New 2005 Tacoma Prerunner owner checking in

My 2002 Ford Ranger 3.0 V6 with 190K on the clock threw a piston rod, so I couldn't resist the opportunity to pick up a 2005 Prerunner with 72K miles. It was 16K out the door, 14K even before all associated taxes and fees.

The truck came with the factory tow package with oil & transmission cooler, as well as the rear differential locker. In addition it has a brand new frame and leaf springs due to the recall. It rides like a brand new truck and doesn't need a damn thing at the moment.

I tried to get the dealer to move more on the price, but in lieu of any further discounts, the dealership offered me $500 worth of parts from their service department, priced out at the rate that they pay Toyota for them.

My inclination was to get some parts that I know will need replacing down the line, struts, brake kit, spark plugs etc. However, I was wondering if ya'll had any other suggestions for things that the dealer carries that might be more useful than what I currently had in mind.

I appreciate your input. Glad to be a part of the community.

 

Welcome to TW. You can do better with aftermarket suspension compared to OEM. But the early 2nd gens have an issue with the headlight DRLs burning, and you just missed the free replacement window. I would suggest inspecting your headlights and possibly using your credit for getting replacements at a discount. You can also get factory smoked lights to look slightly more aggressive, part numbers and picture examples of the stock vs smoked here (scroll down a bit):
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-not-led-or-hid.398066/

 

Hello and welcome.i have a 05 acess cab 4x4 off road package.no drl,s on 05.also lucky in frame new leafs new lower control arms brake lines rear wire harness ect...You do to read your repair slip or look around in here.i have 85,000 miles on mine no major problems.So look around and congrats.

 

Good advice on the headlights. I ended up ordering the smoked ones to replace my originals, along with a new center console hinge and two clips for the radiator since I figured I'd probably end up breaking the current ones in the process of taking the grill out to replace the headlights. Damages came out to 482 at dealer cost.

Check engine light came on tonight and the truck is getting abysmal gas mileage since it came on. Probably the spark plugs. Going to run to the auto store tomorrow to diagnose it and get new plugs. I traveled 50 miles and used about 5 gallons of gas in the process. Motor runs smooth despite the CEL, plugs are definitely the suspect as they are one component I failed to check at the dealership before purchasing the truck.