Toyota Tacoma 2005+

dockeen

I went the other way, from a B3000 regular cab to a Tacoma DC with long bed.

My Tacoma is not a small truck. I have been driving it for over a month, and still mess up parking it fairly regularly.

I suspect the size effect won't be a big one for you, like it was for me.

Wayne

bjw1

I have a clarion cd/mp3 player that has 212watts max and have sirius sattleite radio installed, never listen to local radio stations anymore, my setup is pretty good, not going to win awards but for my taste its good, not anything you can hear a mile away, but sounds awesome inside the cab.

volley

I haven't actually made that switch as I am coming from an extended cab Ranger but prior to buying this truck I had (well thought I had) my mind made up on an 05 F150 King Ranch. <~ I love that truck! Placed the order and everything. While waiting for the truck to come in I just happened to go test drive the Tacoma out of curiosity and I was instantly hooked. I like big trucks and love the F150, but one test drive of the Tacoma and it was perfect. Now don't get me wrong, it is not as big as the Ford, but it is plenty big. I haven't felt cramped or unsatisfied yet (1yr and 19000 miles later) and I have even had 4 full sized adults in the truck on many occasions with no complaits from anyone. Although I still drool when I see a King Ranch rolling around town! :-) My wallet is appreciating the V6 gas mileage also. By the way I have a V6 Doublecab Shortbed.

itman

I drove the silverado extended cab for 5 years, i seem to have more room in the DC. I found parking easier, turning radius better, and dont seem to lose any space.

ufcjeff

Wow. I'm surprised to hear that you were converted after 1 test drive, even having the KR on order. Aside from the price tag and gas savings between the King Ranch and Taco DC, what do you like better about the Tacoma? Specifically, in terms of the ride, handeling, acceleration. Thanks for the feedback.

volley

Well this is just my opinion after having driven both the F150 and the Tacoma. First the 2 biggest things that led me to the Tacoma are 1. The $15,000 cheaper price tag and that was even with getting the A plan pricing on the KR. $15K makes a big difference on the monthly payment. 2. The outstanding gas mileage. I've owned many trucks and I have never had a 4x4 get even close to 20MPG. Now all that aside. I love the height of the F150 better but I solved that by putting a lift on the Tacoma. The F150 seemed to be quieter both engine noise and on the interior (I guess it must be that heat activated foam like I've seen on the commercial! :-) ) The interior is even more spacious than the Tacoma PLUS the castano leather is killer and a moonroof would have been nice to have from factory.

Now as for what I like about the Tacoma. The acceleration is really good even in the heavier doublecab. The interior is deceptively spacious. Sure it's not as big as a full size, but I find it to be very comfortable and plenty of room. In fact the sport seats are extremely comfortable IMO. The ride is smooth and the turning radious is outstanding. Beats the F150 easily in that department, in fact the turning radious even beats my 03 Ranger Edge I traded. The large amount of storage in the doublecab was a deal breaker for me too. I need places to put my much unneeded "stuff" Also, I like the composite bed, this saves me another $450 by not having to get a Line-X. Oh and it cured my adrenalitis! Haha! I may have had a Tacoma years ago (this is my first Toyota by the way) but the previous model was underpowered, cramped on the interior, and the ride was really rough. The new Tacoma addresses all of those areas for me. So it boiled down to whether or not there were $15,000 worth of differences in the two and there really isn't. Granted a non-King Ranch version isn't going to cost as much. Leather and a moonroof I can deal without or add aftermarket at some point down the line. One more thing I should add, at the time I was going to get the KR there was alot going around about the vibration issue on the 150 with no real resolution from Ford so that was in the back of my mind too. Not to say the Tacoma is perfect but from what I have heard the issues people were having with the first runs have now been corrected. Don't get me wrong the F150 is a great truck especially the KR! but the Tacoma really filled all my needs at a much cheaper price tag both initially and in the day to day world with the gas milieage.

Well that's my uneducated review. If you have more questions let me know.

ufcjeff

Volly, thanks again for your input. Over the past 1.5 years my F-150 has given me many problems and I currently have a break fluid leak that I need to have fixed. This has really started to turn me against ford and at this point, I'm thinking about the Titan and Tacoma but it will still be a while before I buy. Do you have the manual or auto?

fj07

How late do you think the 05's will be on the lot for? I know the deals are cooking now but I need a little time.

missazx

Yeah, if I could find something to keep the stereo controls I'd be more than willing to sell it, however, it seems that the options that some people have mentioned won't work in the Tacoma So I'm not sure how long you want to wait... I think I remember someone saying that they have the factory 6 disc changer stereos on ebay or something though, so it might be faster that way... just a thought.

missazx

Thanks for the insight, but the guys at Crutchfield said that the PAC SWI-X won't fit the newer Tacomas... maybe that's not true? (I sure hope it isn't!)

Thanks so much for your help!

terpsfans

Anybody have any recommendations for a tonneau cover that is easy to install (no drilling ar damage to stock parts)? Looking at the height of the tailgate cover vs. the side bed rail cover, they are different heights. Anyone know if there is a tonneau cover that compensates for this?

pb2themax

The radio wiring harness' in the 05 Tacoma are the same as previous years, so it should work. But I'm not guaranteeing it.

efy

I am Finally ready to install Sirius Satellite Radio in my 2005 Tacoma Access cab. Any ideas or suggestions as to which plug and play unit would fit where? look good and possess good quality sound? Any suggestions will be appreciated.

watsup

May I suggest to you to purchase a one time K&N filter and kit (cleaning solution & oil spray). It adds a little more horse power and you can save a lot of $$ down the road.

yrffej

according to this site, http://miata.net/garage/tirecalcold.html when your speedo reads 60mph you are actually traveling 62.3mph. assuming you were dead on with the 245's....

dennwiall

It also adds dirt inside your engine plus turn 'check engine' light ON. Friendly advice -stay far away.

bighorn69

I drove a '99 Expedition, but only got 12 mpg in the city, so I sold it. The Tacoma satisfies what I need, not what I want. I test drove Tacaoma, Chevy, Ford, Tundra, and Nissan Titan. I was most impressed with the Titan of all these trucks...but most of my driving is in the city and 14 mpg with $3 gas stinks. The Tacoma is a little harder for me to get into than the Expedition, the seat height is not adjustable, I sometimes kinda duck down to see a traffic light or look under the mirror. The truck is quiet, powerful, very comfortable on the highway and I get 19 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway. DC, short bed, 2wd. I have had a lot of folks look at my truck and say they have been thinking about getting one. I don't regret it.

yrffej

hard start.... heard it mentioned on a few boards. most popular answer is to turn the ignition to "on" allowing fow fuel delivery, pause....then starting.

17" tires.... i have 17's on my truck, poor selection in that size out there. go to tire racks site, search size or brand, great rating system and reviews, and better selection. (i've never bought tires from them, but good reference)

air filter.... believe it or not, oem may be the best out there....

jojr

I HAVE A 05 TACOMA WITH 15 INCH STEEL WHEELS ,WILL O4 AND BACK STEEL WHEELS FIT MY TRUCK?? DO THEY HAVE THE SAME BOLT PATTERN?? THNKS JOE

tacotyke

Is that 6 speed manual worth the loss in gas mileage??? Which transmission works better off road?

054x4dc

Hi all,

I want to level my truck only (4x4DCSport). It's an inch and a half lower in the front than the rear. I am looking for a product that will lift my truck with the least impact on the quality of the ride. I am not an off roader, just don't like the fact that it does not sit level. It appears that the DayStar unit will do this, but I've read here it's a two and a half inch lift, which would make the truck higher in the front than the back. Any suggestions/recommendations?

volley

No problem. Sucks to hear you have had so many problems with your truck. Doesn't sound like very minor problems either!

It's funny you mention the Titan because I actually looked hard at one before I ordered the KR. The only reason I decided against it was because they didn't give me a good enough deal and since I got A plan on Ford I went that route (intil the Tacoma came along anyway). The Titan IMO actually rides better than the F150 and has a quieter and more refined interior. It also seemed to handle and accelerate better. But the price wasn't right for me. Also, the V8 gas mileage was an issue for me as well. The Titan is a great truck with alot of nice features I wouldn't mind having!

But as I said before the Tacoma fills my needs at a much cheaper overall price. And I do love this truck, it's great!

demoncleaner

Opened a can a worms with this one... As a manual owner, I wouldnt trade to an auto for anything. Not only is this truck fun to row through six gears, I like to choose my shift points whether daily driving, hill climbing, passing, towing, or off roading. I wouldnt say it gets worse mileage, think that depends on how you drive it. One place the auto will do better mpg is over 70 mph, as its 5th gear is lower than the manuals 6th.
But, on long trips between 55-65 mph my 4x4 Dcab pulls 21 mpg time and time again. On interstate at 75 drops to 18.5 mpg, where the auto will stay at least 20 mpg. So if you l drive in the 70's alot or in the city (stop and go) the auto has its advantange. Personal pref, I would get the transmission you like best, and not base on mpg.

wooddorker

125,000 YTD

09/05 sales UP 21.4% vs. 09/04.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/10/03/144729.html

volley

I have an Access Lite Rider on mine and love it! Looks and works great!

volley

Manual is better for off-roading. I have an auto though.

socaltaco

Thanks missazx! Keep me in mind when you are upgrading. I have checked on e-bay and I have not seen the 05-06 6 Disck player for sale yet. Mayeb I will in the future.

Good luck in finding the right stereo. Havingt he controls work would be great on a aftermarket radio.

socal...

bjw1

Yeah and the tacos are even selling alot better than suv's right now, from an article that I read, its even out selling ford and gm's big suv market, i was woundering why all of the sudden i see alot of the new tacos on the road lately.

msibille

I've always preferred the manual for fuel economy (mostly in-town) and for the same reasons above. But my wife told me I wasn't allowed anything but an auto from now on. She doesn't enjoy having to drive my truck when I have one of my occasional "challenges" (shoulder surgery, knee surgery, broken foot, elbow surgery... you get the picture).

borked

I want to throw a simple cheap lift on my truck just to fit some bigger tires, and a little more clearance. I saw Daystar makes a 2.5" front spacer kit for $87 will this work? I figure the back I don't even have to touch cause they don't turn and probably won't rub. But If I need to lift the back what is available and pricing? Thanks for any input!

ufcjeff

Thanks for the input. You have to duck to see traffic lights? That would annoy the hell out of me. I'm 6'2" so I wonder about that. I did read a couple of people here had issues with the rear view mirrow being too low but it seemed that they did not have it adjusted properly. How tall are you?

ruskastud

I have an '05 Access Cab, 6 speed manual, 4x4 TRD Off-Road and I'm also 6'2".. No problems here... Plenty of room, and the rearview mirror is also not a problem.. Even if you didn't know there is a second hinge at the top, I can't see how it would get in your way.... At least no more than any other....

Is there a defference between the seat heights on the regular and the sport seats??

tacojohn

hello bjw1,
sounds like you have an awsome sound system. have any pics available for us to see? :shades:

tacojohn

hey pb2themax,
what step did you install on your truck? I like the look.

volley

Once again using the Daystar spacer kit will have your front end sitting higher than the rear by at least an inch. But the Toytec 2.5" complete kit for $190 and it will lift the front and rear and have the truck sitting level. Or get the 3" complete kit for $10 more. Easy to install, cheap, and will serve your needs well. What size tires you trying to fit?

pb2themax

Westin Oval tube steps. The mounting kit is separate. http://www.westinautomotive.com/



More pics here:

http://members.cardomain.com/pb2themax

bjw1

sorry, camera broken will probably get a new one for christmas this year, but as soon as i get it i will post pics

dockeen

"But my wife told me I wasn't allowed anything but an auto from now on"

Interesting, my wife insisted on an automatic because of her arthritis. Funny thing is, I have had it a month and a half so far, and I have still not gotten her to drive it.

Wayne

dockeen

Is that black or blue?

(Mine is indigo ink pearl)

Wayne

eddablow

Intermittent vibration problem at 60 to 70 mph. It seems that this a common problem on 2005 Tacos. The truck has been back to the dealers 9 times and it is not fixed. The problem has been on the truck since new and it now has 10000 miles on it. The tires have been balanced, replaced, (dunlop firestone) road force tested and balanced, left front axle replaced. I would appreciate a reply from anybody that has had this problem fixed and it has not shown up for over 1000 miles. I have thought this was fixed only to come back a few days later.

newtruck

I bought it from Mark Jacobson Toyota in Durham NC. It's relatively small, two buttons and is mounted in the steering wheel inside one of the openings. Doesn't look bad at all, and it works great. Good luck!

tacoma2005

I have a small vibration too at 60-65mph I havent had it serviced yet. I was thinking that the crappy dunlop tires were out of round or not balanced properly.I havent got it repaired yet.

never4get

Great....now you tell me, I just ordered my tacoma with the jbl system :mad:

borked

like 31" tires, can I get a link to that complete 3" kit, cause I went to toyotec's website and they say they don't make kits for a 2wd 5 lug 05 tacoma.

pb2themax

Black. They only come in chrome or black.

pb2themax

Call the dealer and change it. Besides, if you ordered it with the JBL system, you will probably be waiting a lot longer to get your truck. Trucks with fewer options are more common and easier to find. Plus Toyota only builds the trucks with the JBL system certain times of the year. They don't just add them to a specific truck along the production line.

bighorn69

I'm 6'5", and I have the double hinged mirror adjusted as high as it will go. It's not a problem. I have to tilt my head a little to see traffic lights. I also notice I can't fully use the sun visors. If I fold them down against the windshield, I can't see the road enough to drive. I just pull them down a little, angled back toward me and it's fine. Not the safest method but that's what I have to do. I admit I am at the upper limit for fitting into this truck. At 6'2", I doubt you would have this problem, but you might be aware of this when you test drive the truck. About the only other nuisance I have noticed are lack of lights in the truck bed or in the glove box. After all, how much did this save Toyota?

Would I still buy the truck? You bet, I really am satisfied. To me, these are minor nuisances.

hds

I'm 6'6'' and have a 98 Tacoma, 4x4, extended cab. It's a great size and I was a bit dissappointed that the new DC 4x4 and Access cabs are a tad smaller. I do have to lean down a bit to see stop lights and the like. My concern is the door jamb, the 05's (DC and AC) is a bit narrower. In my 98 extended cab I can slide right out, in the 05's I have to lean forward a bit. (Seat all the way back). But finding it hard to part with my 98 though.

volley

Sorry I was figuring you had a pre-runner. The regular cab 2wd still have coilovers right? I would call Toytec and see if they will work. I'll also ask around, I have a couple friends with 2wd (5 lug) I'll see if they have upgraded their tires and all.

westeem

Do you have a X-Runner? I was wondering whether an after cat exhaust system would improve performance very much since the X-Runner already has bigger exhaust pipes (2.5") and a free flow exhaust. I can understand the benefits from the headers. Any thoughts on upgrading the X-Runner aftercat exhaust?