Used taco Qs : Does your (05-06) has enough pulling power?

While looking for a used taco from the last few weeks, i came across three and tested drive them. Not knowing how well the engine is suppose to run, i judge briefly by giving the gas pedal a push while going uphill.

Three of the taco are all 05, 2x4 prerunner with sport/off road package.

1) The cleanest of all has 118k miles, my mind is set on this, it's also the cheapest. But giving it more gas doesn't feel the pull at all on this truck. Having say that, the owner has not done the 100k miles maintenance yet, like the tranny, fuel injection, spark plug and whatno. It's sport packaged and has a hard tonner cover.

2) The 2nd one has ton of power, actually the rear tires spun! Felt like a new truck! Tires life has more or less about the same as the first. The owner has done all the recommended services at 100K. Truck now has 112K, sport package. The downside is there are more than a few dings and dongs there, and inside is not that clean and is more expensive.

3) The last one is a TRD off road at 70K and is from a dealer, it has plenty of pulling power alright. I am not sure i like this one as the skid plate is out of shape, not sure where it been too.

So there, my question is how well you engine after years of usage? like from 05-06 units. Do you still feel the same pull with little pedaling on the gas? What about with an extra passenger about 130lb? do you feel the immediate cut on power? You think because #1 is weaker because it has not done the 100K service? As I mentioned, my heart on set on the #1, cheap and clean but having tried another with so much diff in power changed my mind.

Thanks for your thought.

 

I've got 70K on my '05, always have my girl in the truck with me, and when I put my foot on the gas my truck goes.

 

I'd be worried about the first truck. Like the other guy said, if the 100k service wasn't done, who's to say the other major services were done (unless there are records showing they were done). The third I'd be weary of because of the banged up skid plate. It doesn't necessarily mean it was abused, but you never know. How's the rest of the body and undercarraige? If it was abused off road, there would probably be evidence of this elsewhere on the truck. On the up-side, it's a 4x4 vs the other 2 which I believe you said were prerunners? If its at the same price point as the other 2, I'd look at it because it's 4x4 and lower mileage. #2 sounds like a good truck, depending on how bad these 'dings' are and if it's something that willl really drive you nuts. This is also not knowing what the price difference is between the three trucks.

 

Yes, they are all prerunners, 4x2. As far as undercarriage, none of them have evidence of frequent off road.

#1 is very clean for a 5 years old used car, if i were to guess, it has ever gone off road. Even the shocks and spring has clean and bright color. The couple is 60+ years old. They are the first owner. Truck has hard tonner cover and runner board but overhead electronic and AC switch doesn't work properly. I know there's a DIY fix for the overhead (thks TW), while the AC only blows when switch is set on high. That i have not find any answer if it's fixable yet. Price is set at $13k

#2 undercarriage is clean, but not as good as the first, suspension have little dry mud. 2nd owner, have toolbox, brush-guard and running board. Price is $15k, have not negotiate. Evetything is working ok on this one, the ac fan does make loudy "noise" than the rest.

3# has no accessories and is set at $16k.

If i can't find any by the end of the month, i would likely to go for #2 if the price is right. A piece of mind on engine is more important.

 

The A/C switch not working except on "high" means the resistors went bad. Easy fix.

 

I tow a 4,000 lb Mastercraft with 4-5 people in my Double Cab all summer long. I have noticed no change in power since I have owned it. Mine has 50k miles. I love the power it has compared to my 98 which had the 3.4.

If I was buying a used truck, I would always go for the one with lower miles (assuming it is in good condition and checks out clean on Carfax or Autocheck). Lower mileage vehicles hold their value much longer (obviously) and are worth paying a little more for.

If you are going to tow, make sure you get the 4.0

 

I bought mine used back in December, I have put 10K on it. Has 51K now, no complaints about power. Drove it over the rocky mountains this summer with a decent load in the back, no issues maintaining 70 plus MPH while climbing. I had all the drivetrain fluids, spark plugs changed at 43K. Didn't really notice a difference in the way it ran.

I would be worried about the first truck you mentioned. Could need something simple, could be suffering from low compression due to lack of regular oil changes.

 

I just hit 100,000 on my truck and pull our 23' welcraft just fine

 

I ended up with #3, TRD off road Black Taco, actually just 62K, not 70k. Dealer backed down another grand and i took it. I checked the skid plate and it doesn't seem to hurt anything but bended plate.

The truck squeak pretty bad, just as many have complaints here, especially the spring leaf. The mechanic spend all morning greasing and tightening the lose end, cleaning the brake and whatno and all is well. Squeaky no more.

Thanks everyone, i appreciate.

 

Good choice.

Some people on hear complain that the squeak will come back. 3 years since I had mine greased and mine hasn't.

Good luck with your new truck!