Few questions from a possible '05 Taco owner

Hey everyone, as the title of this thread suggests I am potentially looking at purchasing a 2005 Reg. cab 4x4 5 speed Taco in my area with 115k on the clock and at a price that's practically a steal ($8900), I did some research into a few things but either got mixed signals or things weren't so clearly spelled out, so I figured I would pose a few questions.

From my understanding, the '05 onward models have a composite bed as opposed to a conventional steel bed, and I have heard a few instances of them cracking. I'm a part-time scrapper on the side (yeah, I'm well aware that prices suck right now, I don't like it but I'm trying to keep my head on straight) and would be using this as a junk hauler in addition to my daily driver. I currently have an '03 Chevy S10 4x4 5 speed extended cab which has been serving that purpose for the last 3.5 years (full-time daily driver and part-time work truck) that overall I have been satisfied with, but the 4.3 V6 gets HORRENDOUS mileage, comparable to a full-size V8 1500 Silverado which is murder for a DD/part-time work vehicle. If I was a full-time hauler a full-size would be a no brainer but I'm not, so why suffer with mileage comparable to one? Now here's my biggest concern, I have a tendency to chuck things into the back of the dime I currently have and worry that I shouldn't do that with this Taco. If I scoop this truck up should I work to break that habit pronto?

My second question concerning the bed would be with mounting a custom-made accessory rack. On the S10 I have a set of clamp-on, removable sideboards (no stake pockets so I had to do it that way) made from pressure-treated lumber that I utilize for safely increasing cargo volume above the bed rails, and if I bought this Taco I would more than likely build something similar, would the factory rails that clamps for an accessory like this go on be able to handle a 3-wall sideboard rack with doors above the tailgate? They wouldn't be that tall, just a little under 2 feet like my S10's are, and that rack I made is so lightweight that I slide it off and on all by myself, but it's super sturdy.

Now I know there are things to be aware of stepping down from a V6 to a 4 banger. My uncle has a 96 4x4 ext./access cab Taco with the 2.7 auto and he flat-towed my cousin's old Ford Taurus back home with it when the fuel pump died and he said it did well, but he also told me that the thing doesn't get really great mileage, but much better than his old 4x4 '83 F250 that was replaced by the Taco he has. I realize that having 4wd saps mileage by adding weight but since a reg cab will weigh less that an AC is 2.7 mileage noticeably better on RC vs AC models, and as traditionally, will the 5 speed be noticeably more fuel efficient than the auto?

Lastly, it is my understanding that a 2.7's towing capacity tops out at 3500 lbs, is that correct? I have a 5x8 flatbed trailer for bulk items like appliances, water heater tanks, etc. that won't be loaded to near that but could potentially be pushing the ton mark depending on what is on it, cast iron stuff will obviously weigh more that bulk light iron, if a 96 2.7 like what my uncle has can pull a midsize car like a Taurus and do it well, than I can imagine an '05 will do well on a trailer that would top out at 2,640 lbs max (weighs 640 unladen)?

Any input would be appreciated, I might be looking at it next weekend as it's a hike, I live on Long Island, the truck is located near the Delaware Water Gap in PA at a local Toyota dealer that deals with 3 DMV's: PA, NJ and, conveniently, NY.

 

In order to get a good feel for the truck, you need to test drive it for yourself. We can't really tell you if the Tacoma is the right choice for you. Now, speaking of the composite bed. The bed serves its purpose, but does have flaws as with anything. The major downside is that it SCRATCHES easy! I'm talking you can put a cooler in the back and drive down the road to find several scratches by the end of a five mile journey. Now the cracking is few and far between on these trucks. The mileage difference probably won't be noticeable between a RC and an AC. However, you could see a 1-2mpg gain. I've always heard that the auto's get better mpg than the manual's on DC's. I'm not sure with the RC. The 4 cylinder won't get nearly as much power output as a 6 cylinder would, which I'm sure your aware of. If you're hauling/towing a bunch, it may be worth shelling out some money on a set of Dakar leaf packs. They would be able to handle those loads without bottoming out. Considering the truck has 115k miles, those stock leafs have seen their better days and could use a replacement. Hope this helped!