Toyota Tacoma 2005+

rockbiter76

I decided to buy a Taco way back in December but knew that there would be bugs so I waited until this summer to do it hoping some of them would be ironed out by now....and I think many of them have.

In my two month hunt (i.e. obsession), I found a wide variety of dealer pricing. Most would offer 500 off MSRP; a few 1,000 off. Some said they would only take sticker price. I've always loved to play 'the game' with dealers (maybe because I just like to argue), and this is the first time I've had to wait for a vehicle to be built. I walked out of no less than 8 dealerships who would not meet my price....and they didn't call me back to ask me to come back and talk. They simply didn't have to because they had so few available. This was new territory for me.

After hearing so many dealers say they would get me one if I put up a down payment, or that they had one or two coming in next month, I grew tired of the game. So a friend of mine referred me to a broker who got me the truck I wanted in less than an hour (delivery in two weeks, I hope) and I paid 2,000 off MSRP. This was about what I expected the dealers to take but they acted like I was crazy to make such a low offer. Let's face it, if you like the truck and you don't feel like you got totally screwed, what difference is a couple hundred bucks going to make when you have the best truck in the class? I think having the truck will quickly eliminate the pain of paying for it.....course that's just an opinion.

bobw1

Does anyone know the 2006 Tacoma colors. I'm looking for a dark green. I see Colorado is deleting dark green for 2006. Thanks...

bjw1

i got one and had it installed, no probelms, fits nicely, its black, am really happy with it, now that i got my tunes from my real radio now.

ruskastud

Just got mine and when installed, the very ends of the hood don't quite go down all the way, but the hood latches no problem. I took it off, and noticed that the weather stripping along the lights and grill top make the hood fit real stug without the hood guard. Is this the way it is supposed to be? If so, I can see how all hood protectors would make the hood sit up just a slightly, and it is only noticeable by the quarterpanles. Just want to make sure I didn't do something wrong.....

Any help/suggestions please......

benztaco

bassman,

I decided to order the same cover for my dc/sb. Was the install as simple as claimed by Extang and Autoanything? Did you have to cut the bed or rails as some suggested? Can you post a picture for us? Or share the details (lessons learned)? Looks like a good top and you can't beet the price.

Thanks!

boone88rr

That seems a little strange. Are you positive you have the right one? The part number for mine was W27160. "OE" style, Smoke.

After I put in all five screws underneath, the protector was snug/flush against the underside of the hood. Yeah it's about 3/8" thick so it will make it a little bit higher but mine isn't noticeable against the quarter panels. It looks to me that it just depresses that weather stripping a bit more when the hood latches.

I think you should double check the part number, reinstall it and make sure the underside is flush to the hood. If neither of those work and the hood sticks up noticeably, I would send it back, maybe yours got bent or disfigured during shipping or production. Good luck.

ruskastud

Yea, that's the sameone I got. It fits flush, but like you said, it pushes the weather striping down and sits up just barely (a butt hair). Just making sure I wasn't doing something wrong/stupid..... THANKS!

pb2themax

It works with single or double din. If you have a single din then a "pocket" goes above the radio to fill in the space.

purestock

bobw1

Check out this link from Tundra Solutions. Wish it ws better news. www.tundrasolutions.com/vehicles/color_chart.htm

tacomaboy1

i just purchesed a Extang BlackMax Tonneau Cover for my 2005 tacoma just wondering if somebody has one was it hard to install does it clamp to the rail allready there or do you have to cut some of the liner can you keep the black covers on the rails on thanks for the info

theguy

just did an oil change double cab 4by4 manual says 5.2 l i put in 5.2 but its very hard to read the dip stick anyone else have this problem it seeems very hard to see theres oil on it but not very visible hard to tell if the right amount is in it.

asac1

Some have said they have payed for TDA, amounting to as much as $350. I think TDA is Toyota Distributor Advertising. What I want to know is this .... has anyone adamantly refused to pay for this and were successful?

I'm preparing to meet with the financing dept. Any other advice would be greatly appreciated

benztaco

TDA is a per vehicle fee that Toyota charges dealers for the great national ads we see in our market areas. You CAN negotiate this. I did. They won't let the deal walk for $350 despite the popularity of these trucks, especially in the summer months which are traditionally slower. If you can, I would obtain financing before walking in to your local dealer. Credit Unions (I don't work for one) usually offer great rates and why have the dealer make money on your deal twice? If you have financing work the best deal you can with a sales manager and when he/she sends you to the finance office to sign, don't by the "options" they'll try to send you. There were many posts previously regarding "extended warranties" etc. Good luck. :shades:

tacomuncher

I agree with benztaco, the dealer financing sucks. Unless they are running specials which will never happen with the Tacoma due to it's popularity.Credit unions are the only way to go. Check around, there should be a credit union in your area you can join. Just call and ask. Also, you've probably already got with a salesman, but the best way to go is to walk into fleet sales and ask for their price. I was given $2,500 off sticker right off the bat. And when you go into the closing department and they offer something you don't want, tell them firmly "NO THANKS". Then check over the paperwork for anything they try to add. Always look like you're ready to walk. Worked for me.

coldfoot

try truckaddons.com and check out the torza top. I put one of these on my 05 Access cab and it looks great. Easy to operate also. I got mine through another company and paid more.

Kirstie_H

Don't forget tonight's member-to-member chat - it's open mic night, so come and discuss whatever's on your mind.

6-7pm PT/9-10pm ET. Drop by for live chat with other members. Hope you can join us!

kirstie_h

aztechian

On the '05 tacomas, there is a chip in the key that is used for the engine immobilizer. I have read (and been told by dealer service ctr) that you should not get the key wet. My question then is: What should I do to lock the truck if I am going surfing/SCUBA diving? There are little pouches in wetsuits to hold a key, but apparently I can't get this one wet - or it gets expensive in a hurry. I called two different dealers and got just about every permutation of answers possible. ...I'm _NOT_ going to use a hide-a-key... if someone is willing to smash my windshield to get inside I'm not going to trust a hide-a-key.

1. Does the valet key also have the chip?
2. Can I make a plain-metal copy, and use that to lock the doors with the master key inside - then unlock with the copy and start the truck with the master?
3. Is there a practical way of keeping the key dry in ~100 ft of water?

BTW, I'm only talking about the key itself, not the remote fob.

Thanks!

kbshadow

The valet key has a chip.

You can lock your chip key in the car with a non chip key, I use a free plastic one AAA gave me, it works fine.

kbshadow

aztechian

cool, thanks for the prompt reply kbshadow!

wooddorker

"Can I make a plain-metal copy, and use that to lock the doors with the master key inside - then unlock with the copy and start the truck with the master?"

What KB said.

I use the Gray valet key that was included with the truck to lock the doors when kayaking and mountain biking. The valet key is easily copied by any hardware store.

msibille

Do understand that the gray valet key is subject to damage just as the other keys are.

I sail, and sometimes in races, things get a bit wild.
I had a cheap metal copy made at Walmart -which as noted, will not start the engine, but will open the doors. I attached a medium size "floaty" that would keep the key from sinking if I drop it at the dock or something, but it still fits in my pocket. Since I park at our club which is relatively secure, I just stash the regular key in the cab and lock/unlock w/ the non-chip key.

If you really want more security, you could take one of your OEM keys, and cut the stem (keyed part) off and toss it. You could leave the head (w/ the chip) locked in your vehicle, and carry the cheap copy from Walmart. When you come back to your vehicle, unlock w/ the copy, then to start your vehicle, place the OEM head against the copy, insert into the ignition, and start. ONce started, you're good to go.
Try this without cutting the stem from the key before you do, but I think you'll see what I'm saying. In this way, IF someone enters your vehicle and finds the key, they still can't start the vehicle unless they've also got a key to fit the lock, or they wire-around.

asac1

Does anyone know where I can get paintable custom running boards for the Access Cab? I see there are some available for the Double Cab.

Perhaps the DC sizes will fit the AC models.

I do not want the Toyota brand as they are level with the floor (so what would be the point of having them except for door-ding protection?).

Thanks for any info.

soljah13

I need help. I'm in the Army stationed in Germany. I bought a 2005 Tacoma Doublecab, 4x4, automatic transmission, w/ TRD Off-Road Package (U.S. specs) here when I returned from Iraq earlier this year. When I am driving at high speeds (autobahn) I hear a whistling sound coming from my dashboard. It makes a sound not unlike when you put a sheet of paper between your lips and blow (only louder). Does anyone else have this problem or know what the fix is? I would really appreciate any help from anyone. I can provide any additional info needed. Thanks in advance.

johnh4

When I have about 3/4 tank of gas and I come to a stop or from a stop let off the brake and re-apply the brake I feel gas splashing in the gas tank. The gas actually hits the front of the tank and you can feel the banging transmit to the back of your seat. Could there be defective baffles in the gas tank? Does anyone else notice this?

wooddorker

I think I used the wrong term, "Valet Key" isn't correct.

The key I'm talking about will not start the truck, as it has no chip or other electronics. It does have gray vinyl on it, however. I know this because I lost a key, brought this key to the dealer, and was told that it has no electronics in it, and therefore will not start the truck. According to my dealer, there's nothing to hurt by water, magnets, etc... in the gray key. He says the gray vinyl is simply for appearance.

This may not be true for Toyotas other than the Tacoma. Real valet keys will start the vehicle and open the doors, but will not unlock glove boxes, and in some cases, trunks.
Since it won't start the truck, I don't think the gray key would be very useful to a valet! My Tacoma has neither a trunk or a locking glove box, so there goes the other theory...

FWIW, hardware store copies, unprogrammed dealer copies, and the gray key will crank the truck, but will not enable fuel flow, so the truck won't start.

ruskastud

I have a V6, 6 speed manual, 4x4, TRD Off-Road, Access Cab. I have had my truck for almost 3 weeks and have about 1100 miles total. I have been getting a steady 16.5mpg with a combination of highway and in-town driving (more highway lately). Highway cruise speed is about 75mph. Should my mpg be this low? I know sticker said 16 Town and 20 Highway, but man........ I have yet to get it over 17mpg. I have also been using 89 octane.

Also, here in Kansas, some of the 89 and 91 octane fuel has 10% ethenol in it. Is this OK to use? My '97 2-door ZR2 blazer gets better gas milage with the 89 octane ethenol fuel. Should I not be putting it in my '05 Tacoma? Would I get better gas milage if I used just regular unleaded? Will my MPG increase as I break the truck in a little more?

Any input would be appreciated.........

purestock

Seems like earlier in the Spring I saw several posts regarding a similar noise coming through the dash vents or around the windshield at high speed. In one case I believe the repair had to do with the actuator in the ductwork. The other one may have involved re-sealing the windshield. I'm not sure how long posts are archived. The ones I'm referring to would have been at least 3 or 4 months ago.

boone88rr

I think you should give it some time. I also run 89 in my V6 and have just under 4000 miles on it. I just had my first oil change on Monday and it seems to ride and shift smoother. I kept it at or under 70 mph on the highway which kept the rpms around 2500 in 6th gear. I started out around 16 - 17 mpg. Now I regularly get 19 or 20 depending how much extra non-commute, non-highway driving I do. I've begun to push the engine a little more but I would take it easy before your first oil change if to do nothing more than conserve some gas.

The manual also had a short paragraph saying it was okay to use a gasahol or ethanol mix. I don't have it in front of me but I know it's in there, I just read it on Monday.

msibille

I'm not sure what your dealer gave you with yours, but ALL 3 of the keys that came w/ my 2005 Taco DC definitely have chips. My wife and I each have the black headed keys, my daughter has the gray key. SInce she put more miles on my truck during the week I was in Germany than I normally do, I'd say the little gray key works really well at starting and running the truck.

That being said, the gray key (at least mine) does in fact have the chip.
When you turn the switch to start, the system queries for a chip in the key, and the code in said chip must match with what the system is expecting. If not, the starter turns, but the fuel delivery system is inactive. Not to say that a truly enterprising individual with enough time could make the fuel system activate, but that goes back to the story of if someone really wants it, and has enough time and access...

In any event, if your gray key won't start your truck, I'd go back to the dealer and ask again "why the h*ll not".
Either the wrong key, or not programmed properly.

aztaco

I got my Taco on May 24th and now have 4000 miles on it. What a truck, I call it my Lexus truck. I had to wait six weeks to get exactly the Taco I wanted. A white, 4X4, Acc Cab, V6 Auto with TRD Off-Road pkg #2 (OG), six disc changer, door seal protectors and TRD carpets. Got it for $2000 less than MSRP. I traded-in my 2000 Taco Pre-Run TRD V6 Extended Cab and the new Taco is better in almost every way, it even gets better gas mileage then the old Taco (18/20).
There are 3 things I am not happy with on the new Taco (I hope Toyota is listening):

1.Location of the Rear-View Mirror: This is a safety issue. I am 6’ 1’ and the rear-view mirror blocks my view at intersections of oncoming traffic from the right. Most rear-view mirrors you have to look up at to see, mine is at eye level. When setting at a stop sign, I have to lean down and look under the rear-view mirror to see the traffic to my right. A few times I have not seen the other vehicle setting at the stop sign to my right and have taken off at the same time as the other vehicle. It also blocks my view when looking for a store or addresses on the right hand side of the road. Does anyone else have this problem? I am going to see if the dealer will raise the mirror an inch or so, that should help, but then I will have the big black spot where the mirror was. Oh well, safety first.
2.Tilt-Steering Wheel: Toyota had to go back 25 yeas for this design. My old Taco had a “GM type” of tilt-wheel that sprang up and out of the way when the lever was pulled making it easier to get in and out. I really miss this feature.
3.Rear-Step Bumper: It is a little narrow to use to get in and out of the truck bed. Only my toes and ball of my foot are able to fit on the step and I am afraid that I am going to slip and break a knee cap or something. I hope that someone will have a nice after-market bump with a wider step in the near future.

Other than that, the new Taco is bigger, roomier, quieter, faster, better handling than before. No rattles, No clicking, No leaks (hasn't rained since I got it). This is the first new vehicle I have purchased and NOT had buyers remorse. Oh what a feeling!

ruskastud

I'm 6'2", so I'm not much taller than you aztaco. Personally, I've never been in a vehicle where there was enough room for the rearview mirror to be much higher than my head. I agree that it gets in the way a little, but there is not much room to work with. You can always pull it off and remount it an inch or two higher, but I can't see that really making that much of a difference.

toyotaken

I don't want this to be condescending, so please don't take it as such. But there are two pivot points for the rear-view mirror. If you move the one that is closest to the windshild up as far as it will go then adjust the mirror itself on the second pivot, it may help. I just mention it in case it wasn't noticed.

Ken

bearcrkrd

I've been checkin and changin oil for 30+ years. I have the 2.7L 4 cylinder. Couldn't check the oil, it runs way up the stick in blotches. I had it changed at the dealership, and did it once myself without changing the filter. Same results, couldn't accurately check it. Checking in the morning on a level surface after sitting all night, still couldn't read it. Thought maybe when it wore in a bit - 15,000 mi. or so - it will start to brown up a little? It appers to be fine, fine, engine at any rate.
Just last week traded that 2005 Reg Cab 4x2 4A after 6,000 miles for a 2005 4x2 Access Cab 4A, also with the 2.7L . It's red and really fine looking, comfortable, quiet, and the one I should have bought in the first place. The Reg Cab will make someone happy, as I never hit over 3,200 rpm's, or drove hard for even one mile.

aztaco

THANK YOU, Ken -
Your message was taken the way it was intended, informative. You may have saved me from an accident and defiantly saved me a trip to the dealer. I did not know of and had not noticed the second pivot joint. Even after reading your message I had to look twice to see the other pivot joint. Re-Adjusted the mirror, went for a test drive and now I can see everything. Thanks again. Aren't forums wonderful. Now there are only two things I am not happy with on my new Taco.
Toyota... oh what a feeling!

Lee

toyotaken

You're welcome!

And thanks for taking the post the way it was intended.

Ken

tacomuncher

The gray key is the one you give a valet. It will open the doors and start the truck. But you cannot make a copy from it's electronics. The black key is used to do everything and it can be used to make copies. That is the difference.

pb2themax

I was wondering if anybody here has a Homelink mirror on their Tacoma? I just got one off of Ebay. It's an Autodimming with the garage door openers, etc. It is a Gentex 313, and comes with the harness and instructions. I paid $130. Seems like a pretty good deal compared to the Toyota auto dimming mirror, which is like $250. I wonder if I'll have to change the mount that glues to the window? I hope that they're all kind of universal.

bjw1

just want to chime in and say its been 115 degrees+ here where i am at just want to say no problems just keeps on going with blasting a/c, just inspected the composite bed liner and no problems there, mpg seems to be right about normal even with blasting a/c.

len888

I have not been able to locate a maker of rigid, folding, tonno covers to fit the 2005 Access Cab. Anyone out there know of any mfgr producing one at this time? Or has plans to produce?

mccullers

Thank you for this information Ken. I've been having a problem with the mirror blocking my view also and I almost had an accident one morning. I will look for the pivot points this evening and adjust my mirror also.

Veronica

wooddorker

"n any event, if your gray key won't start your truck, I'd go back to the dealer and ask again "why the h*ll not".
Either the wrong key, or not programmed properly."

Thanks!

I most definitely will do that.

pb2themax

On most Toyotas the grey valet key will not open the locking glovebox, but since the 05 Taco doesn't have a locking glovebox then the grey key is just as usefull as the black keys. It will do all the same things that the black keys will do. They grey key should unlock the doors AND start the engine.

soundman34

A few of us her have been discussing supension clanking and bottoming out on our trucks. I just put a set of supersprings on and there is no more clanking or bottoming out. The back end does sit about a inch and a half higher than it did, but I think it looks a little better. I think the ride has gotten a little better also. The supension on this 05 model in my opinion can be a little bouncy at times. Not a real big deal though. This thing rides like a cadilac comared to my 2000 ranger. Installation was very easy once they gave me the right directions. One side shouldn't take more that 15 or 20 minutes to install. I have been getting such a run around with my dealer about the suspension that I just decided to do something myself and go the after market rout. Being that the super springs fixed both the problems, I can live with the $250.00 cost. We could be waiting a long time before they come up with a fix for this problem. No more headaches with the dealer on this one.

asac1

Jackhammer,

I wanted to revisit this issue originally posted 5/5/05 as I am getting closer to getting my '06 Tacoma Access Cab Prerunner (without the fog lights). You mentioned the pictures and how these have been a great addition. I'll have to be honest, I am a bit suspicious of getting an electrical compent that for my new truck that cost $250 less than OEM ones. Just a few questions:

Are you still happy with the quality?

Did they fit the holes like a glove or was there a gap that had to be filled as I've heard of other aftermarket fog lights?

I'd surely go for the cheaper lights if someone else is satisfied.

Thanks for any info. you may provide.

Allen

boone88rr

I was looking at those too. However after reading some feedback on ebay, the quality seems poor and the instructions are "vague" (but they do ship quickly!!!) One of the feedback replies for a 2005 Tacoma said that they don't fit. This was the reply by blinglights: "It Does www.blinglights.com/shopbling/store/comersus_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4106"

Take a look at that picture! There is no way I'm putting those things on a brand new truck. I wouldn't have put those on my '85 Jetta. I'd rather save the money and buy the OEM lights that clip right in and are already pre-wired.
http://www.toyotapart.com/product.asp?pID=390103&cID=13

Do what you will but I'm wary of some of the crap they sell on ebay.

sdcatoyo

I had my windshield resealed as recommended by the service manager/John of Maroone Toyota.
Since, I have not heard the (described in postings as howling or buzzing) noise.
But, who knows (?), as the noise happened in certain combination of high wind and high speed.
I am going on a long trip next ... if I don't hear it (up the coast of California... up 80 into the Sierra Nevadas), I will be pretty confident this is the fix.

captjohn

Check out the Mito Company web site. They are the official distributor of these mirrors, although they don't offer the Homelink version for retail sale. They have some info on mounts. Not real clear from my reading it what applies to the 2005 Tacoma. Your price was good. They get $250 without the Homelink. I am also interested in the Homelink version, so please let us know how the installation goes.

bamnpeb

I am looking into the Retrax bedcover and had a few questions for anyone that has installed one. I have a double cab with a short bed. Did you have to make any modifications to the bed to install the cover? Are you still able to use the rails in the bed? How big is the canister that the top rolls into? (Since I have a short bed, I'm curious how much of my bed will be lost to the canister.) Happy with the cover? Any pictures?

Thanks

jackhammer1

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

I am 6'1" and that @#$! rear view mirror is driving me crazy!!!
I will look for the 2 pivots and adjust it this evening.

Thank goodness!!!

backforty

Has anyone tried to wire the 12 volt dash plug in hot all the time? It would be nice to be able to turn off the truck and still charge up the cell phone. TIA Joe