How many new parts does it take to turn an old truck into a new truck?

Hey guys, looking at getting into a 2nd gen Tacoma, always been wanting to get something newer (2011+) however this 2005 caught my eye.

It's at 160k KM (100k miles), which is already really low, new frame 20K KM (12k miles) ago, along with cv axles, front calipers, pads, rotors, steering rack, inner/outer tierods, lower control arms, spc upper adjustable control arms, steering shaft, ujoints, driveshaft main bearing, tow hitch. Also has a wackload of off road goodies added onto it.

I'm a bit stuck in the mentality that since its 2005, its "an old truck". However, short of the engine/tranny which are bulletproof and super low milage, most of the important stuff is practically new. Wanted to hear your thoughts on this.

 

Sounds good. What's the price?

 

Has the head gasket been inspected or replaced already?
How's the frame rust? edit: nvm I see it had a frame replaced.

 

Depends on the price. Are they asking below $24,000?

 

2005 I'd be looking at a full mechanical inspection, there's a lot that needs to be done to make a 2005 fresh.

Frame, headgasket, timing chain, rack and pinion, rear leafs, catalytic converters are all big ticket items that fail on 2nd gens. Older means more likely.

Get it inspected, if ok, start with the big stuff and work your way to square one.

I always always always push a new stereo with carplay in my old cars now. It makes it feel like a 2018 lol.

 

The title of this thread makes me think of the Tacoma of Theseus.

 

They're asking 25k CAD (20.6K USD). It's got front and rear aftermarket bumpers/sliders/skidplates, winch, onboard arb air. Also has a 3" OME lift. Also for parts, it has a new in-box front arb locker. Spare rear 4.88 diff with LSD (So im setup for regearing when i eventually go 35's.). So (brand new pricing) looking at around $10k (CAD) of upgrades/parts. Im planning on wheeling this truck so it's already built with anything i'd put on my eventual rig.

Not really looking for a what is this worth kind of thread (But i welcome the advice), more so the mentality of making an old truck new again, and what i should look out for.

EDIT: Also has a facelift so it looks like a late 2nd gen truck.

 

In the rack and stack that 05 is ready to go. Yes, head gasket it a watch area. Early 2nd Gen's also had motor mount problems - the new frame fixed that. If you like it, price is right then go for it. If it ever does need a head gasket repair it and keep driving it.

BTW, my 06 has new frame and many of the same parts replaced once I got it back. It drives great. I will put a new head unit in mine at some point.

 

4cyl? 6cyl? Manual or auto transmission?

I recall reading there’s a time period during which they have head gasket issues. I think it was 05-06, someone chime in to clarify please.

One thing that tricked me was tires. They looked good, plenty of tread. But they were so old I was leaving chunks of rubber on the ground doing a 3 point turn. So before I buy another used vehicle, I plan to learn how to read the date code on the sidewall.

100k is around the time to do the rear brakes, from what I’ve read.

 

I'm confident enough in my mechanic skills that i could do a headgasket job myself, with some careful research and planning of course.

PRETTY sure it's the v6, if its the 4cyl i won't buy it. I'm double checking though. And it's a manual.

I'll look into that headgasket issue, thanks. Tires are a non issue for me as i'd toss on my current set of 33's from my hilux while i wait for 35" things. Here's my current rig so it would be a bit of an upgrade.

 

Keep your current rig.

 

How many new parts does it take to turn an old truck into a new truck?

All of them.