2005 New Model Year Issues

I'm newly in the market for a midsized truck. I need a 4x4 DC and after looking over those available, I have decided on the Tacoma. I even passed over the Colorado / Canyon, which I can get for GMS pricing. Reading through there forums, I found countless threads talking about issues they are having and I even stumbled on a thread where many users were calling the Tacoma a superior truck. I know there are a few minor issues with the Tacomas. My question is: What 2005 model year issues were corrected for the 2006 model year? Also, any other advice for a future owner?

 

I can't say anything about the '05s but my '06 runs like a top with 45K miles. Fit and finish are good, sounds tight offroad, no squeaks or rattles. Just a good truck. There is, however, a clunking sound to the steering linkage on bumpy offroading, but is a tacoism that in inherent to Tacoma. It is not a problem.

Plus, I think the Tacoma looks are superior. JMHO.

 

you would have to pay ME to drive a colorado

 

A friend of mine bought an 05 and had horrible problems with paint chips along the rocker panels & behind the rear cab door on the bed. It was horrible. He fought with Toyota to get it fixed (resprayed).

In comparing his 05 with my 07 - I have a black plastic piece that covers the front edge of the bed at the bottom. Mine also has some clear (vinyl?) covering to protect the paint.

That's the first thing off the top of my head that I can think of.....

 

I think the 05 models had the motor mount issues too...

 

Yeah, there's a sticky about it at the top of the page, you should read that. I have an 05, and do not have that problem fwiw.

 

my theory is... when a model comes out brand new for the year... I would get the following year or after... because it would let the manufactuer to fix up whatever there's any trouble issue before hand...

 

^ that has been my theory as well. I just wondered what those things were, because if I find the right deal on an 05, I wanted to know what I had to watch out for.

Thanks for all the help, guys. Keep the good stuff coming.

On the Colorado, the only upside I found was that you can get leather and sunroof from the factory.

 

Oh, and a v8.

 

Drive the 4.0L vs the chevy v8 on that colorado. You just might be surprised how lackluster that v8 is, especially looking at the fuel costs. Same with the Dakota.

 

they make a v8 colorado???

far as i know is only a I-5 engine... never actually seen a 5 cylinders engine running.

they also make a awesome spring leafs for the payload.
tacoma is only at 995, chevy says they can do 1500

 

I think 09 was the first year for it. I have drive the v8 and its got some gitup. I didn't give it all it had, but it felt strong. The Tacoma's 4.0 is more than enough for me though. I've been driving a 1.8L Scion xB for the last few years, so just about anything seems fast.

 

Well, I just put a down payment on an '06 Silver DC 4x4 w/ 33k miles. Gonna pick it up in the next week. Thanks for your help guys. I'm excited!

 

You will not be dissappointed. My '06 is supurb. Of course, it is radiant red as opposed to silver. Did you get the TRD package?

 

X2
a lot $$$
No major changes in '05 - '08 for the Tacoma

 

My 05 has 141,000 on it, V6 Silver double cab, TRD Off road 2WD. The Canyon and Colorado are not half the truck the Toyota is. Do some research on the GM look-a-likes. They have literally fallin apart, they are junk. ...go test drive the Colorado and then the Tacoma, you will wonder how GM sells these things at all.

 

I test drove several Colorados before I bought my 06 Taco and didn't like how low to the road you sat. The ride height was a huge plus for the sell on the taco. And it just felt much "tighter" all around (and still does).

 

There are going to be some issues with any 5 y/o truck, but mine has been trouble-free for the most part. Only to been back to dealer once, to get the heavier leaf springs installed. Took care of squeaky clutch pedal and a couple things myself.

The only thing I can rememeber being fixed from 05-06 was the windshield buzz (crosswind at very high speeds), theres that black plastic doohickey Janster talked about, and they added TPMS which is a headache for someone who runs two wheels sets... like me.

 

I got the TRD Sport package, which is exactly what I wanted. I love that scooped hood. I just wish I had steering wheel controls, but I'll quickly get over that. I should pick the car up next week (bought on internet - 4 hours away).