me how big it looks though. How does it drive? Does it seem like a large vehicle to drive?

 

[Romer]

Home after a 12 hr drive. I will post some comments tomorrow

 

[MountainGoat]

Dude, so far you have posted the tires for sale and details on a discounted extended warranty. We are still waiting to hear what you think of the truck. Is it that bad?

 

[Romer]

I love this truck. Bonni said it rides better than the 200 series.

I have spent quite a bit of time with the truck driving 12 hours from Idaho. Although I haven’t had time to sit in the truck with the manual and go over all the options.

I got the premium package and $3700 off MSRP from the dealer in Boise (Edmark). They have other trucks off MSRP and you can reach out to them about ones in transit as the discount doesn’t appear until it is in stock.

I drove a bit gingerly from Boise for most of the trip to break in the engine



Observations:

• I love the power. I have zero regrets in buying the non Hybrid version. None
• Near the end when I did the 80mph speed limit it was around 2000 rpm
• Engine, transmission are nice a smooth
• You feel and see on the dash when the turbo kicks in. Plenty of get up and go for quick acceleration
• The ride is nice and smooth. Although there were a couple of spots where it seemed to trammel on rutted roads. I checked the tires and they were at 56 psi. Door sticker says 30. I lowered them to 38 and it was fine after that.
• The premium comes with the multiple camera setup with a birds eye view. It has an algorithm that combines all the views into a 360 view from above. I wasn’t sure I was straight in a parking spot and turned it on and I moved over a bit. It also comes on when you get close to something
• I haven’t played with the Towing capabilities yet, Youtube shows a lot of capability there with the package I got
• Android auto is awesome and seamless. I can go hey google and get info at any time. The display of maps and Gaia can be full screen on the 14” display.
• I like the phone charging plate
• Seems like lots of cubbys and storage. One of the reasons I went non hybrid. I have my tools and offroad gear under the rear seat

Negatives

• Like the 250, there are subscriptions for wifi, navigation etc. However, with Android Auto, who cares I have all the connectivity I need. I swapped back and forth from the subscription Navigation to Android Autor and I couldn’t see any real difference. I haven’t played with all the apps. I get 1 year free on the subscriptions so there is plenty of time, but doubt I would continue them. I may do the less expensive service connect but need to research it more for the value.
• It doesn’t seem like I can download my music library into the system. However, I can connect a Type c USB memory stick and it will use that as a source for music. It could also play from my phone as well.
• Swapping between audio sources, the sound doesn’t seem to be at the same volume level. Maybe something different about my USB files.
• They don’t give you a real spare. A smaller real tire on a steel rim. I am going to swap it for a real tire once I swap exhaust output. Can’t see wheeling with a smaller spare.

I have been working on my build and will start a build thread after I get my sliders etc in a couple of months

So far:

• Installed rubber floor mats (PT206-35242-20). The carpet ones are nice, just prefer the rubber ones for winter
• Put a bed liner in PT318-35240-02
• Bought a Trifold Hard Tonneau Cover PT954-35240 and about to install it. Good deal with 4th of July sales
• Bought an off road Toyota exhaust output. PT226-35241-AA. Think its what is on the Trailhunter. The stock exhaust will get beat to crap plus it comes to close to the spare tire
• Added extra small storage that was wasted space https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D56JDYZ9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Upcoming:

• Changing the 31” tires for Toyo AT3’ss 255 80 r17. 33” pizza cutters. They fit with existing setup. They are 10” wide and will make it easier to eventually replace spare tire without it sticking down too much
• Change the oil after breakin period
• Add sliders. Looking at CBI vs RCI. I like the CBI ones more, but haven’t ordered as yet. 8 week delivery time
• Add a front skid plate, likely go with RCI as they are local in Loveland and wont have to pay shipping
• Radios- Will hard install HAM and maybe GMRS. Need to figure out where to put the antennas
• Look at adding a built in air compressor. I have small low power one in a bag until then

I really love this truck!

 

[RayRay27]

I love this truck. Bonni said it rides better than the 200 series.

I have spent quite a bit of time with the truck driving 12 hours from Idaho. Although I haven’t had time to sit in the truck with the manual and go over all the options.

I got the premium package and $3700 off MSRP from the dealer in Boise (Edmark). They have other trucks off MSRP and you can reach out to them about ones in transit as the discount doesn’t appear until it is in stock.

I drove a bit gingerly from Boise for most of the trip to break in the engine



Observations:

• I love the power. I have zero regrets in buying the non Hybrid version. None
• Near the end when I did the 80mph speed limit it was around 2000 rpm
• Engine, transmission are nice a smooth
• You feel and see on the dash when the turbo kicks in. Plenty of get up and go for quick acceleration
• The ride is nice and smooth. Although there were a couple of spots where it seemed to trammel on rutted roads. I checked the tires and they were at 56 psi. Door sticker says 30. I lowered them to 38 and it was fine after that.
• The premium comes with the multiple camera setup with a birds eye view. It has an algorithm that combines all the views into a 360 view from above. I wasn’t sure I was straight in a parking spot and turned it on and I moved over a bit. It also comes on when you get close to something
• I haven’t played with the Towing capabilities yet, Youtube shows a lot of capability there with the package I got
• Android auto is awesome and seamless. I can go hey google and get info at any time. The display of maps and Gaia can be full screen on the 14” display.
• I like the phone charging plate
• Seems like lots of cubbys and storage. One of the reasons I went non hybrid. I have my tools and offroad gear under the rear seat

Negatives

• Like the 250, there are subscriptions for wifi, navigation etc. However, with Android Auto, who cares I have all the connectivity I need. I swapped back and forth from the subscription Navigation to Android Autor and I couldn’t see any real difference. I haven’t played with all the apps. I get 1 year free on the subscriptions so there is plenty of time, but doubt I would continue them. I may do the less expensive service connect but need to research it more for the value.
• It doesn’t seem like I can download my music library into the system. However, I can connect a Type c USB memory stick and it will use that as a source for music. It could also play from my phone as well.
• Swapping between audio sources, the sound doesn’t seem to be at the same volume level. Maybe something different about my USB files.
• They don’t give you a real spare. A smaller real tire on a steel rim. I am going to swap it for a real tire once I swap exhaust output. Can’t see wheeling with a smaller spare.

I have been working on my build and will start a build thread after I get my sliders etc in a couple of months

So far:

• Installed rubber floor mats (PT206-35242-20). The carpet ones are nice, just prefer the rubber ones for winter
• Put a bed liner in PT318-35240-02
• Bought a Trifold Hard Tonneau Cover PT954-35240 and about to install it. Good deal with 4th of July sales
• Bought an off road Toyota exhaust output. PT226-35241-AA. Think its what is on the Trailhunter. The stock exhaust will get beat to crap plus it comes to close to the spare tire
• Added extra small storage that was wasted space https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D56JDYZ9?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1

Upcoming:

• Changing the 31” tires for Toyo AT3’ss 255 80 r17. 33” pizza cutters. They fit with existing setup. They are 10” wide and will make it easier to eventually replace spare tire without it sticking down too much
• Change the oil after breakin period
• Add sliders. Looking at CBI vs RCI. I like the CBI ones more, but haven’t ordered as yet. 8 week delivery time
• Add a front skid plate, likely go with RCI as they are local in Loveland and wont have to pay shipping
• Radios- Will hard install HAM and maybe GMRS. Need to figure out where to put the antennas
• Look at adding a built in air compressor. I have small low power one in a bag until then

I really love this truck!

Hey Ken, truck looks great! Happy to hear you're really enjoying it already. I have one question for you and one comment to one of your cons up above.

The tonneau cover you bought, is that a OEM hard tri-fold one? Is it made from hard plastic or compressed foam? Reason I'm asking is because I bought an OEM tonneau for my Tundra and it is a hard tri-fold but it's made from compressed foam and not actual hard plastic. I learned this the hard way during a hail storm. Just wanted to warn you that if it is the hard foam you may want to go another route.

Your comment about the sound being different or the level not being the same when using different music sources is because when you switch between either the FM radio, siriusxm or Android Auto, Toyota for some reason decided to not keep the sound level the same when switching between each source. Not sure why they did this but my 2023 Tundra does it too. If I'm listening to Siriusxm at one volume level then switch to Android auto, it reverts back to the sound level you were listening to the last time you used the music source.

Again congratulations on the new rig!

 

[Romer]

Hey Ken, truck looks great! Happy to hear you're really enjoying it already. I have one question for you and one comment to one of your cons up above.

The tonneau cover you bought, is that a OEM hard tri-fold one? Is it made from hard plastic or compressed foam? Reason I'm asking is because I bought an OEM tonneau for my Tundra and it is a hard tri-fold but it's made from compressed foam and not actual hard plastic. I learned this the hard way during a hail storm. Just wanted to warn you that if it is the hard foam you may want to go another route.

Your comment about the sound being different or the level not being the same when using different music sources is because when you switch between either the FM radio, siriusxm or Android Auto, Toyota for some reason decided to not keep the sound level the same when switching between each source. Not sure why they did this but my 2023 Tundra does it too. If I'm listening to Siriusxm at one volume level then switch to Android auto, it reverts back to the sound level you were listening to the last time you used the music source.

Again congratulations on the new rig!

Thanks Ray. It is the OEM cover. Looks like plastic but maybe I am wrong. Just finished installing it

That makes sense about the different sound levels. I noticed when I switched back and forth it was at the sound previously set

 

[Romer]

Changed tires from 31" stock to 33" pizza cutters Toyo OC AT3 255 80 17

 

[FJCDan]

Nice looking truck Ken.

 

[Romer]

Took care of two things I didn't like. The exhaust that hangs down in the back and not having a real full size spare. Bought the Toyota Offroad tailpipe for the 2024 Tacoma. It does eliminate the resonator. I also bought another Tacoma ORD RIM and 255 80 17 Toyo AT3. It does sit to the right looking at the pictures. I haven't tried to see if it can be adjusted. It is in tight.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Toyota sells that tail pipe? Most of us just use a Sawz-All to make it. It's cool that it bolts on now. On my truck the muffler and tailpipe is one very long assembly.

One thing you may notice is exhaust being sucked in the back window. But that may be unique to my truck with the 127" wheelbase, Access Cab and having a very badly aerodynamic topper.

And dang, that driveshaft is a monster. Aluminum now? Nice.

On that spare you may have to persuade the centering arms on the spare tire lift to work with a bigger tire. Even at 32" (I run a 235/85R16 spare) I had to notch and bend them up so that the tire could pull up completely. If I went to a 33" tire I'd probably just have to cut them off to get them any flatter.

One thing to watch is routing of the rear brake hoses. I don't know how the 4th gen looks but when I went to extended hoses they would catch in the tire lugs and not droop freely every time. So I had a long spring to the frame to hold them away from the tire. At least until it must have rusted and fell off.

 

[Romer]

Toyota sells that tail pipe? Most of us just use a Sawz-All to make it. It's cool that it bolts on now. On my truck the muffler and tailpipe is one very long assembly.

One thing you may notice is exhaust being sucked in the back window. But that may be unique to my truck with the 127" wheelbase, Access Cab and having a very badly aerodynamic topper.

And dang, that driveshaft is a monster. Aluminum now? Nice.

The sawz-all would have been pointing up. For $100 (July 4 sale), figured Toyota OEM part better than going to muffler shop for custom effort. Plus I can always re-install stock tail pipe if I decide later.

Others who have installed it have said there is no smell in the cab, but time will tell.

 

[Romer]

Now for the HAM Radio install. My CBI sliders and RCI skid plate should be ready in a few weeks.

 

[DaveInDenver]

The sawz-all would have been pointing up.

I get it but most times it's cut off behind the bend over the axle. But that may also contribute to air flow and what-not. Since Toyota is selling it they probably put a truck in a wind tunnel or at least in a sim to see.

It's 1000% nicer that you can bolt it on and off and try it.

 

[Romer]

I get it but most times it's cut off behind the bend over the axle.

Then I would have had to create a hanger there to support it. I am happy with what I did

 

[Romer]

On that spare you may have to persuade the centering arms on the spare tire lift to work with a bigger tire. Even at 32" (I run a 235/85R16 spare) I had to notch and bend them up so that the tire could pull up completely. If I went to a 33" tire I'd probably just have to cut them off to get them any flatter.

One thing to watch is routing of the rear brake hoses. I don't know how the 4th gen looks but when I went to extended hoses they would catch in the tire lugs and not droop freely every time. So I had a long spring to the frame to hold them away from the tire. At least until it must have rusted and fell off.

I went and looked and there more than a foot between any axle, wheel, brake components to the tire. There is no way for there to be any interference with anything else. I may look at centering it later, but right now I don't see that as a need.

Routing of rear brake hoses is fine and I don't need to extend them

 

[DaveInDenver]

It does sound like Toyota reimagined all the stuff back there. Coil springs probably make a big difference in freeing up space.

This is the notch I had to cut in and fold for 32" tires to pull up completely. The 2024+ spare tire bracket must be much better.



My axle can touch the spare on full compression. Stuffing one tire doesn't push the diff high enough for it to have been a problem. But you can just make out the wear spot where they have kissed.



Also the hose routing. Mine are +4" longer than stock for the lift (specifically if anyone cares they're Crown Performance 23" long).

Where I had the issue is the inner one getting jammed around a shoulder lug. It's not every time, just when things align. It's better with the new bumper and better tucked tow hitch, which allowed me to pull the spare backwards a bit more.

 

[Romer]

There have been a few Tacomas that have broke the shock top. ICON had one and did some testing and came up with a fix


View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn2Be4jAj_w


I ordered a set as looks like cheap insurance and they do look robust and easy to install.

The video shows the problem and how to install the fix. I wonder if the 250 has a similar design