Would you buy a 2005?

We've been looking for a TRD Sport DC for a few months now, Have been close on a few but not found the right one yet.

We were looking at 2006-2009 models, but a clean 2005 has turned up today with a good price, Local one owner truck, 128K KM,serviced here at the dealership and we are taking a look at it.

We are buying as a second vehicle, and for towing an RV during summer camping trips.

I'n searching around and have come across the motor mount issue threads, are there any other reasons not to consider a 2005?

WWYD?

 

Weak tailgate that bends with minimal load applied.

 

I just noticed that according to the specs sheet from toyota the towing package for 2005 is a hitch and 7-pin..

So no Class IV/Oil cooler/Trans Cooler/bigger battery/upgrade alternator?

Is that right? because that would rule out this truck/year.

 

I think i have a class 4 and duralast gold battery, and bigger alternator. Let me go check for you. I have an 05 but its a manual

 

there have been issues with the engine mounts to the frame on the 2005-2006 that you can search to read about, it was fixed in 2007 and newer.

Personally i would go 2007 and newer as they had any major issues ironed out by then.

 

You will be fine with an 05. Just check to make sure it doesn't have rust.

 

x2... i hope

 

It's the best year out there!

This was not limited to just 05's, and personally have never had any issues, I've held some pretty heavy stuff on mine, up to 500 lbs that i can account for, but I'm sure I've had more than that.

This I am 99% sure they do have the cooler, but like that commercial says, "so I don't know". I do know there is a mod for it on here that you can do really cheap.

 

x3
After 150k+ it only fell out once. I just picked it up and put it back in, I'm still truckin!

 

'05 here, 103k on it. Tailgate had the the quad balancing on the very edge before dropping down and has no indication of flexing/bending, that is 400+ lbs. Just look at the frame for excessive rust. But after-all........... it is a Toyota

 

I have an 05 TRD Sport 4x4...123,xxx miles as she sits today...only problem ive had is driverside front wheel bearing. Check the motor mounts as others have stated for failure. Another good thing is there is NO TPMS on 05s.

If it were me i would make sure its had all maintenance done at correct intervals, get a good deal on it, and drive it home...its a toyota

 

i bout an 05 dc OR prerunner a year ago with 142k on it and i have since put 24k on it and had to replace the back u joint, and i change my tran fluid and cleaned the filter a few months ago cuz i bout it from an individual so i wasn't sure when it was last done cuz he had only had it a couple months. i put an intake an a semi sorta heavily "customized" cat-back exhaust. it doesnt like to go into 5th as soon as it should by its self after it gets warmed all the time, so i have to either put cruise on or manually put it in 4th then 5th again to get it to shift, but other than that i love it.

 

My 05 has a tranny cooler

 

Sweet that's great to hear, I'm hoping this one does too!

What kind of cost would I be looking at to add the tranny and oil coolers?

And I plan to check the mounts, and make sure the engine if firmly attached

 

2005 purchased new in Nov 2004. 126k on the clock 3 trips x-country, Canada, FLA and many other destinations. Only issue I have had was the front wheel falling off @ 85mph (my fault). I think the 05-06 2nd Gens were some of the better ones made and I like the 05's for the lack of electronic doo-dads! Oh and mine does have the Trans cooler which was OEM when coupled with the tow package. I say go for it!

 

Just got my 05 dblcab Prerunner a few weeks ago, and love it. Around 11x,xxx miles and still drives like what I would assume was new.

 

So what kind of mileage do you get with those 35"s on there?

 

I have a 2005. No majors issues to date. I've got ~65k on it (bought it with 43K) 1.5 years ago. I took it on a 4400 mile road trip a few months ago with zero issues.

I have purchased the DMZ motor mount gusset kit and will be welding them on in a few weeks, but I'm only doing it for peace of mind as my mounts/frame interface look great as is. The gussets were $90 shipped for both sides, plus another ~$100 for a neighbor to weld them on for me. Should be the strongest part on the truck after they are installed

As for the tailgate... I've had my 400 lb motorcycle resting on the tailgate while loading it into the wheel chock I bolted into the front of the truck and have had zero issues with the tailgate bending or whatever.

Honestly, if there is a good enough difference in price, the truck has the tow package you want, and it's been well cared for, I'd save yourself some money and get the '05. And as for the motor mount issue, you can always go the route I did and buy the gusset kit and have it installed. Even if you have a shop do it, you will probably spend ~$400 for install, plus $90 for gussets, so say $500 and that issue will be long and gone. If you're saving a few thousand on the initial price of the truck, then I'd say $500 into the truck is a good investment, and you still come out ahead in overall savings (vs buying a newer one).

Just my .02 cents though

Good luck with your decision!

 

There is a thread somewhere that has the whole right up. I'm on my phone now, but I'll find it later. Don't quote me for sure, but I'm pretty sure parts are under $100 to DIY.

 

Had 100k on my 05, but was probably more like Jay, because I had 35's as well. No problems at all.