Tacoma Purchase

Hey everybody, this is my first post.

I have been doing my research for a while and finally paid off my other truck. I have decided that I want to get a Tacoma as it should fit my needs well.

I'm looking at '05 to new models with double cab or crew cab, V6, 4x4, and automatic.

The truck will be a daily driver, used to pull the malibu, and for hunting.

I had a few questions for you guys.

I have noticed most of the used trucks have high mileage, a lot higher it seems than other trucks. I've heard they are supposed to be bullet proof but at what point would it be a concern? I'm thinking I want less than 60k on it but it seems hard to come by.

Double vs Crew cab. Is there noticeably more interior space?

Also on these models is there any things i need to look at in particular when checking trucks out?

And I plan on immediately adding small lift to run 33s as soon as i purchase. Unless I can find one already lifted. Will 3" do the job?

Sorry for the long post just trying to learn all I can. I'm excited I have wanted a Tacoma since about 6 months after purchasing my current truck 4 years ago and am about to get one.

This should be the first of many posts.

 

Welcome to TW.

Mileage shouldn't scare you on these trucks. I saw one on here the other day with 250k miles and he said he hadn't had any major problems up to this point. With that said, it is always better to find the lowest miles possible, if for nothing else, resale value in the future.

Double vs Crew? Are you thinking Access cab vs Double Cab? If so, there is a big difference. The double cab will seat 5 comfortably, the access cab is basically just for extra space inside the cab. It would depend on what you plan on using it for.

Check the wheel and tire section for fitment issues.

 

I have just noticed that some 4 doors are listed as crew instead of double cab and appear to have a longer cab. It may be just a longer bed that makes the rest of the truck appear longer.

 

There is DCLB (Double Cab Long Bed -6 foot bed) and DCSB (Double Cab Short Bed - 5 foot bed). I believe the Tundra has both Double and Crew, but the only options for Tacoma are Access and Double.

 

Crew cab = double cab.
There is a short & long bed, that is something to consider, also 3" will suffice to run 33s you just have to trim a bit. As far as bullet proof, the tricks are outstanding & last a long time with proper maintenance.

 

Welcome to TW! You'll find a lot of good information on here, but hang onto your wallet you'll get the mod bug before long!

 

You'll see both Double Cab and Access Cab models.

Double Cab is four full doors that all open independently.

Access Cab is two full doors and two half (suicide style) doors that only open when the full doors are open.

The Access Cab rear seats are best described as a "jump seat" and I cannot imagine being comfortable for any length of time and especially for an adult. They are best for children. There are two jump seats in the Access Cab models.

Later model years (2009+) will have a few more traction modes.

 

I think I'll be ok with the mod bug. I've gotten kind of tired of wrenching on my toys all the time for now.

I'm just looking forward to having a reliable 4x4 that I can turn key and do whatever I have to do without worrying about my truck.

My experience with my current truck has literally been nothing short of a horror story.

I literally cannot wait to get into a tacoma just have to find a deal.

It seems like the used prices are ridiculous here in TX. I see all these posts on the forum from guys purchases and all the trucks I have seen are quite a bit higher in price. Does 19-20k sound right for a 06-08 4x4 DC V6 with near or over 100k?

 

I signed my life away for almost 20k for my 2006 Double Cab 4x4 Sport with the tow package, and it had 109,000. So ya those prices seem about right. Really depending on your budget they range from 20k to 30k depending on Year, Milage and options. I recommend the Double cab as i love having the back seats for bigger things i don't want in the bed, Like snowboards when i park the truck... That kind of stuff.

You have the option to lift it 3" or you can go D.B. which means Drop Bracket and they come in a 4.5 and 6. The DB lifts are gonna be a less off road capable because you have to drop your crossmember which doesnt help Ground Clearance. You Can fit up to 35s on a 6" and ive seen plenty of members with 33s on a 3" lift.

You have alot of choices when it comes to three inch lifts, You can find yourself spending over 2 Grand on a really nice 3" set up. Any idea on a price range for lift?

 

Hi all,
Just curious as to what some are including in an emergency road/ repair kits. Doing some research on what others are carrying.

Thanks,
Red Dream

 

I've seen alot with that kind of mileage. You haven't had any issues with it? Just kind of intimidating, i bought my current truck new its an 05 and it only has 80k.

Plan on doing the lift myself. Just a 3 inch and 33"s on 15 or 16 inch rims. In order to have a little more ground clearance and have some more rubber for sketchy boat launches and those remote hunting spots while not murdering gas mileage.

I'm hoping to find an 06-07 with under 100k miles for under 20. Has to be v6, 4x4, and has to be 4 door. Hopefully with the hood scoop. I like it haha.

I was looking into the 6 speed standard but heard it gets worse mileage and isn't all that great.

I'm not in any rush and going to try to take my time waiting for the right deal.

 

You need to look for a TRD Sport

 

You can rule out 15 inch wheels. The do not fit over the front brake calipers (05 and up). Some 16's have fitment issues as well, it just depends on the particular wheel.

 

So just to clarify that my searching on the forum is correct.

I can just use bilstein 5100s, or also eibach coils and maybe add a leaf to run 285/75/16 with aftermarket wheels and correct backspacing and some trimming.

I will have to stick with 16-17" wheels.

My current truck is stock and I'm running 325/60/20s just had to do a little trimming/ hammering. I'm also getting between 11-14 mpg and I have 2wd.

Hoping to find the right deal on a Taco soon.

 

And I plan on immediately after purchase upgrading to run 285's. I am figuring the lift etc. Into my budget.

I have no desire to add exhaust or anything else for now besides maybe daylighters. I am so sick of hearing the exhaust constantly in my current truck I think ill be content never hearing motor noise again!!

 

285s would fit with that suspension set up, But with probably at least a CMC. Getting the full 3" lift will really cut down on the trimming your going to have to do, But i recommend going billys all around with maybe a 2" AAL or even a 3" Dakar pack. Its a little more expensive but in my opinion, ALOT easier and alot better. If your keeping it cheap then i would at least do Billys all around. If you do decide to go full 3", You might need UCAs and you should also talk to OZ-T if he posts on this thread about the shims on the dakars.

Get a TRD sport, Try and get one with TRD exhaust and the TRD cold air and you will love the sound, Its really famous around here for exhaust upgrades. I can fit brand new 265 BFgoodrich AT TA KO with no rubbing at all. Im sure Billys all around and an AAL would work for me.

 

Good luck finding what your looking for. 3 inch and 33's are good combo

 

WTF?

 

I went shopping for the access cab since we do not have any kids at home. A couple of test rides later it dawned on me the visibility out of the crew cab was vastly superior. Quickly decided I would rather have the room inside the cab instead of outside since I didnt want the truck to be to long.
But you can always get a crew cab with a long bed as well if you need the bed space.

 

Alright, I've been reading and searching for a while now and have a question about the lift and tire size.

I want to run the 285/75/16s. I have read a ton of conflicting opinions on this.

If I just do the 5100s or 5100+eibach coils and an aal out back can I run them?

Im not scared of a little trimming and what not been through that before on other trucks.

Also does anybody have recommendations on rims? I like a nice aggressive offset on the tacos and don't want to have to run spacers. I don't care for too much flash. Probably end up goin with black steelies.