Considering an '05 - anything specific I should keep an eye on?

10 years after letting my 2000 4Runner go and opting for a VW Jetta commuter, I'm planning to move back over to the good side, Toyota. I have missed and regretted selling my 4R for just about that entire period. But hey, I was driving 300-500 miles per week back then and gas was killing me! At the time it made sense. Anyway...

I've been looking at a Tacoma, mainly those with 100-200k miles on them. For the most part, they range in years from '99-'06. The plan is for me to drive it for about a year and then turn it over to my son once he gets his license. Dad will get a new Tacoma or Tundra after that. I recently found an '05 that has 185k on it. It's had two owners and looks to be in pretty good shape. According to the Carfax report, it's had the usual maintenance and two very minor rear end accidents that have been repaired. I have yet to drive it but plan on doing that this Saturday. Outside of the obvious (noises, rattles, odd idling, etc.) are there things that I should specifically look at it/listen for? Unfortunately my regular mechanic won't be close at all to where the truck is located. So taking it to him is likely out of the question.

It would mainly be used for getting me back and forth to work (2-3 times per week @ 40 miles roundtrip) and taking my son to practice and games (approx. 30-40 miles roundtrip 2-3x per week). Once I turn it over to him, he would be driving back and forth to school (9 miles roundtrip) and to the same practices and games.

Thanks in advance!

 

05 and early 06 had a higher failure rate of head gaskets than newer year models unless it's had them done already.
Inspect the underside for rust, leaks, etc.

 

Head gasket issues big time for 05. I would personally stay away from 05 year but that is just me. Some will be trouble free, I just couldn’t deal with the thought of that head gasket going on my daily driver.

 

Thanks Dm93! My son and I went by after the lot was closed last night. I was able to peek around it and under it. Shining two flashlights under it, it does have some obvious rust. Mostly of it seemed to be on the exhaust system. There really wasn't anything that made me hesitate, especially with it being an '05. As far as I could tell, there were no obvious signs of leaks anywhere.

Looking at other posts regarding the head gaskets for those years, it sounds like I should be able to pop the radiator cap and smell for gasoline. Of course if/when I drive it I can look for idle issues, etc. that might be a sign of head gasket issues.

 

05 sport 150k on the odm here! No problems yet except front bearing replacement...

 

Specifically, it's the V6 05's that had head gasket issues, and those mostly came about if the engine was ever allowed to overheat, but of course there's no way for you to know if that happened. If the truck you're looking at is a 4 cylinder, you should be okay.

 

The engine mounts were redesigned in 07 but I'm not sure why. I had an 06 manual. Your post didnt specify but I'd stay away from the manual. Throw out bearing issues and 3rd gear synchro was gone by 75k or so.

 

That age and risk of truck deserves a compression and leakdown test.

 

Get the VIN. Have Toyota Service desk run the VIN for a list of recall and dealer related work.

My '06 had the following recalls done.
Leaf Springs (EO2), Seat Belts (D0L), Spiral Cable ((C0B), Floor Mat (90L), Child Restraint & Tire (60E), Frame Inspection (LSD ESD)

Leaf Springs and Frame were replaced in Feb 2018.

 

It's the 03-06 1GR-FE that suffered the higher failure rate on head gaskets. Not just 05 or 05-06, and not just the Tacoma. Toyota introduced a revised head gasket design in '07, but that doesn't preclude the gasket from failing nor does the gasket failing mean the engine is garbage. It's also been ~15 years since the last '06 rolled off the assembly line. If the gasket hasn't blown by now, it's hard to sit here and throw stones at it.

Regardless of engine, year or mileage, it really boils down to how the vehicle was treated/maintained.

 

RE: Head gasket issue detection :

1. listen for bubbling sounds behind the dash when you start the truck
2. after driving it pop the hood if you can smell that sweet anti freeze smell go to # 3
3. look for white overspray under the hood particularly around the radiator overflow, if it has ever over pressurized and sprayed you will see white residue all over the place
4. after driving it on the hwy for at least 15 minutes, park it & pop the hood. look at the over flow canister and if you see any bubbles coming from the radiator into the overflow - if so close the hood and run away like Forest Gump being chased by those mean kids
5. you could have a mechanic run a test on the radiator to detect exhaust gasses too

The head gasket is a $2500 job so be thorough looking for the symptoms.

 

yeah.... stick 07+

head gaskets were changed mid 06 production.

and i believe 05's had frame caving issues at the motor mounts.

 

I have an 05 with 170k and wouldn't hesitate to get another one after verifying the head gasket and frame are in good shape. Good luck and keep us posted!