Former Taco Owner, looking at 05 Prerunner v6 with 205k miles...Reliability Outlook?

Hey Everyone,

I used to own a 98 Tacoma extra cab 2.7 Prerunner. Great truck! 280k plus miles and by far the most trouble free reliable vehicle I ever owned. Would have kept it but it was getting a bit rusty and I was intrigued by the Honda Element.

My new and ever expanding business (pest control - specializing in mosquito n tick barrier spraying) has me looking at pickups once again. A full size is nice, but not necessary. My Honda Element has served me well enough, albeit not quite as trouble free as my beloved Taco.

I came across a used 2005 Tacoma Extra Cab Prerunner V6 (live in the NE but managed just fine with my former rwd Taco Prerunner - extra weight in bed + snows)...Besides the v6 has a limited slip if I'm not mistaken.

The truck is clean. Comes with a work cap - nice! Has solid maint. records and the price is well, a fraction of new. I'm strongly considering it.

My question, I know the 1st generation Taco has legendary reliability and longevity. My friend just hit 400k on his 2002 Taco v6.

How does the the second generation Tacos fair? Any bugs or issues with the early models - 2005, 4.0 motors, etc? Same expected longevity?

 

I am the original owner of my Tacoma 286k on the odometer, daily driver, everything is still own, except for water pump, no issues so far. If the price is right I'd pull the trigger tacomas are very reliable and hold there value well. Hope this helps you out.

 

If the truck you're considering has spent its life in the NE area check the frame closely. Rust, especially in the snowy regions has been an issue due to the chemicals used on the roads. I have an 05 that is a Florida truck.The frame still looks brand new. If the frame is good sounds like it may be a contender. Good luck

 

Thanks guys for the confirmation! And good call @ frame rust issues. I forgot about that - issues and replaced frames in the snow belt with taco 1st gens and some 2nd's.

I'll check it out carefully and get the vin. Perhaps there's still a pending recall on this one.

Looking forward to getting back into a truck. I missed it.

Hey, how's the gas mileage on the 4.0 automatic? From what I could find, 18-20 mph or so with the prerunner. I can live with that.

 

x2 on the frame. If it lived it's life in N.E., there's a good chance it either needs a new frame, or already has a new frame. I have a 2005 with a brand new frame. Check the spots on the inside vertical sections right by each catalytic converter. That's the trouble spot.

As far as reliability, there is at least one member here that just traded in (I think) a 2nd Gen. (2005-2015) that had ~ 400,000 mi.

 

Here is how long one can last. The thread is in the new member forum. 2008 4X4 TRD V6.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2008-tacoma-4x4-still-going-strong.397837/

 

Fitz235 thanks. I'll be sure to check. The frame is a big deal.

 

No problem.

Good luck man.

 

Thanks Fitz.

588k. I'm sold again. Love it!

That explains the crazy resale value.

 

I just scanned through this thread. He definitely has the record AFIK, and his truck looks mint.

 

These trucks are just............so damn GOOD.

 

I'm the owner of a 2005 double cab 4.0 pre-runner which I bought back in 2008. Every time I see new pick ups and try to find a justification to trade, I just can't find one. This is my second Tacoma and I believe I will own it till one of us pass away. Till now this are things I have change:
1 universal joints
2 brake pads
3 spark plugs
4 cats ( because I let spark plugs fail).

160,000 miles

 

Nice to see someone who doesn't mind driving a 2WD in NE. Hope it works out ok for you, love mine.