Bought 06 Taco with 206,000 miles, I have questions

I had a Colorado and it spun a bearing. Waiting to swap that engine out. In the meantime, I came across a 2006 Speedway Blue DC Tacoma TRD Pro, and picked it up. I wanted to try it out, as I’m due for a new vehicle in 3-4 years (after wife’s new car is paid off). Tacoma was on my short list with the new Colorado and new Ranger coming out. After spending a couple weeks in this truck, I absolutely love it.

Details on the vehicle.
*206,000 miles and engine/trans seems solid
*New frame, rear springs, and looks like control arms. They all look like they were just put on, stickers are in perfect shape still
*Shocks/struts look original, need to be replaced
*Tires are due for new, Rims are typical wisconsin corrosion
*Body is perfect, no dents, dings, or any rust
*Interior is immaculate, doesn’t look like anyone has ever driven it, no scratches or marks anywhere
*Carfax was clean, looks like older gentleman that took it to dealer for everything
*Brakes were just done, but feel like it’s harder to stop the truck than it should be

Now, for my questions. I have $11k into this truck, with truck, tax, and bought a tonneau cover. For fun, I looked up newer gen 2’s, and they are going for over double that, and do not have a lot of changes to what I currently have. I want to put some money into upgrading things, but at what point am I wasting money?

*I’ve seen these trucks go for over 300,000 easy, but I spun a bearing at 200k on the Colorado and now am a bit gun shy. Should I not be sticking a lot of money into this truck, just stick to basic maintenance and look for newer truck with less miles?
*Being truck is in great shape with new frame, is it worth dropping a new engine/trans into this when the original starts having issues?
*I need new shock/struts, and was interested in going Fox coilovers. I had them on my Jeep, and the ride was amazing. Is it a waste to do that instead of 5100’s?
*I think I read that the fuel filter is in the tank, should I replace the pump and put an external filter in?
*ECU programming make any difference in power/fuel economy, and worth it?
*Intake/exhaust worth upgrading?
*I’m looking to put on TRD Pro SEMA wheels
*Also installing Apple Play Head unit (new Kenwood looks promising with high resolution screen that’s really bright)
*Tires I’m looking at Cooper AT3 4S or BFG KO2’s

I’d like to keep this truck 3-5 years before going to newer one, if it’s advisable. I drive about 30k a year for work, going to job meetings and construction sites. When not working, I will be pulling smaller boat to fish, or taking it out hunting. I just want to set it up the way I like and drive for several years. I’m just semi worried about the higher miles. For the price difference between this and a 2015, I can do quite a bit to this 06, even if I swap engine/trans. Maybe in 3-5 years the 3rd gens might look better!

I guess all in all, what dollar amount am I looking at stopping at, before it makes less sense than buying a newer truck?

Thanks

 

Welcome to TW first. I have a 2007 that had 191K when I got it, and around $10K. It is a solid "10' truck", and was used by three former owners, but had good Carfax, and really wasn't "abused", just used. Just had the frame inspected for that old "rusting" issue, so sounds like you have that done, and one of my "former" Tacomas! Driven gently and traded back.

Do one thing to make yourself happy - go to Toyota.com AND REGISTER THE VIN on their site. You will then have access to all the records.

It certainly sounds like you have made a find, and you have MANY miles to go without worry if you keep the care level up, and let's see some PICS!

 

I’ll go put my VIN n Toyota now. I will grab some pics tomorrow

 

2005-2006 Tacomas sometimes have Headgasket and motor mount issues,beware.Both are major repairs.

 

Looks like frame was just done, 9/28/18!

From what I’ve read, the frame mounts are updated on the new frame, is that accurate?

Wasn’t there a way to tell by build date, if it was the older head gasket design, or the new one?

 

Should be, because the new frame would have any new updates.
PS, if you want someone to respond to a question - statement, "Quote" it and post reply.

 

have an '06 with 240K

here's what I've done in order of cost;

steering rack
front wheel bearings X 2
front CV shaft (split boot)
muffler
idler pulleys
washer pump
clock spring (no cruise)
compass/temp (solder bigger wattage resistor)
brakes, battery, tires, etc.
frame and all that goes with it, yeah!

drives like new, can't complain whatsoever

 

Just curious, how many miles before the steering rack went?

 

Welcome!

That’s just broken in.

Check this one out;

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/400-000-miles.404359/

 

rack blew passenger seal @ 150K

 

I have to solder my temp resistor too, what does bigger watt resistor do?

 

less heat and will not fail again

 

Your post is confusing. It seems like you are under the impression your truck is worth $20k?
No.
Its worth around what you paid. No amount of money put into a vehicle really raises its value. Its all lost money.

I would be changing all the fluids in the truck and getting new tires when you get your new wheels.
Inspect the brakes and see if they are worth swapping out.
I’d change the spark plugs and air filters too.

There is zero need to worry about an engine and transmission until you see symptoms you need it. No point even discussing that as a vehicle can go a million miles before thats an issue.

Once the Colorado is fixed, sell it.

 

No, I know it’s not worth 20k! Although the insurance company said it is??? I’m not interested in finding out if they will give me the 23k they said it’s worth, if I total it though!

I plan on doing all fluids, SS brake lines with better pads, and all required maintenance for the 200k service interval.

I’m trying to see if I’m a fool for putting Fox coilovers, instead of 5100’s, and other items like that. Most of the stuff I have to do, has different price levels of quality. A 12 year old truck with 200k is a lot for a Chevy, but I’m not familiar with Tacoma’s. I like to keep a vehicle and maintain it long term.

Which did you recommend selling? Colorado or Tacoma?

 

Sell the Colorado for sure. Keep the Tacoma.

You are not a fool for the coilovers. I replace struts at 100k and coilovers in their entirety at 200k.
My suspensions in my trucks have always done well and could take a beating even into 200k.

The stock Toyota suspension suck from a load perspective. Upgrading it is the only realistic thing to do.
I’d plan new leaf springs too

 

Same boat just purchased a pristine TRD sport DC With 192k. New frame is on the way under warranty. I went with the 5100’s and head strong 2” springs and add a leaf. Gonna run stock wheels and K02’s and I ordered a Leer 100r color matched in silver frost. Besides that I’m going to service it to death and drive it easy. I paid $11k for it and it was the cheapest one I could find with those miles within 200 miles. I’m also doing a bushing set with the frame install and carrier bearing. At some point I really want to do new ends on the tie rods because the steering is a little loose feeling. That’s it tho. I’m gonna drive it.

 

They put new leaf springs on when they did the frame. It looks like it was a different recall. Should I put different leafs on than factory? Or are the new leafs an upgraded design from Toyota?

 

Mine is getting new leafs with the frame but yes there was a sep recall so yours maybe older then the frame then maybe not. Go to headstrong off-road and look at their leaf packages. I just did the 1.5” add a leaf but they have complete sets but I don’t see them being better but I’m a taco newbie who won’t be off-road much.

 

Not a waste to uograde to fox coilovers, will ride better an rebuildable. The 5100s are nice sounds like you do a lot of gravel an washboard type stuff. The 2.5 or 2.0 will ride 2x as good as the 5100s your jaw an teeth will thank you. Maybe do an ebc brake an rotor upgrade while everyrhing is torn apart let it rip.

 

Well, jinxed myself.
Engine failure last week with stuck intake valve cyl #4 with 260K mi. on her, boo..
treated it so well since new with regular full synthetic oil changes and plug changes
Maybe Techron fuel treatment this go around
replacing the engine with a salvage yard one with low miles