First Taco! haven't bought one yet, looking for advice..

[hooked006]

Hi guys, I've done quite a bit of research and I'm pretty sure my next vehicle is going to be a Tacoma. I want an extended cab, V6, 4X4, TRD package, and with manual transmission, preferably in black. As you can see I'm being pretty picky, but if I'm going to spend the money, I want to get what I want and I don't mind waiting for the right truck. Now I'm just trying to decide if I want a first gen or second gen..

I do have some questions though that I am having a hard time finding definitive answers for.
What are the major differences between the '04 TRD package and the '05?
Do all TRD's come with 16" alloys (or optional 17")?
I see that the gas mileage for the '04 V6 and the '05 V6 are almost identical, yet the '05 has a lot more power (+55hp/62tq). Does the new V6 require premium fuel?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions but that's it for now. Any suggestions/comments are welcome, thanks!

[derekabraham]

I put regular fuel in my V6 and it does fine.

The 05+ TRD Off Road Tacomas have 16 inch alloys standard while the 05+ TRD Sports have 17 inch alloys and a different styling.


16 inch Off Road:

17 inch Sport:

[Janster]

Originally Posted by hooked006

Hi guys, I've done quite a bit of research and I'm pretty sure my next vehicle is going to be a Tacoma. I want an extended cab, V6, 4X4, TRD package, and with manual transmission, preferably in black. As you can see I'm being pretty picky, but if I'm going to spend the money, I want to get what I want and I don't mind waiting for the right truck. Now I'm just trying to decide if I want a first gen or second gen..

I do have some questions though that I am having a hard time finding definitive answers for.
What are the major differences between the '04 TRD package and the '05?
Do all TRD's come with 16" alloys (or optional 17")?
I see that the gas mileage for the '04 V6 and the '05 V6 are almost identical, yet the '05 has a lot more power (+55hp/62tq). Does the new V6 require premium fuel?

I'm sure I'll think of more questions but that's it for now. Any suggestions/comments are welcome, thanks!

The 05+ are also bigger in overall size and interior space.
The 05+ have neat access doors that can be opened (04's do not)
The 05's have composite bed (04's do not)
The 05's also have a TRD SPORT model that comes with 17" wheels with Limited slip differential (The 04's don't have a TRD Sport model).

You do not have to use Premium fuel.... I've been using 87 octane since I've purchased my 07 1.5 years ago.

I wouldn't necessarily get an 05 - as that's the first year of the new production year. More problems in that first year - and the pricing is probably similar to 06 or even 07's. I'd research and compare pricing with the USED ones versus the new ones. For only a few thousand more - you could get yourself a nice new 08 or even an 09..

[neontrail]

Originally Posted by Janster

The 05+ are also bigger in overall size and interior space.
The 05+ have neat access doors that can be opened (04's do not)
The 05's have composite bed (04's do not)
The 05's also have a TRD SPORT model that comes with 17" wheels with Limited slip differential (The 04's don't have a TRD Sport model).

You do not have to use Premium fuel.... I've been using 87 octane since I've purchased my 07 1.5 years ago.

I wouldn't necessarily get an 05 - as that's the first year of the new production year. More problems in that first year - and the pricing is probably similar to 06 or even 07's. I'd research and compare pricing with the USED ones versus the new ones. For only a few thousand more - you could get yourself a nice new 08 or even an 09..

+1 dam u r good!

[hooked006]

Derek and Janster, that's the kind of information I was looking for, thank you! The access doors are a big plus, I could see myself using those a lot. I'm also relieved to know that premium isn't required as I read somewhere that it was. I would love to buy new but I cannot afford it right now.. In the meantime I will keep looking and bump this thread when I think of something else.

[05TacoTRD]

I filled up with Premium Thursday night, for the price of regular.

My truck thanks me.

[tacomaman06]

hey hooked.......welcome to tw!!! gotta say this......either way, you'll have a great ride man....first or second gen.!!!!

[genxer36]

Originally Posted by Janster

The 05+ are also bigger in overall size and interior space.
The 05+ have neat access doors that can be opened (04's do not)
The 05's have composite bed (04's do not)
The 05's also have a TRD SPORT model that comes with 17" wheels with Limited slip differential (The 04's don't have a TRD Sport model).

You do not have to use Premium fuel.... I've been using 87 octane since I've purchased my 07 1.5 years ago.

I wouldn't necessarily get an 05 - as that's the first year of the new production year. More problems in that first year - and the pricing is probably similar to 06 or even 07's. I'd research and compare pricing with the USED ones versus the new ones. For only a few thousand more - you could get yourself a nice new 08 or even an 09..

Wrong to say more problems with the 05. My 05 has 93,000 miles & not a single problem. I didn't have the leaf spring issue that the newer trucks had. And Toyota has been making the 2nd gen for a while, it was called the Tundra. So you can't say it is a new truck from the ground up.

Yes on the 08 model you might be able to get the deal of a lifetime (if you can still find the 08 model). Toyota was offering $2000 cash back on 08's.

[derekabraham]

Originally Posted by hooked006

Derek and Janster, that's the kind of information I was looking for, thank you! The access doors are a big plus, I could see myself using those a lot. I'm also relieved to know that premium isn't required as I read somewhere that it was. I would love to buy new but I cannot afford it right now.. In the meantime I will keep looking and bump this thread when I think of something else.

You're welcome! Perhaps the missileman thread could provide some extra motivation?


P.S. Access Cabs are fun.