1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

I want to buy a tacoma..need some info

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by yotne, Nov 3, 2012.

  1. Nov 3, 2012 at 7:33 PM
    #1
    yotne

    yotne [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2012
    Member:
    #90415
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    I need to buy a Toyota tacoma truck with the deep cab..seat in back. If it makes a difference i live in Sacramento, California...temperature range 30 to 110 degrees..and 99% of the time on paved road. I don't care about manual or automatic. Do you have any recommendations for the best last 10 years of Toyota tacoma trucks up and to the current model. Is there one year that shines?..is there a year and model you would avoid...it there any thresholds in technology i should be aware of..regarding the drive train, engine, mileage, fuel system, weight, driveability, features...i plan on using this truck for what trucks are designed for..hauling...
    I do not need a 4 wheel drive for terrain or for weather..but i would not be opposed to buying one if it was worth the investment and i was not creating more repair risk..
    This is my truck experience...1973 3/4 ton Chevy longbed used in construction with 350 and automatic. My next truck was the small Toyota 5r..1976..great truck...then i had two fords 150's with the 300 six in succession for the last 20 years..
    Thankyou very much for any thoughts you might have.
     
  2. Nov 3, 2012 at 9:16 PM
    #2
    Utard

    Utard Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2011
    Member:
    #66532
    Messages:
    3,121
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Tidewater, OR
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tacoma SR5
    If you plan on towing or having loads in the bed i'd go with the 4.0L V6.
     
  3. Nov 3, 2012 at 9:38 PM
    #3
    brian

    brian Another Traitor

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2009
    Member:
    #16011
    Messages:
    7,549
    Gender:
    Male
    Elizabeth City, NC
    Vehicle:
    2017 F-250 Powerstroke
    Welcome from Roseville! :wave:

    The way I see it with 4WD, you either have it and never need it, or don't and get stuck in that rare occasion. I'll never own a 2WD. If you plan on going to tahoe at all, get the 4WD, these trucks are light in the ass for 2WD. Theres no more major maintenance on a 4WD than a 2WD.


    Get the 6 cyl, not the 4 banger. End of story. If you're not worried about all the fancy stuff, get an SR5. Honestly I'd get an 06 or 07, 08's start getting a little more electronic stuff that I don't like. 05's.... some had motor mount issues, but not something you really have to worry about it Cali anyways.

    100k on my 07, been in Calif for the last 20k. These trucks are good stuff. I beat the crap outta mine at PC and she's doing just fine.
     
  4. Nov 3, 2012 at 11:20 PM
    #4
    Lquang

    Lquang Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2012
    Member:
    #90419
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Orange County
    Vehicle:
    2011 4x4
    welcome to TW. i just got my 4x4 and loving it. now i'm on TW looking for new mods. you cant go wrong with a Taco.
     
  5. Nov 3, 2012 at 11:33 PM
    #5
    the.sight.picture

    the.sight.picture Wishes he was in the woods.

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2012
    Member:
    #71180
    Messages:
    7,992
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Blue Ridge
    Vehicle:
    2018 QuickSand
    Check out my build thread (Beginning of Money Pit)
    Welcome to TW!!

    I would say that you would want an a Double Cab Long bed, V6 with a tow package. Best bet would be to get a an TRD Sport ( higher resale value with any trd package). If it is going to be a work truck, no need to buy brand new. I would say a 2010 would be good. The motor and trans have been the same from 2005-2013. NO issues with the motor at all. The manual has had some problems, that you can fix, but if you dont NEED a manual than dont worry about one. Auto transmission gets better MPG (on the V6). I would say get 4x4 as posted earlier, Just in case you need it. The rear leafs are a problem if you plan on heavy duty hauling. You may want to upgrade those or just do the Technical service bullitin, Its an add a leaf to reduce sagging.
     
  6. Nov 3, 2012 at 11:36 PM
    #6
    the.sight.picture

    the.sight.picture Wishes he was in the woods.

    Joined:
    Jan 22, 2012
    Member:
    #71180
    Messages:
    7,992
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Nick
    Blue Ridge
    Vehicle:
    2018 QuickSand
    Check out my build thread (Beginning of Money Pit)

    Also, All the new (05+)years have shined as all toyotas usually do. Some of the first generation toyotas have hade rusty frames, which are under recall.
     
  7. Nov 3, 2012 at 11:58 PM
    #7
    stewartx

    stewartx Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2012
    Member:
    #70271
    Messages:
    1,809
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Silver DC SB TRD Off-Road
    Winch, front hitch, step bars, bed extender, bed step, gull-wing toolbox, tailgate lock, security system, cb radio, etc.
    I grew up during my teenage years in the Rio Linda area of Sacramento. Been back to visit several times. Place has changed dramatically over the years. Anyway, there's plenty of deserts and mountains nearby to off-road (camp, etc) in. However, since you've driving for a while, you obviously know best how you personally use a truck.

    Regarding the truck itself, the Tacoma is quite reliable, whether 2wd or 4wd. That's why the resell value remains high. There was an issue with frame rust years ago, but that hasn't been a problem recently.

    You mentioned hauling. The 4.0L V6 offers a bit more performance, but the 4-cylinder gets a bit better gas mileage (at the expense of hauling & towing capacity). Consider that in relation to your hauling needs.

    By the way, welcome to the forum.
     
  8. Nov 4, 2012 at 12:30 AM
    #8
    benbacher

    benbacher Purveyor of Fun Vendor

    Joined:
    Jun 29, 2011
    Member:
    #59032
    Messages:
    9,216
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    ^
    Anchorage, AK
    Vehicle:
    '10 Tacoma 4x4 LBDC SR5 TRD Sport
    Too many to list now.
    I'd get exactly what I got. 2010 double cab long bed automatic trans, V6. And make sure you get the one with the good skewp cause it adds at least 30hp :p
     
  9. Nov 4, 2012 at 1:36 AM
    #9
    acdronin

    acdronin Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 2, 2010
    Member:
    #47036
    Messages:
    19,635
    Gender:
    Male
    .
    Welcome to TW from the Bay Area, we're actually having a meet and greet in a couple of weeks either in benicia or fairfield, there will be 30+trucks there and we would be happy to answer your questions.
    We love our trucks and they are very reliable. I have an 07 DBCBLB 4x4, the thing is a beast and has proven itself to be the best vehicle i have ever owned.
    The 4 banger is ok but the 6 has a lot more going for it. I was not impressed with the manual and ended up with the auto tranny and it's fine. The SR5 package is fine for most people but getting the tow packge makes it that much more capable.

    http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/no...norcal-meet-greet-saturday-november-17th.html
     
  10. Nov 4, 2012 at 8:02 AM
    #10
    Utard

    Utard Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2011
    Member:
    #66532
    Messages:
    3,121
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Tidewater, OR
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tacoma SR5
    Not entirely true. Depend on what type of driver you are.

    With my 05 2WD 2.7L I got 15-16MPG

    With my 12 4X4 4.0 V6 I get 16-17MPG

    But I am a heavy footed driver.
     
  11. Nov 4, 2012 at 8:25 AM
    #11
    badger

    badger Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2012
    Member:
    #70102
    Messages:
    2,149
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    07 SR5
    I would start looking at 2007 and up. Most of the initial problems with the GenII's were resolved by then. Get an auto for sure. I can't stress that enough. You can research that and find volumes. If you like fewer eelctronic over rides stick with 2007. After that you will get all kinds of "assisting" stuff. If you do like tech, then I would look at 2009-2011. Get the tow package for sure since you plan to work the truck. As others have said, plan on replacing at least the rear springs and shocks if you plan to haul. Aside from that it's personal choice as to Dc or AC body style. The AC gives you the longer bed without having such a long truck. These trucks are long enough as is. If you need the seating though, you'll need the DC. The AC only really works for kids and dogs.
     
  12. Nov 4, 2012 at 8:30 AM
    #12
    crazy joker

    crazy joker Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2012
    Member:
    #88787
    Messages:
    1,454
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jesse
    Charlotte area, NC
    Vehicle:
    2014 DCLB sport 4x4
    Real men just call it camping
    Welcome. I've owned a few Tacomas over the years ('01, '05, and now '12). I have loved them all, and I'm sure you will love your next truck. On all of my trucks, I went with 2wd, but I got them with the locking rear dif (comes with TRD off road package). I't is cheaper that way and a little better on gas than the 4x4. The locking rear dif has always kept me out off trouble.If I were you, I would get a 2005 or newer. The 4.0 is much better and more powerful than the 3.4. I work in construction and own a 20' travel trailer. My old 2005 and now my 2012 pull it with no issues. My 2005 was a strait drive, but this time I went with the automatic. The auto is waaaaaay better.Hope this is helpful. Good luck on your next truck.
     
  13. Nov 4, 2012 at 8:57 AM
    #13
    Larry

    Larry CARL

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2010
    Member:
    #40895
    Messages:
    8,221
    CARL
    sounds like a prerunner or even a 5-lugger would fit the OP's needs.
     
  14. Nov 4, 2012 at 9:23 AM
    #14
    brian

    brian Another Traitor

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2009
    Member:
    #16011
    Messages:
    7,549
    Gender:
    Male
    Elizabeth City, NC
    Vehicle:
    2017 F-250 Powerstroke
    When your hauling something.... gas mileage doesn't mean didly squat. FYI
     
  15. Nov 4, 2012 at 9:31 AM
    #15
    badger

    badger Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2012
    Member:
    #70102
    Messages:
    2,149
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    07 SR5
    Personally, I wouldn't even get a Gen II if I were not going to get the 4.0. I would get a pre-electronic throttle 3.4 Gen I, or even a Gen I Tundra.
     
  16. Nov 4, 2012 at 11:17 AM
    #16
    yotne

    yotne [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2012
    Member:
    #90415
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    Thank you everyone for the information..i really appreciate it...
    statements and opinions:
    Hauling or heavy loads go with towing package and v6
    For hauling an extra leaf might be in order follow service bulletin
    auto transmission is better mileage on 6 cyl
    locking read diff is an option to 4 wd and will get you out of most jams (never would of thought of that..it has worked for me before with other equipment) and get TRD
    05's had some issues
    get 2007 and up..most bugs solves by then
    06 and 07 is a little less techy
    more technical additions in 2007 and then more again from 2011 on
    motor and trans same from 2005 to 2013
    4.0 is way better then 3.4
    Again thanks
    steve
     
  17. Nov 4, 2012 at 11:45 AM
    #17
    badger

    badger Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2012
    Member:
    #70102
    Messages:
    2,149
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    07 SR5
    05 and 06 had motor mount problems as well as the most probelms with the throw out bearings and manual transmissions.

    Most of the tech comes after 2007. My 2007 SR5 has only ABS

    Motors have posssible leaky timing covers through 2008 I believe. The manual transmission recieved an update in 2007 and again in 2009. Best to avoid manuals before 2007.
     
  18. Nov 4, 2012 at 2:53 PM
    #18
    yotne

    yotne [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Nov 3, 2012
    Member:
    #90415
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    thanks for the update..
     
  19. Nov 4, 2012 at 3:54 PM
    #19
    stewartx

    stewartx Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2012
    Member:
    #70271
    Messages:
    1,809
    Gender:
    Male
    Huntsville AL
    Vehicle:
    2012 Silver DC SB TRD Off-Road
    Winch, front hitch, step bars, bed extender, bed step, gull-wing toolbox, tailgate lock, security system, cb radio, etc.
    Well, you clearly missed the point. I simply meant the 4-cylinder gets better gas mileage, but has less hauling & towing capacity. If he needs that greater hauling & towing capacity, he'll have to get the 4.0L V6. The V6 will also tow or haul the same, smaller, load better. Of course, that choice means a bit less gas mileage.
     
  20. Nov 5, 2012 at 8:46 AM
    #20
    Utard

    Utard Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2011
    Member:
    #66532
    Messages:
    3,121
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Tidewater, OR
    Vehicle:
    2019 Tacoma SR5
    I nice option for heavy trailers is the air bags. I have them and they work real nice. They run around $300 for the 4x4.


    Another thing is the doors. I had the access cab and hated it. Those backasswards doors are stupid. Plus the back seats are only good for some stuff or 2 kids under 10. Now I have the double cab and it is way better.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top