Best model year of early second gen tacoma

Hey guys and gals, I'm looking to make an incremental update from my 2005 tacoma, and just wanted to get your opinions in what model year I should shoot for (pre 2009, to keep it affordable). I'm not to up to date on all the changes improvements after 05. Please consider significant comfort/interior/exterior and performance. Tell me what year and why. Thanks!

 

On a side note, I have 2 young kids, 4 and 6 months so safety considerations as well..I know the 09 has more safety features but also read that side rear airbags are not recommended for children under 13. ..

 

I currently have a non sport/non TRD 4x4 and will likely ditch the 4wd in favor of one of the TRD options. ( I never youse 4wd now that I'm in FL)

 

someone correct me if i'm wrong but the AUX port did not come until 2009.

 

I think you're right on that one, OP may want to take that into consideration..do you listen to a lot of music from your mp3/phone? I have aux on my '09 and don't know what I'd do without it

 

I think your right about the aux. I have an aftermarket deck in my 05 for that reason.

 

I don't know which is better but I'd say get at least a 2007. Usually problems are fixed in 2 years. I doubt much changed between the 07 an 09.

 

Correct

There was actually a good amount of things changed on the 09 models. Besides the safety features already mentioned like side airbags and traction control. Trd models went to a electronic diff lock from mechanical, upgraded packages got new LED tail lights. Aux port was added for the radio as well as extra blank switches below the hvac controls. I believe 09 was the first year they started offering OEM backup cams. The access cab models got a whole new backseat design, in attempt to make it more comfortable for passengers. Cant forget about ATRAC! I think thats it

 

Do you still have the OEM deck? If so you could put that back in before you sell it and put the aftermarket deck in your new one if you decide to go older than 09.

Just curious though, what's making you want to change to a truck that's only a couple years newer? The tacoma's have gone mostly unchanged over the years, and if you would upgrade an 09 or newer would have aux port, led tails, optional backup camera as the person above me mentioned, and a few other upgrades. It's difficult to find a really affordable tacoma because even those that are 5+ years old provided they're in half decent condition are still going for pretty big bucks, I figure this will be especially true for the TRDs. You may want to wait a little bit and save some $$ for a newer model unless you have a really good reason to get rid of the 05 right now. That's just my two cents though, I haven't seen the truck and don't know what your situation is so ill shut up now

 

Funny I just bought another one and I intentionally looked for an 05 just so I wouldn't have to deal with TPMS, traction control, etc. as the truck aged. Took a while to find one worth buying but I did eventually find exactly what I was after right down to the color. Of course I was also looking into importing an old hilux crew cab instead of getting another Tacoma too. In my opinion simpler is better if it's going to be something you intend to keep for a long time.

 

What's wrong with your 2005?

Seems like a financial loss to update only a couple years.

 

That's a good point.
My plan was: sell Harley and tacoma and get a 4 runner trail (buy with cash/better fit for my lifestyle,2 kids,dogs etc), then I decided it would be more fiscally responsible to take some of the money to pay off the wife's highlander instead, and wait a few years for the 4runner. I still have a bit of the new car bug from that whole decision process, and figured I could upgrade to an 09, keep it for 3-5 years and then get a 4runner. The 09 would give me something NEW TO ME, safer for kids, and with less miles on the odometer. My 05 is getting pretty shabby and is pushing 140,000 so I kinda want to get rid of it while I can, it's either that or get some of the cosmetic paint issued fixed and ride it out...I know it sounds complex, I'll figure it out. Thanks for the suggestions

 

2011....... right before the bug-eye headlight came out. They have everything that the 2012 have sxcept the turn signal on the mirrors and the touch screen.

 

I know If I can sell my 05 for around 14k I can get an 09 prerunner for around 17-18 (with high miles), and I should have a thousand or 2 after selling the Harley and paying the highlander off to put towards it. It'll make me happier for a few years than my 05 and I'll have a little more trade in value when it comes time to upgrade.

 

yeah but you can order plug off of Amazon for 20 to 30 bucks and you have aux plug and a connection cord for apple products.