Toyota Tacoma 2005+

dudley

The off road package #2 has the class 4 hitch -- it is supposed to be the best (at least that is what I was told last night) -- it is heavy duty. They prepared the sales contract and I said let's talk price -- that was where they came back with the usual what do you want to pay question -- so I said I had been looking at Edmunds religiously for the last 3 months and this is what I am seeing these trucks go for, he said ok -- this is what the truck cost me and I went up a little, and we had a deal -- was in the Wash DC area

stevebopp

I'm off by under a second on the 0-60 ET.

Quote: "For buyers looking for an added boost over this already impressive powertrain, a TRD-developed, fully factory warranted supercharger system will be offered, capable of providing output in the neighborhood of 300 horsepower. The Tacoma X-Runner will be capable of zero-to-60 acceleration in seven seconds, with times reduced by more-than an additional second with the optional supercharger system.

Handling is even more impressive. During extensive testing, the X-Runner's road-holding ability was measured by an electronic accelerometer in excess of 0.9 g's of lateral acceleration. That's not only significantly better than any truck on the market, it repeatedly performed better than many sports cars, including the new Nissan 350-Z."

88toylc

I just got back from an interesting morning at the Toyota dealer who sold me my new Tacoma a couple of weeks ago. I should note that when I received the truck, it had only two of the four floor mats for which I paid $130. Fortunately, this was an easy fix -- new mats ordered and I was able to pick them up in a couple of days. Also, the antenna was only half screwed in and wobbling, but I simply screwed this all the way in and tightened it.

Then I noticed that no audible "beep" sounded when I used the remote keyless entry system. I checked the owner's manual, and confirmed that the system is supposed to beep when the doors are unlocked and when they are locked using the keyless entry unit. I made an appointment with the dealer's service center for this morning and dropped off the truck. When I was called to the desk about an hour later, I was told that since I didn't have the optional VIP alarm system, there was no audible sound accompanying the unlocking and locking of doors using the keyless entry system. I then had to go out to the truck, retrieve the owner's manual and show the service people that the audible "beep" was in fact supposed to sound with this system, whether or not the VIP alarm system was installed. Then the mechanic's story changed to "Well, this is a new vehicle, and we don't have any idea what to do to fix this problem." I said, why don't you call Toyota and get an answer. The response was, "The people in Fullerton are so flooded with technicians calling with questions that we can't get through to them." I asked them to try, but an hour later they called me up to the desk again and confirmed that they couldn't get through to get an answer. Ostensibly, I will be called when they get through and I will have to drive over to the dealer's shop once again.

Thank goodness this problem is not more serious, since it is clear the mechanics at Toyota are clueless when it comes to the new Tacoma. And I expect to get a call in a few days (if I get a call back at all) saying the owner's manual is wrong, which I very much doubt.

What's this about Toyota quality and service??

426hemi1

Now that you mention it...mine does not sound either?!? Let me know what they say, I am confident my dealer has no clue, I could have given their whole sales force a training class on this truck!

gearhead1

I would like to hear what people think about the 05 taco's 6 speed manual transmission. It seems from what I've read so far, people and reviewers are'nt that thrilled with it. I've heard it referred to as clunky and vague. Are these gears hard to find on the 05 6 speed? I currently drive a 91 toy truck with manual and love it. I would like to hear what you think from your test drives.

nicnac1

I bought a 05 4x4 sport v6 ex cab about 2 weeks ago. Like many manual trans autos gear shifting will get a great deal smoother after 100 or so miles. I felt is was a little jerky in the dealership at 6 miles. I now have about 600 miles on it and I am very happy with the shifting quality. The gears are not hard to find in the least bit.

gearhead1

Thanks nicnac1, that's what I wanted to hear. I'm looking forward to driving my 05 Taco for the next ten years as I have my last toyota truck.

sigsauer

gearhead1: on yours, do you have to apply some extra pressure to get the stick in reverse? on the 05 manual, i had to (and i don't think i'm that weak). the 1-6 positions are ok, little long shift. but the reverse is hard and extra long to shift into. this is only my first experience w/ a toyota manual trans so i can't compare apple to apple.

gearhead1

Sigsauer, I haven't driven an 05 Taco yet, but I think what you describe is a good thing. Considering reverse is next to first gear on the 05 6 speed, I would definitly want it to be located the way you describe, and a little more difficult to shift into, but I imagine it would get smoother as you brake it in. They definitly don't want you thinking your in first when you may actually be in reverse. I'm sure that's why it's positioned the way it is. Reverse is located in the 6th gear position on my 91 toyota truck, and it has a longer throw to get into it.

Hows the power(acceleration) with your V6 manual? I'm thinking it's significantly better than the auto would be. I'm hoping it will get that 0-60 time down to 6 sec, ya think?

macdaddy1

Drove a double cab 6 speed last night and it was not smooth. Talking with the dealer and reading the comments here, I hope it willget better with miles on the truck.

I've been trying to get the JBL EJ audio package (7 speaker) and no dealer can get it I've talked with 5 differnt dealers. Has anybody else been able to find it?

Also, thoughts on the chance totota is going to offer some sort of incentives in the next month to buy?

Price - the best I've been able to get is $1000 over invoice on the east coast. Anybody been able to do better east coast / New England?

sigsauer

over autobytel

e.g., a/c prerunner v6 s/b: $19,070 msrp, $17,495 inv. d/c prerunner v6 s/b: $21,675 msrp, $19,644 inv

gearhead1: ok, i'm feeling a little easier now that someone w/ previous manual trans telling me that's its normal to have a sticky reverse shift. i just thought that it was because of my weak arm but personally i don't like that at all. i'd prefer the reverse to be next to 6 but longer throw to the right; much more intuitive.

i only test drove and haven't decided to buy it yet so i can't tell you about the performance. however from my short time driving both auto and manual on these 05's, i felt that the auto trans was quicker somehow and that the manual trans was a little jerky. it's funny how the epa rating on the manual is worse than the auto; usually i'd think it's the other way around. do you suppose toyota has perfected the shifting timings such that no human can possibly shift better than the computer?

question #1: if i get one w/ an lsd, and later decided to change the gear ratio to something higher numerically than 3.73, can i still use the same lsd or would i need to get a different one?

question #2: is spacer kit the least desired method of lifting trucks? will it affect the steering geometry?

gearhead1

Sigsaur, My truck isn't sticky getting in reverse, but it's got ten years on it. Somtimes if a truck is hard to get in gear, take your foot off the clutch for a moment, then engage the clutch again and try engage gear again, and it goes in easily.

Usually I feel I can get more out of acceleration with a manual. That would be surprising if the auto was perkier than the manual. Has anyone else experienced this with the 05?? I noticed the epa thing to. That's a little strange and bucks tradition. Tech is always improving.

sorry I can't help with your questions. They're a little out of my league.

demoncleaner

I drove a 6 spd taco for a half hour, just under 30 miles. I liked it for a truck manual, had about 100 miles I think. Gotta push her over to get reverse. Not hard to figure out. At 70 mph 6th she revs around 2500 rpm, slightly higher than the auto. No 0-60 in 6 sec, but fastest compact/midsize truck out there save maybe the dakaota w/ the v8. Auto was smooth too and had better MPG rating. Personal pref I guess. No JBL, side air bags, or VDC/Trac options out there to order yet in NE. IF your talking local dealers in NE 1000 bucks off is avg I've seen with talking, bigger guys maybe more, little guys less. I saw some info that there will be incentives, but havent seen them yet in Nov. maybe Dec? I saw my first Tacoma TV commercial tonite.

bctaco

I drove the 6 speed manual on the weekend and I really wasn't that impressed with it, it sounds like a whining/whistle sound from the engine....I have driven manuel transmission vehicles for 20 years and I could not get this truck in to reverse, the sales guy got in to the truck and just slams it over and up...I thought if you think that impressed me it didn't. I never thought I would even consider the automatic transmission, but if I have to work that hard to get my truck into reverse... forget it!! If anyone has any info on dealers willing to negotiate in British Columbia...I would love to hear from you!!

spleck

> do you suppose toyota has perfected the shifting timings such that no human can possibly shift better than the computer?

The gearing of the manual is lower than the automatic, meaning the manual is more powerful, the auto is more efficient.

Typically, a manual gets better gas mileage because you typically only lose about 15% power to the drivetrain, where you typically lose 30% in an auto. Autos are becoming more efficient, and we're seeing better gearing, along with efficiency matching the engine speed to transmission gearing.

I still think if an auto and a manual had the same gearing, using the clutch to disengage and re-engage gears and changing at opportune times seems more efficient than an automatic that changes gears under power and not always at the best time. Unfortunately, it would be hard to drive a vehicle geared like an automatic without a fluid-coupled torque converter.

jbone

Just read an article online that Toyota donated an aftermarket lifted 05 DC 4x4 for an archealogical research project, so safe to say the aftermarket companies are beginning to come out with equipment for this truck...

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/- www/story/11-03-2004/0002353867&EDATE=

Kirstie_H

We'll be closing this topic in a few days, since this truck is available everywhere. Please visit one of the existing discussions on the Tacoma, which you can locate using the search tools at the left.

stephen1

Not sure why this topic will be closed. This has been the place where folks talk about the 2005 Tacoma which has been completely redesigned. Where are we to share our thoughts/experiences on the 2005 model? In some generic "Tacoma" topic where one has to sort through discussions about previous year models which have little in common with the new model?

cav3

Kirstie,
This topic has been very helpful. I would appreciate it if you don't close out this topic.

demoncleaner

I second that. This is an all new design and this popular topic is specific to the buying, availablity, problems, likes/dislikes of just the 05. I would ask this remain open for some time as this is a great resource to this new specific and unproven truck. I dont think the guys with older models want to see our 05 questions scattered about thier board. Please reconsider, thanks!

mrtang

Please keep the topic 2005 Tacoma open.
Take it out of future vehicles, but please keep it separate from the other Tacoma discussions.

Thanks.

columbustaco

Kirstie:
....Even us new owners of older models ('04 Taco purchased in May) have been enjoying this topic. It is interesting to see how this new design (almost a whole new "product" in some ways) compares. Please keep this topic open.

lgknees

I too, find it unrealistic to close such an informative source on the 2005 tacoma. "Availability Everywhere",(maybe),but in a very "limited" status. Plus the fact that this thread has been the only place I've been able to become enlightened on invoice pricing! Pa..leeese reconsider, it has been(is)very educational. Thanks

Kirstie_H

Folks, unfortunately we just can't support a separate discussion for each year for each make and model. It'd be a fiasco since so many owners would like a separate discussion for their particular year... sometimes down to even trim level.

Moving over to the existing discussion won't make a big difference as there are almost NO members participating in it now. At 2-3 posts per month currently, you're hardly going to find yourselves mingling with other model year enthusiasts (since there don't seem to be any)!

gearhead1

This isn't just another model year, but a whole different truck right down to the bed. There should be at least a designated forum for the 05 Tacoma. the only thing that makes this like the previous Tacoma is the name. Just my 2 cents.

Kirstie_H

Per our membership agreement, you must keep a valid e-mail address in your profile. Thanks!

steine13

"Per our membership agreement, you must keep a valid e-mail address in your profile. Thanks!"
(i) that's news to me, but i don't know everything.
(ii) it's news to lots of people cuz most have their email adress shown as 'private'
(iii) my address has an anti-spam device in it. i'd be happy to change it, but i don't know how.
-Mathias

Kirstie_H

Sorry for the confusion - you have to maintain a valid e-mail address but, it doesn't have to be marked public. When it's marked private, only Edmunds.com staff can see it so that we can contact you if needed.

Leave your anti-spam device in! It's easy enough for legitimate e-mailers to figure out, but prevents spambots from picking up a valid address.

Hope that makes more sense than my quickie message earlier.

spleck

"unfortunately we just can't support a separate discussion for each year for each make and model"

Most would contend that there is as much difference between the new Tacoma and the old, as there is with the Tundra. At this point, the 2005 model is the only one of this generation. Perhaps when the 2006 comes out, we can change discussions.

Further, Edmunds Townhall is the only BB I know of on the web that forces all the threads into a single "discussion". It's like 50 people going to a "town hall" and all having conversations going on at the same time.

Additionally, it appears the discussion has been supported up until this point. Is the Edmunds BB system so overwhelmed by the number of discussions? Maybe Edmunds should spend more time working on the backend of the system instead of the frontend which added useless gray borders to the pages.

Sorry for the long off topic outburst, but closing this topic now would be a travesty. This policy is probably why Edmunds has become more of a place to repost what has already been said on other boards (ie TundraSolutions for Tacoma/Tundra, vtec.net for Honda, etc).

suvsbob

I second spleck's post.

If Kristie really want to consolidate the two forums, in fact he should merge "tacoma" into "2005". Like he said, there're only 2-3 posts going to tacoma every month. 2005 is a much more active forum. Why force people to visit a forum they absolute have no interest? I really don't see Kristie's point.

goose

What is up with the wheel wells and the square front end. As a 2001 Tacoma owner I find the new style ugly. Toyota is trying to match the domestic square look while the domestics are slowly moving away from the square look, well except GM. The 2001-2004 style is a good looking, small truck. They should have taken that look and just made the truck a little bigger. I haven't measured the 05 Tacoma front end but I think it actually looks taller than the front end on the Nissan Titan. What does that tell use about the changes coming to the Tundra. What about the wheel wells?
  I don't see why a truck wheel well needs to have a wing affect. Its a tough truck, right?
  One of the killer mistakes of the Tundra was the styling. I think Toyota just handicapped themselves again. I do want to thank Toyota for making my off-roading choices easier. My next off-roader will be the 4Runner or the new Nissan Xterra. These two vehicle styles have moved forward.

Kirstie_H

First of all, it'd be really nifty if you guys could get my name right

Second, although if you look around the forums you will see VERY few makes/models with separate model year discussions, I have negotiated with the Pickups host, and he's willing to take on this discussion - we'll be changing the name to Toyota Tacoma 2005+ and moving it to that board.

If you have this discussion bookmarked, you won't notice any change.

Cheers,
kIRstie rather than kRIstie

spleck

I'm not sure what you mean by others moving "away" from the square look. Consider the new F-150. The front end is more squarish on the Ford than the Tacoma. Nissan has done the same thing with the Pathfinder and Armada.

The Tacoma's wheel wells (fender area) are a take on the 4Runner fenders.

But congratulations on your future 4Runner purchase. I'm sure you'll stay away from the new boXTerra. (Please see nissanusa.com and click on Future Vehicles) Toyota probably makes more money on the 4Runner than the Tacoma anyways.

spleck

Thanks Kirstie! The name makes sense too.

atlgaxt

In other cases where a new model year discussion is closed and merged with an existing one, I have had trouble opening to the most recent posts that I have missed.

As an example, the topic page will show that there are 12 new posts that I have not read, but when I go into the discussion, it will go to the last page I have viewed, even if that was two years ago. Then I have to either click through every single stupid page to get to the most recent, or every time I get to the topic, I have to punch the link for the most recent messages, and then try to figure out at which point I left off reading.

Am I making any sense?

How do I avoid this problem?

mrtang

kIRstie kIRstie kIRstie kIRstie:

You rock!

On with the show!

stephen1

I am a current and previous Toyota owner and I know that Toyotas have been a little pricier that their competition - because of quality, reliability, etc.
However, I think that 05 Tacomas are overpriced, even for a Toyota. I'm going to shop around the other makes (example - 05 Nissan Frontier) and see what catches my fancy.
Looked at an 05 Tacoma extended cab yesterday (2 wheel drive). Price 26,000
Next to it was an extended cab 05 Tundra (2 wheel drive, V6, automatic, bucket seat option w/console - nice truck. Price 26,000
My opinion - 26k is too much for a small extended cab 2wd truck.

Kirstie_H

atlgaxt - that's kind of a bug. The "recent msgs" link *should* catch you up, but it doesn't. It's being fixed.

There's a way around it, though. Subscribe to the topic using the "subscribe" link at the top of the discussion, then go to your message center. At the bottom of your message center, there's a "catch up" button. This does actually clear the "new" posts and marks them all as read.

cav3

Stephen1, I'm with you about this truck being overpriced and I think the dealers are starting to think so too. They are coming off the MSRP & $595 destination (Profit) charge. I've watched this site religiously and I'm hearing some good things. I've gotten quotes from several dealers and only one said their final offer was the MSRP (He must have hit his quota for the month).

The truck I'm looking at has a MSRP of 29K+. They don't offer a sunroof, leather, standard tow package, and standard 6 disc CD player for that sort of price. The word is production will soon catch up with demand and prices will come down.

Has anyone ever special ordered a vehicle? How do I keep them from selling the vehicle I ordered to a higher bider once it hits the lot? Has anyone been able to special order without putting a deposit down? I have very little knowledge in this area. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Oh, hey Kirstie! You rule...

allid

I'm not sure where yopu live, but I bought an '05 access cab, 4x4 sr5 with all the bells and whistles, and I was out the door for 26,600.00. And I bought it at a dealership, not online. --Buying direct online can save you a lot if you know what you want.

allid

I also have full tow package, and bed liners

allid

monster truck is installing revteks coil spacer kit on spike tv on sat. a.m.. i contacted revtek and lifts will be availabe in 1-2 weeks. daystar is also coming out in that same time.

papasmurf

Where did you shop Allid? And, "if you know what you want," and I do...with whom do I buy direct online. Thanks Allid.

BTW, thanks to you too Kirstie.

Kirstie_H

He's the one who agreed to take y'all.

stephen1

allid,
regarding pricing - I am comparing msrp to msrp with the expectation that both would be discounted similarly based on previous dealings with this dealer. Would expect discount pricing of around 24k on the 2wd access cab that I saw on the lot.

cav3,
I special ordered a vehicle from Toyota a few years ago. I asked my dealer the other day if he still does it and he says yes. Don't remember if I put anything down - maybe $100 if I did. They called it a "request" - kind of stayed away from the "order" word. I listed the vehicle and options that I wanted (agreed on a price), they sent that to the factory,and a couple of months later the factory shipped the exact vehicle to the dealer. Worked out well. I don't think there was any chance otherwise that I could have located a vehicle with the options that I wanted and without the options that I did not want. Wait was longer than some makes - Chevrolet for example - one month typical with an order. My "order" was for a new model Sienna(redesigned) - similar to the Tacoma situation now. I didn't ask my dealer for a time estimate on delivery of an order these days but with this new model and past experience, I'd expect at least 2 months if not a little more. I'm not worried a bit about my dealer selling it to someone else (higher bidder). It would be poor business practice, unethical, etc. But I'm sure there are dealers that don't care. You'd just have to see how your dealer handles an order (some Toyota dealers have said that they will not "special order" a vehicle). See what kind of agreement, paperwork, etc that they provide.
I've thought about having the dealer order a Tacoma for me but I will wait a bit and see if any incentives are offered (as has been the rumor - hope its true). I've looked at Tacomas that my dealer has "available" (trade from nearby dealers) and there are ones available close to what I want (silver crew cab short bed, TRD#2, 4x4 . Would probably have to order if I also wanted my preferred extra options - side airbags, JBL stereo, daytime running lights. Of course if they aren't producing vehicles with these options yet, an order may take a while.

i_luv_toyota

I made a trek (with Digi Cam in hand) to a few Toyota dealers within the Southern Connecticut area (Wallingford, Middletown, and Stamford) to see what the new Taco looks like in person.

I must say, I'm very impressed. The ones I saw were all silver 4x4s with the TRD sport package. There were two Taco long bed Double Cabs (at Wallingford and Stamford), both of which topped the 30 grand mark. The other was an Access Cab (at Middletown) and looked very sweet as well. Couldn't get a good look at it's sticker because there were people pulling in left and right (on a Sunday night at 8 pm), but I would figure on at least 29 grand.

I loved the interiors on them, too, with the sport carbon-fiberish looking trim. I actually couldn't get in the trucks, because they were locked, but the interior, esp on the DC's, looked very comfortable.

My overall impression of them is very favorable, but I would've liked to see a TRD off road package, in a color other than silver.

I'll drive one soon, hopefully, so I'll get back on that later.

Good, no, GREAT job, Toyota!

88toylc

Hey "i_luv_toyota", you didn't even mention the best part. I've had my double cab short bed with the 4X4 off road package for just a week shy of a month now, and I still can't get over how nice the ride feels. I keep looking for excuses to drive it to the store or the mall. It holds the road so nicely on the curves and feels solid as I go over bumpy terrain. And the interior is very comfortable. I haven't done any off roading yet, but I did haul some stuff to the dump, and I was surprised that the bedliner seemed impervious to scratches from the crates I was carrying.

At least so far I can see why CNN has named this the pickup truck of the year and I don't understand how it only got the honorable mention spot from Edmunds.com.

One small issue. If you get the remote keyless entry system but not the VIP alarm system as an option, it does not "chirp" or "beep" when you use the keyless remote to unlock or lock the doors. The owner's manual says it does, but after lots of heated discussions with Toyota USA, they finally notified me that the owner's manual is incorrect. In fact there is no beep sounded. If this is an important feature to you, you will have more leverage in getting the dealer to install the VIP security system at a discount before you buy the car.

germster29

I have driven the this new "Taco" Double Cab twice! I just cannot get enough. I have read every review out on the internet, including one from USA Today's Auto Writer James R. Healey. He had more of a negative spin on the truck, stating that it bounced a bit on the road, had average seats with regards to comfort, and the styling is meant for a teen machine type audience. I just don't see where this guy can make these claims. Yes it does bounce more than say a luxury sedan, and perhaps that is the type of car for this old auto writer. But for me, I love the truck, loads of power, comfort, versatility, and fun. I cannot wait to buy one.

demoncleaner

88toylc, thanks for the update. Wondering what your running for gas grade 87,89,91. Since premium is 'recommended' wondering if it runs fine with 87 (like the tundra with same engine). Also hows the mileage (with auto or manual?) Any idea what the oil change recommendation is? Thanks

steverino

My 2005 TRD, 4 wheel drive, V6, ACCESS CAB, fully freaking loaded with tow package, locking rear differential, automatic transmission, and 115 volt-AC jack in the box came to just over 26k.

My opinion - You better look for another dealer. This is the best 26k I ever spent.