Looking at 05, and hoping for some advice

Hi, I am looking at a 2005 Double cab this weekend, and I am looking for advice on what specifics to look for.

I know that these trucks have a lot of rust issues. What is the best way to go through and inspect the frame?

Thank you very much!

 

Here's something I typed up for another guy. It's pretty long winded but should cover your bases:

If it is private party I would ask the owner if you can take it for a test drive, and take it to a parking lot or something. Get underneath it and look for any rust, leaks, cracks, dents in the skid plate or anywhere else from rocks, etc. Also look for frame damage/rust. Check the CV joints for torn boots, leaf springs for cracks, shocks for leaks, front and rear diff for leaks/cracks. Look for anything else you can possibly think to check. Then go under the hood and see if it's dirty, has a lot of oil/grease anywhere, and check the oil, antifreeze, coolant, brake fluid, etc. Then drive it for a while, listening and feeling for anything that doesn't seem right. Run the A/C and stereo. (I forgot to do the A/C on my truck and found out later the A/C clutch halfway seizes up sometimes.) Go somewhere with a dirt patch and put it in 4x4 hi and 4x4 lo. Give it some gas and make sure all 4 wheels spin. Listen for weird sounds and feel for anything weird again. Check all the lights and gauges. Look for stains, stretches, or worn spots on the seats. I can't think of anything else really at this point, but remember, DO NOT talk prices until you have checked everything out and are sure you want the vehicle. Then, use any issues you find as haggling points to get the price lowered a bit. Good luck, and I hope this helps!

 

Thank you!

For checking the frame for damage, I was reading that toyota would use a hammer and hit the frame. Is this the best option for testing? Should I be looking for the hammer to go through, or just to sound off?

 

Different dealers are just that..
Unsure the area your in?
If your in the rust belt it better have a newer frame already or your sol.
Frame replacement on 05 has gone unless the in service date is less than 12 yrs ago.
The 05s had head gasket problems I believe.
Get the vin and create a Toyota owners account to see reported service.
Lots of stuff here and online about where the frames rot first like by the cats.
Mine failed due to what looked like a missing weld on a front cross member.
I’d tried to save mine but failed!
I was actually surprised at how bad a job I’d done in the gas tank area seeing my old frame in their scrap trailer.
Is this a dealer truck or private sale?
A link would be good we love pictures!

 

Sorry I should have said that in the beginning. I am in Seattle Washington, and this particular truck is at a dealership, but I am looking at both dealers and private party.

I've tried to get photos, but according to the dealer the truck is in their detailing department. As soon as I can get some, I'll be sure to update!

 

I would get a Carfax report before you waste valuable time physically checking over the truck. A report won't tell you everything but It might show some red flags that will either change your mind on the purchase or possibly give you some negotiating leverage on the price.

 

Find out if it's a Canadian truck. There are lots of Canadian trucks coming across the border and they salt the roads in Canada.

 

Maybe just me but I'd bring a compression tester with me and do a quick check while the owner is there.

Blame Canada. If the speedometer is in km/h then it'll be Canadian.

 

Thank you for all the help!

I went and looked at the truck today to try and see any rust. The stealership did say there was some, and that they were going to undercoat it. My goal was to get there before they did anything. Unfortunately I was a little too late, and they already had someone come in and sandblast everything.

Here are a couple photos that the dealership sent me before anything.




Here are a couple photos that I took after the truck was sandblasted.

 

I’d run.

 

Best advice avoid 05-06 Tacomas,run as fast as you can away,and find a 07 or newer Tacoma.

 

Id walk on that one. If you dont mind telling, what part of the country are you in?

 

Lol. Those poor Canucks get blamed for everything.

 

I know someone who has a nice one owner '12 quad cab for sale just a hop skip and jump away in Missoula

 

I'd love to, but I doubt I could afford it!

 

Problem with the sandblasting is it fails to remove the rust on the inside of the frame. Tacomas rust from the inside out. The dealers intent with the sandplasting is just to make it look pretty so they can unload it onto an unsuspecting buyer.

Walk away.

 

This head gasket issues with 05-06. Fly down here to Florida and get yourself a rust free truck

 

RUN AWAY!

The best way to check is with a hammer.
My hammer punched right through the frame. I was lucky and got it replaced.


I would caution about putting a hammer through the frame of a truck that isn’t yours.

 

Ya thats one way to piss off a dealership!