2003 Toyota Tacoma
2003 Toyota Tacoma questions and answers
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Q: lifted 2003 toyota tacoma or 2005 ford mustang?
i've worked and saved up for years for my first car and i can't choose between these two. the tacoma is already lifted, fixed up, and looks really nice. it's only used up about 30,000 miles. the mustang is just from the dealer. which car is probrably better for me in the long run?
or a nissan frontier
A: I've got an 06 Tacoma, its bullet proof, take care of it and it will
last a long time. Also resale value is much better then the stang.
Q: 2004 chevy colorado or 2003 toyota tacoma?
i've worked and saved up for years and i finally have enough for my first car. i have enough to buy a used colorado or a used tacoma. i won't do any hauling and i'll just be using it to drive around. which truck is more reliable, has better gas mileage, ect.?
o ya and i might consider a 2005 mustang too
A: Of course the Toyota is more reliable, but just to find the magnitude of the difference, take a look at the graphs below based on Consumers Reports data, a 20 year old Toyota has the reliability of a 3 year old GM vehicle.
Even though GM is increasing their quality standards the others are doing so at a faster rate, so relative to other vehicles GM is actually falling further behind.
Q: LOOKING FOR 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA 2.7L SUPERCHARGER !!?
A: there is a bolt on installation (complete with an ecu chip to retune the engine management system..
http://www.alamomotorsports.com/alpine/alpine_toyota.html
induction (boost) is rated at 8p.s.i. for 50% gain in hp over stock.
it would be preferable to also install:
-cold air intake
-performance exhaust, catback
if you are looking at a pro-shop to handle the installation, count on about 1/2 to 1day labor cost.
cheers 04 cobra
Q: Replace timing belt on '03 Tacoma with 53K miles? No problem with truck, but dealer recommended it.?
2003 Toyota Tacoma Pickup. V6 engine. Dealer recommended new timing belt at 53K miles since it is 5 years old. I drive it daily for work in stop & go Atlanta traffic - about 12 miles each way.
A: You can wait till 60K miles. But you will NOT see or feel anything wrong till the very second it works - THEN snaps.
Then you got major engine damage. So it at (or before) recommended mileage.
Good Luck...
Q: Toyota Gas Mileage?
What is the average gas mileage for a 2003 Toyota Tacoma Pre-Runner? Thanks in advance!!!!
A: It depends on the engine and transmission. Check out this website, not only does it have your truck but just about any other car.
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2003_Toyota_Tacoma.shtml
Q: what are some things I should know to manitain my truck?
It's a 2003 Toyota Tacoma. I'm mechanically inclined, and I have sense enough not to go tearing things apart without knowing what I'm doing. I never took an interest in cars, however, and I would like to compile a list of things I should learn how to do.
A: sheet holmes.. those things are bullet proof.
Only thing you gotta do is put gas, change oil, and buy tires every now and then..
What you packin? 4-cyl or V6? 3.4L ?
RWD or 4WD?
4WD has a few more places to lube.
Learn how to do basic fluid changes, and you'll be set. If you like your truck do NOT rely on jiffy lube!
Knowing how to replace brake pads & rotors can be handy and isn't that hard to do.
Find some discussion forums related to your truck where other enthusiasts hang out.. you'll get a LOT of useful info specific to your particular model.
TTORA's a good one..
http://www.tacomaterritory.com/
Q: Toyota help?
I'm looking for an equivalent transmission fluid for a 2003 Toyota Tacoma, 4wd, 4cyl enging, it recommends ATF T-IV, I'm trying to find a cheaper fluid that'll work just as well. Thanks.
A: Stick with the pricey Toyota Fluid. Toyota designed the trans. to use this Fluid ONLY! Honda did the same thing...requiring expensive High Friction Fluid. Last time I looked it was 5-6 bucks/quart. Well, thats the price you pay for Foreign...Repairs are always more money than comparable American stuff. Besides, Your transmission is REALLY expensive. You dont want to risk damaging it or voiding your warranty on the transmission! Good Luck!
Q: I would like to maintain my own truck?
I never really got into cars, but I am mechanically able.
I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma 2WD 3.4 Liter.
I want to maintain it myslef because I can save money and because I want to be my own quality control.
I only want to keep in maintained, I plan to take it in for big repairs.
Can anybody tell me what sort of tools and things I should buy, inentory lists, or other advice?
please do not respond if you think American made cars are better... you'll only make an ass of yourself.
I said mechanically able, not mechanically experienced...
A: I wouldn't let the harassment get to me! These morons are on here all the time showing off their ignorance! NEVER let one of them near your vehicle! Believe me, I've worked around these idiots before!
There's nothing wrong with a Toyota and it's probably superior in quality to anything built in the states! It will definitely be running when the American made quits! All because of the people I mention above that work in GM, Ford, and Chrysler!
Just get yourself a basic tool set, metric and SAE and a Chilton's repair manual. That will pretty much cover the bases for you to get started and go from there. Always the Internet for information also. In fact, Toyota has some very good forums on the net to help you out should you need help.
Q: Why isn't my Tacoma getting better gas mileage?
I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma Prerunner 2.7 Liter. I have read reports of gas mileage being as good as 25 MPG on these things and as low as 17 city. Although I have been getting a rough 15 city/highway combined, mostly city though. I have a K&N air filter and a flowmaster muffler. Would these things contribute to better or worse gas mileage? And would there be anything else I could do to boost my MPG? I'm guessing changing the fuel filter and spark plugs would come next.
Any help or advice would be great, thank you!
A: Because its a truck and you drive in the city.
Q: Is there a formula made to add to your gas to clean carbon deposits off the top of the pistons?
I have a 2003 Toyota Tacoma that has a rattling noise when I first start it up in the mornings and after it sets and cools down again, but after about 5 minutes it goes away.
A: GM makes a product called top end engine cleaner that you add to the gas and it burns off all the carbon deposits in the cylinders.
Q: Should i replace water pump when i replace timing belt?
My 2003 Toyota Tacoma w/ over 103,000 mi on it timing belt needs replacing, should i replace also, to cut labor cost, the water pump or is that in a location on this engine where it really doesn't matter?
A: Yes, replace the water pump at the same time. Toyota recommends replacing the belt every 60,000 miles under severe service, which is a lot of stop-and-go in town driving. I would also replace the thermostat and flush the cooling system while it's all apart.
Q: If I decide I want new rims, do I have to buy new tires?
I drive a 2003 toyota tacoma 2wd. Do I need to get new tires if I buy new rims? I currently have stock rims that are 17". The new rims that I want are 18".
A: yes, because those tires are made for 17 inch rims,they wont fit on 18 inch rims
Q: Cost of having a V6 Toyota Tacoma?
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.
Hmm, interesting. I like the answers I have so far and I very much appreciate them.
If I were to "offroad" it would probably hardly more than a flat road that is simply dirt instead of pavement. Maybe some groves or bumps that would be the equivalent to a parking lot speed bump, which I would slow down for and not coast through of course.
I think right now I'm looking at a new 2008 V4 automatic regular cab. As small and light as it gets for new Tacomas as far as I'm aware. It will be mostly on the road anyways. Trucks appeal to me more because I have no use for the back seats and doors on a regular sedan. And I need much more space than an Accord trunk provides me.
I'll make a new question for that in a moment here.
A: 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.
Q: anyone know where i can find a maintenance guide for cars?
I just got a new truck (well not new but 2003, very good shape) and i want to do everything i can to keep it going in the best condition possible untill i decide to sell and/or get another car.
i know about oil changes and tire rotations etc etc.
is there a guide out there that shows you everything as to what/when and how to maintain your vehicle for its longevity? and what to look for if you feel there is something wrong?
ive learned some stuff about cars through experience so id really want to get as much info as possible for my future vehicles.
its a 2003 toyota tacoma btw with only 17,000
A: Well since you’re interested in learning I’ll write this.
Hopefully I’m not wasting my time no offence.
Well first is your oil yes I know you said you know about this but do you really?
I’m sure you know to change it every 3000miles or 5000KM but your probably not even thinking about the time your engine is actually running with out even moving example at a stop light, traffic jam, stop and go traffic, city driving. This is a BIG reason to run FULL synthetic oil NOT conventional or synthetic blend since they break down. Good quality oil filters that say the MICRON rating on them or on the box not just the percentage is the best to choose fram oil filters have both. NEVER use an oil or filter that says TRT (Time Released Technology) PTFE engine treatment, oil additives or a high mileage oil they are all just sludge that takes up clearances on older engines in vehicles. IT IS OK to have PTFE on the gasket of the oil filter but not inside of the oil filter (The fram synthetic oil filter has this on the exterior gasket for simple removal). ALSO DON’T USE a multi pass efficiency oil filter like a fram tough guard oil filter use a single pass efficiency oil filter like fram, synthetic, extra guard or extended guard oil filters they capture more contamination on the first pass unlike the multi pass oil filters that have to pass two or three times through your engine with more contamination to get the same results as the single pass oil filters. I only run Mobil one full synthetic with a fram synthetic oil filter and change my oil every 5000KM on my daily driver 96 Grand am and use royal purple full synthetic with a 1 micron oil filter on my 72 Monte Carlo (show car) but it cost over 120 dollars to do that.
Next would be your automatic or manual Transmission. Same thing applies like your engine oil but have it flushed and make sure they CHANGE the filter and have your transmission cooler flushed also IF ITS AN automatic. Manual transmissions have a drain plug like your engine and you DON’T have a filter or have to be flushed and most of them don’t have a transmission cooler. I’d do this every 50’000 KM or 30’000 miles. Most vehicle manufactures say to change it at 100’000KM or more but this is in my own words bull shit. I service mine every 25’000KM since I don’t use full synthetic costs too much since it takes about 15 liters.
COOLANT most newer vehicles use long life coolant and they say to change it every five years or 160’000 KM or 95’000miles. So long your freezing point is at –35’c to –40’c (if you deal with winter or not) and your rust prevention additive and fluid color in the radiator and coolant reservoir are a mid pink you should be fine. NEVER OPEN the radiator cap when your engine is HOT. I’ve changed mine in my 96 grand am only twice.
Front and rear differentials. Change the fluid every 75’000KM or 50’000 miles.
Power steering. Flush and fill every 50’000 KM or 30’000 miles
Brake fluid. Flush and fill every brake job needed. Why due to moister (water) which lowers the boiling point of the fluid and cause brake fade (like almost having no brakes when there hot) Normally every five years.
I’ll add more info tomorrow.
Q: Anybody have any 4x4 light reccomendations?
I want to put some on for my uncle's birthday and I'm having trouble picking out some. I want some that look good and are high quality.
The truck is a silver 2003 Toyota Tacoma 4x4 with the TRD package. The lights will be mounted on a chrome plated Westin Bull Bar.
A: PIAA are always classic and have many different styles to choose from. Just go into their site and look under the lamp section, about a quarter of the way down are some for Toyotas Here's a link: