Toyota Tacoma 2005+

gr8blue1

after 9500 miles she's definitely broken-in. getting 18 mpg on highway if not over 75mph. it's 16 mpg on higher speeds. nowhere near what others are reporting on the v6. :sick: used premium fuel only. V6 6sp DC 4x4 offrd2. build date is 10/04.

gr8blue1

I did the same thing earlier. Drove it at least 12 miles after the light came on and was surprised it took only about 17.5gal. to fill up even when it is very near the E. I don't trust that gauge as it looked odd. I'm used to the accuracy of the fuel indicator on the other Toyota cars I have owned or driven.

mwm10

You know, several people have been mentioning their speedo's being significantly off (5 mph high at 60 mph). This is an 8 1/2% error. So, their mpg's are also 8 1/2% high. Maybe those of us with more accurate speedo's have more accurate mpg's?

I'm getting about 15/18.

What do you think? How many of you with great mileage have high speedo's?

Displayed 20 mpg at 8.5% high is really 18.46...

lat49

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

volley

2005taco - There is a mod out there where someone has added an outlet inside the cab that runs off the stock inverter. I do not know if anyone has figured out yet how to have the inverter working with the truck off or 400 watts all the time. My solution to this though will be to install another inverter hard wired off the battery. 400 watts is OK, but itsn't a whole lot, and 100 watts...well why bother. My new inverter will of course be bigger and better equipped to handle more items.

As for the dual batteries. I haven't had any free time to work on it yet. Although I have ordered the seperator and am waiting for that to come in. I hope to be able to do something similiar to the Maya Hunter Tacoma which has the 2 batteries in the stock location. I just need to confirm the dimensions. As I start this mod I'll be sure to take pictures and maybe even write up a small how-to.

tacomadave

I think its a 3.0 liter 4cyl, but your right there tough powerful and fuel efficent.
http.//hilux.toyota.com.au

rsj

What kind of mileage were you getting with the lower octane? Also, do you have a V6? I have a V6 4x4 access cab and I am getting around 19mpg using 87 octane.

sdcatoyo

Many persons have posted similar messages concerning the buzzing or whistling noise...
I don't believe it is a matter of speed along... but a combination of the high wind hitting the car just right at certain speeds. We have noted the noise at speeds from 65-90... The consensus appears to be it is coming somewhere from right front passenger area (windshield? passenger door/window). I opened a complaint via 1-800-GO-TOYOTA. I recommend everyone experiencing the problem do likewise. :mad:

gr8blue1

I haven't tried using GPS readings but every construction zone laser/radar activated speed warning I approach displays the same number as what my speedo says. Also, trip meter seems accurate based on what mileposts and other road signs like rest areas or service plazas indicate.

gr8blue1

tacomadave, yes you are right. it's only 3.0L. i didn't see that comma i have tried one of those diesels before and made the mistake of starting from 4th gear before i realized it. the truck still moved forward like its in 1st gear. lots of power.

sdcatoyo

How are you achieving this? I am getting 16-17 in best driving conditions with my V6 4x4 double cab. There were some postings advising using mid-grade. I consistently got 19mpg with my 2001 Tundra access cab (5 speed, V6, 4x2).

mwm10

That's good! I was just making an observation about the concidence of high(er) mileage of many 05's, and the seeming typical high speedo's. Not implicating you...

:shades:

mikeinsandiego

hello there I have a 2005 Tacoma Prerunner accesscab v6 auto, Sport package #1. I was trying to change my oil after 1000 miles. Tha factory filter is thinner then anything sold aftermarket. I tried everything at the store to get it loose, but toyota has tightened it so much, I could not get it off.

I had to pay a a shop to change the oil. I am pissed, i usually change the oil myself....

Also have the tick in the engine that unexplained noise everyone has and toyota service techs have no reason for it, Saying it is the fuel injectors or exhaust.

So pissed toyota lets this go in a new car. My old 91 escort is quicker. Sounds like the valves sticking.

Thanks, mike

hammaa

I get what I feel to be poor mileage on my DC LB TRD Sport. It has the 17" sport wheel pkg. Is it possible that the speedo is tuned to the smaller 16" wheels, and so is miscalculating not only my mph (haven't even checked that) as well as my mpg? Any thoughts out there?

wooddorker

"Is it possible that the speedo is tuned to the smaller 16" wheels, and so is miscalculating not only my mph (haven't even checked that) as well as my mpg?"

The 17" wheels mount to lower profile tires. At a passing glance, both tires look like they end up with the same diameter (rollout). Rim size means little. Final inflated tire diameter means everything.

My second tank of gas calculated out to 19.2 MPG, with a 6 speed V6 Access cab, using 91 octane. I haven't finished the third tank yet. I'm not too disappointed for several reasons:

1) My truck is far from broken in.
2) The window sticker from my 5 speed manual AWD '01 Subaru Ouback says 22 city - 28 MPG highway, I never saw over 23-24. I even switched to Mobil 1 and a K&N @ 5k. My '99 Wrangler says 14-16. We get 13-14 with the same oils & filters.

Due to the discrepancies in the Subie, I believe I will get worse than predicted mileage due to a combination of my driving habits, and the fact that my state, CT, uses seasonally changing funky gasoline cocktails. I understand that folks in CA get even worse gas than we do.

What blends does your state require? Have your other cars met EPA estimates? How many miles does your truck have. I have found that some vehicles, like my Subaru and my last Toyota actually continued to improve up to about 4-5k miles.

wooddorker

Please post the following when bragging or complaining about MPG:

Your state (or country)? VERY IMPORTANT due to fuel custom blending!
Engine?
Transmission?
Cab config?
4x2 or 4x4?
Miles on vehicle?
Octane you're using?

I'm curiously following this.

Other research I've done has lead me to believe that fuel blends can cause a huge hit in mileage, and I'm starting to see some trends where all of the above info is available.

Thanks

KCRam

Just a reminder that we already have a discussion dedicated to this subject... post your fuel economy info over at MPG: Toyota Tacoma Real World Numbers.

kcram - Pickups Host

outbackwb

Yes it sure is a 3.0L I4 Turbo Diesel. I did a power conversion calculation from the Australian specs. It has about 160HP & 280Ft/Lbs of torque. It also averages 28 mpg. This would be perfect for most of us. Truly useable power and economy. We shall see if they give it to us here in N. America. Probably too reliable.
You think Tacomas are hard to find now?!!!

waterboy

I have recently purchased an 05 double cab and have much wind noise and some whistling on the driver's side from 30 mph up. I even had the readio turned up to a volume of 27 when driving 65 mph and could still hear it. It is very noisy against the windshield as well. I did not expect this kind of noise. I have taken into the dealer twice and they say they are working with an engineer in Kentucky. I will try once more and then do as you have done.

eagleg

I think some of the noise comes from the giant mirrors hanging off each side.While driving about 80 mph into a 50 mph wind my mirror was actually making a howling noise.When I moved the mirror it stopped.If it really bothers you try some aftermarket mirrors when they come out.I had to do that on my 92 Chevy.The windshield noise is one for the engineers.On an earlier post someone said they had a defective seal on the drivers side window which was easily identified by putting a piece of tape on the outside of the window until it stopped.Once the dealer saw this it was an easy fix to replace the seal.

flowerpower

i was just on the westin site looking at the the bull bar and the sportsman type also ,this was last nite so i ve slept since then, but i think i recall under the application process which they go thru that all factory skid plates and the bumper have to be removed, i could be wrong about recalling that part,any one out there might have a better idea of whats required, but westins site does explain installation steps for everything they sell. hope this helps.

flowerpower

several months ago i found a discussion site on the toyotas owners site about a product called rock blockit,they have a website,that is a clear plastic sheet that is precut for different model vehicles mainly trucks for the hoods and sides that protects from all things flying, has anyone tried this product that owns a tacoma and does it work,they say on the discussion thread that its almost invisible on the lighter colors especially on silver. any information would help a lot on this product,thanks p.s. the application process involves a heat gun to apply .

flowerpower

i was just on the westin site looking at the the bull bar and the sportsman type also ,this was last nite so i ve slept since then, but i think i recall under the application process which they go thru that all factory skid plates and the bumper have to be removed, i could be wrong about recalling that part,any one out there might have a better idea of whats required, but westins site does explain installation steps for everything they sell. hope this helps.

jackhammer

I have put as much as 23.45US gallons in on a fill up

zaxus

i think i remember somebody commenting that the best thing for hard water stains is a simple solution of baking soda..

tacomaboy1

Hi i just bought a 2005 tacoma reg cab 2.7 engine just bone stock a whant to haul my four wheeler in the back i put in the back and it made it squat a little but not that much will it hurt to haul it in the back is it to much wait it weighs 545lbs i took it down the road and it drove good no problems at 70 tach at about 2200 i will only haul it about 300 miles a couple times a year thanks for your help i love my tacoma my first truck.

kiwi79

Gra; I have a 05 Taco here in New Zealand. Maybe the only one outside of the US. It is "definitely" not the same as the 05 Hilux!!!! I have sat both vehicles side-by-side and there is a big difference. The 05 Taco is closer to the size (width) of the 100 series VX Landcruiser but runs the same 4L V6 engine and 5 Spd auto as the latest Pardo and Hilux. Unfortunately the yanks don't offer the diesel engines we get in OZ and NZ.

A little extra info for the guys state-side.

The 4.2 Turbo diesel (1HD-FTE) with 5 spd auto from the VX cruiser would be the ideal engine for the double-cab Tacos. (DOHC 24V Turbo/intercooled In-line 6 with 201 HP @ 3400rpm and 317 Lb/ft @1400rpm )
The Hilux/Prado 3.0L T/diesel (1KZ-TE) would be suitable for the standard and Extra-cab vehicles. (SOHC 8V Turbo/intercooled In-line 4 with 128 HP @ 3600rpm and 252Lb/ft @ 2000rpm)
I have seen a lot of the postings re "MPG" concerns and these diesel engines would give better figures than the 4.0L V6 and 2.7L IL4 currently run in the Tacos. If the Tacoma dble-cabs were available in right-hand drive with the 4.2 T/D it would be a huge seller in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa. Also, I feel if the 4.2 and 3.0L T/Ds were offered as optional engines in the states, they would sell well for the fuel conscious buyer. Even though down on HP hte extra torque would make up for that loss!
If you would like anymore assistance please e-mail me. K1W1.

aa00

Was going to pick up the door sill protectors Monday when I'm in for a oil change. Don't you have to pull up the plastic covering to put these on? Is this easy to get up and reinstall? Thanks.....

rsj

I love my white 4x4, access cab. It has the chrome running tubes(Kind of expensive) and it looks great.

pb2themax

If that doesn't work, the ultimate stain or contaminant remover is automotive clay, available at most auto stores. Plus polish and wax goes on much better after 'claying' your paint. I use it at least once a year.



Scroll down and find the Clay Bar 'how-to' video.
How-to Videos

john45

Mike,

I had to buy a vice oil-wrench at wal-mart, it crushed the oil filter. That was the only way i could get it off the first time too. I hope the shop put 5-30 oil in. nothing else. I haven't heard the tick sould. Have you had toy dealer check compression for the cyclinder? If there is a variance that could prove that the valve of a cylinder is trouble. If you take a wood closet pole and put it against various part of the engine walls with the top end of the pole to you ear you might be able to narrow down the location. I don't recommend this to anyone and will not assume liability in anyway if one where to stick the pole in the fan or belts. This is a cheap, dirty way to locate vibrations from noise.

John

pb2themax

Yeah, you need to remove the plastic pieces if you want the sill protectors to go on right. Just grab them and pull straight up. They are just held down by compression clips. Then you should remove these 3 rubber strips that are 'clipped' onto the sheetmetal lip; you'll see what I'm talking about once you remove the top plastic piece. Then to put the plastic piece back on, just line the clips back with the holes and 'hammer' it down with your fist.

troutdoorsman

"Yes oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler...these can be added as after market products"

Larry10
-Have you purchased these products aftermarket? If so, where? If not, is there any you reccommend? I don't want to get ripped off w/cheap parts.

stevemr1

I am considering adding the Dee Zee's to my Tacoma and would like to hear from someone who has them installed. It sounds like the majority of people don't install them for function as much as appearance. I was wondering it you don't actually use them, are they any annoyance as far as getting in and out of your truck. Does your leg hit them on the way in or out and is it in any way ackward. I don't want to spend the extra money and find out they interfere with ingress and egress. Thanks in advance.

aa00

Hey, thanks for the info..Will put them on Monday.....

larry10

No, I realized I never tow anything so I stopped looking. Good Luck troutdoorsman !

geogecko

I had to also use a wrench to get the first oil filter off too, put some dents in it getting it off. I hand tightened the one I put on, about 3/4's to 1 turn after seal contact.

While looking around in the console, I found that a screw (and washer) that holds the rear left (drivers side rear) end of the console down that was loose. If you lift up the carpet piece in the console, you will see two screws holding the back part of the console down. The washer was loose, and making some noise on occasion. Just something to check if you hear the noise.

deluxechev

I’m getting ready to do my first oil change on my truck (4,200 miles). I’ve decided to go synthetic 5w-30, with either Mobil or Amsoil (oil and filters). Few questions, please correct me if I’m wrong:

1 – If I go with Amsoil (oil and filter), the oil would be good anywhere from 20-25 K miles. (I think I’d change at 10K, 20-25K I’m simply not comfortable with) but what about the filter? I heard they still need to be changed every 3-5K (which is ok with where and how the filter is mounted on the V6 05 Tacoma).

2 – If I go with Mobil (oil and filter), the oil would be good anywhere from 7-10 K miles. Same question regarding the oil filter, does it need to be changed every 3-5K, or can I get away once every 10K miles.

wooddorker

Some people may think I'm wasting my money, but I use Mobil 1, with oil and filter changed twice a year. This works out to about 4.5-5k a change. I don't do many short trips, but my cars often sit without being used. My personal cars aren't used for commuting. Longer intervals, say once a year, might save me $40 a year.

I've always used synthetics changed at the standard dinosaur oil mileage intervals, or at least 6 month intervals, whichever came first. It costs more, but I've had excellent results, and see a bit of a mileage boost. I've twice had vehicles get hit with over 100k on them, and the mechanics have commented on the internal condition of the engines.

maxvenum

Something else to consider is the warranty. From what I have been told, if you don't change every 5,000 miles or 6 months, you technically void the warranty. While nothing will probably happen, if something does happen to the engine down the line while it is still under warranty, you might have problems getting the dealer to fix it even though the extended intervals weren't the cause of the problem.

indigo_ink

This has been discussed a few times previously... but basically if you use synthetic you still need to change it at the regular intervals. This isn't due to the wearing of out the slippery molecules in the oil, but instead because oils are design to hold the carbon and dirt from normal combustion in suspension so that it is removed when you change it. If you don't change it at the correct interval the oil will start depositing this as "sludge" in your engine and it cannot be (easily) removed. :sick:

gxb159

I am looking to purchase an Access Cab V6 4WD TRD this week. If you have a tonneau cover on your truck, please specify which one it is, price and your comments on that model. THANKS

deepred300

I purchased from toyotaparts.com. They were not chrome, but silver. My truck happens to be silver, so it all worked out fine.

Initially, it is a pain getting in. You have to put your outside leg (left leg for driver) in front and pull yourself in. Getting out is much easier. Put your inside leg heal (right leg for the driver) on the board and step out.

It is great for the kids thought.

It looks good. I'm getting used to getting in, but I am definitely still scraping my leg across it on the way in.

John

volley

I have the Access Lite Rider cover and love it. If I remember it was about $300 shipped to my door. Install was a snap and the quality of the cover is excellent!

tnt67

I Have been looking for a set of new 17" or 18"'s for my new prerunner extra cab but have heard that the brake calipers are very large and some wheels will not work.Has anyone heard of this or ran into trouble yet? I have found out that the bolt pattern is still 6 on 5.5", but i'm not sure of the 05 Backspacing. Any help would be appreciated.

blackmamba

Has anyone purchased a bed cover that is locking and can be slid twards the front of the front of the bed, and is strong enough to stand on. Does it use the current rail system or does it ount on top. Any help would be great! I am interested in such a bed cover.

hammaa

"tnt67" - My TRD Sport Pre-Runner (LB, DC) came stock with 17" wheels, so that size should work just fine for you, too. I'm no tire and/or wheel guy, but I can tell you that there is almost no off-set of these wheels, and the tires are literally 1/4 - 1/2" off the A-arm (or something like that).

theguy

Just wondering when changing to full synthetic if your truck is brand new lets say 5k km can you switch to full synthetic i was told to let the rings wear in on the motor and around 30k than you can change to the synthetic oils. Can anyone help me out here.

my_toy

For those of you wondering if the TRD sport(stock) could perform off road.... it can. I took a trip to Anza Borrego this weekend(southern california desert area), and went down a "Difficult" trail(diablo drop-off) with ease. Stock dunlops and Low/Low handled the steep crumbly grade just fine. Did scrape the exhaust located under the cab on a rocky wash.(stupid place for an exhaust pipe to cross over)
Great forum, first post.

pelts

i just received my bed mat for my new taco from toyota parts people.com. I went to unroll it in my truck only to find it was about a foot short near the cab. I ordered the one for the short box, which I have. The front does not wrap around the back wheels at all. It is a genuine toyota mat. I'm wondering if it is a defective mat, because on their site it says it has full coverage and also shows a pic of it. They also do not have a phone number on their site which is frustrating, anyone else have one of these? Oh by the way, WHAT AN AWESOME TRUCK, love it!