Thinking about a Tacoma... [Archive]

Purple People Eater

07-08-2008, 01:06 AM

So I rolled my Jeep on Friday (Well, the OTHER guy ran the red light) and now I have to replace it. I've been drooling over the newer (2005+) Taco's for a while, and this is an excuse to act on buying one.

What should I look for? What should I stay away from? What kind of problems do they have that might need immediate attention? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

maxama10

07-08-2008, 01:47 AM

TRD Off Road.

Things you will need done,

Tailgate TSB, not sure if this is already done on the new 09's

Address the weak leafs in the rear with something, new leaf pack, 4pack TSB, or AAL.

You'll probably bust off the mud flaps the first couple times out, so you'll probably want to trim them.

Edit: If you're buying used, avoid the 05's, they seem to be plagued (like all new models) with problems the 06's and above don't seem to have as often. (weak frames tranny problems etc etc..)

IMO.

Purple People Eater

07-08-2008, 01:57 AM

I'm sorry... TSB?

greenhorn

07-08-2008, 01:58 AM

The first batch of the TRD Offroad '05's had some issues with rear end problems, but most of those have been already fixed. I love my '06 DCab TRD. With the factory rear locker, it is a very capable rig. Try to go for a double cab, it has alot more room. I recommend the V6. Once loaded, the 4 banger doesn't get that better milage. Good luck with the search. I know your down a rig, but try to take your time to find the right one. Good luck with the search.:26_7_2:

mcm4090

07-08-2008, 02:05 AM

I'm sorry... TSB?
Technical Service Bulletin

Rexsname

07-08-2008, 02:21 AM

Have a plan. Before you begin spending money on your new Tacoma, have a plan. Are you going to go with a RTT? A camper shell/topper? A Flip-Pac? I think your plan to buy a Tacoma is a good one, don't get me wrong. I just wish I had a plan when I started mine. If you have a plan you only need to modify it once.

I hope all goes well with the Cherokee situation.

I think it would be wise to NOT remove the mud flaps, DPS has a "thing" for pick-ups without mud flaps.

REX

Purple People Eater

07-08-2008, 02:38 AM

Have a plan. Before you begin spending money on your new Tacoma, have a plan. Are you going to go with a RTT? A camper shell/topper? A Flip-Pac? I think your plan to buy a Tacoma is a good one, don't get me wrong. I just wish I had a plan when I started mine. If you have a plan you only need to modify it once.REX

The plan is a 3" Old Man Emu suspension, ARB bullbar with M8000, swingout rear bumper, RTT (how to apply it is gonna be a project...), sliders. No topper, no flip-pac. I have a dream, but it's the hidden technicalities I need help with.

Cackalak Han

07-08-2008, 03:42 PM

Do you need a Double Cab? Extra cab will be less expensive, so if you're single or have no kids with none planned in the near future, Extra Cab will leave you with Extra Cash to do whatever, and it will get you a 6' bed. DC's also come with a long bed option, but you can't get it with the TRD package. And definitely get the TRD Off-Road (with the rear locker). And definitely the 4.0L V6. I think it's one of the best engines Toyota has produced.

I went from a Jeep (ZJ) to a Toyota and haven't looked back. Good luck with the purchase.

Streakerfreak

07-08-2008, 03:56 PM

The plan is a 3" Old Man Emu suspension, ARB bullbar with M8000, swingout rear bumper, RTT (how to apply it is gonna be a project...), sliders. No topper, no flip-pac. I have a dream, but it's the hidden technicalities I need help with.

I would start looking at people's rigs on here. Its a great way to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the new Tacoma's and to see what works and what does not. I would most definitely check out TacoDocs build and others of course. TacoDoc has a great set up for his RTT. Its heavy, but it seems bulletproof.

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521

maxama10

07-08-2008, 05:02 PM

TSB's are where Toyota knows the messed up but will only fess up to it if you have a problem under warranty and take it in to be fixed. So they know that the tailgates are weak and bend in the middle, if you take it in they will add reinforcement to the inside of it. Or the springs, they bottom out with a light load and so Toyota will replace the original spring back with a 4pack(3springs 1overload).

No, I'd keep on the rear mudflaps just cut them down to size some. You could take off the front or cut those down too, my front flaps drug on the ground just driving over a curb or such so I just cut them down. IIRC the 05's had different mud flaps from the 06's and on.

I personally like an RTT to be just over the bed. I think it looks better that way but TACODOC's setup is pretty sweet all the same. I've seen some guys mount theirs to to bars that sit on the bed side and then bolt to the bed rails(tie down rails).

I think you ought to check out Phil's truck (streakerfreak)http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9846
He's got a nice rig with an awesome swingout, I'm envious at least...

Yeah, the 05's had some problems, like the rear diff, or some frames cracking or caving in. Things to that degree. Not to say that can't happen on the 06 plus but I think Toyota got the bugs all worked out of the newer year trucks.

Hope this helps some.
-Max

taco chaser

07-08-2008, 05:10 PM

Go with an older gen Tacoma, they are way more over built compared to the new chevota tacanyons and make for a much better trail rig due to size, less blind spots/ taller windows, almost fully boxed frames, not riveted C channel that will have serious rust issues behind all the riveted components, the shackles are a standard drop shackle not chevy style, steel gas tank skid plate not plastic, a real sheet metal bed not plastic, push button on the stick 4x4 not in dash/ hard to work on/ click twice one way than click the other way until it disengages head ache. The only thing that i have replaced on my 02 due to possible failure has been the water pump, timing belt and thats just maintenance after a 100,000 miles. The only thing cool about the 06+ is the more powerful v6 and the larger rear axle... IMO. oh oh stirring the fire.....

Bergger

07-08-2008, 06:09 PM

While there are things I do like about the new Tacomas I generally agree with the above post. I absolutely love my 2003 Double Cab. Plenty of room for the family and so far it has been absolutely bullet proof. Not one issue. Check out both models. They are both great trucks with +'s and -'s. I'm sure you'll be happy with either.

Cackalak Han

07-08-2008, 06:36 PM

If I wanted to get one today, this would be the one I'd pick up (on the condition that it's clean)

http://saltlakecity.craigslist.org/car/739089301.html

KG6BWS

07-08-2008, 06:45 PM

while i dont know about the 05+ models, i dont think you could go wrong with an older tacoma. i absolutely LOVE my 04 double cab!!! my :2cents:

Streakerfreak

07-08-2008, 06:49 PM

The 05+ Tacoma's are great trucks and one of the most aggressive looking trucks on the road right now. Don't let anyone convince you they are not worth it... THEY ARE!

If your afraid of electronics don't buy one, but remember you will never be able to buy a newer vehicle ever again since this is the way new vehicles are. People can't seem to face this little fact. Also, don't let anyone fool you into thinking the beds are as worthless as Tupperware. The Composite beds are one of the things I love. All three of my older trucks, which were two Nissan Hardbodies and one Frontier, rusted through the beds. I stepped down on my 95 and my foot went right through. So I love the Composite beds.

The bugs seemed to have been worked out since 2005. You should be happy with any year Tacoma you get though. Both generations are great trucks.

SAR_Squid79

07-08-2008, 07:11 PM

If you buy an '05+ Tacoma and you're planning on an OME lift, here is a thread and write-up on a 2006 Tacoma that I put an OME 3" lift (and Total Chaos UCA's) on.

FYI

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82383
(Scroll down to post #8)

But . . . FWIW - I agree with Taco Chaser 100%. I believe the '98 - '04 Tacomas are the absolute best. Specifically - If I had it to do over, I would get the lowest mileage 2002 Tacoma that I could find. They changed / tweaked a few things in 2003 that I didn't like. http://www.ttora.com/forum/images/smilies/twocents.gif

Jacket

07-08-2008, 08:07 PM

Here we go again :rolleyes:

Streakerfreak

07-08-2008, 08:10 PM

Here we go again :rolleyes:

:elkgrin: You know it has to happen from time to time.

If you want to see a battle tested new Tacoma check out Jacket's truck and the fun he has with it.

DaveInDenver

07-08-2008, 08:21 PM

People saying first gen Tacos are the bee's knees, they have some significant issues to know about. For example, there's a ball joint recall on 750,000+ '01-'04 Tacos, the frame issue on 800,000+ '95-'00 Tacomas and some other non-trivial recalls. Don't get all blinded by the stigma, early Tacomas had growing pains as Toyota transitioned production and design from Japanese-made Hilux lineage to North American-only Tacoma. There are things I definitely think Toyota did wrong with the 2nd gen Tacoma, electronic shift t-case, upside-down shackles, etc. But I don't think it's fair to assume that the trucks themselves are anything but as well or better made than Tacos made 10 years ago. I think Toyota probably learned from the frame rust-through problem for sure and newer frames might not be fully boxed, but probably retain less residual moisture and are better protected against rust issues. My personal feeling is that if I had to choice solely on merits and price (features and frivolous stuff aside), I would pick the newest Tacoma of whatever generation I could afford and be happy.

Purple People Eater

07-08-2008, 08:56 PM

The reason behind wanting one of the newer generation Tacos is because I want as low amount of miles as possible. I like the 2001-2004 Tacomas, but all the ones I see have at LEAST 50,000 miles on them. Now, I know that's not even a quarter of their life span, but I put 25,000 miles a year on my vehicle, and I want it to last as long as possible. I like the interior of the new ones better than the previous generation, and that's important to me. The only thing I dislike is the turny-knob-dealy 4wd. I wish it was manual. I like how the doors are thicker and seem beefier. The '01-'04 doors seem to be sheetmetal thin. It's probably safe, but I was just involved in a rollover, and right now, I need that peace of mind. But I've test driven both, and it seems like the new generation handles better and is more comfortable on the highway, another bump. New Tacoma wins.

I see what you're saying about whether or not I need the double cab. I'm not married and don't plan on having kids for at least another 5 years or so. I could use that extra foot in the bed for a tool box or something. Does anybody know if I can fit a fridge in the back seat of an access cab?

Streakerfreak

07-08-2008, 08:59 PM

I see what you're saying about whether or not I need the double cab. I'm not married and don't plan on having kids for at least another 5 years or so. I could use that extra foot in the bed for a tool box or something. Does anybody know if I can fit a fridge in the back seat of an access cab?

I love my access cab and it works great since its just Jenn and I, but if I really need to carry another person or two I can. I also value the extra foot. I don't know what I would do without it sometimes. As far as fitting a fridge I am not sure. Some one should know.

Streakerfreak

07-08-2008, 09:08 PM

Here check out Overland Hadley's build to see what he has done to his back seat area of his access cab. You can see about how much room we have in the back.

http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8350&page=6
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8350&page=20

Purple People Eater

07-08-2008, 09:15 PM

Cackalak Han

07-08-2008, 09:22 PM

Sweeet. Thanks. I'm sure an Engel 45 would fit back there...

Yeah, the only complaint I have heard about the access cabs is that you cannot open the rear up for better access. Other than that, the AC should be a better fit for you. Wish I had a 6' bed so I could sleep in the back...

Purple People Eater

07-08-2008, 09:29 PM

Yeah, the only complaint I have heard about the access cabs is that you cannot open the rear up for better access.

What do you mean? From the pictures it looks like the rear doors are suicide, and open for pretty easy access... ?

Streakerfreak

07-08-2008, 09:34 PM

What do you mean? From the pictures it looks like the rear doors are suicide, and open for pretty easy access... ?

They are and the rear end opens up pretty well for me. I can put the seats down and utilize it as a bench with storage below or I can put the seats up.

Please explain what you mean?

Yeah, the only complaint I have heard about the access cabs is that you cannot open the rear up for better access.

Were talking about 05+ access cabs which have 4 doors (two normal, two suicide)

Cackalak Han

07-08-2008, 09:41 PM

What do you mean? From the pictures it looks like the rear doors are suicide, and open for pretty easy access... ?

Oops, sorry. Still in the 01-04 mode. :costumed-smiley-007

DaveInDenver

07-08-2008, 10:07 PM

Oops, sorry. Still in the 01-04 mode. :costumed-smiley-007
And the XtraCab on this generation, like mine, would be a pain to get a bigger fridge back there. It would probably fit, but you might have to take a seat out to get it back there.

Streakerfreak

07-08-2008, 11:52 PM

If you have not had the need for lockers yet, you might want to look for a V6 SR5 Access Cab. It will be cheaper and you can always add the extra stuff later and come out about even with the price of the off-road and you will have better stuff. The bilsteins that come with the off-road version, while still good, are bottom of the barrel ones. Other then that all you are really getting are a few more electrics in the cab, slightly different tuning for the suspension, a locker, and some cool stickers.

That's just my opinion and its the way I went. Yes, I wish I could have a locker already in place since I can't afford one yet, but I am doing just fine without one.

There is nothing wrong with getting an off road version though. I would have if I had the money.

Purple People Eater

07-09-2008, 12:52 AM

I'm going out to test drive a little more. Big Two Toyota is gonna start rolling their eyes when they see me soon.

Cackalak Han

07-09-2008, 12:59 AM

Streakerfreak

07-09-2008, 02:09 AM

If buying new, that makes sense. If buying used, though, I'd opt for the TRD OR, since you probably won't see much price difference, if at all. Actually, with the current economy, you could probably bargain for a really good deal for a TRD OR that's already on the lot.

Very true.

maxama10

07-09-2008, 02:10 AM

Well, I don't know where but I know I've seen some sort of custom tray for the fridge in the back seat of an access cab.

Purple People Eater

07-09-2008, 02:13 AM

I went to the dealer just now, and with about 75 Tacomas on the lot, there was 1... ONE... uno... a single... access cab 4x4. It was a 2009 without TRD OR. And it was a poopy brown color.

UUUGGHHHH.

Streakerfreak

07-09-2008, 02:14 AM

I went to the dealer just now, and with about 75 Tacomas on the lot, there was 1... ONE... uno... a single... access cab 4x4. It was a 2009 without TRD OR. And it was a poopy brown color.

UUUGGHHHH.

Your kidding me?! Wow, usually there is more then that. Any other dealers in your area?

Purple People Eater

07-09-2008, 03:15 AM

Your kidding me?! Wow, usually there is more then that. Any other dealers in your area?

They had a boatload of prerunners. I guess people just want a beefy looking truck without having another reason to even have it. The sales guy said he's never sold one to somebody who plans on actually using it intensely.

Streakerfreak

07-09-2008, 03:52 AM

They had a boatload of prerunners. I guess people just want a beefy looking truck without having another reason to even have it. The sales guy said he's never sold one to somebody who plans on actually using it intensely.

Were they willing to look for one at other dealerships for you? Mine was found about 200 miles away and they did there thing to get it to my dealership.

I had an 05 Radiant Red 4cyl Access Cab. I did not like the 4cyl so a week after I got it I traded it in for a V6 and since I had already bought a matching canopy I wanted the same color V6.

Cackalak Han

07-09-2008, 12:53 PM

They had a boatload of prerunners. I guess people just want a beefy looking truck without having another reason to even have it. The sales guy said he's never sold one to somebody who plans on actually using it intensely.

That's what you get for living down south. :shakin: It's just the opposite here--most are 4x4's with very few prerunners. You might want to start calling out of state dealers.

maxama10

07-09-2008, 06:06 PM

That's what you get for living down south. :shakin: It's just the opposite here--most are 4x4's with very few prerunners. You might want to start calling out of state dealers.

:iagree: :elkgrin:

Purple People Eater

07-09-2008, 10:21 PM

I can't count my chickens before they hatch. I gotta wait for that check first.

Rob O

07-09-2008, 11:41 PM

They had a boatload of prerunners. I guess people just want a beefy looking truck without having another reason to even have it. The sales guy said he's never sold one to somebody who plans on actually using it intensely.

Then you didn't talk to the sales guy I bought from at Big Two. :-P Mine will see plenty of trails ... as soon as I find time. :-/
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2462697805_88ba787c3b.jpg

Fact is, in AZ, 2WD trucks (in general) outsell 4WD 10-to-1 and the ratio is probably even higher when comparing Tacoma PreRunner to 4x4 models.

I shopped Valley dealers for a couple mos watching and waiting for one with the color/trim/spec I wanted. There were 4 or 5 4x4 DC TRD ORs at any given time; 4x4 TRD Sports sold as fast as they came in (okay with me, I didn't want one) while the lots were swimming with PreRunners in every manner of trim.

weezerbot

07-09-2008, 11:43 PM

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/car/748462039.html

Is this the poopy brown one you were talking about?
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/car/746033507.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/car/746026695.html

This one is ready for ya!
http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/car/745107533.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/car/746422835.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/car/742662924.html

Happy hunting!

Purple People Eater

07-10-2008, 11:39 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/2462697805_88ba787c3b.jpg

How much do you want for your truck, Rob O? She's a beaut.

If I do get one of the older... er... previous models, it's gotta be along the lines of these:

Silver '03 TRD w/ 51K (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=241382759&dealer_id=62287293&car_year=2003&model=TACOMA&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&start_year=2002&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=6+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=1361507&make=TOYOTA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=15000&drive=4+wheel+drive&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=75000&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=85225&advanced=y&end_year=2004&doors=&transmission=Automatic&max_price=20000&cardist=33)

or

Red '04 TRD w/ 68K... purdy. (http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=245517436&dealer_id=66849&car_year=2004&model=TACOMA&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&start_year=2002&keywordsfyc=&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&keywordsrep=&engine=6+Cylinder&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=1361507&make=TOYOTA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=15000&drive=4+wheel+drive&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=75000&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=85225&advanced=y&end_year=2004&doors=&transmission=Automatic&max_price=20000&cardist=18)

Purple People Eater

07-11-2008, 07:36 PM

Streakerfreak

07-11-2008, 07:52 PM

Just went and test drove a new Nissan Frontier. I like the handling better than the Tacoma, and they're a little more moderately priced. But it's so low to the ground...

I looked at a 2005 with 32K miles on it, NISMO, silver, and the guy offered me $15,000 out the door. I could go for something like that.

Sorry about the Nissan talk in the Toyota section, I'm just exploring my options. I'm still open to opinions, too.

Nothing wrong with that. The Frontiers are great trucks. Thats a great deal on a NISMO. I would go for that if I were you. After market is not as good as Tacomas, but its getting better.

I went with a 05+ Tacoma instead of the 05+ Frontier only because I like the styling better on the new Tacomas.

viatierra

07-14-2008, 09:12 PM

If you wanted a new one... just order it and get exactly what you want. Takes a bit longer, but you can't put a price on happiness!

Purple People Eater

07-14-2008, 10:41 PM

If you wanted a new one... just order it and get exactly what you want. Takes a bit longer, but you can't put a price on happiness!

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!!!

You can't put a price on happiness, but if I can't afford a new 2009, putting myself in a boatload of debt will not make me happy.

If the accident settlement gets me $40,000+, I'll probably do that. But until I know how much I'm getting, I'm trying to keep it in the low $20,000 range. A 2009, ordered the way I want it is going to be around $30,000.

A brand new 2009 TRD in ExPo white would be nice, though. :rolleyes:

Oh, and by the way... I just read your truck build. It's perfect. Great motivation for a youngun like myself.

Cackalak Han

07-14-2008, 10:47 PM

A brand new 2009 TRD in ExPo white would be nice, though. :rolleyes:

Don't you know red is the new white??!! Red Tacoma's look the best. :truck:

Purple People Eater

07-14-2008, 11:05 PM

Don't you know red is the new white??!! Red Tacoma's look the best. :truck:

I like red as well. It's my #2 choice.

Streakerfreak

07-14-2008, 11:22 PM

Don't you know red is the new white??!! Red Tacoma's look the best. :truck:

I would agree:elkgrin:

Lost Canadian

07-15-2008, 08:00 AM

You guys are sooooo behind in the times. It's all about the gentlemans black.
http://TrevorBrown.smugmug.com/photos/331764655_oRSTv-M.jpg

maxama10

07-15-2008, 02:40 PM

AdventureNorth?

Purple People Eater

07-15-2008, 03:46 PM

You guys are sooooo behind in the times. It's all about the gentlemans black.
http://TrevorBrown.smugmug.com/photos/331764655_oRSTv-M.jpg

I love black. If I lived in Ontario, sure. But in Phoenix... not so much.

Cackalak Han

07-15-2008, 08:11 PM

You guys are sooooo behind in the times. It's all about the gentlemans black.

I thought BLACK WAS THE NEW PINK (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/337768.stm)

:victory:

Redline

07-15-2008, 09:02 PM

I scanned the whole thread but didn't read every word, maybe this was mentioned?

2008 Tacomas are a great deal now if you are going to finance. Zero % for 48-months on Tacomas!

p1michaud

07-16-2008, 12:21 PM

Unfortunately there can only be one official ExPo color see here for the full story, starting at post # 142:

Adventure Red (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=941&page=15) :shakin:

Cheers,
P

98roamer

07-16-2008, 03:50 PM

I'm sure you checked out http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/vehicles/feature_vehicle/2005_Nissan_Frontier.php

Just went and test drove a new Nissan Frontier. I like the handling better than the Tacoma, and they're a little more moderately priced. But it's so low to the ground...

I looked at a 2005 with 32K miles on it, NISMO, silver, and the guy offered me $15,000 out the door. I could go for something like that.

Sorry about the Nissan talk in the Toyota section, I'm just exploring my options. I'm still open to opinions, too.