I Bought a 05 that has been sitting for a bit

2005 Tacoma 2 Door, i4, Manual, 4x4, 125k miles

I bought it off the original owner today for a very good price and had it towed over to my house, but it's been sitting for over five years. Before I start it what should I do?

My current plan is:

• Oil/oil filter
• Intake filter
• New Battery
• Drain any old fuel
• Fuel filter
• Belt
• Front & Rear Differential Fluid
• Transfer Case Fluid?

After getting it started

• Replace Radiator fluid
• Thermostat
• Spark Plugs

 

I'd start with oil/filter and drain the fuel, jump start if need be. After that I'd focus on getting the engine running before putting any more money into it.

Once you know the engine runs fine, the items you listed are fine. I'd also make sure the brakes are good. Inspect brakes and change the brake fluid. Brake fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs water.

 

Where did it live when accumulating the miles?

What were the conditions it's been sitting in?

Why was it parked?

That info could give some clues to other things to look for.

 

A 2005 with 155k miles thats been sitting for 5 years? You might want to crawl under and check the frame.

 

Nevada, very dry here. Frame seems ok to me. I am friends with the owner. He bought a crew cab 3rd gen because he needed more interior space for work, he meant to turn this Tacoma into more of a dedicated off road rig but never got around to it.

Makes sense, thanks!

 

Omg! It’s perfect.

 

I'd wire wheel it and coat it, but that definitely looks like surface rust only to me. There are a number of threads that list the main problem areas, go ahead and double check them but I would be surprised if you find anything

 

Many SW trucks tend to be like that, almost no rust if it's lived its's life out here.

 

Nice score OP! Looks like you have all of the bases covered.

 

Looks like a southwest truck to me LOL. No rust but heavy sun fading of plastics. Nice buy!

 

Welcome!

 

I'd say you found a worthy buy right there, cool beans!

 

Start with the fuel/fuel system related items, then work on the remaining items on the list one at a time. Don't buy a new battery until you confirm the complete charging system is in good order: use a "loaner" from another car in the yard.

The order of the remaining items is up to you, but I would do the spark plugs last, and only on a stone-cold engine that has been sitting over-night.

One item I would add to your list: closely inspect under the hood and around the intake for old critter nests and clean them out before you fire it up. Check inside the air-intake and air filter... and inspect all of the wiring (everywhere) for critter damage.

Good luck! Keep us updated on how it's going.

 

Yes, that frame looks good! I'd clean it up a bit and hit it with some semi gloss black Rust Oleum.
After it dries for a few weeks, you could spray a little fluid film on the sandwiched areas but if it's going to stay in a dry climate, it might be a waste of time.
Keep us posted!

 

Nice!

Some G technique trim restorer will freshen that plastic right up. Pricey, but worth it if you want durable and looking good.

 

Got it running and have driven it about 30 miles. Runs perfect, no issues at all. Spent a bit today detailing it, not much I can do about the peeling clear coat but I think it looks much better either way. Hard to complain for $2,500

 

Helluva deal!!

 

Do the water bypass pipe for sure asap

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...nt-when-replacing-plastic-bypass-pipe.594577/

I wouldn't paint any panels with 1k rattle can - it will fade and peel in the sunny and arid parts of the country. I recommend the best product found in this lineup:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXOX4z6uwXo