Advice on used 05 Tacoma

New member here,

Looking to get my first Tacoma! My price is somewhat restricted as I'm just starting a full time career. I found this truck and can't decide if it's worth the risk, has a rebuilt title was a salvage. Got an inspection done needs new rear shocks and breaks, front axel will need replacing in the next few months, and rear axel has a seal leak seems fine otherwise.
https://denver.craigslist.org/ctd/d/denver-2005-toyota-tacoma-4wd-lifted/6968329090.html

 

I would not recommend it.
Because some 2005 and 2006 models with the 4.0L have been known to have Head Gasket issues.
Since your budget is already “Limited”. I can’t not recommend this truck to you.
You say it needs other repairs, I wouldn’t want to see you make all those repairs, then only to have engine issues.

I’m not saying they are “bad” trucks.
I’m just trying to look out for you best interest.
Especially on a “Limited” budget.

I will recommend most all other models newer than the ones mentioned.
I hope you find a nice truck. Even better if it were a Tacoma.
Best of luck to you.

Here is a poll on those year trucks.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/05-06-tacoma-head-gasket-failure-poll.595994/

You can also search this site for more info on that year truck.

BTW, Welcome to TW.

 

All those mods I’d bet it’s been to hell and back. And it’s a 05

 

No

 

Walk away!

Good luck!

 

Although I have owned vehicles with salvage titles without any issues, this Tacoma is way overpriced ($13700) and have issues that can be visually seen in the pics. It's likely had frame damage since there are uneven gaps where the hood, tailgate, lights all connect. With repairs, the cost will surpass the price of a nicer Tacoma with a clean title.
You're likely to find a clean stock one close to that price range. I would pass.

 

05', rebuilt title, lifted and modded so wear repairs will be higher then stock height simply because of driveline angles.

Nice looking but nope, especially if you have one vehicle you have to use.

Insurance company might say nope to insuring it also if it's a salvage repair.

 

https://www.arrowheadautosport.com/...edium=referral&utm_campaign=cargurus_listings

You'd have to look at it.
Plus have some of the more knowledgeable people in this thread LMK if there is anything wrong with 2008.



Never been to the salt belt but it was a commercial truck.
Seems like it was serviced regularly.

Not a bad deal if you can deal without some of the creature comforts, ie power windows


https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/inven...=false&filtersModified=true#listing=238097499
This one has a little higher mileage but is a full Colorado car.
I'd still defiantly look for rust on the frame and suspension if you do look at it though.

hard to see 100% but the battery mount / hoses look like there could be rust that they tried to hide.

Good luck!

*5 minutes of looking, haven't seen either of these trucks personally, just something around the range you are looking at without the obvious frame issues*

 

Thanks everyone I had no idea about the head gasket issues.

 

Run, don't walk, away from that truck. Don't look back.

Go introduce yourself to the local Colorado area subforum here, and work with the local-to-you TW members to find you a decent truck that's in your price range.

 

My max is about 15k. I know for jeeps you can find something in that range in good shape with mods to do some trails, realizing Tacoma's are a different breed.

 

That seems steep for an 05 with a salvage title.

 

You can find some thing newer, and cleaner for same $ or less.
Welcome to the forum!!!

 

Big time no, I’m sure that truck was rallied to hell and back. Ive been good with my 05 for 160k with no head gasket issues.

 

Run away as fast as you can,that year of truck and its current problems,will be a money pit !!

 

Keep on looking. With a 15k budget, you’ll find the right Tacoma!

 

Run away fast, very fast!!!

 

Hot take, but I would get it checked out by a mechanic if you really want it. Otherwise look elsewhere.

 

I've had it looked at. If I want it its 14k and he fixes everything but shocks which I can do myself. That includes fees and everything. Claims the previous owner didnt do much crawling in it. Is the 05 really that much of a money pit?

 

The bigger thing is to check with your insurance company and ask them if you can get full coverage on a salvaged title. If you can’t that means you buy it today and total tomorrow you’re out all your money. Zero recourse.