Possible new owner needs help

Hello,

I'm new to this site and just wanted to ask a couple questions. I'm thinking about getting a double cab tacoma to replace my dodge durango. I've had the durango for 3 years and never had any problems with it, but the 11 mpg in the city is getting a little old.
What I am looking for is probably an 05-06 double cab. Is there anything that I should look for that are problems with them? I will need a 4x4 because of the winters here, but I hardly ever go off-roading. I probably won't be towing anything soon, but I might get jet skis or a boat later on.
So what would be the best option for me? I'm looking used and 2 of them already have a bull bar on the front which looks really good IMO.

Thanks for anything that you can help me with.
Brandon

 

I've Had 3 Taco's 04', 05' & 06' All Double Cabs. Best Mid Size Truck Out There. Lot's Of Cool Mods You Can Find Out About Right Here On Tacoma Forum. Check Them Out And Get To Wrenching.
Good Luck.
Longhorn

 

If you can afford it...get everything you can get (4x4, towing package,etc).

You mentioned you hardly go offroading but need the 4WD for the winters... I would recommend getting a Limited Slip rear differential. Or get the TRD Sport model which has the LSD in it (plus the cool hood scoop, color keyed bumpers, etc)

Before settle on a used one - make sure you price the new ones. Lots of people have been bargaining and getting invoice pricing on the newer trucks. You're better off getting new if the prices are similar or close.

 

Definitely get 4X4 with the TRD Sport. Even if you don't tow you should get the tow package for resale purposes. Most people buy the V6 to tow. If you get used make sure you find one with good aftermarket tires because I don't recommend the stock Dunlops for anything more than a light puddle.

 

4x4 TRD Sport sounds like its what you need.

 

Is the tacomas trd sport the only ones with the hood scoop?

 

They are the only ones with the scoop from the factory, yes.

A lot of people have added the scoop aftermarket (I myself plan on doing so). If your looking at Used Trucks make sure it actually has the TRD Package and not just the sticker. I have seen a lot of dealers advertising TRD Tacos that are not TRD. Look for the upgraded seats as the dead give away.

 

What do the upgraded seats look like?

 

Hold on and I'll post a pic of mine.
Edit:
Here are my TRD Seats.

 

i have a 2005 doublecab prerunner that fits my every needs. I live around the snow and with my limited slip diffs I have absolutely no problems driving around. I suggest a prerunner because its thousands less if you dont need the 4x4 why not. just a little word for something to consider.

 

Check to make sure important TSBs have been completed. Especially if the truck is out of warranty.
The most important one to me is the rear leaf spring replacement.
The TSBs are listed at the top of the forum.

 

I am i the same situation there as I am looking to get rid of my 05 Explorer 4x4 for a double cab Tacoma. I have an 09 already on the build list V6 with SR5#2, tow package, 6 disc with controls, limited slip, and a couple of other things. Since nothing is out on the 09's yet we built it as close to what I would want in an 08 as we could. Finding a 4x4 is hard enough here in the South and then even harder with the tow package and at least the SR5#2. Good luck on your search.

 

If I posted some links of some that I was looking at, would you guys help me to see if they are the TRD Sports?

 

Welcome Brandon! Glad to see another Kansan on here. We are damn near neighbors. The TRD Sport double cabs are NICE. You're right the 4x4 comes in handy in the winter. The tow package also has advantages besides the hitch. The tow package includes a transmission cooler, a bigger alternator, and battery. Unless the owner has de-badged it, the Sport models have a TRD Sport sticker on the side behind the rear tire.

 

Thanks, yeah topeka is only about 30-45 minutes to get to from my house. The reason I asked for the help is because I have a friend that works as a used car manager and is going to be getting the tacoma for me. He said to send him the links to the trucks and he would call the dealership and ask if he can buy it at wholesale.
So now I am on a mission to find one that I like, but it's kind of hard since all I have is the dealer pictures of them. I'm looking up to 500 miles of my zip code. Can anyone on here run carfaxs and how would I know if the TSB's have been done?

Thanks everyone so far with the help with this

 

You can tell if the rear leaf spring TSB has been done by counting the number of leafs in the rear leaf springs. They have 3 leafs when stock. The TSB upgrades them to 4 leafs on each side...

 

Make sure you go to edmunds.com or kbb.com and price the truck your interested in. No point in paying more than you absolutely have to... knowledge is power.

 

With the dc you can only get the V-6, so expect 17-19 mpg. It would be a safe bet to get a towing package, but not needed, a hitch will do if you're not towing far. Other than that I would think a SR5 will fit your needs well.

 

I have an 07 that I get a consitent 18.4 mpg in the city and thats with oversized tires. I bought the base model DC 4x4 and paid 24,700. I have'nt gotten it stuck yet. I drive alot on the beach in soft sand and through big mud puddles to get to my fishing spots. Even with out the trd you should be alright.

 

I found a black 2006 double cab sport. It has aftermarket rims (that are chipping chrome) and leather. It has 31500 miles and they want $25,950 for it. It is worth trying to talk them down or should I try to get a 2005 with a few more miles for like $6000 less?