Just bought a Tacoma from a dealer. What should I avoid modding?

Just got a beautiful 05 TRD Sport, 4x4, 6MT, V6 from a local dealer for a steal. Attached pics for fun.

They tried to sell me on a "full fluid change and anything mechanical or electrical will be fixed for no cost" package. I was adamant that I did not want the package, because they were trying to tack on $4,000 to the sale price.
Through negotiations they changed the 2yr/24k miles coverage to 4yr/48k miles and dropped the price to $1,250.

I realize they are screwing me on it, as I can fix most things on my truck, but if the 4WD or something else major goes out I'd rather have them do it. Also the overhead Compass and Temp gauge just stopped working so I'll get them to do that soon. Been reading thats either a $0.10 solder fix or $800 dealer fix.

After all of that background, what should I avoid modding on the truck to not void the warranty they sold me on?

 

Even if its insurance for future repairs? It is an 05, so there are bound to be things that will be catastrophic and need repairs in the next 4 years. Maybe thats just my thinking because I am coming from a Subaru though....

 

there is the head gasket thing

 

Not a bad idea on the warranty. 05’ tacos dealt with premature head gasket failure. They all deal with rust. Ball bearings may go bad, but not that bad a repair on the front, a little more difficult on the rear (watch for buzz/humming sound between 20-40 mph). Make sure the front axels weren’t abused (look for oil/grease leaks coming off the boots). Otherwise it’s a good truck. I’d freshen up the suspension with new shocks and maybe add a CarPlay ready head unit/stereo. Just my 2 cents. Nice looking taco.

 

Definitely going to be adding an aftermarket head unit. The rear springs were replaced under the recall or TSB (still learning the terminology), but I definitely think I will need to replace the suspension at some point in the next few years. As far as the care for the truck, it seems like it was garaged for most of its life.

Yeah I have heard about that. When it was traded in, the dealer replaced the gasket. Hopefully the one they replaced it with is nowhere near as bad as the subaru ones.

 

No where near the Subaru problem. The first couple of years had a problem with the gasket design that was later fixed. If they replaced it you should be good to go. The TSB springs helped raise the back for me so it wouldn’t sag. I’ve been through several set ups over the years and I’d only stick with either the TSB/stock springs or getting proper springs from deaver or other high quality springs. Add a leafs, air bags and blocks lower the ride quality. Sounds like you’ve found a good truck

 

I think you're asking the wrong people. Get a copy of the warranty and read it.
A third party insurance policy on a 15yr old truck? My guess is they aren't going to pay much no matter what you do or don't do.

 

I’d read the fine print on “Anything mechanical or electrical” on a 3rd party “warranty”. Unless this is from a real Toyota dealer, you’re probably gonna end up getting denied on repairs.

 

Its from a Toyota Dealership. Toyota Warranty. The fine print just says, and I am paraphrasing here, "Wear and Tear, i.e. wipers, tires, headlights, tail lights." Supposedly I do not pay anything up front, it is all covered no matter what dealership I go to. Doesn't have to be the one I bought it from. It also includes labor. If I go to a certified mechanic, then I have to pay up front and wait for reimbursement.

I don't think I will need anything more than stock suspension, lifting doesn't really suit my needs currently. Glad to hear that it is nowhere near the Subaru problem. With the age of my Subaru, that was like constantly sitting on a powder keg ready to blow.

 

Damn. They told me it was a direct from Toyota warranty. The paperwork is out in the truck at home, so I'll have to take a look at it tomorrow morning when I get home. Just in case, have you ever (or do you know how to) negotiated the return of money spent on a warranty?

 

No, this is spot on what the deal is. If the vehicle is over 7 years old, Toyota can no longer cover the vehicle (despite if it is a low mileage Toyota or not) with a factory warranty, nor does it no longer qualify for the "certified" program.

They sold you a bum aftermarket warranty and above all lied to you by telling you that it was a factory warranty just so they could sell you an aftermarket one.

Go read the fine print definitely OP, if I and @whatstcp are wrong, then fantastic.. if we are right then you have some work to take care of on your behalf if it's an el cheapo warranty.

 

Don't mod anything. Keep it stock, and just enjoy driving it. I have dumped $1000s into my truck. It does everything I want it too, but I also kinda wish I would have just left it stock. Real nice looking truck you got there. Good luck.

 

Yeah. I have never heard of a factory sponsored warranty on a 15yr old vehicle. Curious myself. Wonder if it's honored at any dealership, or just the one selling it.

 

^^^This...for best results keep it stock from here on. Congrats on the truck, take care of it and you should be fine. If you run into problems, the good folks on here will help you. Good luck...

 

Personally, on a 15 yr old truck you should get the basic warranty that comes with buying the vehicle. Meaning, don't spend your money on any additional warranties or up-sale warranty they might try to push. Like others have said in previous posts, return that additional warranty and put that money into a savings account or a CD or something that is building compound interest for you. I'm not a financial adviser so take that with a grain of salt. As far as modding your vehicle is concerned, take a peak at the https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson–Moss_Warranty_Act Basically, the dealer has to prove that the modifications that you've done to your vehicle is the direct cause of the maintenance for a warranty claim. So for example, you've installed the rear diff breather mod and your truck blew one of the rear wheel bearings all over your brakes. The dealer has to prove that the hose you installed prevented adequate venting of your gearbox beyond a reasonable doubt. As long as you're mechanically sound, and your mods are done following the manufacturers directions, you'll be good to go buck wild. Emphasis on the buck ...


-J

 

2005 frames collapse at the engine mount.

Modifying the truck will tailor it to your needs. A stock truck is a literal compromise. Stock trucks will have a better resale value.

 

@whatstcp
Ok just checked it out. Looks like you’re all right, they lied about the warranty. It is third party and about half of the things they said were covered are in fact not.
How do I go about getting the money back on this? Through dealer or the 3rd party?

 

Lifting it- has nothing to do with warranty.

 

Unfortunately that's not up to the owner or the lift manufacturer, it's initially up to the dealer and if it goes far enough it's up to Toyota. If it goes even further it's up to the court system - that doesn't have a clue about mechanical things.

 

Maybe down the line, but definitely just suspension replacement for now.