Looking for a 2nd Gen Tacoma/Most Common Problems?

Hi All,

I am looking to buy a 2nd Gen Tacoma, and I would like some advice on what are the most common problems and tips on how to identify them.

I ask this because I am trying to learn from my mistakes of the past. Not too terribly long ago I bought a used Toyota Sienna minivan. I failed to do my research beforehand and didn’t know about the sliding door problem which is the biggest most common problem with that van.

So, what are biggest and most common problems?

Thanks,
Brent

 

'what are the most common problems and tips on how to identify them'

Seriously - the desire to customize it, you can identify it by the desire to pull out your wallet after logging in to your computer

 

When you're buying a used one the high resale value will hurt your wallet. Used ones in decent shape aren't cheap and sell quickly.

Since there are many variants (access cab vs double cab, double cab with five vs six foot bed, different trim levels with lots of different options, 4 banger vs V6, RWD vs 4WD) your biggest problem may be deciding what you need the truck for and which model meets your needs . . . and then finding a good used one.

 

Most common problem is the rusty frame for the early years. 05-09?

 

Wow, I JUST posted this same thing! I'll delete mine and follow along with you guys here.

 

4x4 has a needle bearing (front differential driver side) that is remedied by a solid bushing.
From my understanding most of the leaf springs are shit. You'll want to factor new springs all together into the price of the vehicle. That brings you into the cost of new rear shocks because you'll want to match the lift of the new springs.
Lower control arms are known to seize at the cam bolts (necessary for alignment), not that the lower control arm itself seizes, it's that the sleeve in the lower control arm rusts and can't be adjusted.
Temp/compass gauge dies because of a crampy resistor (easy fix though just refloat the solder)
Turn signal/daytime light burns the plastic cover inside the headlight (just switch to led as soon as possible)
Some/alot of people myself included have had to switch to aftermarket rotors because the factory ones warp.
Just fuckin buy it. Trust me you won't regret it. I was hesitant not knowing much about trucks. After I researched and saw how shitty all the other small/mid size trucks were in comparison to the Tacoma the choice was clear. I've since become a full out fuckin diy mechanic because of all the info this site and it's members have shared. It's a great truck and a great community.

 

High mileage 2nd gens have timing chain stretching that gets quite expensive to repair.

Oil leaks from the timing cover, rack & pinion, rear axle seals and rear pumpkin are all expensive repairs.

4x4 front differential actuators are common on all models and should be tested to ensure no issues.

Rusted frames and broken leaf springs are both issues Toyota has been working with owners to resolve but need to be inspected properly.

Recommend a model with stereo controls on the steering wheel and bluetooth if possible, but otherwise a great purchase no matter what!

 

2005-2006 engine mounts
2005-2011 rear leaf springs
2005-2010 frames

Maybe it would be best to consider a 2012-2015 Tacoma?

 

Leafs didn't get much better on 2012+... they just haven't been recalled (yet?). If you're not hauling much weight, you'll get by for longer. If you're hauling lots of stuff, you'll want to budget for aftermarket.

 

Most common 2nd Gen problems other than what @tomwil posted above are giving in to the urge that a 3rd Gen is better....okay sorry not helpful, but still funny.

 

12+ have updated springs and much more updated interior. Back when they came out it was impossible to cross shop the two after sitting in both.

I've only seen a hand-full of broken 12+ springs so far, and countless 05-11 springs.

 

Thanks All! Very good info! These comments will be good talking points as I engage various sellers.

I am looking for V6 double cab 4X4, haven't nailed down if 5 or 6ft bed. Trim package unsure... I am a super newbie here so I am not sure what package it is but the hood has a "scoop" or air intake... Man I sound like an idiot...

I had heard about the frame rust and leaf springs, but that's about it.

Can anyone tell me if the V6 has a "free spinning" engine? Not sure if that is the right term, but basically I think it means if the timing belt/chain breaks then the engine won't be wrecked... (My bro said thats what the V6 in my Sienna has...)

 

Rust and ac compressor

 

2013-15 bro. Avoid the secondary air injection problems from 2012.

 

There are too many problems to list. Toyota had 10 years to fix problems that were evident on the 2005, and they did almost nothing. They did fix the blower resistor. Mostly they are dependable trucks, so we just fix this crap ourselves and move on. Throw out bearing and transmission problems, air injection, rear springs, rusted frames, front diff bearings, 4x4 actuator, to name a few.

 

So you suggest a gen 3 or a totally different truck?

 

The sport package includes the hood scoop. It is not true scoop, but just a glue on for looks.

I have always called engines where the pistons can contact the valves "interference engines" otherwise non-interference engines. Hopefully others can tell us if any second gen v6s are interference engines.

Do your research on the packages you want to ensure the vehicles you look at have the things included in the package instead of relying on graphics. Graphics like the TRD Offroad can be purchased for $15. instead look at more substantial things like the shocks, for example. The packages can get confusing. This link has descriptions that help. http://www.toyotacertified.com/ebrochures/15_tacoma.pdf

Good luck in your search.

 

1gr-fe is non-interference. I haven't ever heard of a 1gr-fe snapping a timing chain...not that it can't happen. But it's not a common issue. We have a couple really high mileage members here with original engines. @qnyla has 400k on his 06. There's another guy that ran his 08, I think, 592k before he sold it, still going strong on the original engine (4.0)and automatic transmission.

 

I keep hearing head gasket problems on '05, ?'06.