Truck shopping, any advantage to '08 over '05?

Hey guys,

New to the site, although I've been browsing for some time now. Thinking about upgrading my Civic coupe to a Tacoma for work/pleasure (minus the gas!), and have a couple local used trucks in my sights. They're both Speedway Blue DC LB TRD Sports, but one's an 05 with 80,000kms and the other is an 08 with 130,000km. The 05 is a private sale asking 1000 less than the dealer listed 08. '05 also has remote start, winter tires/rims and a full Leer cap which I could sell to help fund a lift/wheels/radio/tonneau cover/other mods I may choose to do.

Needless to say I'm leaning towards the '05, but just wanted to get some feedback about any differences between the two years. I know there are no major changes, but I'm a little concerned there may be some issues with it since its the first year of a new design. Any reason to think this?

Thanks in advance for any input, hopefully soon I can be posting pictures of a new (for me) ride!

 

Supposedly the motor mounts in the 05's aren't as strong.

 

My 05 has had zero issues...

One thing about the 08 that may be an advantage.. Auxiliary out in the radio (I believe they are standard after 07). I wish mine had it.

 

I think that's 09+

 

OK, good to know.

 

At least my 08 didn't have it.

 

Well if you are planning on going with an aftermarket stereo I would go with the lower miles. Doesnt matter how old a car is it matters how much use it got. Im leaning towards the 05 in your situation its cheaper and lower miles. use that 1k you saved and the top put a nice radio in with an aux input and got some cash left over for some other mods.

 

No Aux in on my '08 either, but I'm very pleased with my year choice. '08 was the last year with a true mechanical LSD. ≥09 uses the power-robbing, brake-actuated system.

 

Been happy with my '05. Besides being cheaper and lower miles, the '05 has more add-ons and you will have a better chance finding out the history/maintenance from the private seller.

 

I love my 05.

 

I vote for the 05 for reasons stated by the other guys. Plus it has no tpms on the rims

 

Go with the '05. I just picked up a Private Sale last summer and have had no major issues. Best reasons as stated above are low Kms and 1K cheaper.

I'm happy to have also made the switch from 03-Civic to 05-Tacoma.

 

How many miles a year do you plan on driving? If its not many I'd suggest the newer 08 hands down. Resale is mostly the year of the vehicle and normal mileage. If the price is close, the 08 is worth more. Look up Kelly blue book to check out the value. And don't be afraid to work the dealer for a cheaper price..there is always room on any deal. 05 was first year build for 2nd gens and will always take that hit and have that over its head.

 

Advantages of an 08 over an 05? Yeah, it's 3 years newer and has less miles (km's) on it! I wouldn't even need to think about it. No brainer for me! It's newer!

 

I would have a mechanic look at the motor mounts on the '05, and compare the rust on each vehicle. If the '05 looks as good as the 08 underneath, no question get the '05. You'll thank yourself in 50,000km when the truck you have is just reaching what the other one is at right now

 

The 08 had 130,000km (81,000 miles) and the 05 had 50,000km (31,000 miles).

If it were me I would get the 05. Being that you are buying from the original owner is a plus. You never really know what you are getting from a dealer when it was traded in. I have had no problems with my 05. It now has 94,000 miles on it. And if you look up the trade in value on the 05 and offer him a little over that he will probably take it. The main reason people want to sell themselves is because they tried to trade it in and realized the dealer wasn't going to give them much for it.

 

The 05 has 80000
The 08 130,000.
The person who brought up the rust issue though yeah 3 more yrs exposed to salt could mean a lot unless it was taken care of. Also what matters to me how many owners each has had. I would want to know that & definitely get the truck on a lift before hand.


oops ^^^ beat me to it

 

Thanks for all the responses guys. I was concerned about the rust issue, but according to the seller the truck has been undercoated/sprayed every year and has no rust. Obviously I'll have to see for myself to be sure, but it doesn't sound like that will be a determining factor. The higher potential resale value on the 08 also crossed my mind, but KBB suggests that the 05 holds more residual value. The mounts issue isn't really a big deal for me as I'd be comfortable switching them out myself, and it wouldn't be a major investment to upgrade them (not to mention the mounts on my 06 Civic just plain suck). Also, it looks like the 08 sold, soooooo good thing I was leaning towards the 05 anyways!

Drewschyf - it's nice to hear someone happy with the Tacoma after a Civic. No real complaints, even gas? Really the only thing holding me back from making the switch is the increased thirst, but honestly I think once I have the keys in my hands it won't be an issue - I'll just have watch how often I get aggressive on the pedal!

 

If I don't tramp on it (from a stand-still or getting on the highway) like i did my civic, I can get on avg. 19-20 mpg. At todays prices, at least here in NB, it was $45 to fill the civic and now $75-80 to fill the truck, but the ability to go "anywhere" far outweighs the price difference!!

 

The problem with the mounts is that they supposedly break loose from the frame. The cure is reinforcing, not just replacing. Mine are untouched and fine. There are threads about it here. Search them. I have an 05 sport w/60k miles and no problems. Get it before it's gone too.