05 Tacoma With 150k miles? Need advice

Hey guys, I'm thinking about getting my first 2nd gen. But honestly don't know that much about the engines/trannys.

The one I'm looking at is a quad cab short bed with a 6 speed. The 4.0 has. 150k on it, I know that on a 3.4 that's really not that many miles. How do the. 4.0's compare with the 3.4's?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

It still has lots of potential life if its been maintained and not abused.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/314957-350-000-miles.html

 

I had a 2005 longbed. Sold it with 130k on it and it still ran like it was new. Yes, these trucks have potential to go the distance IF been maintained right. As you will see the above link, that guy did his maintenance often. Just check for wear since its a 2005. If i remember, those years had problems sometimes with motor mounts collapsing, but that is an easy check. Get as much history as you can on the truck.

 

The truck is in phenomenal shape, honestly looks like it's off the showroom floor. He's done diff fluids and changes oil every 3,000 miles other than that he said he's never had to do anything to it.

 

as above, motor mounts come to mind right-off, but if its never been beat on they are probly fine.

its another fantastic Toyota truck motor. differences between it and the 3.4 are mostly valve-train: chain-driven, variable valve timing, not sure if 3.4 had rockers but the 4.0 has the cams ride on the valves.

downsides are superficial, I have heard of oil-pump failures and piston slap. the piston slap is more or less liveable if it exists, but an oil-pump failure would suck. I think I saw one pop up here since jan 2012.

the six speed though seems to disappoint most. I prefer mine over auto, but its not near the trans that was in my 92. its kind of sad and mushy, and notchy at the same time. many have throwout bearing issues from 05-06, like a squeaking or something.

the worst I have heard of the trans were somebody grenading 3rd, and somebody breaking the "snout" that the throwout bearing rides on. it is part of the casting that makes up the bellhousing (yes the bearing rides on aluminum. . .how stupid). I do not understand that design but mine and the other 99.9% of people seem to be ok.

good luck, I havn't priced recently, but I chose 2nd gen over 1st because the price-per mile used was better on a 2nd imo.

 

I appreciate the info buddy, I did notice the throwout bearing was going out because of the squeeking at idle. Doesn't really bother me my old 96 had that for 30,000 miles.

 

FYI, i just sold a 2005 Double Cab, Short Bed TRD Offroad Prerunner with around that mileage to a dealership for $12,000. I ran great when i sold it, so i'm sure you'll be okay.

 

I have 238,000 on my 05 DCSB and runs great!

 

i bought my 06 dclb 4.0 4x4 last year with 145,000 on it it was able to talk to the guy who had it and he babied it and now it sets in my carport

 

Ok cool, I definitely love the Toyota reliability. Glad to see the 2nd gens are just as badass as the 1st gens.

 

I just went elk hunting in the mountains today with my 05. Almost 142k on it and runs like a top. I got it about a month ago and it was pretty well maintained, engine is still strong.

 

My cousin lives in Sheridan and has been hunting elk this week. Has the snow got them in the rut yet?

 

I've heard not yet. It got up to the low 60s in the mountains today, warmed up lately. I didn't see or hear any elk though.

 

One other thing to be aware of, there have been a handfull of '05 with head gasket failures at #6 cylinder weeping coolant into the cylinder, but not enough that I would shy away from it for that reason. The gasket supposedly wasn't updated until 2007, but the I've yet to hear of a 2006 with this failure. FYI

 

That's interesting, how would I go about checking that

 

There would be condensation and/or "milky" looking oil on the dipstick.

 

Tires
Batteries
Brake Pads
CV Boots (4x4 only obviously)
Serpentine Belt
Hoses
Shocks
Springs
Ball Joints
Driveshaft U Joints

Are all wear items worthy of inspection and possible replacement around the ten year point, and a truck with shiny paint and clean interior may still need any or all those things done.

 

Ok I checked the oil and it was clean as can be..