Buying a 2nd Gen - Need Some Help

Is there anything I should look out for if I get a 2005? I know it's the first year of that generation and usually the 1st year has bugs to work out.

Also, is there a place to find salvaged Tacomas that have NOT been fixed yet? I want to build one up so I don't want to trash a perfectly good one - problem is most of the ones for sale have already been fixed. I'd rather get it for cheaper pre-fixing. Thanks.

 

I would start with some insurance companies. they usually know where the bones are buried.

 

I personally wouldn't shy away from a 2005. I think the only '05 specific problems were with some very early ones where there were some problems with motor mount welds (no idea if mine's in this group, but no problems so far). Other than that, you'll likely find any other problems that existed with the '05 continued on into future years and the newer ones even had more problems in cases like the radios. Do a search on the motor mount and then you'll know what to look for in a visual inspection before buying. Otherwise, there's literally no reason not to buy it compared to an '06, '07, etc. Toyota doesn't seem to fix the problems that occur on vehicles anymore. Instead, they issue Technical Service Bulletins to the dealerships on how to fix the problems when customers complain. They're in a "reactive" mode rather than a "preventative" mode these days.

 

My second Taco was a new '05... Here are the three problems I had with it:

1) If a Double Cab or Access Cab, it will need the TSB done, or do what I did and add Ride Rites and 5100s to the back to stop the bottoming out 'rough ride' problem.
2) Wire Harness failure causing the air bag light to come on... needed to replace $$$.
3) My ABS brakes never did well... thought I would crash on wet roads or dirt roads trying to stop. My '01 and my '10 don't have that problem (the dealer said was normal).

 

Ya the main issue with the 05's from what I read is what was mentioned. For all of 05 model year and a bit of 06 model year, the motor mount areas of the frame are not gusseted/reinforced.

Due to this some have torn their frame etc while offroading with 05's.

Other than that its almost identical right up to I think 08ish. Only very minor changes.

 

Thanks for the info.