Toyota Tacoma 2005+

ozarkjohn

I also have an unusual noise under the same circumstances you describe. Mine sounds more like a speedometer cable that needs lube or a bad fan motor bearing. It sounds like it's coming from behind the center of the dash. It will stop when I open a window but that's the only way to make it stop whenever it decides to make noise.
Very puzzling.

pb2themax

Here's some info on different oil and air filters.

http://bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest1.htm

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

streaks

About a month ago, when I had the TRD exhaust installed, my dealer put pcs. of foam rubber between the leaf springs. He said it was only a temp fix till the TSB surfaced and the noise would probably return after the foam got wet.(i.e..after washing or rain)
However, luck has been on my side and haven't heard a clink or clank since.
Due for an oil change soon so I'll see what they say about the TSB's etc.
May just leave as is until I hear the noise again. No big deal!!

trd4x4boy

Quick question to all of you who got the "TRD" exhaust put on, how is it that you all got it when my dealer and TRD (company) say it's not out yet?

streaks

The TRD Cat-back was on http://www.trdparts4u.com/ ... I believe they were the first to offer the exhaust.
I called my dealer...they met trd4u's price ( they came down $130 and no shipping) and installed for $65. They got the exhaust from a Toyota warehouse in Md.
Funny huh, TRD has nothing on their site, but the exhaust is in a Toyota warehouse!!
I called TRD right after I picked up my truck in Feb. I asked them what was doin w/ the '05 stuff. They said the supercharger was coming out first!!. So I figure it's the headers next, then maybe a Air filter or induction( rumor?). Supercharger last. I figure their prolly workin like dogs now that "06's are out.

landscapr

They are daytime running lights. I have them on my 06 Prerunner, I believe they can be ordered only with the VSC (stability control package).

tacomacho

has anyone Install gas springs, on the hood of a taco, and if so where did you get them.

geogecko

Interesting. Can't believe it's the first time it has happened.

The only other thing I have experienced (twice) was while getting ready to start the truck, I heard a rapid clicking noise near the left front side of the engine bay, or just inside the truck. Sounded like a relay changing states very quickly...makes me a little nervous.

dbt44

Am I the only one that just hates the backward "D" of the real wheel well of the new Tacoma? I look like the designer couldn't deside what they wanted.
IIIIIIIIIIIII
IIIIIIIIII____IIIIIIIII
IIIIIIIIIIIII__________IIIIIIIII
IIIIIIIIIII_________________IIIIIIII
IIIIIIII______________________IIIIIII
IIIIIII__________________________IIIIIII
IIIIII______________________________IIIIII
IIIIII________________________________IIIIII
IIIII__________________________________IIIIII
IIIII____________________________________IIIIII
IIIIII____________________________________IIIIII
IIIII_____________________________________IIIIII
IIIIII______________________________________IIIII
IIIIII______________________________________IIIII
IIIIII______________________________________IIIII
IIIII______________________________________IIIII
IIIIII_____________________________________IIIII
IIIII_____________________________________IIIII
IIIII____________________________________IIIII
IIIIII___________________________________IIIII
Generally the whole truck is not their best design. It has been going down hill since 1994.

streaks

Nice drawing!! We'll pass that on to Toyota! Since the Taco has been going downhill, maybe your idea will straighten things out!! :P

tnt67

Maybe he is the only one.......Didn't I hear something about "Truck Of the Year"
Have a set of my factory 17" sport wheels with tires on that famous auction site. Thanks!
tnt67

ftoften

What kind of Michelins did Toyota give you? Were they LTX's, AT's or what?
Why only Michelins? What is wrong with Revo's,Toyos or Nitto's?

adventurer1

Installed my new Gibson stainless exhaust last night. Guys, don't pay anyone to install one of these...it doesn't get much easier. Two bolts, 4 rubber hangers and 30 minutes later I was done. Nice system, good quality with a nice 3" chrome tip and a sweet sound. Looked at TRD, Borla and finally Gibson. TRD and Borla are just too pricey, only paid $326.30 at autopartswarehouse.com. A lot less cash for basically the same thing.

repunner

If I were just using the truck on the road, I'd not worry too much about installing the K&N. I've used them on motorcycles for years, and never did those bikes need a rebuild any sooner than those not using it...but I don't think the benefits of it outweigh the cost if it's the only thing you buy toward improving performance.

In my experience, you need at least three things to get more power out of the engine...more air in, more fuel with it (and the engines map needs to be adjusted or in the days of carbs, new needles and jets etc), and a better flowing exhaust.

None of these are going to do much alone. You might get a nice induction roar depending on the motor with just an intake, better throttle response and cooler running with fueling changes, and more noise with only an exhaust.

My two-cents.

shadingding2

Trying to buy a Tacoma 2005 or 2006. Just wondering how much can bargain down from Kelly Blue's invoice price. I know it is kinda silly question, but still want to know the ranges b/w dealer price and final price which you all experienced. For example, if dealer price is $24,055(AcessCab, 2006, V6,4.0Liter,4WD), what will you bid for the first round with no any options added.

Thanks a bunch

Shadingding2

dbt44

"Truck of the Year" is a purchased prize that naive people thinks is a accomplishment.

How many of the following "Car of the Year" whould you be glad to bought?

1991 Chevrolet Caprice Classic LTZ ; Yes a classic for the ages
1983 American Motors Renault Alliance; American Management and Frence design perfect combo.
1981 Chrysler K-cars, Dodge Aries/Plymouth Reliant; Reliant on a good Mechanic
1980 Chevrolet Citation ; yes you should recieve a moving citation for buying one!
1978 Chrysler, Dodge Omni/Plymouth Horizon; LOL
1976 Chrysler, Dodge Aspen/Plymouth Volare; See above
1975 Chevrolet Monza 2+2 V-8 ; sorry, have to remove the engine to remove spark plugs
1974 Ford Mustang II- A pinto that didnt explode
1972 Citroen SM ???????????????????????????
1971 Chevrolet Vega; the only car that rusted in the show room

And did you rush out to buy these "Truck of the Year"?

1995 Chevrolet Blazer
1992 Ford Chateau Club Wagon Van
1991 Mazda Navajo
1990 Ford Aerosta

I am not saying that the Tacoma is a bad truck. What I am saying that the design elements are askew. Look at the real wheel well, does it not seem a bit funky. While the rest of the exterior look to be designed for street racing rather then 4 wheeling, with all that bulging plastic only trees can love. Sorry I want my truck to look like a truck not a Fast and Furious tuner.

boone88rr

Then I guess the Tacoma isn't for you. There isn't much more to say or debate. Not much you can do about the styling of a vehicle, you either like it or you don't.

140,000 people would disagree with your taste.

I guess this is the reason people are still buying the Ranger after 20 years with the same design.

dbt44

Here what you do take off 14.2% and then fax a letter to all the dealers in a 250 mile radius except the dealer you want to buy from. State this is the truck (be explicit, know every option you want down to color of floor matt) and price you will pay. At least one will agree, then take it into your dealer ask him to match it (or let him come damn close) if he doesn't the first time get up and walk. Wait two days and then give your perferred dealer one more chance. If he doesnt come through then go back to the first one. You may want to double check to make sure there is no dealer incentives on the truck if so subtrac that and then do the above

Have fun.

PS: the .2 in the 14.2% is important. A non perfect % will confuse them into thinking you know something they dont.

landdriver

Also if you haven't done so already check out the Toyota Tacoma: Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion.

Generally you should start bidding at or a little above invoice price (after subtracting rebates and incentives); edmunds.com has this info, as well as their True Market Value price which is an estimate of what people are paying on average for the vehicle.

dbt44's allusion to the internet route (emailing the internet manager at several dealerships, asking them for their best price for the specific vehicle you're interested in, and then going to the dealer that gave you the lowest quote) is an excellent method to get a great price on a vehicle; edmunds.com has articles detailing this procedure.

dbt44

140,000 slightly better then the year before with an older design. In the industry a redesign is expected to give you a 10-20 percent increase. This model was about 5% in which the 2003 -2004 increase was about 1.5% leaving only a real contribution of 3.5%. Yes there is something you can do about design; letting the company know about your feelings and not purchasing the truck as roughly 14,000 - 21,000 buyers did.

boone88rr

Well looking at actual numbers the increase is 8% (2005 - 139,600, 2004 - 130,222 = +8.0%)

A 10% increase in sales of 4x4 over the 2004 models and 6.7% in sales of the 4x2 models.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/11/01/147202.html

Not sure where you got the 10-20% as an "expected" increase. By your logic, the redesigned Frontier has been a total failure, only a 3.9% increase. (2005 - 61,272, 2004 - 59,415 = +3.9%) And the 2004 Frontier was an eyesore. :lemon:

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2005/11/01/147197.html

In a year where we have seen gas prices almost double, I think Toyota is perfectly happy with an 8% increase in a newly designed truck sales.

The Tacoma has been selling well for years (despite your comment that the design has been going downhill). It's pretty hard to increase sales when you set the bar high to begin with. Don't buy it if you don't like the looks of it. Not trying to convince you or me of anything. Personally, you aren't "sending a message" and I don't think Toyota is missing your business (19% increase in overall 2005 sales over 2004). It's your loss anyway. Great truck.

shadingding2

Thanks you two, dbt44 and landdriver.

I'm going to prices and paid buying... discussion.

dbt44

You are correct, I used pre october numbers and Frontier sales have dissapointed the big Nisson.

As you stated "In a year where we have seen gas prices almost double, I think Toyota is perfectly happy with an 8% increase in a newly designed truck sales." Your thinking conjecture is contradictory. An analytical evaluation would typify an increase in gas prices would impel market demand shift towards small-midsize (higher MPG) truck sales. That stated, the overall point still stands. I am not trying to convience you of anything but that the design is not the best. It all began as a simple question of dont you think the back wheel well is prosess an unprepossessing line? If one can not offer equitable examination of a products enervations then how can trust one's examination of it's merits? It appears that you are the one partitioning for assuagement. Why would that be, Me think the lady protest to much!

Owner 1993 SR5
278,340 Miles
Nothing Lost And Still Gaining

mtnman2

I recently priced a set of all weather floor mats for my double cab tacoma at $99 from the dealership. This seemed really high to me, has anyone had any experience bargaining with the dealership? If so, what did you pay or what is a competitive price for a set of all weather floor mats for a doublecab? Thanks.

pb2themax

I just did a cheap mod to my airbox that seems to be giving great results. More power, acceleration, and smoother engine starts.

Check out my truck and my write-up on the air box mod, and other cool stuff.

http://members.cardomain.com/pb2themax

pb2themax

I got some nice Nifty Products floor mats from http://www.performanceproducts4trucks.com/

The Extreme series are all rubber and molded to fit the floor really well. I love 'em.

trd4x4boy

thanks pb...i'm going to do it this weekend...i want to set up my truck on car domain too...

pb2themax

But be aware that this mod could affect your warranty as long as the dealer can prove that this mod is what has caused an issue. But you could always order a 2nd air box (I've seen a few on Ebay) and then swap the modded one with a stock one before going to the dealer. It only takes a minute to take the air box off.

channelcat

Nsxwes, I picked up my 06 DC, 4X4, long bed last Saturday. I probably put around 150 miles on it over the weekend. I listened for wind noise since I had read that some people noticed it. On the interstate I did notice some wind noise, but nothing I would consider excessive. I wouldn't have noticed it if I hadn't been paying close attention. I also listened for clicks, thumps, pecks, and hisses. All I heard was horses . . . . . . the ones under the hood. I love this truck! I was a little surprised by the enigine noise when you step on it a little. It's a good sort of engine noise though. I also like the way the transmission downshifts and holds back when you're slowing. I haven't found anything about this truck that I don't like yet . . . . . OK, maybe the monthly payments. Based on advice from Jackhammer and others I'll be putting some running boards on this weekend to protect the paint. You probably have a little wait on your hands, but it's worth it! :shades:

ronk44

I really like the way the Tacoma looks -- this is one reason I bought it. I could have bought any truck I wanted, and I decided on the Tacoma. You either like or you don't. But it's nice that we all have choice not to buy the same ole and inferior Chevy or Ford products. I actually considered a Dakota -- I also think it's pretty cool. I just liked the Tacoma better.

steveh427

I just got the all weather floormats. I got a mailer from another Toyota dealership that had a coupon for 15% off all accessories. The parts dept. at my local Toyota dealership honored the coupon without any second thoughts.
They look and fit great, they also say Tacoma on the mats, and I think I'll just keep them in all year round.....rain/snow in the winter and beach sand in the summer.
Good luck.

streaks

Got the all-weather mats a while ago..Their great!! The TRD mats I got w/ the truck are nice, but they get dirty quick. Just take these out and hose 'em off .The "Tacoma" badging (grey) also matched the interior.
I got them from the dealer at cost...$67 for my Acc. Cab. I also got other items at cost or the dealer met the internet price.
Do some research and you'll get good deals.

Btw, those mats pb2themax has look great too!! Also worth a look!

msibille

ARGGGHHH- 1984 Ford (Fix or Otherwise Repair Daily) Ranger - the absolute worst vehicle I ever owned, backed by the absolute worst customer service. And yet, my brother in law, who abuses his vehicles, had great service from his. It can happen both ways. OTOH, the way Ford treated me in 1984 -I won't say I'll never own another Ford, but I'm not sure they can justify paying me enough to have one...

But boone88rr is right- if you don't like the looks, don't look.
(For that matter, I don't really see the rear wheel openings when I drive...)

Get the vehicle that most closely meets your needs.
My DC is comfortable for me, has all the perks I want for the money, great storage, reasonable comfort for rear passengers, and cargo capacity far above what I had with my beloved '94 Suzuki Sidekick (the best vehicle I ever owned). Hopefully, my 2005 DC Taco will give me just as good service, but with the added comfort and cargo capabilities that I want now. (Am I getting old????)

wooddorker

"(For that matter, I don't really see the rear wheel openings when I drive...) "

Clark Howard, the consumer radio guy, had a great qote about his Scion xB:

"Clark has a Scion XB that gets great fuel mileage and has tremendous room on the inside. He admits the car is very ugly, but he spends the majority of his time inside and does not really care about the outside appearance."

msibille

Uh, designs are laid in place years before production.
(Similar to the approx. 5 yrs to get a new petroleum prospect into production.)
I don't think it is reasonable to expect a mfr to revise a vehicle design so radically in such a small time period- beside the investment in design, tooling, contracts, etc that must be paid off by production of the already implemented model.

Perhaps the increase in Taco sales for 2005 over 2004 were not as large as one my expect because the public wasn't yet tired of the 2004 design. The resale price of the 2004 actually went UP after introduction of the 2005, since consumers that liked it so much couldn't buy it new anymore. (BlueBook on my 2004 was more than what I had paid -which is why the deal on my 2005 was essentially a wash - I drove the 2004 for a year for free.) The 2005 was a design response to buyers that wanted a larger vehicle, with a lot of the niceties of the 4 - Runner (do you not see the genetic similarities?). I liked the 2004 Taco a lot - but I thought the 2005 was fantastic in terms of increased cabin space/comfort and perks, more power (I had the 4cyl 2004 but have the V6 DC now), and actually slightly better fuel economy than my 2004 4cyl.

BTW, such vocabulary hurts my head without an automatic thesaurus on hand...

msibille

Another pretty cool mod, pb.

Somebody is going to get a great used vehicle someday.
You've got some pretty good tricks up your sleeve.

Have a happy... :shades:

raswank

OK.. Guys and Gals going with 6x9's in the front of the Taco. Any suggestions. Looking at Boston Acoustics, MB Quart, Infinity, J.L. Audio. Looking at spending at least 300.00 on the fronts, because that is where the sound stage will be. Thanks for any suggestions.

tacojake

Hi Guys
I have had my 06 Taco TRD Sport double cab for about 3K miles now. I drove it off road and was surprised that it bottomed out so easily when hitting bumps?? It shouldn't bottom out so easy. Any suggestions?

tacojake

Does anyone know how to install an XM into the Taco with the JBL Stereo? I want to hook it up to the AUX input, but haven't been able to find one? Do I just have to settle for receiving XM via the internal FM modulator??

wooddorker

Double check and make sure that this will work with the JBL system before ordering, but it works fantastic with the Toyota system:

http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pietoy03aux.html

pb2themax

Here's how the Nifty Products Extreme Catch-Alls look in my truck.

blutac

I bought a set of HUSKY floor mats. Made especially for the o5. Got front & back (double cab) for about $120.US. They fit well and are available in differenr colours. They are really good in snow and slush climates.

tacojake

They look great! Where did you get them? Nifty dosen't have a listing for the 2006. Did you just use the ones for the 05?

pb2themax

Mine is an 05. Anything that fits the 05s will also fit the 06s. The only addition to the 06 is tire pressure sensors and a cabin air filter. Everything else is the same; engine, body, radio, interior, etc.

BTW, you can add an air filter to the 05s. Do a search in this forum and you should find some info I posted on it. There is a door behind the glove box that gives access to a spot for a cabin air filter. You can make one from a home furnace air filter or purchase one from toyota.

riverrat1

Does anyone have pictures of the Toyota all weather mats? I didn't even know they existed and would like to get something that fits instead of the sweatpants/one size fits all that I've seen. Hope they work out like the Toyota seat covers, I've been happy with them.
Thanks.
Bob

raswank

Got my all weather mats of Ebay 78.00 for double cab. Got them in black

bro45us

I like the redesign of the new tacos. I own 05 DC TRD SPORT which is my second 05 taco after my 05 DC SR5 4X4 got totalled (tears). Anyhow I'm partial to the quality I get from yota and sick and tired of the lousy service and quality of domestic junk. It only takes a glance at the rear well of a colorado or canyon to figure out GM copied Toyota. And ford body styling is a laugh !!. Dodge dakota is an ok looking truck but be sure you have a tool box with ya!

landscapr

I put the compact Xact unit from Circuit City ($49) in my 06 prerunner

I used heavy duty velcro to put it in the small pocket under the 12V power outlets.
The finish matches pretty close. I also direct wired in the power and fm output.

landscapr

dbt44

Unless you have to I would go with 6 inch round instead, accretion in accuracy og accoustic delivery. Inquire into a Focal either way. The are great mid to mid lows and very accurate. (I hold no association with focal or the follow items)

Used 61/2 New would be about $500=

http://cgi.ebay.com/USED-FOCAL-K2-POWER-165K2P_W0QQitemZ5824356779QQcategoryZ32819QQrdZ1QQ- cmdZViewItem

new 6x9

http://cgi.ebay.com/FOCAL-Polyglass-690-CV1-6-x9-2Way-Speaker-NEW_W0QQitemZ5825285663QQcat- egoryZ14942QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

6x9 will give you better bass but degrade mids. If your have or adding a sub then seriously concider the 6 1/2. Also make sure your tweeter is harmonious with your mids.