Looking to buy a 2005 Tacoma, what are basic but good off roading mods?

The title is what it says and I am 16. This would be my first car and I want to do some moderate off-roading and Overlanding. What are good mods for a 2005-2007 Tacoma for a medium amount of money? I live in Colorado for context.

 

Spacer lift, 285s, winch

 

Good floor mats, you don’t want to bugger up your carpet.

 

This buy 07 or newer to save yourself headaches.

 

I have a budget of 10K with truck and all. I have a friend who has experience with Tacomas and can help

 

Are the weather tech ones good?

 

No I am looking at one and want to get peoples opinions before doing anything

 

Husky are better than weathertech

 

I was looking at an 07 anyway. What problems does te 05 have?

 

I see. Is the 07 capable of off-roading and does it have any problems

 

Head Gaskets and Motor Mount weldments.

 

I see that the 05 is unreliable is the 07 good at off-roading and just a good truck in general?

 

For 10k you might be better off buying a Toyota pick up (1989-1995) 22re. You can build a pretty bad rig with $10k And probably be more reliable

 

As some have already stated. The 2005 has an issue with the head gasket failing, and the motor mounts as well.

An 07 and up would be a better bet..Just make sure that the frame is thoroughly inspected by someone you trust. Paying special attention to area near the Catalytic Converters.

Depending on what you want. Maybe try an earlier moder, like @dairyman said. Research all that you might be interested in.

Don't jump into one just because of the excitement. There's lots of them out there. Just take your time and be sure of what you are buying. If you don't, the headaches are not worth it.

 

I’m sure it was mentioned the frame!
The 2nd gens are covered at least 05-10 I believe for 12 yrs from in service.
So this is likely the last year an 08 has to get one if needed.
Don’t just look at and say yea it’s all black and I don’t see any rust.
I didn’t see where your from but here in Vt it better have a new frame or it’s time is ticking away.
With our inspection laws the frame cannot be weld repair without a cert so it’s a frame or scrap.
The head gaskets won’t scrap the vehicle but it would ruin ones day.
If your buddy is knowledgeable in Tacoma’s he should know about their frames and early head gasket motor mount issues.
If not let them know.

 

If you plan to do any kind of off roading i would not get a spacer lift.

 

Basic as in:
easy to install?
Cheap?
Or best bang for your buck?
Or important?lol

 

I have an '05....TURD/auto......wife's DD.......no issues......183K now

RF wheel bearing went tits up @ 90K the only real issue I guess

We bought this in Oct '05 w/7K on it....doesn't use a drop of oil between 6K mile changes

Heated garage kept 14+ yrs.....if deal goes through..replacing with '11 Lexus GX460 (soon)

Unless we got a good one....I will not say the '05 is unreliable

 

Don't buy an 05 or 06. Make sure you inspect the frame really closely. These trucks had bad frame rust issues, so you want to make sure it's in decent shape or you could end up with a really expensive paper weight. Other than that I would just try to find the TRD Off Road model if you plan on wheeling it.

 

When you finally do get a Tacoma. Don't just buy the biggest and baddest accessories without researching what you actually need for your intended usage first.
It's easy to get caught up in the whole thing, by buying the stuff that you really don't need. You'll just waste your money, and end up not buying what you really need.
These trucks are pretty capable from the showroom.