Toyota Tacoma 2005+

jdvailco

Yes. Toyotas can be ordered, but it is a lengthy and frustrating process called "preferencing". You will wait for monthly allocations and may still be limited to options available in your area. Find a dealer willing to talk honestly about the preferencing process and then go to http://www.nadaguides.com/ to see what options are available in your area.

bjw1

sorry dont have pics, will have to charge batteries for the camera, but i will once they charge.

adventurer1

Got back with the service manager at my local dealership concerning the ticking sound my Tacoma V6 makes. He heard the noise as well and called the regional service rep to get his take on the issue. The regional rep told him that Toyota is researching this and that all or most of the Tacoma's make this noise. He said that it sounded exactly like a loose valve but performing a valve clearance check/adjustment made no difference in the noise. My service manager by the way is a friend of mine and I have known him for 20 years. He said he will pass along any info he finds out about this issue. My truck seems to make the most noise after running the vehicle till it is fully warmed up, then shutting it down for say 10 to 15 min then re-starting. You could call it a hot re-start. At 1900 to 2000 rpm's is where I get the most noise. My thoughts are that since this engine has a timing chain instead of a belt, there may be an issue with the timing chain tensioning system. I still love this truck but my old 22R-E in my 86 SR-5 with 230,000 miles has a quieter engine...go figure.

kbshadow

can you hear it in the cab or do you have to open the hood to hear it.?????

fltaco

Thanks for the info. Please keep us posted on anything you hear. My truck (05 Dbl cab V6 longbed Built 01/05) also has the ticking. I've heard alot of different possible reasons for it but nothing solid. It would be nice to actually know what it is. I know another person with the same truck and he has the same exact ticking. It's hard to believe that it could be a normal sound from a new truck. I've even had a couple friends point it out to me without even pointing it out to them. When I get a chance I plan to go to the dealer to have it documented.

sbsyncro

According to the very nice person at Toyota Customer Service, the differences between the TRD Sport and Off Road (suspension wise) are the following:

1) Shock Absorbers - both use Bilstiens, but the Offroads are valved more stiffly than the Sport. They are both the same length. I was told that the shocks used on the Sport were valved for "street racing" rather than "heavy duty off road use" and therefore were not as stiff and harsh during normal street driving, but would not stand up as well to prolonged harsh use while off roading.

2) Sway Bar - the Sport uses the larger front sway bar found on the X-Runner. Actually she told me it was larger, and when I asked if it was the same one as on the X-Runner, she said that "yes, I believe that is the case, since it is designed to provide a more sporty road feel and better handling on the road, as in the design of the X-Runner"

3) There is no difference in springs or spring rates, according to them

4) Assuming the 16" tires/wheels from the off road were installed on a Sport, the ride height would be the same - in other words, there are no suspension differences other than tire/wheel that create any difference in ground clearance or ride height.

So, this means that those of use in So Cal wanting more off road capabilities on our DC Long Beds will really just need to replace the wheel/tire combo first, then possibly consider changing the shocks. I can't imagine the sway bar making a difference in any but the most extreme cases (where a heavier sway bar will limit axle articulation)

I also asked about the paint chipping problems and she said she did not have any notes about it

Sorry for the cross-post, I mistakenly posted to the buying experiences thread

paintchip2001

I have a DC TRD off-road and I want to put some Mud Terrian Tires on it. Does anyone know what the largest tire I can put on it without installing a lift?

bdstuart

Here's some advice on getting your dealer to order...first try a different dealer. Then go to www.fitzmall,com and e-mail them. They will order and have it delivered anywhere in the country (for a charge). So--get them to agree to order and send to you and use that with your local dealers...
Fitzmall in MD (not FL or PA) charges about $900 over the invoice you can find at KBB, Edmunds, Nadaguides, etc (they are a no haggle dealer--Brian Chanin was the guy I dealt with on e-mail--very nice, low pressure, knowledgeable). They told me a few hundred for delivery. I didn't use them, but was close--very easy to deal with. I had 2 other dealers offer to let me order what I wanted and I went with one of them when they beat the Fitzmall price. I have an 11 Apr build date with delivery in May...I hope!

brodeyo

I have the same problem. I have a dbl cab, 4x4 ,sport(pt package). I brought it into the dealer and they said it was because of the switch to a timing chain.

I drive on the highway a lot and am always up against a cement wall when merging on to the highway. do me a favor if you are ever in a similar area.... roll down your window and take a listen. As another owner stated in one of these forums...it sounds like I have a baseball card in my bicycle spokes....

I'm actually taking my tacoma in on Saturday to get the Windsheld seal properly installed. I will also be complaining about the ticking sounds and the very noisy suspension when hitting fairly small pot holes....

I'll report back with my findings...(if any)

volley

Yes keep us posted. I too would be interested in the cause of this....

fltaco

I drive over a long concrete bridge everyday to work and that is when the ticking is most evident. It's also more noticable when pulling into the garage and sitting at the bank drive thru window. Mine is loudest on the drivers side. It seems by reading through the forum that different dealers are telling people different reasons for the noise. It would be nice to hear something directly from Toyota. You would figure that they have to be looking into it. With all the different reasons I've heard, it's amazing it doesn't tick even more than it does.....

Possible reasons heard:

Timing chain
Aluminum block
Exhaust
Loose valve
Low grade gas

xsacta

I had mine in the day after I bought it in early November. Dealer said that it was the fuel injectors. They also said that ticking was a common complaint from '04 4Runner owners with the same motor. The conclusion was that it's a *normal* resonance and harmless. My compalint is on the record. Anyone with an issue should make sure that it's on the record with the dealer and back that up by calling Toyota corporate and make sure that it's on the record. The dealer did say that if there was a fix that they'd let me know. The ticking hasn't kept me from enjoying the truck. However, it's 100% absolute BS that a modern engine in 2005 should be ticking quite noticeably. Especially from Toyota. I hope these message boards have an effect on Toyotas bottom line . Maybe they'll lose enough sales to inspire them to fix this problem. I doubt it as it would probably be too costly. Either way, Toyota has no excuse for this one. None. For those who might want to chime in and say "Hey, it's a truck. Who cares?". I say that I care. Like it or not, it's a defect. It's not 1960. There's no excuse.

adventurer1

The noise is mostly on the drivers side. If I am driving with the window down and I drive next to something that reflects vehicle noise, it is very noticible. It can still be heard without this though. It is very annoying, normal or not. Thought changing oil to 10w-30 which is slightly thicker than thin 5w-30 might help but I don't think it made much difference. My wife's vehicle, 03 Pathfinder with a 3.5L, 240 HP V6 is just as complicated design as the Tacoma's and it is perfectly quiet. I just can't believe Toyota engineers would not notice this issue during initial testing or would let this go without a fix. I can say that I know a little about engines and this is not related to gas quality, aluminum engine or an exhaust leak. I will bet that if all 24 valves are in spec, the culpret will be something with the timing chain tensioning system. This engine has been in use in 4Runners for a couple of years...Anyone know of any complaints with these?

coldfoot

Try calling Central Atlantic at 410-760-1500 and raise cain.

sbsyncro

Has anyone sold their 17" Sport tires & wheels on eBay or otherwise in order to install something more off-roadish? Just wondering if there is a market, and what they might fetch...

bjw1

I have no problems with my taco, a dbl cab prerunner v6, no ticking, noises or leaks, i rarely write on this forum due to having no problems, i have 1800+ and going on a 800 mile round trip this weekend, just filled up for the trip and got 18.88 all city on this mpg, will post hwy mpg when i return.

bacolod

Same here have the same model as Hammaa, no problems whatsoeverl!!. Truck was manufactured on 2/05/05. Had 1850 miles right now. My sixth gas filling brought a 19mpg, 70/30 mostly highway. Will let you know if i get a better mileage
as what some of us are getting.

gearhead1

Good to see people post that have no problems, but this has not been a good start for the 05 Taco. Some of these problems are down right scary. Really, there's no excuse for some of these issues unless Toyota was secretly bought out by Ford and we don't know it. :lemon: I'm hoping for better with the new FJ being released in early 06.

imin2mx

I rather doubt it is the timing chain or injectors causing the ticking, unless they are out of spec. I have a DC Prerunner Sport with over 5,000 miles and have never heard ticking sounds. I also average 21 MPG with 60% freeway driving on 89 octane fuel. I don't know the percentage of V6 owners who have ticking sounds, but people in forums tend to discuss problems and share remedies rather than say all is well. At any rate, the ticking should NOT be there on any new vehicle.

volley

Although I do have a few problems with my truck I still love it and hope it lives up to Toyota's longevity reputation. However, I do think it is equally important for those with no problems to also post that and their praises. For those doing research on that next purchase those good reviews may be just what they need to get them over the hump.

I have the ticking noise, a tempermental high beam light, some suspension noise, and a vibrating skid plate. BUT I would not hesitate to buy this truck again. My only wish is that I had waited a few months and not bought one of the first ones off the assembly line (although I didn't know it was soooo new when I got it).

Slap a sunroof, heated outside mirrors, and leather seats on this baby and it would have been my dream truck! For my needs, this truck is the best looking and best featured truck in it's class out there hands down.

newtaco

Here are 4 photos of my 2005 dbl long bed SJ package in Black
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=x2oml0y.mgu16lu&x=0&y=-390s1u

fltaco

This is a GREAT truck! The ticking noise does NOT effect the driving of the truck at all. The truck rides and looks great! There isn't another truck out there that even comes close to standing up to the Tacoma. Anyone who is reading this forum to decide what Truck to buy shouldn't be discouraged about these minor problems. I'm happy to see that people are out there that don't have the ticking noise. That should mean that there is a possible fix to the problem upcoming. How can they say it's normal when there are a good amount of people who don't have the ticking?
If anyone out there actually finds a dealer with a fix please let us know.

maxvenum

Here is another possibility. Figure out the exact base truck you want (and maybe some of the accessories-ie, bed mat, seat covers, etc.). Talk to many dealers and find out what is on their allotment (incoming) list. Find a dealer with a truck that is very close to what you want coming in. Then, as long as the truck hasn't been built, you can get some things changed (ie., color, bed mat instead of seat covers, etc.). Since the truck is already on the dealers allotment list, the truck should arrive on schedule about a month later. You shouldn't have to worry about the truck coming in late. This is what I did. My truck is supposed to be built in a week, and then it is supposed to be on the dealers lot around May 1.

msibille

Not having heard the other engines for myself, I can't say what you have.
But I do have a mild ticking sound, which I could attribute to either exhaust sounds, mechanical valve tappet sounds, or possibly the verge of detonation. But the ECMs in modern (OBD II) engines are constantly tuning to keep the timing, etc. at optimum, which will be on the edge of engine knock. A knock sensor is used to sense when this gets too close. (I'm not buying the aluminum block excuse, nor the fuel octane, unless you're buying "junk" gasoline. The engine is intended for 87 octane. It will tune to optimize for the higher octane if you use it, but it is not necessary to buy anything more than 87.)

I have DC (Prerunner).
I have used nothing but 87 Octane, performance is great, and with only 1200 miles, mileage is running 16 1/2 city 22+ highway.
(Better than my previous 2004 DC Taco w/ 4 cylinder which yielded only 15 city initially, improving to 16 or so after several thousand miles.)

I suppose it's possible that we might hear some sound from a timing chain, that we wouldn't hear from a timing belt, but I'm guessing the biggest culprit in all of this is that modern engines are generally so much quieter (particularly from intake noise) that we are hearing things that we just didn't hear before. My Suzuki Sidekick (4Dr) w/ 1.6 litre 16V 4 cyl had similar sounds to those I have w/ my Taco. Drove it for over 10 yrs trouble free. (Actually had slightly more noise after I had the valves adjusted at 30k miles.)

If it concerns you, have the dealer note it, but unless it's more than something you have to listen carefully for, with the radio off, relax, enjoy your vehicle. I am.

mangels

I've been reading this great forum for months and finally it's time to post a message. I have ordered the 05 sport d/c 4x4 Indigo with every option avail, including a lift and tire swap. I ordered it in November and it will be here next week!! I also own a 2003 4Runner and it ticks. I only hear it in the morning (maybe cuz it's quieter than the daytime). I think it's coming from the passenger side. And I only really hear it when I'm in my garage, next to the wall. I don't hear ticking when I'm actually driving. I did talk to the dealer about it, and they gave me some song and dance about warmup noise. Whatever. It's been nearly two years and it's probably still ticking, but I just don't care to listen for it. (Maybe cuz it's a lease). Thanks for a great forum. It has helped me a great deal.

jdvailco

If you are selling, I might be interested.

Let me know

crankyfrank

Just bought a reg cab 2wd, stick with the 4 cyl engine. had to go 75 miles to find the kind of basic set up i wanted without ordering one. very impressed with it so far especially the interior room (I'm 6' 2"). Need some advice please...
Options for protecting the paint besides a set of tube steps. doesnt look like toyota makes flaps for front wheels or running boards for reg cabs? any suggestion on aftermarket flaps etc?

How about suggestions for roll back tonneau covers?

dmutt

For those of you interested in ordering, yes, you can.
First, the dealership will try to find the vehicle you are after some where close or in there region. Not there, then they will look to see if one was built and is on the way or scheduled to be built. They will 'preference' the truck so that it goes to the dealer requesting it. If the first two are note met, then they will put a build order on it to meet your specs. It may take as long as 4-5 months to get it. My Tundra I ordered and built to order took 4 mos to get. If you decide you will take other options or delete an option that is currently being configured to be built, you will get it way sooner.
My truck that I ordered was not being built the way I wanted it, and I stuck to my specs, so it was a special build. I have also preference a T-100 in the past and received it in 6 weeks.
Ordering one to be built to your spec may take a while to get into Toyota's build bank. Toyota controls when they decide to place the order in the bank to be built.
But, yes, it can be done and has been done by several people/

adventurer1

Don't get me wrong on this. The tacoma is a great truck and the engine noise is the only issue I have. No rattles, squeaks, paint issues or water leaks to report. My Mexico built 2/05 double cab 4x4 gets great mpg as well, 18+ city. I have owned Toyota products for 25 years and swear by them. I even worked at a Toyota dealership in the parts department for a few years. The engine noise may be classified as normal but is not what I have come to expect from a Toyota.

spyder1658

I picked up my 05 Taco 4X4 access cab about 3 weeks ago and definelty love this truck. I talked to a bunch of car audio places and they said that the options are limited as far as placting subs. I was told one of my best options would be to get a self-powered sub (I think it was a enclosed box with 2 dual firing 8"subs) to conserve space. As far as mounting the subs, i was told the most likely place to mount them would be behind one of the seats or on one of the jump seats. I know im going to be installing new speakers first so if you hear anyhting else about installing the sub on the access cab, let me know.

Thanks, Spyder.

5tdcsb

Hey bacolod,

Nice to finally hear something good come out of this forum. Don't get me wrong, I do find that the reads here are very helpful. But I am getting ready for my 05 DC SB 4x4 with TRD off road, automatic next week. I was starting to wonder if I did the right thing. But I used to have a 81 toyota 4x4 years ago, and I have had many trucks since. It was the best all a round truck I ever owned. So when this new one came out I thought it was the best looking on the market. So with my past experience and my friends inputs that also own toys, I went and ordered it back in the begining of march. Well I can only wait and see how I will make out when it arrives next week (I HOPE).

dilmurat

Hey All, I need some help working with my dealer. Here's the scoop:

I accidentally drained my transmission fluid when I went to change my oil (I know, I know...). So I did the right thing and got it towed to the dealer to get the fluid refilled (since you can't check it or fill it on your own in the new Tacomas). They gave it back to me and I drove it for about 200 miles before the trannie wouldn't shift above third. I took it back and they had it for a day and a half before they discovered they put in the wrong fluid. They replaced it and got it back to me.

I met with the service manager, quality control manager, and the customer relations manager yesterday and the service guys tried to explain to me that my truck is fine, would have no damage, and that they would not even extend my warrantee. I was not satisfied, and the customer relations manager is talking to the general manager today.

My gas mileage is down 2 mpg and my trannie is a little sluggish since they gave me the right fluid.

Any thoughts on what I should do? What kind of damage/wear could have happened? Or are the techs right about it?

Thanks for any input!

Sorry, truck is DCab V6 prerunner Auto.

nbtacoma

Hi,

I picked up my new 05 Silver Taco 4X2 Access Cab SR5 last week and so far it's been great. After driving my 96 4X2 for 8 years, this thing feels like a luxury sedan on the inside and rides like one too. Very happy so far and researched all similar trucks before buying this one.

Kirstie_H

A magazine reporter is hoping to speak with a recent Toyota SUV, pickup or minivan buyer who traded out of a domestic SUV, pickup or minivan. An ideal buyer would be someone who had a GM SUV but now wants to gets a Highlander hybrid to save on gas , or someone who had a Chrysler or Dodge minivan and traded in for a Sienna. Please respond to jfallon@edmunds.com with your daytime phone number and a few words about your choice no later than Tuesday, April 12, 2005.

volley

That's a great looking truck! Congrats. I gotta get some of those tube steps.

volley

Congrats on the new truck! I have heard great things about the 4cyl. especially the stick. On to your questions.

If you can't find nerf bars or running boards, you can have the 3M (or other brand) protective film applied to the rocker panels. Most tinting places do it or if you feel adventurous you can apply it yourself. I can't imagine it would cost much for just the panels so to make sure you get a good application I would have the pros do it.

Another option is to check Westin and see if they have nerf bars for the regular cabs. I know they have them for the other configurations.

As for tonneau covers. I have the Access LiteRider roll-up and love it. Would highly recommend it. Truxedo and Extang also have roll-ups available. Shop around for different prices as they vary a lot.

Good luck!

volley

Just wanted to share that I had my Flowmaster installed today. Yipppeeee! lol
I know it will break in and mellow out some, but the sound is a VERY nice deep, throaty rumble. I had Flowmaster on my last truck (although it was duals) and was concerned about interior drone at highway speeds. I am happy to report that the system is pretty quiet on the radio. I couldn't even hear it in the cab over my radio that was only turned up to about 25. You don't hear it at idle. This is by far one of the best mods I've done so far and highly recommend it. Best $30 I've spent so far.

For anyone interested I got the Flowmaster 40 Original, SI/SO w/ a 18" Magnaflow SS tip. I just had them cut the stock muffler out (man that thing was huge) and weld the new one in. There was no need for a full catback system.

If I can figure out how to do it, I'll try to use my phone (gotta love technology) to record a sound video and post it.

wooddorker

Add me to the list. Even the tire pressures in all five tires are dead nuts.

03/05 built Radiant Red Access Cab (Cali VIN), OG, DZ, FE. $25,500 + tax, reg, & $200 dealer conveyance. I don't trade cars in, ever, and use a credit union, so this was a cash on the barrel deal.

Puuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrfect. This is my 10th, and by far best out of the box, new vehicle. Other good deliveries over the years: my '85 Toyota pickup, a Subaru Outback, and a Mazda Protege.

Delivery day was a deluge, no leaks, either.

tacosupreme

Has the leaky windshield situation been fully addressed by Toyota?

My '05 access cab 4X4 TRD off-road V6 manual hasn't had the leak, or at least the carpets haven't gotten wet yet. Still, just because my carpets stay dry in the rain doesn't mean that water isn't getting into someplace it shouldn't.

Should we be worried about this? Mine was built in California in 1/05. BTW, I absolutely love this truck.

banjoman

Arcpass - here is the link to view pix of my taco.

Banjoman

http://www.kodakgallery.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?&collid=10397841407&page=1&sort_order=0">link title

tacoma05

Actually I guess I worded that weird but I saw a 2005 parked in my lot so I looked and it is supposed to be plastic/liner, I said to open the tailgate but you don't nec. have to, to see where they took off the piece. It is the little section on the inside right befor you get to the tailgate that sticks out about an inch or so. I can even tell how they got the off now, they used the back side of a hammer. What's stupid is they left my nice tie downs in the little compartment and left my deck rail system alone, who know's I don't understand why they would take those pieces.

gearhead1

"Slap a sunroof, heated outside mirrors, and leather seats on this baby and it would have been my dream truck!"

Ummm.......I think you just described the Ridgeline. It's understandable that it would be your dream truck. It's one excellent piece of machinery.

macgyver33

I've been doing some thinking on placement of sound equipment and I am really looking for a system that doesn't take up any of the seating space in the back. My idea is to use 2 10" Image Dynamics IDQs and mount them in the lower part of the access doors and angle them kind of towards the back wall. These subs take up almost no space in a sealed box (0.3-0.6 cu. ft.) so they might fit on the doors without sticking out very far. Under the front seats or on the back wall might be a good place for amps, it just depends on if you want to show off your bling or not. This is just what I have thought of so far. I will do some measuring later and see how possible my ideas might be. The only major thing with the subs in the door idea is cutting into those panels, but if there is enough space in the door it might just be cutting a whole for the sub and not doing some crazy fiberglass work.

What is the word on the speaker replacement. What can fit in the rear speaker locations, 6-1/2s or 6x9s? Do those tweeters in the front have a crossover at all or are they separately wired from the head unit? What have you guys been replacing the stock speakers with and how do they sound?

Thanks,
MacGyver33

lamike

How can you tell where your truck was built using the VIN number? Does anyone know what to look for?

gearhead1

The first number or letter determines where your vehicle was built.
I'm proud to have atoy truck that starts with a J. It will probably never happen again.

1, 4, 5 - USA
2 - Canada
3- Mexico, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica
6 - Australia
7 - New Zealand
8, 9 - South American Nations
J - Japan
K - South Korea
L - China, including Taiwan
M - India
R - Taiwan
S - United Kingdom
V - France, Yugoslavia
W - Germany
X - Russia
Y - Sweden
Z - Italy

korgs130

I want to order a Prerunner Double Cab, Short Bed with:
- SR5 package #3
- VSC (VD)
- Side Airbags (GY)
- JBL Premium Stereo (EL)

Does anyone have this combination? If so, where did you get it? The Side ABs and the VSC are not available in the Chicago region. Dealers in Arkansas tell me that I can only get the Side ABs and VSC on a Prerunner with the TDR Sport package #1. Thanks in advance for the help.

sbsyncro

Hey y'all - I just ordered a Taco without any stereo upgrades, and then realized that it won't come with steering wheel controls that way for CD changer. I plan to change out the factory deck and speakers ASAP, but I want the steering wheel controls - has anyone successfully adapted an aftermarket head unit to the steering wheel controls? Is it do-able? Should I spend the extra $200 for the DZ option just to get the steering wheel controls?

Thanks

macgyver33

Mine starts with a 5 so it is US, but are the engines assembled at the same factory as the rest of the truck. I just took a listen for the noise on my truck today and I can hear what everyone is talking about. I wouldn't say it is very noticeable since I had to turn off the radio, roll down the window, and drive close to a concrete barrier on the highway to kind of hear it and it was hard to notice at times which makes me think it may be intermittent. I got home and checked under my oil filler cap and found I have the timing chain model which is my first guess at the source of the problem since it only occurs when the engine is around 2400 -2600rpm or so on the highway. I will look more into on my own and if anyone with this problem has access to a dyno it might be good to test it out and maybe get a better idea of where it is coming from since you can only hear it when on the highway. If you are thinking of buying one of these trucks and feel turned off by this problem I will reassure you that it isn't that big of a problem and I am sure we will have it figured out very soon. I have only had this truck a week and I absolutely love it, compared to every other truck on the market right now it is by far the best pound for pound.

arcpass

That looks great. Thanks for the pics. I'm going to order one for my truck tomorrow. I do have two questions; Did they remove the top black rails on each side or just mount the shell on top of those? And what did it cost? Thanks again.

gearhead1

"If you are thinking of buying one of these trucks and feel turned off by this problem I will reassure you that it isn't that big of a problem and I am sure we will have it figured out very soon. I have only had this truck a week and I absolutely love it, compared to every other truck on the market right now it is by far the best pound for pound."

I don't think the engines are made at the Freemont plant. I was on the verge of getting an 05 Taco, but then the Ridgeline hit, and for me there just wasn't a comparison. The deal breaker for me was side air bags(standard), leather interior, power driver's seat, Moonroof, XM radio, 4 wheel independent suspension, AWD, VSC, VTM-4 lock, power rear window, very quiet ride. inbed trunk, 2 way opening tail gate, more storage in cab.