2006 Tacoma questions

Hi good folks with infinite knowledge of Tacomas! Love the advice here.

I am looking at buying a 2006 Tacoma, Access (extended) cab 4WD with 158,000 miles on it. New Tires and new Front brake pads, rotors, calipers and lines. Frame has no significant rust issues. From a small dealer in Wisconsin. I have had a 91,93,95, 2011 and 2012 over the past 20 years and some have been more reliable that others as far us unexpected repairs. I am hoping some of you could comment on what recalls or specific problems might be common on a 2006 model from your experience or if this is considered a good year to buy as I would probably try to run it to 250,000 miles with regular maintenance. Thanks in advance!

 

2005 and 2006 commonly had head gasket failures and sometimes failures of motor mounts/frame. Definitely check and double-check the frame for rust especially on the inside of the frame near the catalytic converters and don't just look with your eyes but poke the frame. Good luck.

 

Everybody talks about the '05 &'06 headgasket problems but in 14yrs on here have only read about one or two,
my'06 is at 170k & going strong.

If the frame checks out I say go for it.

P.S. it might have had the frame replaced in the recall.

 

If the frame is good then I would go for it if you think it's the truck for you

 

Welcome to TW.

 

When I sold my 06 it had 200,000 mile on it. Aside from regular maintenance I only changed front wheel bearings and the clutch on the a/c compressor. If I didn't need a full on 1/2 ton I would have put another 100,000 miles on it. I think if the frame checks out and with regular maintenance you should get a few good years out of it.

 

HG issues happen across all year models and no regrets here saving the extra cash by buying the earlier models and throwing the savings in a HG fund that may not ever happen.

 

Ah yes, the old head gasket issue. I dunno, my 2006 had a build date of July 2006. Although I'm not sure if the engine was built close to that time. Allegedly the gasket was redesigned toward the end of 2005. I've read yes there was a recall, and no there wasn't! So, I'm not sure. I never got a notice. Supposedly the problem was solved by the end of 2005, and the early 2006 models that had engines produced in 2005 before the redesign were affected. Meanwhile, I'm not losing sleep over it.

 

What engine?

 

V-6 4.0

 

As everyone's said, check frame for rust and motor mount collapse. Otherwise standard due diligence, mechanical inspection if you can and checking records as best you can to know the history for major work or wrecks.

As far as head gasket thing with early 1GR. People point to the part number change and supersede to say maybe there was a running production update.

GASKET, CYLINDER HEAD
11115-31030
For 09/2004 - 11/2005

11115-31031
All from 11/2005

GASKET, CYLINDER HEAD, NO.2
11116-31010
For 09/2004 - 11/2005

11116-31011
All from 11/2005

Although, many people think a completely random failure is pretty uncommon and usually an overheat or something causes it.

So since it's 17, maybe 18 years old now this one may not be a problem one or has been treated well or maybe did get a HG at some point (e.g. hopefully records or Carfax can help). It can be informative to do a compression check if you can. But everything eventually wears out from use or age so there's always an unknown risk for all of us.

Good luck!

 

My 06 V6 is dated 11/05. I've got 210,000 miles. I've got the timing cover oil seep pretty bad but still isn't dripping or really showing on the dip stick so I still haven't addressed it yet. My dad has an 06 that's dated 01/06 his engine has 190,000 and has no leaks. Good luck!

 

Really depends on the price !!!

 

Looks like you may have just made the cut for the newer gasket.

 

You’ve had a 2011 and 2012, why are you going backwards to an older truck? In general the older and more miles the more problems and potential problems. That is a fact of life.

 

This ^ get a newer truck like a 15 model.

 

AFAIK> Head gasket problems were not an issue on the 2.7L 4 cyl. If you don't need or want a V6, then this is not an issue. The 4cyl has no issues, it's bullet proof, except maybe valve cover gaskets and coolant leaks or you believe in 10,000 mile oil changes. If you want a 5-speed, you're looking for clutch and throw-out bearing issues and hydraulic master and slave cylinder issues, but prob not before 150,000 miles... ...and make sure no one ever put the wrong oil in the stick transmission.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3le9ZT5HUlk (0:55)