2005 Tacoma V6 SR5 Access Cab Worth it?

Hey all, I'm new here but I thought I would just jump right in and get some opinions from the experts.

I'm currently looking to upgrade trucks and am pretty set on getting a Tacoma of some type but I have very limited knowledge when it comes to what is a good Tacoma, a bad Tacoma, and all the little ins and outs there in.

I've currently got a old 1989 Ford F250 with a few hundred thousand miles on it and big giant 7 liter V8 in it that flys through gas like crazy. I do light landscaping and yard maintenance work and need a truck for work but the old beast is overkill for what I use it for and I would like something with a few more modern comforts and better gas mileage. At the same time I need something reliable, ready to start up every morning no matter the temps or weather and ready to work a 40hr week every week for me. Thus the thought of getting a Toyota. Back in the day dad owned a mid 80's Toyota Pickup and that thing was killer, went everywhere, great 4x4 with manual hubs, and just generally wouldn't die. I know dad loved that thing and I have always heard great things about Toyota Trucks and haven't had the best of experiences with Fords.

Regardless I've been looking around for maybe a mid 2000's model Tacoma because I would like to find something with as low of mileage as possible but still somewhat affordable. I've been pretty surprised to find out how much used Tacomas are going for though and how hard they are to find. Looking around I've only found 1 within about 100miles for sale that meets my needs. (4x4, access cab, lowish miles, not gonna break the bank.)

So i've got my eye on right now on a black 2005 sr5 tacoma thats going for just under 14,000 at a local dealer.

https://pictures.dealer.com/s/sonor...6d12f7b93298640e5ax.jpg?impolicy=resize&w=650

its got 141,000 miles on it. Its the v6 Automatic, Class 3 towing package, running boards, and Shell. Lots of tread left on the tires as well. Its pretty clean inside and out with minimal dings and dents, an aftermarket Radio station screen thing with backup camera.

I like how it looks and thats it clean but I have to decide in the next couple days whether or not I want to jump on this because its not going to last long around here.

What do you guys think? For 14 grand is this a decent deal? Should I be concerned with it having 141K miles on it? Is there anything I should know about this model, this engine or anything else about these trucks?

I feel like a Toyota would suit my needs well and I do like this one. I am just having a hard time making myself believe that spending 14 Grand on a used truck with 140 thousand miles on it is a good idea and a good deal.


Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings and for your responses.

 

Yeah for sure buy it. My buddy has a 2000 Tacoma V6 2WD with 300,000 miles on it and it runs like a charm. The truck you're looking to buy probably isnt even half way through its life. 140,000 miles on a toyota is different from all other cars and trucks. If Im being honest, take off the running boards and sell them once you buy it. Could get a hundred bucks or so. I personally hate running boards cause I think they are ugly, and they kill your clearance. I'm 5'11" and I have a 2" lift on my 3rd gen tacoma and I have 0 need for any sort of steps.

 

First thing I would get the VIN# and enter it in the Toyota owners website to see the maintenance history. The biggest concern with this year Tacoma is frame rust and head gaskets issues with the early 4.0l engines. Have you seen the car facts report to see if this Tacoma has been in an accident in its past?

 

If you can swing it get a buyers inspection done at your local shop or a toyota dealer. I was in your boat a month ago and yes you will pay premium to get a nice one, but you do get what you pay for with these Tacoma's.

 

Welcome to TW.

It’s about what I got my 2010 for with lower miles. Same engine/tranny. So I think you can do a little better. Closer to $10,000 IMHO.

Other have mentioned head gaskets and rust so I won’t go there.

Good luck!

 

Good to hear some first hand of these trucks having a good long life. I do kinda agree about the running boards, there meh. Either way I don't think they are either a value add or value minus so thats good. I wouldnt think they would be to hard to pull off if I decide to either.

I've got the Vin. Took a look at the CarFax while at the dealer, 3 owners the first 2 only putting a few thousand miles on the car the last owner having it since 2007 and putting about 130k on it. no commercial use listed, no accidents reported. Typical Recall stuff reported and serviced. Its lived its life near here since it came off the lot and we don't salt here only sand, few issues with rust for most cars here, though I'll take an extra close look underneath when I go back. I can look for typical signs of headgasket stuff, oil, blow by and whatnot but is there anything else I should look for or ask the deal about concerning that? also what about other maintenance that should have been done by now, anything I should ask about spec

 

So its being sold by a local dealer, and they are doing all the detailing, and oil change and typical stuff that goes on when they flip used cars. No local Toyota dealer within a couple hrs and I believe they are the only certified dealer/shop around. How does going about getting a buyers inspection work in this situation? Pretty new to this so excuse my ignorance. 14K is about the most I could afford to spend at the moment. There is always the option to try and wait another 6 months to a year and save up some more for something nicer but I'll have to start putting money into this Ford f250 soon to keep it going (Tires, fluids, plugs, small oil leak, typical stuff but it all adds up especially for an old and large motor like this.)

Thanks Hopefully I can join the club for real soon

I feel pretty comfortable checking on and making a decision about any Rust issues, but I've had Head Gasket problems in the past with a small 4 door sedan and that worries me quite a bit. Anything I should look for in specific that is common with these engines? Also if it is/does become a problem in the past is it a fairly simple operation to replace or are these a more expensive/difficult Head to tackle?

 

A head gasket is about 20 hours shop time. I’ve heard that it’s easier/cheaper to drop in another motor from a salvage yard.

 

I did enter your VIN # in the Toyota owners website and CarFax and both came up with 4 open recalls:

0" style="margin-bottom: 40px; border: 0px; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 12px; line-height: inherit; font-family: ToyotaType, Arial, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">
Title

Safety Recall E02 - Remedy Notice Certain 2005-2011 Model Year Tacoma Pre-Runner and 4x4 Vehicles Rear Leaf Spring

Status

Remedy Available

Description

The subject vehicles' rear suspension system contains leaf springs that are constructed of either three or four leaves. There is a possibility that a leaf could fracture due to stress and corrosion. If this occurs and the vehicle continues to be operated, the broken leaf could move out of position and contact surrounding components, including the fuel tank. If the broken leaf contacts the fuel tank repeatedly, it could puncture the tank and cause a fuel leak. In the presence of an ignition source, this could result in a fire.

Remedy

Toyota will replace the leaf springs with newly designed ones.

For answers to frequently asked questions, please click": "Resources","": "Recall","": "VIN_Added","": "Safety_Recalls","": "Click_here","": "Safety_Recalls"}" href="

Recall Date

September 29, 2014

Dealer Reference ID

E02

NHTSA Reference ID

14V604

Title

Safety Recall D0L - Remedy Avaliable - 2005 through 2011 Model Year Tacoma Access Cab Vehicles - Driver and Front Passenger Seat Belt Assemblies

Status

Remedy Available

Description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 tacoma access cab vehicles manufactured september 14, 2004, through march 29, 2010; and model year 2011 tacoma access cab vehicles manufactured july 1, 2010, through september 7, 2011. If the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed, the screws that attach the seat belt pre-tensioner to the seat belt retractor can loosen over time. If the screws loosen completely, the seat belt pre-tensioner and the retractor spring cover could detach from the seat belt retractor. If the seat belt pre-tensioner detaches from the seat belt assembly, the seat belt pre-tensioner will not perform as designed, increasing the risk of injury in a severe crash.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the seat belt assemblies. Based on the inspection, the seat belt assembly will be replaced or new pre-tensioner screws will be installed with thread-locking sealant and a retractor spring cover with stopper ribs to prevent loosening of the screws. These services will be provided at no cost to the owner. The recall began during february 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

For answers to frequently asked questions, please click": "Resources","": "Recall","": "VIN_Added","": "Safety_Recalls","": "Click_here","": "Safety_Recalls"}" href="

Recall Date

August 7, 2013

Dealer Reference ID

D0L

NHTSA Reference ID

13V337

Title

Safety Recall C0B - Certain 2005 to 2009 Model Year Tacoma Vehicles - Spiral Cable Assembly Replacement

Status

Remedy Available

Description

Toyota is recalling certain Model Year 2005-2009 Tacoma vehicles, manufactured from September 14, 2004, through August 29, 2008. Over time, steering wheel vibration may damage the spiral cable assembly (clockspring) that powers the driver's side air bag module. If damage occurs, the air bag warning lamp will illuminate and the air bag may become deactivated. In the event of a crash, the driver's side air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy

Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the spiral cable assembly, free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall Date

March 7, 2012

Dealer Reference ID

C0B

NHTSA Reference ID

12V092

Title

Safety Recall 90L - Potential Floor Mat Interference with Accelerator Pedal

Status

Remedy Available

Description

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 passenger vehicles. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat. A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.

Remedy

Toyota filed an amended defect report on November 25, 2009, stating that dealers will modify the accelerator pedal and, on certain vehicles, alter the shape of the floor surface under the pedal. These changes address the risk of pedal entrapment due to interference with the floor mat. Redesigned accelerator pedals will become available beginning in April 2010 and dealers will replace any modified pedal with the new pedal if desired. Also, dealers will replace any genuine Toyota or Lexus all-weather floor mats with redesigned all-weather mats, or repurchase the previous mats from owners who do not want the new ones. Additionally, software modifications will be installed on Camry, Avalon and Lexus ES 350, IS 350 and IS 250 models that will ensure that the brake overrides the accelerator in the event both brake and accelerator pedals are applied. Toyota will begin mailing letters to owners on December 31, 2009. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331, Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

Recall Date

October 5, 2009

Dealer Reference ID

90L

NHTSA Reference ID

09V388

Title

Special Service Campaign 60E - 2005 Through Late 2006 Model Year Tacoma Access Cab Supplemental Information For Installation Of A Child Restraint System And Correction To The Tire And Loading Information Label

Status

Remedy Available

Description

This is a Special Service Campaign.

Remedy

Please assist us by taking the following actions as indicated in the owner letter sent to you. If you prefer, your local Toyota dealer will be happy to assist you in installing the labels into your vehicle at NO CHARGE.

Recall Date

August 21, 2006

Dealer Reference ID

60E

 

I saw the open recalls and talked to the dealer. supposedly they are going to take care of all open recalls before selling.

You've got me really worried about head gasket problems now.... The entire point of getting a Toyota is to limit the chances of having any kind of ajor expensive problems to deal with. I'm worried enough to the point now that I'm wondering if it's even worth taking the chance seeing as it seem to be at prime head gasket blow mileage.......

 

Been mulling over the potential head gasket problem with this truck. If I get an inspection done and have a leak down test done and a combustion/exhaust leak in the coolant system done and it comes out clean with no problems would that mean I should be pretty safe not to have a head gasket failure in the immediate future, for another couple years or so? Or are do these tend to just come out of nowhere and go from testing out perfectly clean to being shot potentially overnight?

 

Again, if you had a local shop since the closest toyota dealership is too far away, do a buyers inspection (est. $130-$150) depending upon your area and shop costs you can sort out some of the repairs you will be heading into after you purchase the truck. You can tell the shop doing the work for you on your dime what you are looking for in terms of potential problems and they can inspect those items as well. This sometimes can also help in negotiating the purchase price. I say sometimes because you can show the repairs needed and still have the dealer snub nose you saying they don't care about those repairs and the price is the price. In the end if you decided to purchase said truck, you know what your getting into on the back side one the deal is complete. I myself ended up paying for two buyers inspections, did not purchase either truck PM me if you want to talk the details there.

 

What I have told you in my post above is from reading posts here on TW and knowing that 2005 to early 2006 4.0l engine had a redesigned replacement head gasket. This thread gives a poll showing a low 13.5% chance of a blow HG from 100k-200k and a 40.5% chance of not blowing an HG from 100k-200k => https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/poll-v6-4-0-blown-head-gasket-2005-2006.499866/

Here is a more general Google on TW that may help you decide: => https://www.google.com/search?q=hea....69i57j0l2.18050j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

 

05-06 had motor mount problems too

 

I have seen this person post often about his HG problem, so you might want to pick his brain @jboudreaux1965 and he is also a cool guy too.

 

I pretty much didn't sleep last night reading basically every thread or page on 05 Headgasket problems I could find. This worries me because I have had a bad experience in the past with HG issues. I own an 02 Ford focus that started leaking Exhaust around 90 thousand miles (About 12 thousand miles after I got it). I went ahead and bit the bullet and head a new head gasket put in and had a rebuilt head installed to relieve the Valve issues that motor has and then not even 6 months (maybe 4 thousand miles) later it started leaking again and I had to have it all tore down and redone again. Everything seems to be fine now but between the HG problems, the motor mount issues it had, and various other poorly times problems (Dead fuel pump while in the middle of nowhere while out of town) I trust it very little and am not happy with it in general.

I worry about getting myself into the same situation all over again.


So if the 05 has Rust, Head Gasket issues, Motor Mount problems and generally seems to be one of the least liked years of second Gen Tacomas what is the best year for a second Gen Tacoma?

 

i tend to stay away from any model thats in its first year. 05 was the first year the 2nd gen came out. besides the listed problems, that year also had paint issues, it was hit or miss if i remember. i'de wait IMO for something a bit newer. 14k for an 05 is more like hawaii prices. of course the last year the 2nd gen was out is usually the best (15)

 

The thing about first year models like 2005 after the Tacoma was redesigned is that a lot of the times they are still working the bugs out, like with the HG issue. From your past experience, I would avoid this year Tacoma and if your budget permits buy a later model 2nd gen. Tacoma 20011-2015, which hasn't been part of the LSC for frame rust yet.

 

and if i remember correctly but dont quote me on this. this was around the time toyota was being cheap with their quality and parts. was on the news or something

 

In my opinion, '07 and '08 are the very best years for Tacoma access cabs. In '09, they changed the rear seat to the fold back kind, which really screws things up for hauling stuff in the back of the cab. They also added those big goofy headrests, that block your visibility out the back window, in '09. Of coarse, if you find a smokin deal on a '09 or newer, you can always swap the rear panel and rear seats from a '05-'08.