2005 Tacoma opinions?

I'm in the market for my first (low-mileage) Tacoma and don't know where to start except for joining this forum.

The 2005 Tacoma was Motor Trend's Truck of the Year. Is this a good second starting point for a Tacoma that would be used for occasional light hauling of bikes, garden supplies, helping friends move, etc.?

Thanks

 

Yes

 

i bought a used 2005 and it's been a solid truck for me - of course, I am getting a new frame in a few weeks. There are some negatives with toyota but you see that with every mfg though. 10 year old, 90K miles and new frame at zero cost - will be a keeper now! 2005 was the first year of the second generation and there has not been many changes to justify purchasing a newer one. I think the 2005's (maybe 2006 also) had just a few more ponies also

 

Don't worry about which year(s) were truck of the year from any group. How can you trust an organization that names a Dodge truck Truck of the Year. Just silly.

The 2nd Gen Tacomas are the tits. Very reliable compared to other trucks. Differences between years is generally minor except the 09+ models which include a bunch of traction control nannies and electronics. I had an 06 and loved it. I have a 2013 now and love it. Find a used Tacoma that has been taken care of and buy it. These things really hold their value so if you find a low mileage one it will be very expensive. It may be worth your while to buy a cheaper high mileage one that has been taken care of. Put the money you save in purchasing into a cookie jar to deal with maintenance costs. You will win in the long run. I would buy privately rather than through a dealer to save about a grand or two.

 

Whatever your budget is.....buy the youngest truck with the least amount of miles that you can.

Be warned, the 2005-2008 trucks have 'rust' recalls. Make sure whatever truck you look at, the frame is inspected by Toyota before you buy. It may have already been inspected....which would result in either a frame replacment or the undercoating material. Just an FYI....

If the stuff hasn't been done - you can use that as a 'bargaining chip' - because ultimately, the frame recall will follow that truck until 2016.

 

05's are great. I had one before i bought my 2010. Put 130k before i sold it. Two things to look at are: motor mounts failing or cracking and, if its a TRD Sport model, find out if the rear end (mechanical LSD) has been maintenanced properly or had any issue/repairs. And like others have said, check for frame rust.

 

Beverton Or? Shouldn't have any rust issues if It's a local West Coast truck.... I think.

 

Thanks

Thanks

Your advice makes a lot of sense.

Thanks for the advice.

Thanks for the advice.

Yup.