Never Owned a Taco - what can I do to make her last

Hey all - this is the first car that I have owned myself in several years and I want to make sure it lasts forever and gives me enough time to mod it the way I've wanted to for a while.

Before I start any cosmetic mods, I need some help in identifying maintenance schedules to keep it running and key mechanical pieces I should replace/improve.

2005 Double Cab TRD V6 - 226k miles, 1 previous owner

 

protecting your frame inside and out with something like fluid film might not be a bad idea. After all these trucks are known to have frame corrosion issues.

EDIT: Sorry, I should have been a little more detailed with my comment initially. As ThePositiveWay mentions in the next post "Get under the truck and inspect the frame before you do anything else", because all the fluid film in the world won't help you if your frame already looks like swiss cheese.

 

Get under the truck and inspect the frame before you do anything else. Since you're in an '05 you should also be wary of your head gasket and motor mounts, there were issues with '05 and early '06. As for maintenance, there's a nice write up here

2nd Gen DIY Maintenance Quick Reference Guide | Tacoma World

 

Catch up on regular maintenance.

 

Install a condensate drain extension for the HVAC system. It will use about 18 inches of 3/8" ID clear tube. Route the tube so that it empties BELOW the frame.
Whomever approved allowing the HVAC to drain ONTO the frame next to the catalytic converter should burn in hell.

 

Welcome here and welcome to Taco-land. I hope you enjoy it.

Don’t be shy about asking questions. No one here will do anything but try to help.

 

Agree.

 

OEM Filters, quality lubricants, don't skip scheduled maintenance. If the tie rod ends and sway bar links are original, it's time for some new ones. If you lift it, you will have needle bearing issues on driver side diff shaft. Leveling doesn't seem to trigger. Check your front wheel bearings. Use OEM or better parts for repairs. If you keep it looking nice, you'll be more inclined to keep it running well.

 

Many vehicles have the A/C drain where is drips onto the body/frame, Ford did one better on the 11-16 Super Dutys and put a main wiring harness directly under the A/C drain.

Agree it's a good idea to route the drain to a better spot.

 

Welcome to TW! Your truck is 19 years old with 226,000 miles, as dependable as Tacos are you can expect some problems and failures along the way with that many miles. If you don’t have prior maintenance records you need to do complete maintenance- tune up, plugs, clean maf etc. and carefully inspect everything else. In addition replace all fluids.
What’s going to determine how long your Taco lasts is how well it was maintained by previous owner. If possible get the maintenance and repair records from the prior owner.

 

And wouldn’t you know it…. I did the foolish thing and purchased it before I got it inspected…. Got it inspected today and there’s rust all throughout the frame.

 

If you stay on this board long enough you should ask “ how do I protect my wallet “

 

If you have any way of reversing the purchase of that truck, do it. You won't be keeping that truck either way.

 

Oh no....

 

The option I see right now is purchasing a new frame and eating that cost ~ $6k or selling the car for parts.

The dealership (used car) said they want to have me bring it by and inspect it with me there and discuss options…. I’m not hopeful.

 

Take that thing right back, if you're in a state with state inspections then they should have to take it back as there is zero way that would pass

 

You should research the lemon law in your state. Good luck.

 

what options do you think are available beyond the ones I outlined?

 

Many states you can return a car to a dealer for various reasons; when did you buy it and what state do you live in?

 

im in CO. I bought it yesterday. It’s a used car dealership and they didn’t have any warranty offered so I think I am SOL