2nd Gen Owners should I buy one!?

Hello all!! I just sold my 2005 6.0 diesel f350 (what a headache) and I’m looking to get into a 4door 2nd gen Tacoma the 4.0 v6. Ive owned a first gen before, but I wanted honest opinions on the 4.0 v6 from the owners. How is the reliability? Good power? Would you buy again? Any common problems I should be aware of? I know Tacoma’s are amazing but just wanted to hear from the owners before I pull the trigger and buy a 2nd gen. Thank you all!

 

Reliability is awesome, no issues with mine
Power is good for what it is
Definitely look into the frame rust issues (always on the passenger side right next to the cat)

 

I went from a first gen to a second gen. The second gen has more power, more room, bigger towing capacity, and the exact same gas mileage.

2005 V6 and early 2006 V6 had head gasket problems and engine mount problems. Both were corrected 11/2005.

Frame rust is a big problem on all Tacomas so inspect the frame carefully.

The first gen felt much more like a Toyota and the second gen feels more like an American truck.

 

Yes. If I get rid of mine I'll get another 2nd gen probably. When looking at one Check the frame.over really well. If the to go 12 or up though but mostly be cause I like the front ends better.

 

100% best vehicles I’ve owned or traveled in. I do love my 3rd Gen 4Runner, 1st Gen Tacos I’ve had and so on, but miss my 2nd Gens the most and will have another shortly.

2nd Gen is the best Gen if you need the space. 1st gens are great if you just need a solo trail exploration rig.

 

I have a 143K miles on mine and it drives great, really enjoy doing road trips with it, set the cruise and go.
Been great offroad as well.
get 17 mpg avg city/hwy with a 2 inch lift, canopy and KO2s.
The extended warranty is a waste of time for the most part with the 2nd gens.

 

I've had my 2015 for 4 1/2 years, no real problems. The clutch did sound like a deer grunt on hot days so I had to have the master cyl replaced (TSB). The power is decent, if you are not pulling a trailer up hill. 3 yards of wet horse shit in the trailer really slow me down going up hill.

 

When I did my research everything pointed at the Tacoma the one to get, considering nobody makes a small truck single cab anymore. The ridge line has some good stuff going on but expensive. For me, I didn’t want a crew cab, wishing for a small regular cab. Everything I found on the Tacoma said the v6 mt is a better setup. If you’re looking for new, there’s one model that you can get that, I forget which but it comes with 4wd. If you’re looking for used, good luck. Those who have a Tacoma v6 mt know the demand for it is high, used price will be very high if you can find one. Which is why I almost bought new.

I ended up with a 2007 xrunner. It has a lower bed height, kinda sporty with access cab, stiffer suspension & 18” wheels. If you want a crew cab, you might have better luck finding a used one. There are multiple models made with multiple options.

On the bad side, the 4.0 v6 does have a oil starvation problem on I think the driver side. I think I read somewhere if you stay on top of making sure the oil is to the top dot on the dip stick you’ll be ok. Also it does this weird rev thing between shifts, the rpms kinda hang up high. Some guys will add a supercharger which was an optional Toyota add on. For me it makes enough power to scoot through traffic just fine. I’m not looking to race corvettes but I can pass and jump ahead of normal traffic just fine.

For what I need, my Tacoma suits me fine. The occasional trip to Home Depot, commuting, and it fits my narrow driveway where my friends f150 just barely makes it with one mirror folded in.

 

I have a 2010 access cab. I love the size but get a 4 door if you have/plan on kids. The rust issue is common but other issues I've had are trans fluid underfilled from factory, stock stereo shuts off, oil leak from the timing chain cover/valve cover/block junction. Otherwise not a problem but I'm pretty religious about maintenance.

Check out the driver fender sheet metal (from the inner wheel well) under the battery. The radiator mount bushings get destroyed fairly quickly plus the weight of the battery, makes the metal more vulnerable to cracking.

 

2007-2015 are the only years I'd advise you buy. I love my 2008 4.0L V6 5 speed AT. Shifts smoothly and acceleration is awesome. I'm not too focused on the towing capabilities as it is a midsize V6 truck

 

129,000 on my 2012 not 1 single problem so far. I do preventative maintenance on everything. It drives great, has plenty of power, and I can’t get it stuck in sand, mud, or snow. When she goes I’ll likely upgrade to a tundra unless the 5th or 6th gens improve over the 3rd gens. I expect her to last 350k-500k maybe more. And the dealer keeps bugging me to buy it back for 22k.

 

Yes

 

I bought my '06 4.0 Automatic 5 speed brand new. I now have 135K trouble free miles. I did have some trouble with the stock tires but once I wore those turds out and put some Michelin LTX's on it was smooth sailing.

 

Thank you all for the feedback! I live in Florida so rust shouldn’t be a problem for me. I think I’m convinced to go out and get one now!

 

I would stay away from the 2012s, just had the Air Injection Pump replaced on mine. Toyota covered it because its an issue with the 12s. I know some guys have had no issues with theirs but it is an issue with that year model.

 

Original owner of a 2006 with 115k and no issues with a fair amount of off roading, snow, sand and commuting. Just keeping the oils and fluids maintained and new plugs every few years has been all that’s needed on my end. The truck runs like new, everything is solid from the motor to the interior.

...of course wear and tear like new shocks and tires but that’s normal.

Honestly can’t imagine having a more reliable truck. Which is why I can’t come to buy a new model or Tundra. Feel like nothing I buy is going to be as reliable.

 

Something I haven't seen anybody say yet, 09 to 11(?) had upgrades over earlier models.

I have had my 09 since 2011, got it with 19,000 miles and currently it's at about 160,000 miles. I've had 2 wheel bearings needed replacing (both fronts), I had to have my steering wheel/column u-joint replaced, I had the frame replacement done (Toyota recall), and I had the rear springs replaced (toyota recall). Overall I'd say it's a pretty reliable vehicle, not trouble free but it could definitely be worse.

For a mix of highway and backroad driving I get a combined 18 mpg, that's with standard 265/70/16 wheels and tires.

 

I am a longtime owner of a 2006 access cab Offroad TRD Tacoma since new, and its been great overall it was used from day one for a business hauling 400-700b weekly in the camper shell for many yrs. Only negs along the way were unintended acceleration at 76K issues twice before a dealer flash that fixed this issue, then a couple times into the dealer for camshaft sensor wiring second time they replaced both the wiring and sensors been great ever since that was at over 100K I suspect the wiring problem is due to alkali corrosive dust from a lot of offroad desert driving with my gold mining hobby, as for power the 236hp is way underrated on this truck its got great acceleration and towing is decent, I have been towing for last 9 yrs, a 06 Casita 17 ft spirit deluxe trailer 3,000 lbs loaded, tows well, and I tow a 08 rhino side by side at about 2,000 lbs several times a yr. Am now at 179K and counting, wanting a new rig but I am of same thinking as benzy, will I be able to purchase anything as reliable as my 06 has been? I keep reviewing new trucks and hoping.

When you consider a new 3rd gen, you should factor in 4.88 gear install so it has power to tow well and shifts decent, new coil over suspension for added weight of towing with good control, hd rear springs so you don't squat when towing, it gets expensive quick. Why can't toyota provide the right gearing from the factory for the drive train? I can overlook the weak suspension but regearing a new truck is pretty sad to get it right.

 

You should not purchase a second gen owner. It’s wrong to own another human. Geez!

 

Even if you're in Florida. Keep an eye out for any out of state trucks that may have spent time in the snow belt prior to being brought into Florida.
Just In Case.


Good Luck