Any differences between 2005 and 2009?

I have two pickups I'm going to look at this week-

-2005 TRD Sport- 95k miles.

-2009 SR5- 115k miles.

Both extended cab, 4x4, automatic v6s, for similar price (~20k). I'd need to get the 2009 wired for a 7 pin trailer plug.

Is there anything specific I should look for on them that could be different? Or just pick the cleaner one?

 

Yes the 05 has LSD

Both are susceptible to frame rust, and both need thorough inspections. Older trucks are starting to need full suspension refreshes and some need head gaskets now.

I'd probably suggest the one with the least frame rust.

 

Buy the 2009 SR5

2005 had head gasket issues. Did NOT have Auto-LSD. It had a mechanical LSD.
Both of witch are EXPENSIVE repairs.

If you want to make the 2009 a Sport, just buy Bilstien shocks and buy a used take off sway bar from a Sport. Or don't buy either, and buy "better" parts.....If you even care.

 

If it doesn’t have a 7 pin then it doesn’t have the tow package, so no oil cooler, smaller alternator, maybe something else?

05 could have an issue with the head gasket at higher miles. Fixed by 09

 

05 had a few issues that were fixed in later models, the most common was head gasket failure and engine mounts breaking at the frame.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2005-and-early-2nd-gen-issues-and-how-to-fix-them.735957/

09 has a few more electronics and comes standard with side airbags and VSC but mechanically aside from small fixes to known issues they are identical.

 

I'm glad I asked!

Either truck would get a very thorough look at a third party mechanic before I bought. I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around paying that much for a 15+ year old pickup, but I guess that's the way it is.

 

Tow package had a different fan clutch, larger alternator, oil cooler, and a transmission cooler on the Auto trucks.

 

Also, the 2005 trucks did NOT have the gusseted engine mounts.

 

Would those add-ons stack the favor in longevity in a meaningful way? I do tow a small (1500lb) camper.

I had a 2005 2.7l 5 speed 4x4 that I took from 100k to 200k. One of the best trucks I've owned, but no way could I go back to that little HP.

 

The honest answer is, Yes.

The realistic answer is, probably not. Not towing a 1,500 lbs trailer. Or even a 3,000 lbs trailer.

 

I guess, if I had to advise you on which one to add. It would be the Trans cooler on the Automatic.
For about $200, you can get a scangauge and monitor fluid temps. If for some reason you see temp spikes, you can then add the cooler (if needed).
It's fairly easy, and straight forward.

 

The biggest thing is probably the transmission cooler if you have an automatic but it can be added later if needed.

If you wana look at what was available on each year you can look at the brochures here.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-ebrochures-2001-to-2017.486957/

 

This is really great stuff guys, thank you!

 

The big thing is getting a pre-purchase inspection done on any used vehicle before you buy, you said you were so good on you. Too many people don't and get hosed.

 

Actually the 2009 has LSD front and rear and when you go into 4wdh you automatically have limited slip front and rear. Not in 4wd low though.

 

Actually Auto LSD only works in 2wd, 09+ TRD OffRoad models get A-Trac which is an aggressive version of 4 wheel Auto LSD but it only works in 4L

 

One other question.

Is it reasonable at all to expect to get one of these at book value? Every single one listed in my area in decent shape is a full 10-20% higher than what KBB is showing.

 

The 2005 ended up being in rough shape. And was an easy pass.

The 2009 was actually an SR, not an SR5. That was my mistake from the pictures.

It was immaculate, and bone stock. Ran great, body and interior were perfect. I took it to a really reputable Toyota specialist, and they said it needs ball joints, but otherwise is in great shape. It had bad steering wheel wobble between 65-75 mph

The dealer wouldn't replace the ball joints, or negotiate on price at all. Made me absolutely sick walking away from that truck, but their price was already way high. That's my dream color, also.

Should I have sucked it up and paid? I know I won't find one cleaner.

 

I would have probably passed too, $20k is too much IMO for what is essentially a base model truck that is 15 years old.

 

I'm not comfortable doing my own ball joints either, do that's an extra $1,500 out of pocket for me.

God damn it was a nice truck though.