Auto Magazine

About the 2014 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/04 in Toyota with Comments Off

The small pickup truck market has steadily shrunk since the 1990s as shoppers choose larger trucks that offer more power, higher payloads, tremendous towing capabilities and fairly competitive fuel mileage. Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Chevrolet, Ford and Dodge have left the market with only Toyota and Nissan remaining.

The Toyota Tacoma controls two-thirds of the small pickup truck market, fielding regular and extended cab models including the Access Cab, a truck with two standard doors and dual, large rear hinge access doors. Its the middle model in the Tacoma line up, priced from $20,515 and sold in 4×2, 4×4 and PreRunner configurations.

Engines and Transmissions

The standard engine with the 2014 Toyota Tacoma is a 2.7-liter inline four cylinder, a 16-valve motor with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 159 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 180 foot-pounds of torque at 3,800 rpm. It measures 3.74 bore by 3.74 stroke and has a 9:6-to-1 compression ratio. A five-speed manual transmission is standard; a four-speed automatic transmission is available.

Buyers can also choose a 4.0-liter V-6 engine, a 24-valve motor that is also outfitted with direct fuel injection. This engine makes 236 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 266 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm. It measures 3.70 bore by 3.74 stroke and has a 10.0-to-1 compression ratio. A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a five speed automatic transmission is available.

Technical Information

The Access Cab is a 4×2 model or it can be equipped with part-time 4×4. It comes with a coil spring independent double wishbone suspension up front and a leaf spring rigid suspension in the rear. This model has rack-and-pinion power steering, ventilated front disc brakes, leading-drum brakes in the rear, and is outfitted with standard 15-inch steel wheels.

Optional wheels include 15- and 16-inch styled steel wheels, and 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels. All season tires are standard; mud & snow rated tires are also available. This truck is equipped with an anti-lock brake system, electronic braking distribution, brake assist, stability control, and traction control.

Vehicle Dimensions

The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab sits on a 127.4-inch wheelbase and measures 208.1 inches long, up to 70.3 inches tall and as much as 74.3 inches wide. It comes equipped with a 6-foot bed.

This model has a ground clearance of 7.9 to 9.1 inches. Its payload ranges from 1,255 to 1,500 pounds. Standard towing capacity is 3,500 pounds. Choose the optional V-6 tow prep package and that limit pushes up to 6,500 pounds. The Tacoma is outfitted with a 21.1-gallon fuel tank and is rated as high as 21 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, and as low as 15 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. Regular grade gasoline is recommended.

Key Features

The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab comes equipped or has available the following exterior features: mud guards, an engine skid plate, variable speed wipers, fog lights, bed tie downs, and a full spare tire.

Inside, Toyota equips this model with air conditioning, fabric-trimmed front seats, fold up rear seats with under seat storage, power windows and power door locks, LED-illuminated gauges, a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, rear seat heat vents, two 12-volt outlets, two bottle holders up front, and up to five cup holders.

An Entune audio system is standard across the model line. The multimedia package features an AM/FM/CD player. a 6.1-inch touchscreen, iPod connectivity, hands-free phone access, voice recognition, Bluetooth wireless technology, and an auxiliary jack. An upgraded package with SiriusXM satellite radio is available as are navigation and app suite package upgrades.

Tacoma Considerations

The Toyota Tacoma made its debut in 1995, but Toyota has been building trucks for decades. The previous model was simply known as "Pickup."

Several special equipment packages are available including SR5, TRD Off-Road, TRD Sport Package and a Limited package. Equipment upgrades include a front tow hook, a 115-volt outlet, chrome grille surround, upgraded seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an integrated backup camera a and special graphics. Chrome cladding, color-keyed bumpers and heated front seats are among the other available upgrades.

Photo courtesy of Toyota.

Author Information
Harrison Plamer is a professional blogger that provides information on CDL truck driving and owner operator truck driving jobs. He writes for BestDriverJobs.com, the best place to find a truck driving job nationwide.

The Top 5 Fuel Efficient Vehicles For Your Daily Driving Needs

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/01 in Saving Fuel, Uncategorized with Comments Off

Due to the expensive price of gas, many motorists are seeking to purchase an extremely fuel-efficient vehicle. Although hybrid vehicles are an option, some drivers are not willing to pay the extra premium. The good news is that there are a few gas-only models that deliver an outstanding fuel economy. Here are the top five fuel efficient vehicles for your daily driving needs.

Mazda Madza3

If you are looking for an agile vehicle that gets great gas mileage, then look no further than the Mazda3. With a highway fuel economy rating of 40 mpg, the Mazda3 is one of the best daily-drivers on the market. The availability of a sedan or hatchback model further sweetens the deal.

Hyundai Veloster

Are you the type of person that likes to stand out from the crowd? If so, the Hyundai Veloster is right up your alley. Boasting a unique hatchback design and a 40-mpg fuel economy rating on the highway, the Veloster is a true bargain. Some of the standout features include a hidden third door and a motorcycle-inspired interior.

Chevrolet Cruze Eco

The Chevrolet Cruze Eco is definitely one of the best bargains in its segment. Not only does it offer a superb fuel economy rating of over 40 mpg, but it also offers a surprisingly spacious interior. There is also an available six-speed manual gearbox, which gets a tad less gas mileage. The best part is that it comes well-equipped for under $20,000.

Kia Rio

The Kia Rio has improved by leaps and bounds over its predecessor. Aside from the fact that it gets great mileage, the Kia dealership Newark NJ also offers the Rio with plenty of high-tech amenities. Some of the available features include a rear-view camera, touch-screen interface, and paddle shifters. If you are in the market for an economy car, this option will also bring you some luxury.

Ford Focus SFE

The stylish Ford Focus SFE is definitely engineered to deliver driving satisfaction on a daily basis. With an impressive fuel economy rating of 40-mpg on the highway, the Focus SFE is destined to save a few bucks at the fuel pump. Its 160-horsepower engine also provides plenty of punch when called upon. The push-button start and heated seats are just icing on the cake.

All of these fuel-efficient vehicles prove that gas-only vehicles are still capable of delivering fantastic fuel efficiency. The fact that these cars are also affordable makes them an even more rewarding choice.

Five Ways To Save Money While Buying a New Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/30 in Auto Financing with Comments Off

New cars often come onto the market with high sticker prices. This discourages some people from purchasing a new vehicle. A number of people in the market for a new car do not understand that dealerships have a large amount of control over the final price. There are five ways to save money when buying a new car.

1. Negotiate Everything

Anyone buying a new car should be prepared to negotiate when speaking to a dealer. Auto dealers want to make a sale in the moment. This often means dealerships are willing to reduce vehicle prices or make other accommodations. It is important to negotiate every expense including the fees and details in the contract since some are not strictly necessary or can be waived.

2. Visit Different Dealerships

It is best to visit different dealerships before starting negotiations. Buyers can often get dealers to lower prices or improve contract terms when mentioning there is a better offer at another location. Dealerships do not want to lose business to competitors. Some dealerships might even match advertised discounts or special offers from competitors.

3. Look For Outside Financing

A good way to save money is to get financing for the vehicle outside of the dealership. The financing dealerships offer often has poor or unfavorable terms. Anyone who already owns a vehicle can get fast financing through a company like eTitleLoan. Sites like eTitleLoan.com offer loans secured by an existing car title. The loans require no credit checks. Some auto title loans could be large enough to allow a family to pay for the new car in cash without any of the hassles of dealer financing.

4. Buy When Inventories Change

Dealerships offer more discounts and are more willing to negotiate when attempting to clear old inventory. Dealerships try to sell old inventory fast at the end of each month and after September when new models start coming in. Shopping and negotiating for a new car during these periods will result in noticeable savings.

5. Scrutinize Extended Warranties

Extended warranties are not always necessary or cost-effective. It is important to look at the terms of the warranty, what is needed to maintain the warranty and the overall cost. Some extended warranties actually cost more than standard maintenance and repairs for new vehicles. Additionally, complex terms can invalidate extended warranty coverage if repairs are needed.

Shoppers who are negotiating with a dealer need to be aggressive. This means being prepared to walk away especially when a better offer is available elsewhere. Some dealerships will lower prices or improve an offer just to rescue the sale.

Looking To Upgrade? 5 Best Selling Cars For 2013

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/28 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off

There is just something about the intoxicating aroma of a brand new car. If you are seeking to upgrade your current vehicle, there are plenty of worthy candidates to choose from in 2013. Whether you are looking for a Jeep Wrangler or a Cadillac ATS, Kansas City experts recommend doing your research first and knowing the facts.

Toyota Camry

The Camry has consistently remained one of the most popular vehicles on the planet. Over the years, the Toyota Camry has garnered a reputation for being super reliable and practical. Not only does the 2013 Camry deliver excellent gas mileage, but it can also be equipped with all of the latest amenities. While the base model effectively gets the job done, the available Camry SE V6 is a legitimate sports sedan.

Ford F-Series

No other pickup truck demands more respect than the Ford F-Series. Yet again, the Ford F-Series takes the title of being the best-selling vehicle in America. From the Ford F-150 to the race-inspired SVT Raptor, every truck in the F-Series lineup delivers power and toughness. The addition of high-tech components such as the Reverse Sensing System and the Roll Stability Control make it an even more intriguing choice.

Honda Civic

It seems that everyone loves the Honda Civic. The newly-revised Civic continues to impress car enthusiasts from around the world. Its surprisingly spacious interior and agile handling makes the Civic stand out from the crowd. The high-performance Civic SI seeks to take the crown as the best sport compact vehicle on the market.

Honda Accord

The Honda Accord has proven that it can withstand the test of time. The 2013 model year offers a couple of new trims. While the Accord Hybrid delivers top-notch gas mileage, the Accord Sport gives drivers a dose of driving excitement with its sports-tuned exhaust and available manual gearbox.

Chevrolet Silverado

Over the years, the Chevy Silverado has maintained a brutal battle against the Ford F-Series. The newest Silverado models offer a great towing capacity and a stout four-wheel-drive system. There are also plenty of available amenities to make the ride even more enjoyable.

Depending on your needs, all of these vehicles will be a great upgrade from your old vehicle. You will probably be gleaming with excitement when you finally take home your new ride.

Specifications of a 2014 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/25 in Nissan with Comments Off

The Nissan Titan is a full-size pickup truck, a model introduced to the market in 2004. Major changes are coming to the Titan line with a new model slated for 2015, a truck that will include a diesel option. Shopping for a Titan now can save you thousands of dollars on some trim levels, providing a vehicle that can satisfy your passenger and equipment carrying needs.

Model Overview

Nissan sells the Titan in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations and offers two extended cab models: King Cab and Crew Cab. Three bed choices are available; you can choose from four trim levels: S, SV, PRO-4X and SL. Standard seating is for six people with S and SV editions equipped with a bench seat and provides seating for five elsewhere.

The Nissan Titan competes in the large pickup truck segment dominated by the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500 and the GMC Sierra. The Toyota Tundra also competes in this class. Nissan also offers a smaller truck model, the Frontier.

Engine and Transmission

For 2014, all Nissan Titans are powered by a 5.6-liter V-8 engine, making 317 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 385 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. This 32-valve aluminum engine is naturally aspirated and longitudinally mounted, and has a 9.8 to 1 compression ratio. It measures 3.86 inches bore by 3.62 inches stroke.

Titan’s engine is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The drive system is two-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. The final drive ratio measures 2.937 or 3.357 with the PRO-4X.

The Nissan Titan takes regular grade gasoline or it can run on E85 fuel. Gas mileage is 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway for the 4×2 edition and 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway for the 4×4 edition.

Nissan Titan Dimensions

The 2014 Nissan Titan has a standard 139.8-inch wheelbase, expanded to 159.5 inches with the crew cab body style. This truck’s length measures 224.6 inches to as long as 244.2 inches with the crew cab. Overall height ranges from 74.6 to 76.9 inches; this truck measures 79.5 inches wide.

Ground clearance for the Nissan Titan measures 10.2 to 10.7 inches. Bed lengths are 67.3, 79.1 and 87 inches, depending on the model selected. Its curb weight ranges from 4,847 to 5,556 pounds. Total interior volume ranges from 112.8 for the king cab to 125.6 inches for the crew cab. Payload ranges from 1,644 to 2,153 pounds. Towing capacity ranges from 7,300 to 9,500 pounds.

Exterior Highlights

The 2014 Nissan Titan is outfitted with standard 18-inch steel wheels with black sidewall Continental tires in the S edition. Upgrades to alloy wheels, 20-inch wheels and Goodyear or BF Goodrich tires is available. Nissan tucks a full-size spare tire underneath the rear bed area.

Halogen headlights are standard across the model line and include an automatic on/off feature with the Pro-4X and SL editions. Fog lights are optional with the SV edition and are standard with the two top trim levels.

Interior Highlights

A base cloth package is standard with the Titan S with premium and two-tone cloth available with other trim levels. Choose the SL and your truck receives leather-appointed seating. Heated front seats are standard with the SL and are optional with the Pro-4X. A power driver’s seat with an 8-way function is standard with the SL. A 4-way power function is available for the front passenger.

The Nissan Titan is equipped with a six-speaker audio system in the king cab and an eight-speaker audio system in the crew cab. Also available is a Rockford Fosgate audio system. A navigation system is available as is a DVD entertainment system.

Convenience features available with the Nissan Titan include power windows, power door locks, cruise control, keyless entry, power folded side mirrors, reading lights, power adjustable foot pedals, 12-volt outlets and a 120-volt outlet. Safety features include an anti-lock braking system, stability control, traction control, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Author Information
Joseph Grey is a professional blogger that shares news and information on CDL trucking jobs and companies. He writes for TruckersClassifieds.com, where you can find trucking jobs nationwide online.

Image photo: http://www.nissanusa.com/trucks/titan