Should I buy this '05 Taco?

Hey guys, I'm a new member. I've been looking for a Tacoma for a good long (LOOOOOOONG) while. I was originally looking for an '02-04, but the local Toyota dealership has an '05 that caught my eye.

The good; it's a 4-banger/5 sp. which is what I want (I plan to do a lot of roadtripping and camping so the mileage is a factor). It's an extended cab with the 6ft bed (again, for camping and whatnot) and has the options I want. The frame shows a little rust, but not too bad. Interior is clean. It's got 136k on the clock. Most of the paint is in good shape (front bumper is a little faded, but that's all) and it also has a hitch installed. I'd need to buy a topper so I can sleep in the back, but that's no biggie. No accidents.

The bad, I pulled the CarFax and it's had two owners. One in WV, one in KY but the second owner had it repossessed... which gives me pause. The fact that '05 was the first year for the 2nd gen gives me a little pause too. The dealer here in OH bought it at auction, again giving me pause. The bed rails and rear fenders show scratches and dings (which only means it's been used as a truck, I assume it can take it?) and the tailgate is stuck. The drivers rear tire is bald which (I think) either means the previous owner had a heavy foot or didn't rotate the tires (or both, and if he didn't rotate tires, what other maintenance did he not do? Mind you, he only had it for about 30,000 miles). They're asking book (what?) which is 12,700 for my zip, but I assume with the issues I mentioned I can get them to come down.

I really (and I mean really) need a truck (and need it soon) and am thinking of trading my '03 Wrangler Sport (which is starting to have some issues - overheats after a few hours of driving, getting some vibes in the front end, top is stretched out, transfer case slips out of 4wd occasionally, etc) and some cash for it. I've managed to save and have enough in the bank that I won't need a loan if I get a decent trade in on the Jeep. (KBB and NADA put the trade in amount between 8k and 8700).

Anyway, what say y'all?

 

I wouldn't. Get an 02-04 or 2007 and later. Also the 4cyl doesn't get much better mileage than the V-6, especially if you are packing around a heavy topper full of junk. The rust issue is bad on the 05's, and they have some trans issues, the motor mounts crack, etc.

 

Thanks for the input! The problem is, 02-04's are as rare as hen's teeth around here and I can't afford an '07-up... feeling torn. Anyone else?

 

If you really really need a truck my recommendation is to take your time since its something you really need.
I spent almost a 8 months looking for my truck and probably 25/30 trucks of the exact same model,color,acc and other stuff before making the final purchase. Dealers usually wanted way to much or there was some other reason why it took to find the perfect match.
As far as repos anyone can fall on hard times but your obviously concerned with a few issues the truck may have so if it doesn't feel right move on. Not going to bash 4 bangers or high milage but would suggest crawling under the truck and checking it out and maybe have engine the engine checked by a third party. The Main thing to consider is jumping on the first ,second or third truck that may catch your eye theres a truck out there waiting for you to drive home

 

Spend some time in the forum and you will gain a wealth of knowledge and experience from people that have tested the roads before you

 

I don't know where you live, but CL is full of them on the west coast. It would be worth a road trip for the right rig.

http://eastoregon.craigslist.org/cto/4537347936.html

http://eastoregon.craigslist.org/cto/4524279109.html

http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/4517849331.html

 

The 2 previous owners/repossession/auction doesn't matter and shouldn't concern you much. For a ten year old truck that isn't a bad history.

I wouldn't bother with a 4 cylinder myself. I wouldn't pay 12k for a 10 year old 4 cylinder. You can get a new one for what your payment would be. Payment would be high on a 10 year old truck , if you can even get financing for it.

 

I don't know where you're located but in WA that is cheap! My '05 KBB is still over 20k.

From what I've heard the '05-'07 manual trans have problems and the automatic is solid.

Rust will be closely related to where the truck lived/lives. Minor surface rust on an '05 is not really of concern.

I will totally agree with Username that there have been problems with motor mounts cracking.

Sounds like a fine "deal", except with what you say you want to use it for I'd recommend holding out for a V6.

Just my 10cents

 

For reference, we paid less than 15k for a v6 access cab 05, with 95k miles. I think you could do better.

 

Thanks guys. I'm going to check it out again today and probably go for a test drive. With that said, I don't think I'm going to go for it unless they come down a good deal on it.

 

You got it Scott, that was the plan. BUT... after going over it with a pretty fine comb, I decided to pass. It just looked like it had been rode hard and put away wet. I said something to the salesmen to the affect of "What, did a teenager drive this thing?" And he said "Seems like it!".

I'm going to look at an '04 tomorrow. I might start a post about that in the other section.

 

As you spend more time on this site you will soon find out that some modify the h$ll out of their trucks, this can be good or bad.
Any Tacoma you buy used should be looked at very close.

Sometimes someone might have screwed up some mods and they get rid of the truck.
On the other hand, some do a very good job with their mods.
Just check it out very close or get someone else to look at it.

 

I have had a long list of toyota trucks
88' Toyota pick up
02 4 door tacoma
00 xtra cab
and now a 2006 double cab which is currently for sale.

I miss my 02 and my 2000 every day. I rushed into selling and buying so like the other guys said take your time. The power in my 06 is extremely better than the 02 4 door but it is not as off road capable nor as reliable IMO as the 1st gen.

keep looking you will find what your looking for and if by chance you want an 06 in good shape I got one I would love to sell!

Happy Hunting

 

I have an 2005. Apparently this is the worst year for reliability and I have only had to deal with a very very slow leak in the AC. Not bad for a 10 year old work truck