Bring back little trucks!!!

RDnutz
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2/23/2024 8:10am
It’s super frustrating we don’t get the smaller trucks/utes in the states. I get the whole “we like our trucks big” thing or whatever the trend...

It’s super frustrating we don’t get the smaller trucks/utes in the states. I get the whole “we like our trucks big” thing or whatever the trend is but there is clearly a market for smaller trucks here too which we saw with the highly anticipated Ford Maverick. Come on Toyota, give us the Hi Lux!!! 

sounds like you need to check out current offerings for Mid-size trucks. I have an F-150 and had a Maverick for 13 months, but the mid-size was the sweet spot for me with not too much and not too little.

2/23/2024 8:30am
It’s super frustrating we don’t get the smaller trucks/utes in the states. I get the whole “we like our trucks big” thing or whatever the trend...

It’s super frustrating we don’t get the smaller trucks/utes in the states. I get the whole “we like our trucks big” thing or whatever the trend is but there is clearly a market for smaller trucks here too which we saw with the highly anticipated Ford Maverick. Come on Toyota, give us the Hi Lux!!! 

RDnutz wrote:
sounds like you need to check out current offerings for Mid-size trucks. I have an F-150 and had a Maverick for 13 months, but the mid-size...

sounds like you need to check out current offerings for Mid-size trucks. I have an F-150 and had a Maverick for 13 months, but the mid-size was the sweet spot for me with not too much and not too little.

A modern day equivalent of my 95’ Toyota Tacoma regular cab would be ideal. I can maneuver on a dime, get 400 miles to a tank and can throw anything in the back without needing a 12ft ladder to load it 😂. It’s still running top even with 250k on the ODO but certainly would be cool to have an updated version with more safety features/creature comforts. A low cost beater truck isn’t really a popular choice in the states now unfortunately. 

3
2/23/2024 8:32am
Falcon wrote:
https://tfltruck.com/2024/01/video-the-tiny-toyota-stout-truck-may-be-coming-to-the-u-s-sooner-than-we-thought/  

Had a Honda Acty at one point and it was basically impossible to get it registered for the road at the time. Not sure if it’s an easier process now but I see them for sale online constantly. 

The Shop

RDnutz
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2/23/2024 8:34am

that "Stout" idea only exists on the internet with renderings to get clicks. Never a single official word from Toyota they would build it, much less sell in USA. They dominate the mid-size market already and just released the new generation with multiple models and trims- something for everybody. I don't see a business case for diluting their small truck segment building something smaller with limited sales potential category.

Same could be said for a new mini RAM that also doesn't exist in a form saleable in USA, but people keep repackaging and printing the same old speculation it is a real product that will show up at dealers in USA any time now.

1
RDnutz
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2/23/2024 8:39am
A modern day equivalent of my 95’ Toyota Tacoma regular cab would be ideal. I can maneuver on a dime, get 400 miles to a tank...

A modern day equivalent of my 95’ Toyota Tacoma regular cab would be ideal. I can maneuver on a dime, get 400 miles to a tank and can throw anything in the back without needing a 12ft ladder to load it 😂. It’s still running top even with 250k on the ODO but certainly would be cool to have an updated version with more safety features/creature comforts. A low cost beater truck isn’t really a popular choice in the states now unfortunately. 

Toyota has exactly that model in the new lineup, can even get a manual trans. I went with Frontier King Cab that was already available with little to no waiting and IMO better value for my hard earned $ Also liked the powertrain better than any of the others. YMMV

1
2/23/2024 9:15am
A modern day equivalent of my 95’ Toyota Tacoma regular cab would be ideal. I can maneuver on a dime, get 400 miles to a tank...

A modern day equivalent of my 95’ Toyota Tacoma regular cab would be ideal. I can maneuver on a dime, get 400 miles to a tank and can throw anything in the back without needing a 12ft ladder to load it 😂. It’s still running top even with 250k on the ODO but certainly would be cool to have an updated version with more safety features/creature comforts. A low cost beater truck isn’t really a popular choice in the states now unfortunately. 

RDnutz wrote:
Toyota has exactly that model in the new lineup, can even get a manual trans. I went with Frontier King Cab that was already available with...

Toyota has exactly that model in the new lineup, can even get a manual trans. I went with Frontier King Cab that was already available with little to no waiting and IMO better value for my hard earned $ Also liked the powertrain better than any of the others. YMMV

It’s the size that’s a turn off for me. They’ve gotten significantly wider/taller over the years here in the States while the rest of the world stuck to a thinner more utilitarian design. Product of our environment though really given our landscape, roadways and overall lifestyles. I’ll run 90’s Toyotas unless they start importing their newer utes and utility vans. 
 

Here’s some comparison specs on size (I used the regular cab as the examples). Doesn’t seem like much but living in a city where I have to parallel park everyday, those numbers add up and circling up and down blocks looking for a big enough spot to park is miserable. 
 

1995 Tacoma:

IMG 2209

 

2024 Tacoma:

IMG 2210 1.jpeg?VersionId=ElMO7yzpqrPAg

8
davis224
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Fantasy
2/23/2024 10:23am
A modern day equivalent of my 95’ Toyota Tacoma regular cab would be ideal. I can maneuver on a dime, get 400 miles to a tank...

A modern day equivalent of my 95’ Toyota Tacoma regular cab would be ideal. I can maneuver on a dime, get 400 miles to a tank and can throw anything in the back without needing a 12ft ladder to load it 😂. It’s still running top even with 250k on the ODO but certainly would be cool to have an updated version with more safety features/creature comforts. A low cost beater truck isn’t really a popular choice in the states now unfortunately. 

RDnutz wrote:
Toyota has exactly that model in the new lineup, can even get a manual trans. I went with Frontier King Cab that was already available with...

Toyota has exactly that model in the new lineup, can even get a manual trans. I went with Frontier King Cab that was already available with little to no waiting and IMO better value for my hard earned $ Also liked the powertrain better than any of the others. YMMV

It’s the size that’s a turn off for me. They’ve gotten significantly wider/taller over the years here in the States while the rest of the world...

It’s the size that’s a turn off for me. They’ve gotten significantly wider/taller over the years here in the States while the rest of the world stuck to a thinner more utilitarian design. Product of our environment though really given our landscape, roadways and overall lifestyles. I’ll run 90’s Toyotas unless they start importing their newer utes and utility vans. 
 

Here’s some comparison specs on size (I used the regular cab as the examples). Doesn’t seem like much but living in a city where I have to parallel park everyday, those numbers add up and circling up and down blocks looking for a big enough spot to park is miserable. 
 

1995 Tacoma:

IMG 2209

 

2024 Tacoma:

IMG 2210 1.jpeg?VersionId=ElMO7yzpqrPAg

This! I want a small, maneuverable vehicle that has a bed on it. The new Ranger is just as big as my old F-150. I just want to get good mileage, haul a bike, and the occasional odd job.

6
Pirate421
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2/23/2024 10:25am

My truck is not really a little truck but I think the first gen tundra was one of the best sizes of truck. It’s super comfortable and big enough for the family, has a 6 ft bed and is still smaller than today’s midsize trucks. This has been my favorite vehicle by far.

 

2BE6A0B2-EDA2-44B4-9414-60AC9D6EB368

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davis224
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2/23/2024 10:30am
davis224 wrote:
How's everyone like their Mavericks? Been eyeing them up, but a little hesitant on how reliable they'll be once they're over 100k. I miss the convenience...

How's everyone like their Mavericks? Been eyeing them up, but a little hesitant on how reliable they'll be once they're over 100k. I miss the convenience of a truck but despise driving a giant tank that won't fit into a small parking spot.

RDnutz wrote:
it's a good "truck" for what it is- which is a compact SUV with small open bed behind 2nd row of seats instead of enclosed storage...

it's a good "truck" for what it is- which is a compact SUV with small open bed behind 2nd row of seats instead of enclosed storage. I bought a 2022 XL with 2.0 Turbo + AWD + 4k tow package as a place holder waiting on the new generation Ranger which I hoped would offer the SuperCab + 6' bed version like previous generations and already sold globally in new 6th generation. I had reservations about a transverse mounted front wheel drive truck and hoped the AWD would erase any issues of torque steer, but it didn't. My Maverick did not feel at all like a traditional rear wheel drive truck. If I wanted to go moto with 2 bikes and all gear it required using my trailer for the bikes and the bed filled with gear and the back seat too. Sure, we've seen pictures of a Maverick with 2-3 bikes in bed with tailgate down, but where does the extra people, dogs and gear go for a full day (or more) of riding? It's just not practical or ideal and to me there's no point in having the Crew Cab unless it doubles as a family hauler daily driver for you. 

I waited over a year for Ford to release the new Ranger in America and they completely shit the bed. I later learned that Nissan still made a King Cab with 6' bed with multiple trim level options and finally drove 1 and was sold. Bought mine in December and sold the Maverick back to my original dealer for what I paid for it and the Frontier has fit me perfect in every way since then and much more like a refined version of the mini trucks I started with back in the 1970s. Best bang for the buck in mid-size category right now too IMO.

That's pretty much what I want, a compact SUV with a bed. I drove a Mazda CX-5 now, when it hits 200k (or I might drive it til it dies) my next vehicle will either be a CX-50, Maverick, or a Ridgeline. Zero desire to have a modern full size truck.

2/23/2024 10:43am Edited Date/Time 2/23/2024 10:43am

I'm actually thinking the opposite. I wish they would make midsize trucks with more rear legroom. I've been looking at trucks for a while. All the midsize trucks have little legroom for the rear passengers (I have a family of 3). The Honda Ridgeline is probably the best with its unibody, but still tight. Looks like I'll have to get a full size...

Ya'll gonna hate but I really want a Cybertruck. The price just needs to come down and the range increased. 

 

1
BobDog
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2/23/2024 11:09am

Going racing in 1969 Datsun pickup, 2 stripped down and modified DT 1s in back.  No matching "kits" riding gear, no A kit suspension. Most fun ever had! If you haven't done it, you don't know!

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OldTech
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2/23/2024 11:21am

20240223 131611.jpg?VersionId=YjCRHX4lUzzevfachT14u8zLE3.25Y

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dsoll703
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2/23/2024 11:37am
A modern day equivalent of my 95’ Toyota Tacoma regular cab would be ideal. I can maneuver on a dime, get 400 miles to a tank...

A modern day equivalent of my 95’ Toyota Tacoma regular cab would be ideal. I can maneuver on a dime, get 400 miles to a tank and can throw anything in the back without needing a 12ft ladder to load it 😂. It’s still running top even with 250k on the ODO but certainly would be cool to have an updated version with more safety features/creature comforts. A low cost beater truck isn’t really a popular choice in the states now unfortunately. 

RDnutz wrote:
Toyota has exactly that model in the new lineup, can even get a manual trans. I went with Frontier King Cab that was already available with...

Toyota has exactly that model in the new lineup, can even get a manual trans. I went with Frontier King Cab that was already available with little to no waiting and IMO better value for my hard earned $ Also liked the powertrain better than any of the others. YMMV

I have the new Frontier King cab too. I like it a lot, but my only complaint is that I can’t close the tailgate with a bike in the back. 

MX114
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2/23/2024 11:37am Edited Date/Time 2/23/2024 11:45am

Currently leasing a 21 Crew Cab Tacoma. SR5 V6. It’s a perfect work truck or for a weekend warrior getting to the races. But it’s not exactly the best family truck. Lease is up this summer. Although I enjoy the Tacoma for work it’s time too find something with a little more room. Prolly going with a Honda Ridgeline next. It’s a good mix for what I need. Lots of cool features with it. 

1
2/23/2024 11:46am
MX114 wrote:
Currently leasing a 21 Crew Cab Tacoma. SR5 V6. It’s a perfect work truck or for a weekend warrior getting to the races. But it’s not...

Currently leasing a 21 Crew Cab Tacoma. SR5 V6. It’s a perfect work truck or for a weekend warrior getting to the races. But it’s not exactly the best family truck. Lease is up this summer. Although I enjoy the Tacoma for work it’s time too find something with a little more room. Prolly going with a Honda Ridgeline next. It’s a good mix for what I need. Lots of cool features with it. 

If I had to get a mid-size truck it would def be the Ridgeline for the comfortability, larger cabin, and in-bed trunk. But too bad Honda has done a major redesign since 2017... 

Heavyhitter
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2/23/2024 1:38pm

No ramps no problems back in the day! mazda 0

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jasonv43
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2/23/2024 1:43pm

Screenshot 23-02-2024 134246.jpg?VersionId=Lw82BFXTV912X1m

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Tyler D
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2/23/2024 1:44pm Edited Date/Time 2/23/2024 1:46pm

someone buy this 300 hp dakar homologation special. 1 of 2,500

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1997-mitsubishi-pajero-evolution-12/

pajero.jpg?VersionId=MGg58T43ZGC70LFPt34vniMqa15dHw

"But to me, the most surprising dynamic trait of these is their high-speed stability. Short wheelbase vehicles, especially high ones like Jeep Wranglers, 2 door Broncos and Land Rover Defender 90’s, really do not instill confidence at high speeds. As that air packs up under the chassis, the trucks begin to get light. Not stable. But these Pajero Evo’s are simply incredible at high speed. They were designed to do 100mph… OVER ANY TERRAIN." 

1
sandman768
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2/23/2024 4:55pm

Loved my Nissan/Datsun in 1989… life was goodIMG 5692 0.jpeg?VersionId=Ayxg.wkCQuhSCl36icAinef6GJdB

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need2ride
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2/23/2024 8:27pm

$45k sticker for one of those little mavericks is craziness to me and used tacomas have always been way overpriced imo.  I'll probably never sell my '07 tacoma 4 banger. Thing has 230k on it and still going. 

8
2/23/2024 11:33pm
need2ride wrote:
$45k sticker for one of those little mavericks is craziness to me and used tacomas have always been way overpriced imo.  I'll probably never sell my...

$45k sticker for one of those little mavericks is craziness to me and used tacomas have always been way overpriced imo.  I'll probably never sell my '07 tacoma 4 banger. Thing has 230k on it and still going. 

Yeah no $45k is BS. You can buy the top of the line loaded Ridgeline for that. Bigger and better truck.

2
Sandusky26
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2/24/2024 3:27am
need2ride wrote:
$45k sticker for one of those little mavericks is craziness to me and used tacomas have always been way overpriced imo.  I'll probably never sell my...

$45k sticker for one of those little mavericks is craziness to me and used tacomas have always been way overpriced imo.  I'll probably never sell my '07 tacoma 4 banger. Thing has 230k on it and still going. 

Yeah no $45k is BS. You can buy the top of the line loaded Ridgeline for that. Bigger and better truck.

You can buy an F150 for the same money and get similar gas mileage. Never understood the deal with the overpriced Tacoma. My extended cab F150 with the small Ecoboost averages 20 mpg and pulls my enclosed trailers.

2/24/2024 4:32am

A few years ago the Martin brothers drove a little ford ranger from Minnesota to California.

On a whim I bought a 94 Dodge Dakota at an estate sale V6 5speed manual didn't plan keeping it that was a year ago ...I drive it all the time great little truck and 4 wheel drive.

 

decano51
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2/24/2024 5:38am

As a person who works for Toyota here in Australia where Toyota Hilux is the most common vehicle and a Toyota Tundra is starting to make its entrance to the Australian market. I’m baffled that Americans actually have an interest in what us Aussies refer to as Utes. 

sandman768
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2/24/2024 5:42am

The deal with Toyota is resale value…. Or it used to be…

3
RDnutz
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2/24/2024 6:17am
dsoll703 wrote:
I have the new Frontier King cab too. I like it a lot, but my only complaint is that I can’t close the tailgate with a...

I have the new Frontier King cab too. I like it a lot, but my only complaint is that I can’t close the tailgate with a bike in the back. 

are you loading straight in, or putting front wheel into corner of the bed? I've had numerous mini trucks (and 2 Rancheros) with 6' bed and could close tailgate on every 1 by loading at angle with front wheel in the corner. More than 1 bike and all bets are off.

1
RDnutz
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2/24/2024 6:22am Edited Date/Time 2/24/2024 6:28am

Yeah no $45k is BS. You can buy the top of the line loaded Ridgeline for that. Bigger and better truck.

Pretty sure your Ridgeline pricing info wrong. BTW, Ridgeline is nothing but a cutdown Honda van that is unibody and gets horrible mileage in their V6. They get good reviews from mags because they drive like a car instead of a truck, not because they are a good truck.

3
RDnutz
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2/24/2024 6:29am
need2ride wrote:
$45k sticker for one of those little mavericks is craziness to me and used tacomas have always been way overpriced imo.  I'll probably never sell my...

$45k sticker for one of those little mavericks is craziness to me and used tacomas have always been way overpriced imo.  I'll probably never sell my '07 tacoma 4 banger. Thing has 230k on it and still going. 

yeah that is BS! Looking at the Buyers order from my 2022 Maverick XL with Turbo, AWD, 4k Tow package and paid $25921.03 OTD November 2, 2022 for it. They've gone up a little each year since like all the others, but somebody lied to you about the $45k thing unless it was a fully loaded top of the line Lariat.

dsoll703
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2/24/2024 6:37am Edited Date/Time 2/24/2024 7:25am
dsoll703 wrote:
I have the new Frontier King cab too. I like it a lot, but my only complaint is that I can’t close the tailgate with a...

I have the new Frontier King cab too. I like it a lot, but my only complaint is that I can’t close the tailgate with a bike in the back. 

RDnutz wrote:
are you loading straight in, or putting front wheel into corner of the bed? I've had numerous mini trucks (and 2 Rancheros) with 6' bed and...

are you loading straight in, or putting front wheel into corner of the bed? I've had numerous mini trucks (and 2 Rancheros) with 6' bed and could close tailgate on every 1 by loading at angle with front wheel in the corner. More than 1 bike and all bets are off.

I’ve tried the angled approach, but the rear wheel hangs over too much. 
 

I’ve always could use that method in my old Rangers etc, but the bed on this king cab is shorter than those unfortunately.

 

Edit: I just tried it again as I head out to ride this morning. The wheel well is the problem. It’s located right in the corner which eliminates a foot of room.

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