Looking at purchasing a 2006 V6 Auto 4 WD 125K miles

I now have a 2001 Tacoma extended cab 2.7 ltr manual 4WD with 140k miles. It runs perfect and this engine and tranny have been excellent. I was wondering if the V6 auto of 2006 vintage in 4WD is as dependable or is the V6 prone to certain problems. I never had an auto I was wondering how is that for light to medium towing. Any help and opinions would be much appreciated! Thanks in advance. My 2001 had the frame replaced in 2011 and the new frame is now starting to rust out again. But the engine, drivetrain and body are in excellent mechanical condition. Bummer.

 

05 to early 06...
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2005-and-early-2nd-gen-issues-and-how-to-fix-them.735957/

 

Seems like rust prevention is your biggest issue. Buying another old Toyota truck will result in the same outcome. Which will happen well before the end of the 4 liter's life.

$0.02

 

05 and 06 4.0 engines had some head gasket problems

 

What preservation steps have you used on the replacement frame?

 

That engine/transmission combo is about as bulletproof as you'll get. It will be a much better option for towing than the manual. My 07 4X4 DC is at 255,000 miles and I've never had a single problem. Some parts have been replaced due to normal wear at that age and miles. I recently had one of the pulleys on the engine go bad and had all of them replaced at the same time. The starter and alternator are not from the factory but that's it.

 

The one I was looking at sold. I am going to fly out to Arizona and buy something. I am just getting my Real ID bullshit taken care of. I was thinking of driving my 2001 Tacoma extended cab 4x4 2.7 ltr 140k miles truck out there and selling it because up here there are lots of good drive trains on lots of rusted framed trucks. Maybe out there the running gear with low miles would have a better market. What say you guys out west?
As far as rust prevention as soon as I drive the Arizona truck back I will get it rustproofed and hope fully it will last more than 10 years! I'm 70 so maybe that will coincide with my expiration date!

 

I live in NM and have an '06 4x4, it spent it's life as a western truck so rust is almost non-existent, if you can find one that's truly a western truck you can sidestep most of the rust issues you read of on here.

 

So I am seeing some trucks listed in the Albuquerque area. Would these be rust free and is there ever flooding from heavy storms or that kind of thing never happens in that area? I know some people down there, have not seen them for a while though. It's kind of difficult handling the logistics. Money transfers ect. But there is no way I would pop for a new truck up here nor buy a used one from this area. I figure about a 2015 or so. I would rather not get a double cab I would rather have a 6' bed. More of a truck than an SUV.

 

Just because a truck is for sale in ABQ does not mean it was originally from ABQ. If you are going to buy any Tacoma then personal inspection of the underside is a mandatory step.

A few years ago a guy here posted about his rusted frame but he lived in California. Turns out he was a mile from the beach and the salty air wrecked his truck the same way that living in the rust belt would.

Also as previously mentioned, 2005 and 2006 had a risk of headgasket problems. Unless you enjoy making or paying for this repair, find a newer year.

 

A car fax should tell you the places a truck spent it's life, obviously an inspection for rust goes along with any vehicle you buy. As for flooding, it can happen in NM but it's almost unheard of and when it happens it's in a rural area, not around town. Albuquerque gets around 11 inches of rain in a good year, about as much as some areas back east see in a month. Personally I like to shop used vehicles in Phoenix. About the same moisture exposure and it's a larger market, more selection, prices seem a little better and more flight options.

 

05-06 also lack the motor mount reinforcement tabs. There is a thread on this. If you push the truck off-roading, the frame around a motor mount could crack.

 

As far as inspection I am requesting pictures of the frame and owner history and I'm flying out in person to inspect it myself and pick it up and drive it back. Phoenix seems better but if the model I want is else where I will go there. I am looking at around 2016 model year or so. Everything is V6 auto it seems. I found one with a manual trans with 160k miles. I believe that's about the time it will probably be due for a clutch soon.

 

One of the trucks I found the guy says the car fax when he bought it said it spent 10 years maybe in Washington state. Any info on rust situation in Washington state? He is sending pictures and I will check that out before I would consider flying out.