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About the 2014 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/11/04 in Toyota with Comments Off on About the 2014 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab

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.

Specifications of a 2014 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/25 in Nissan with Comments Off on Specifications of a 2014 Nissan Titan Pickup Truck

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 

Variety is the Spice of Life: Holds Good for Number Plates Too

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/10/16 in On the Road with Comments Off on Variety is the Spice of Life: Holds Good for Number Plates Too

(for our English friends across the pond)

Number plates…this is one matter that majority of the vehicle owners will be obsessed about.  Yes, there is indeed no exaggeration at all when we say that vehicle owners go to any length to get the number plate of their choice.  We have heard stories about people spending millions of pounds and also taking part in number plate auctions too to get their desired one.  They go to any extent to get the number they have wanted as it holds a lot of significance or relevance. 

When you take a look of the number plates around the UK you will find that there is indeed a lot of variety.  Those who have the money to spend do not hesitate to dole out even millions of pounds to get the number plate they desired.  Even the ones who cannot afford such whopping amounts have started to customize their number plates in their own small way.  It is really intriguing to see how differently people do think in order to carve a niche for their own self in this huge and mad world!  Yes, each one is striving to stick his head out of the crowd and make himself noticed in his own distinct way!

Let us just take a look at how people are getting different in choosing their number plates for their vehicles.

  • Personalization is a key factor in getting a number plate that will turn heads.  Yes, it definitely feels good when people give you a second look; they spare a second thought on you.  Same is the case with your number plate too.  You can definitely play around with numerous ideas and seek professional advice too.  For instance, you can make use of ABC 123 on your number plate.  It is just the first three letters of the alphabet and the first three numbers of our numerical system.  This will definitely catch the eye of many people.  And it is also very easy to remember too.
  • Variety can also be spotted when you have the initials of your pup on your number plate.  If you are a lover of golf, you can have TEE on your number plate.  Similarly, if you are fond of fishing, you can have the number and FSH.  Again, in case your name is Bob, you can have BOB on the number plate.  There is no end for such options as you can really play around a lot with the number plates and the combination of letters and numbers.
  • You can have the initials of your name, or your partner’s initials.  All you have to do is, don your thinking cap, tap your creativity and you can have a wonderful number plate on hand even without having to spend lots of money at all.

UK is a place of lot of variety.  Look around, take some cues, or discuss with number plate dealers and you definitely are going to get a whole lot of ideas from which you can choose your special number plate.  After all, all these efforts are to look distinct amidst a crowd.

Author Bio
Ryan Holman holds a lot of interest in the number plate’s arena and has explored numerous options to get the best of combinations.

The Power of Negotiation – Saving Cash on Your Car

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/07/19 in Auto Buying Tips with Comments Off on The Power of Negotiation – Saving Cash on Your Car

Cars are expensive. That applies to everything from basic maintenance to buying one from a dealership. However, you can cut those costs quite a bit if you are able to negotiate. Negotiation is something of a dying art these days, as most buyers don’t have the patience or knowledge to haggle. However, for those who master these skills, considerable savings await. What should you know? Here’s a quick look.

Auto Buying

Perhaps the most important area where you need to develop negotiation skills is in the arena of buying a new car. Whether you’re after the latest model, are working with a used car dealer, or buying from a private seller, the following tips will help.

Be Informed – Information is the key to negotiation in the automotive industry. If you’re not informed, you have nothing to stand on. If you’re considering buying another vehicle, you’ll need to know several things, including what the same or comparable vehicles are selling for at other dealerships. Once you’ve decided on a particular vehicle model, take some time and shop around. Find out what it’s going for from different dealers, and what incentives are being offered.

Armed with the information above, head down to your chosen dealership and negotiate the best deal for you. Let the salesperson know that the car is available for less and where. Most of the time they’ll be happy to meet or even beat their competitors.

You Have the Power – One thing that most buyers forget when dealing with car lots is that they’re the ones in control, not the salespeople. You can exercise that control in a number of ways, and showing the salesperson that you know you have the power in the exchange will help you command a lower price. For instance, don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal. The moment the salesperson sees you’re serious about it, the price will come down.

There’s Always Wiggle Room – Don’t be fooled by “final price” notices or salespeople who tell you that they simply can’t offer less than the sticker price. There is always wiggle room in the world of auto sales. Sticker price is nowhere near what the dealership actually paid for the car, so don’t be afraid to negotiate the price lower. If necessary, tell the salesperson you’re going somewhere else. Always remember – the sticker price is NOT the final price of the car, and there’s always room to knock it down.

Don’t Use Dealer Financing – Dealer financing seems like the most convenient, expedient option when buying a new car, and that’s what the dealership is counting on. Don’t fall for it. You’ll pay more in interest with dealer financing than if you got your own funding, and you’ll find that it’s common practice for dealerships to add interest points just to pad their profits (and this is legal). Get your own loan from a credit union or your local bank and you’ll save big without having to negotiate at all.

Auto Service

While you might not be able to negotiate the price of all automotive services, there are a few tips that can help. For instance, considering bringing your own oil to your service provider – most will discount the price because of this. If you have several vehicles, consider asking about a group/volume discount for your services. If you can guarantee that you’ll bring all of your vehicles to the shop for servicing, most of the time they can offer at least some discount. Finally, shop around for the best deal on the service you need, and then find out if the service provider you prefer will price match.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore.com, that sells custom auto mats throughout the nation. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on logo, carpeted, molded and all weather floor mats.

Stop Right There – All about Brakes

by Carsurfer Admin on 2013/04/09 in Brakes with Comments Off on Stop Right There – All about Brakes

When it comes to safety and security on the road, nothing trumps your car’s braking system. However, despite its importance, few people really understand their braking system. Do you have disc brakes on all four wheels? Do you have ABS? Do you have drums on the rear? Do you know what those terms mean? Chances are you may have some passing familiarity with brakes, but you may not know the full story. Read on to learn more.

Brakes, Brakes and More Brakes

When it comes to braking systems, there are several solutions used by automakers. These include both disc and drum brakes.

Disc – Disc brakes are probably those you’re most familiar with. These systems use a disc-shaped rotor (hence the name), in conjunction with a caliper and brake pads. Disc brakes can be found on just the front wheels of cars or on all four wheels.

Drums – Once upon a time, drum brakes were the only option out there, but that changed some time ago. This really is older technology, but it’s still around today. You’ll find drum brakes in use on a wide range of vehicles, mostly on the rear wheels. Cars, trucks and vans can (and usually do) have drums in the rear and disc brakes on the front, unless the vehicle is noted as having 4-wheel disc brakes. Drums are very different from disc systems, and use a metal drum and brake shoes rather than a rotor and brake pads (the shoes push on the inside of the drum to slow the car).

ABS – ABS is not technically a standalone braking system. It stands for anti-lock brakes, and is a system designed to prevent wheel lockups from happening. For instance, if you’re driving down the interstate and have to slam on your brakes, the ABS system will keep your wheels turning, rather than allowing them to lock up and your car to skid. ABS is essentially a safety system. They’re found on disc brake systems, but that doesn’t mean that just because a car has disc brakes, it has ABS – the two are not mutually exclusive and you’ll find both ABS-enabled disc brakes and non-ABS systems on new cars rolling off the assembly line today.

How to Spot Wear

Spotting wear on your brakes can be tough to do (it’s impossible on drum brakes without taking the drum apart, by the way). For disc brakes, the best way to check your brake wear is to use a flashlight to gauge the pad thickness remaining by looking through the spokes of the wheel. It’s easier if you have the wheel off, though. You can also look for signs of wear on the rotors. Visible grooves are a definite sign of serious wear. Perhaps the simplest way to keep an eye on your brake wear is to have them inspected at every oil change and tire rotation – the mechanic should not charge for a simple brake inspection.

Change Them Yourself

If you’re a bit frugal and find that you need to change your brakes, doing it yourself can be a wise move. Most mechanic shops are going to charge much more than the price of the replacement pads, but if you have a little bit of extra time and a few basic tools, you can usually do this on your own at home.

Make sure you have a set of jack stands and tire chocks, though. You’ll also need a little bit of basic knowhow. As a note, if you have never changed brake pads before or don’t have access to a manual, doing it on your own might not be a good idea.

Your brakes are vital to road safety – make sure they’re in good condition at all times.

Don Elfrink is the owner and operator of AutoMatStore.com, a company selling auto mats throughout the nation. Before AutoMatStore, Elfrink was the operator of an automotive production site. AutoMatStore focuses on logo, carpeted, molded and all weather floor mats.

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