Looking to buy a 2005 - How do they compare to newer years?

Hello, Tacoma owners.

New member here from North Texas.

I've got my eye on a 2005 Prerunner Access Cab with 41k miles. The wife drives a 2007 4runner sport V6, best friend drives a 2008 tacoma double cab V6 Texas Editionand father-in-law has a brand new 2009 double cab V6. I've driven them all and they all seem like quality vehicles, and really I have no hesitation about buying the 2005.

However, just for peace of mind I wonder what you experienced owners might think. 41k miles generally isn't much for a Toyota and it looks well cared for, but since 2005 was first year of the redesign are there issues that I should be concerned about? What has changed in the more recent years (i.e. what does my father-in-laws have that mine won't). Any parts that commonly fail? Any issues with power, towing ability or the factory tow package (I'll be pulling a small 18.5' boat)? Really, any info you can think of will be most welcome.

Thanks in advance,
Eric

 

no issues to worry about
i ve got an 05 with no problems ever

 

check the motor mounts, there is a thread on here that discusses this problem some 05s have in depth.

 

I have an '06 prerunner I got with about 42k miles on it and I haven't had any problems with it. I have had it about 3-4 months now and still love the truck!

 

I have an 05 with around 129k on it. Bought it brand new. Still running strong!

 

Early build 2005 from Nov 04' - Been to dealer only once. For the TSB rear spring upgrade. Thats it.

And no TPMS on 05's.

 

just the usual little shit(air bag light ,map-compass ,rear spring tsb,. i gotta 05trdsr5v6accesscab . no big issues i'd buy again

 

bought my 05 with 40k miles and its got 45k miles on it now and still no problems at all.

 

Beware of...........

3 leaf packs - at this mileage you'll have to go with AAL to not bottom out hauling much & not feel like you have 15 lbs of air in the back tires cornering at speed like around hwy interchanges.

No biggy but no cabin air filter in the place for it behind glove box.

If v6 read up on eng mount frame bracket failures when offroading.

Make sure no leaking from rear main seal - check bottom center of bellhousing for drip. Bought mine at 48k & this had to be replaced.

The tailgate will bend in the middle if too much weight put on it, like loading a heavy motorcycle. Heard of a few tailgate support cables snapping too.

Probably a couple of others - read up on TSBs & poke around in here some more too.

 

HOLY HELL THATS A LOT!
lol
good to know they run strong with that many miles

 

Forgive me here, but could you please clarify? I'm not exactly sure what this means...

Thanks!

 

there were some rear differential failures on the 05's. i believe the culprits were hecho in mexico differentials, which were replaced by hecho in japan. most of the individual cases i've read about were off-road enthusist's trucks. problem seemingly cured for '06 and on, but there may have been a few of the 06's that had failures as well. there are always a few bugs on a beta model.