Advice from real owners

$17k is average price for that truck in this area. It's not what any of us would want to pay, but it is what it is.

 

Actually most tacoma's in my area go for that price. This one is way cheaper but not nearly as nice http://www.leopardiautosales.com/2005-Toyota-Tacoma/Used-Truck/Pittsburgh-PA/0/2475802/Details.aspx

 

That would be cheap compared to similar trucks down here.

 

I was a proud owner of an 05 prerunner access cab TRD Sport. Just sold it for 17k here in Hawaii. 75k miles on it.

I can attest to the surface rust issue. I babied that truck and it was garage kept at home and at work. I also live nowhere near the beach and had about 4 pencil dot sized rust spots on the roof and hood.

Also, the interior cabin got really dusty and I believe it is due to the lack of a cabin air filter in the 05's.

Great truck though. Had to sell it to get a 2013 double cab.

 

Are you financing? If so, what monthly payment are you hoping to be at and how much money down?

 

IIRC, when the 2nd gen Tacoma w/ the 4.0L V6 was first released it did call for premium fuel. I remember looking at them new and thinking "whaaaa?" I thought Toyota later did something w/ the 4.0L timing and/or ignition in mid- '05 or '06+ to allow for the use of low octane fuel. Anyone else remember this, or is my memory serving me wrong?

 

I think some of the original owners manuals cited a higher HP rating on premium gas.

 

That's such a poor line of questioning that salesmen use in hopes of taking advantage of buyers. Sure, I can afford a used Beemer using that approach, but I end up paying for a decade and for interest that adds 20% to the original purchase price.

OP - Always negotiate the bottom line price first, not what you would ideally like to pay monthly.

 

I don't know if its already been mentioned....but the paint is poor. Lots of chipping on rockers and especially where the cab & bed separate (front lower section of the bed).

That is why the newer trucks have a plastic cover on that one corner. Apparently, the 05's didn't have that (yet). But perhaps it may have been added later??

 

while I understand what you're saying, you're in fact wrong with this specific situation.

You do realize that most banks will not finance an 8 year old vehicle for the normal 60 months? You do also realize that the interest rate is much higher on a vehicle of this age? So while OP might have this $17,000 figure in his head in hopes of achieving a $375 payment, it might not be realistic.

Example 1 - Financing $17k at 10% for 48 months is a payment of roughly $431.

Example 2 - Financing $26,000 for 72 months at 4% is a payment of $406.

So while you are paying for an extra two years, you can EASILY purchase a 2010 or so for $26k. So in theory, you'll have a smaller payment on a newer truck that will be be technically 3 years newer once paid off. Plus you'll also get the benefit of the upgrades that Toyota has made over the years and being the owner for more of its life and not having to worry about how someone else maintained it.

hope this helps you understand why I asked about the payment.

(disclaimer - dont discuss any of this with your sales person)

 

I had a 05 tacoma for 6 yrs but gave in to a 2013 double cab. I was a good truck,never had problems with it. Check for recalls & make sure they were done beyond that look it over good. There's a lot of good info here from the owners, good luck

 

Thanks for the tip, and I was going to finance, my biggest problem is that I still owe close to 14k on my current car (ouch) and its worth roughly 8k .

And a update on the blue 05, it was already sold.

 

Ouch is right! I highly doubt the bank is going to absorb such a large amount of money into the new loan. What kind of car do you currently own?

I'd suggest just paying off what you currently have and then using that as down payment in a couple years. Just my .02

 

06 Acura TSX, I carried negative equity from another car

 

Damn, how many miles on the TSX? That sounds awfully low value.

Anyways, just drive it and pay off. Negative equity will only get worse if you don't just nip it in the butt right now.

 

Close to 100k thats the reason im looking for a new car...

And I guess I will just stick it out for a little while longer,tax season is coming and I should get a good return.

 

You're way upside down on the TSX, and you'll be even more upside down and screwed over if you try to trade in that car. Best option is to sell it privately and you pay the difference to get out from under it, or just keep it until the wheels fall off.

 

X2 or realize that you have to pay double payments or throw entire tax return towards the car note, otherwise you're never getting out from under the negative cycle

 

That example doesn't seem realistic. I doubt you could get 4% on $26k, if you can only get 10% on 17k.

 

Check the car fax, make sure all of the body panels line up properly (indicates prior accidents not reported), and yes, check the frame.