Opinion of the 2005 tacoma

Hey everyone finally saved enough money to start thinking about buying a tacoma. Im a college kid tho so moneys still tight i was wondering your opinions on the 2005 tacoma. I really want a 4x4 trd manual six speed. Sometimes buying the first year of a remade vehicle is a bad idea though and it takes a couple years to get the kinks out. would love to hear input

 

My 05 has been bullet proof.

 

My 05 runs like new at 94,000 miles and takes everything I throw at it!

 

first of all, welcome
the one main thing I would look at if getting a 2005 is some had a problem with the motor mount collapsing, so definatly check that. But I would guess that if has made it this long it's either been taken care of or ain't gonna happen.

As far as the 6 speed goes, there will be others in here shortly that will say they are junk and throw out bearings go out and squeak blah blah blah.
you've got to remember that even though with have a pretty large community here we still only represent a small % of the actual owners and people rarely come on the internet to say how awesome their stuff is holding up. throw out bearings can be an issue but I have a 6 speed with 125K and no issue.

before you go shopping, look at the TSB list here http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/7107-tsb-list-2005-toyota-tacoma.html and that should give you a good idea what to look out for. If you have any other concerns, remember, the search feature is your friend and if you can't find it, start a thread and hopefully we can help.

 

Speaking for mine... 8 years and it has only required normal maintenance.

 

Only bad thing of the 05/06 is the motor mounts in the middle of 06 Toyota put little gussets on there but honestly if you plan on doing high speed desert run and bashing hard it will tend to bend/brake but there's a couple company's that make gussets for them. Other than that its a great truck and supposely the motors make more power in 05 than the 06+

 

Nice welcome! I'd look into the automatic though, the sticks are junk.

Brett

 

Welcome and tacomas hold up so don't just sit there go get one already

 

Early 6 speeds had problems with undersized syncros and shift forks leading to premature failure. The 6 speed was quietly revised/updated twice since - I believe late 2006 and again in 2009. I believe that 1st revision took care of the undersized components. I wouldn't get a 6 speed 2005 or 2006. The autos are good in those years though (auto has been around since 2003 so gremlins were already worked out before it was put in the 2nd gens).

Also see this thread for another discussion of this exact topic...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...-member-thinking-buying-05-6speed-manual.html

 

05 here and still running good.

 

I've got an '05 DCLB (double cab long bed) with 112k miles on it and it runs great. I bought mine used so I had a mechanic check it out before I bought it. I specifically asked him to check out the transmission (automatic). Everything checked out fine.

 

well all be dang, didn't know that one

 

I had the same question;
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/236660-would-you-buy-2005-a.html

I'm super happy with ours six months later.

 

I had an '05 for 102,000 miles (8/05-12/09) and it had a few issues, but not so many that had me change brands. My 2005 and my 2010 are both 4WD Double Cab, Off Road, V-6, Auto. So identical, but so different after that!

1) ABS Brakes sucked big time... would not stop the truck well on wet or dirt roads (my 2010 has no problems stopping). Scary stuff.

2) Clock spring wire harness fail (air bag light came on), not covered by warranty (for me). Cost me over $300, as I recall...

3) Rear springs too soft, allowed the truck to bottom-out hitting bumps with back seat passengers or any cargo in the back. Toyota would later call this a 'Harsh Ride" condition and offers heavier springs... my dealer did nothing, so I paid for Ride Rite air bags and 5100 rear shocks about $800 installed, which solved the problem well. My 2010 stock springs do not let the truck bottom under the same conditions.

My first Tacoma was an '01 xtra cab 4WD Off Road, and it was perfect for 136,000 miles (11/00-8/05)... replaced a water pump at 90,000 miles during the routine timing belt change. No other issues!

 

I had an 05 it lasted me 151,000 mi before I totaled the truck. I had no problems with it other than normal maintence, If I didnt total it I would still have the truck it was rock solid my only complaint was the rear to soft and always bottomed out

 

I know two guys with a '05 and '06 dc v6 prerunners and both love them. They have some complaints however. One had to replace clock springs for airbags (as previously mentioned) and the other has had to change his battery a year ago. Otherwise both have just been gas, oil, filters and regular maintenence.

Ok so I was being sarcastic about the complaints.. everyone I know loves their taco's which is partially why I bought one.

 

2005 DCLB Prerunner with 172,xxx miles and still running strong. Looking at the TSB list which was suggested in a previous post is a good idea and the springs are a bit soft, but 5100's up front and an Add a Leaf in the back took care of that. Extremely happy with it and have no plans to replace the vehicle any time soon.

 

X2 on what troy said. I have a 2005 TRD offroad access cab automatic with 106k on it...never had to replace anything on it other than fluids and tires...wouldn't hesitate to jump in it right now and take it cross country...

Edit: I did have to replace the shocks around 80k as they were shot...went with 5100's

 

I have a 2005 v6 DC off road with about 110k on it. It's a 6 speed. I love it and I am writing this after finding out about two hour ago that the driver's side motor mount has collapsed through the frame and I'm driving a rental Rav4 while I look for a welder!

It's a great daily driver, great on long trips, it shifts great. What can I say? I'm crazy? I think once I find the right welder I'll be back in business for at least another 100k.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies now I'm gonna have to debate whether or not getting an automatic is worth it I just love driving a stick :/