Cost of having a V6 Toyota Tacoma?

Question

I'm close to purchasing a 2003 V6 2WD Access cab Toyota Tacoma with a camper roof. It apparently has an offroad package.

Compared to a Honda Accord V4, what are the costs of maintaining this truck? If I'm offroading, I assume I'll have to get familiar with shocks and other parts. How much does it cost to maintain/replace/repir parts like these and the alignment?

If I'm not offroading or doing it very lite, will such parts generally maintain like those on a regular car?

Any other costs I should anticipate?

~Plz don't post offers to sell a vehicle. Plz don't message me with offers.

Answer 1

Yes, You should have a 4WD Tacoma, which could be more $$ than the 2WD, because it's rear wheel drive and there's not much weight on the back.. Other than that you don't need extra maintenance on a Toyota, unless You break something. I have a stock 4runner (same engine as Tacoma V6), and used it on off road (and when I say off road I meant places, where one of us had to get out and navigate the driver not to get stuck on a rock). And I don't have off road package, it's regular SR5 which came with highway tires.. We did  use the 4WD system in it. So maybe You need a little lift, 1-2" (not so expensive, search on ebay)  and off-road tires - if you not getting it with off road package..  

Answer 2

if doing it very lite or non at all there is nothing you have to worry about except the usual maintain like oil changes and tune ups.

Answer 3

First, cars don't have V4 engines. They have in-line 4 cylinder engines. All four cylinders are in a row.

Trucks are strong vehicles. Their parts, like the shocks,steering,etc. are generally stronger then a cars.  In general, they can take more use and abuse, if they are in good shape to start with. Trucks are more simple designs, so parts are usually less for a truck, but not always.

If you want to off-road at all, you should be looking at a 4WD truck, not 2wd. The off-road package on this truck is OK for light off-road use, but if you want to limit the chances of getting stuck, get a 4 wheel drive.

4 wheel drive is more expensive and there are more parts to the drive system, so it COULD be more expensive and have more parts to break, but it's rare if you use the 4wd system properly. But 4 wheel drive gives more traction on soft ground or wet.  

4 wheel drive adds weight and weight is the enemy of fuel mileage. You won't get anywhere near the MPG's with this truck (2 wheel or 4 wheel drive) that you do with the Accord.

The truck will have a stiffer, noisier ride, less precise handling and be top heavy, let alone having a camper in the back. The camper also adds weight and drag, more of a penalty to fuel economy.

The EPA lists the mileage for the Tacoma V6 automatic as 15 city/ 19 highway   15/18 for 4wd V6.

An 2003 Accord four cylinder (just for comparison) is rated at 21 city/ 31 highway.

You could easily spend another $1400 on fuel alone with the truck.

Answer 4

Just oil changes and that timing belt every 80,000 miles.Thats why I choose the 4 cylinder steel timing chain.