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Toyota Tacoma 2005+

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Comments

  • pb2themaxpb2themax Member Posts: 471
    Those of you who have a black Taco, let me know how it's holding up, as far as scratches and swirls. I saw a black Taco on the lot and it looked really sharp with the tinted windows and the blacked out grill (TRD Sport). So I ordered mine in black. I know that it shows dirt and stuff more, but when it's clean it looks sweet! I hope not picking silver doesn't come back to haunt me.
  • pb2themaxpb2themax Member Posts: 471
    How much were those DeeZee tubes? I like how they extend back the the rear fender.
  • PF_FlyerPF_Flyer Member Posts: 9,372
    WOMEN AND TRUCKS. One of our journalists is writing an article about women and trucks: why they love their trucks, the decisions that they have to make when purchasing a truck versus a car, and whether or not they’ve encountered discrimination or bias when buying or driving a truck. If you’d like to share your story, please respond to jhelperin@edmunds by Sunday, March 26th. Thanks!
  • wooddorkerwooddorker Member Posts: 300
    I put 300,000 in 9 years on one Toyota truck with little more than regular maintenance.
  • drywallerdrywaller Member Posts: 4
    I just came back from Daytona bike week,I live in northern NH,1,500 miles one way,I put a 89 suzuki katana in my bed and was a little leery at first about the rail system holding,I would of liked it to be tied lower to the bed instead of higher on the rail,But it held flawlessly all the way there and back,I got roughly 5700 miles on my truck so far and love it,I was getting 20-21 mpgs all the way down and back-all highway.It is a silver access cab 4 liter # 2 package.
  • rachunterrachunter Member Posts: 21
    Lets see, where to start...
    Last Friday I took my 01 taco to the dealership to get a axle seal put in (under warranty) and while waiting I decided to test drive one of these new Tacomas that I have been reading so much about. Long story short when I got home I sold my truck to a friend and went back and bought the tacoma I test drove. Its a access cab, 4.0L,6-speed, 4x4, with TRD, SR5 and tow package. I still owed $3100 on my 01' truck so after I sold my truck I had to pay it off and then I used the rest of that to pay down on my new truck. I ended up with a 4.5% APR and my payment is now $262 and some change. So I'm very satisfied with my deal.
    These are my concerns,
    1. Is the tailgate strong enough for loading and unloading a 4-wheeler with ramps?
    2. I made a homemade kayak rack for my 01 taco and I want to make it fit my 05 all of the weight from the rack is on the floor of the bed. Do you guys think the composite bed will be ok for this type of rack?
    3. I just tried this morning to get my truck into 4WD low and it will not go. I have owned 4x4's all of my life and I'm very familiar with how they work.... when I try to go from 4h to 4l the light just blinks and nothing happens (yes the truck is stopped and out of gear when I do this) LOL. Has anyone else had this problem?
    4. I'm worried about MPG...I have tried to find out how many MPG everyone else is getting but so many people do not put up enough info for a good comparison. How many MPG are you guys getting? Please include, cab size, engine size, type of transmission, 2x2 or 4x4, trd pkg.
    5. Has anyone figured out a nice looking way to extend the front mud flaps to stop the paint chipping?
    Thanks for any info and help you guys can give me.
    Have a great day!
  • rachunterrachunter Member Posts: 21
    I also made the dealer work out a deal with me to change tires on my truck. When I bought my 01' Tacoma it came with the same tires that the 05 has and they were wore out after 22,000 miles and they were terrible off-road. I put a set of the Bridgestone Dueler a/t Revo's on my 01 and they are a much better tire. When I left the lot my 05 had a new set of Revo's on it.
    If you do anything besides interstate driving I would suggest you deal on some better tires while you are making your truck deal, it will be time well spent.
  • volleyvolley Member Posts: 298
    Not sure how much help I will be but here is my take on your questions.

    First congrats on the new truck, you will love it!
    1. I depends on the size of the ATV. If the weight is distributed I don't think there should be a problem. I have loaded my ATV but it is only a 90cc E-ton and only weighs about 320lbs or so.

    2. I think the bed of the truck would be fine with the rack. If you mount it with bolts or something I would be sure to predrill and do it in warm weather. Obviously in cold weather the material is more brittle and just to be sure you get no cracking. Also if you don't want to scratch up the bed, the Yota bedmat works awesome!

    3. The 4WD is a little funny at least at first mine was. I would get the blinking too. I would either put it in park (going from 4h to 4l) and start over, or I as found most of the time if I start inching forward it would engage and STOP blinking. After doing it on a few different occasions it has worked fine.

    4. I have a V6, 4.0 doublecab shortbed, 4x4 w/ TRD off road package and I am averaging about 18MPG and that is with about a 60/40 mix of highway/city driving. I have started using midgrade gas because of prices and notice no change in mileage or any increased ticking or anything. The truck does seem to be a bit more peppy with premium though.

    5. As for the mudflaps, I don't know. I plan on getting the running boards which should be a great help.

    Enjoy the new ride!
  • paldentepaldente Member Posts: 12
    drywaller,

    I've got an '86 GSX-R 750, live in northern vermont and will be purchasing a silver access cab 4 liter #2 package. I'd say all things are pretty much equal here and your note gave me much confidence about my purchase.

    Thank You,

    Justin
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    Besides the cleats you can also have those bed tie down loops put in at the front of the bed. I have them in the back, but no in the front.
  • jsandjsand Member Posts: 19
    I've had my black Taco since January. I love it except for have to wash it twice a week. I've had on small paint chip on the rear fender. I plan to have the dealer look at it during my next oil change.
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    Thought I'd mention that the PreRunner 4x2's crossover doesn't hang below the rear crossmember like the 4x4 reports indicate. It is just slightly above and behind it. Isn't the engine's skidplate the lowest point under a 4x4?

    For comparison, my older Full size Bronco has less ground clearance than my 05 Tacoma, even with it's 31' tires.
  • pb2themaxpb2themax Member Posts: 471
    Hmmmm. I'm now considering changing it to Silver. Choices, Choices.
  • hammaahammaa Member Posts: 79
    DC LB PreRunner TRD Sport, no mods. I'm running 91-octance premium, and averaging just a fraction over 17mpg each tank. Kinda disappointed with the mpg, but the truck is absolutely a dream come true. I can't wait for the small lift so I can throw 32" tires on this badboy!!
  • jsandjsand Member Posts: 19
    You're right, it's a tough choice. In my opinion, black looks the best when it's clean. But, silver looks good too and stays cleaner longer. Good luck.
  • leob1leob1 Member Posts: 153
    I wonder if the composite bed is the same/similar composites that they are making high performance road bikes out of? Composites in bicycles are the thing to have and I've heard nothing but good things about their performance in that application.
  • rachunterrachunter Member Posts: 21
    I was just looking at the tailgate on my tacoma and to me it looks like the cables that hold the tailgate in place when it is down are way too clost to the bed. The way it is set up there is not much support for the outside half of the tailgate when in the down position. Has anyone else noticed this????
  • brodeyobrodeyo Member Posts: 26
    I have a black '05 Tacoma Dbl Cab...Black is the only color vehicle i've ever owned. I think it just looks better. However, as stated, it get's pretty dusty...especially if you drive on the highway. But, I'm guessing most people who write in this forum, take pretty good care of their truck and wash it often....

    Silver is the other color I flirted with, but couldn't make the change to...
  • volleyvolley Member Posts: 298
    I have to agree. My last truck was black and boy did she look great clean! Fortunately I am anal and washed it often. I really good wax will help in repelling dust....a little.

    I now have silver and really just don't know what to do with myself! Haven't been able to wash it in 3 weeks and she still looks great! Looks even better after a fresh wash!
  • gr8blue1gr8blue1 Member Posts: 33
    Over 7400 miles since Nov. with much improved gas mileage. Was a little upset on the low MPG during the first 5k miles but I'm happy now that it's at least 18 on highway. DC 4WD SB manual w/ TRD OffRd2.
  • steelerstacosteelerstaco Member Posts: 6
    Over 11000 miles since October and no problems. (05 Black DC LB TRD Sport 4x4 with auto tranny) Did it in to the dealer for the recall on the emergency brake though. It was a quick 10 min fix. No problems before or after.

    As far as the composite bed goes, I have personally loaded and hauled 2000 lbs (1 ton) of brick in the bed of my Tacoma on two occasions. with the exception of some minor scratches it held up great. The back end was down low and the suspension was my major concern but it is strong.

    As far as mpg goes, I am very heavy footed and am averaging about 18.5 mpg. Thats about a 60/40 split highway/city with some moderate off-roading. Not to bad for my driving style.

    Great truck I love the styling and on and off-road handling.
  • gr8blue1gr8blue1 Member Posts: 33
    Has anyone bothered checking those bed storage compartment covers lately? The locks on my Taco are now rotting w/ rust.

    Been driving lots of mileage on snowy days and was checking out everything to remove salt buildup from all places when I found these.
  • drywallerdrywaller Member Posts: 4
    paldente,
    Glad to help
    Are you going to buy from? Berlin city or heritage toyota? Or somewhere else.Do you live in the northeast kingdom?Ive got some land on the loop rd in Troy.
    Drywaller
  • jkmqjkmq Member Posts: 8
    Took delivery 3/18/05 on my white 05 dbl cab 4x4 TRD #4pkg w/tinted glass,chrome tube steps, 6 disc cd changer,and the black TRD Off-Road floor mats.
    No rattles.No leaks. No funny noises and the first tank of gas was 19mpg(no hwy). Almost forgot....this truck is FAST.I LUUUUUVVV THIS TRUCK!!!!!!!!!
  • chiefman1chiefman1 Member Posts: 22
    I have a 2005 DC, 4x4, V6, OffRoad, Pkg#2 which was built 01-11-05 and have had no problems at all. Highway MPG is 18. Have yet to receive the recall notice on the parking brake. Am getting ready to Zaino it when the weather is warm enough.

    Stopped in at one of the largest Toyota dealers in Denver last week,( I purchased mine from a small dealer in Colorado) and talked to the service manager about the problems they have seen so far on the 2005 Taco. He said that nothing is made like it used to be and to hang on to my 1993 4x4 which is mint and was what I was driving that day.
    But he said they have not had any water leak problems, but we don't get heavy rain here very often. He said they have had two come back with the cab mount noise, one with a failed front suspension at 300 miles, which the guy got a new truck out of, one cracked bed.
    But he said these trucks are going to be fine and they cannot keep them on the lot. They had 40 Tundras and 1 Taco on the lot that day but could not even find the Taco.
  • toytrucktoytruck Member Posts: 67
    Here is a reply I received from Toyota on the load limits of the tie downs. Deck hooks as referenced in the following are the D-rings in the rear. The other D-rings are the accessory ones and the deck rails are the adjustable tie downs.

    "Thank you for contacting Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
    We apologize for the confusion regarding our previous information.

    Both the deck hooks and the truck bed D-rings mirror the weight capacity of the deck rail, which is 100 pounds.

    Your email has been documented at our National Headquarters under file #200503240874. If we can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

    Toyota Customer Experience "
  • cmitchellcmitchell Member Posts: 18
    Mine are rusted also.
  • maxvenummaxvenum Member Posts: 39
    That is bizarre. I asked the dealer the same thing, and he showed me one of the cleat tie downs, and "200 lbs" was printed on the cleat...

    Could someone here go out and look at their cleats and see what is printed on it? Thanks.
  • pb2themaxpb2themax Member Posts: 471
    Well, I guess I'm getting Black. My dealer already had a black one on its way when I told him that I was thinking about silver. Oh well. Black will be cool. There seems to be lots of silver vehicles out right now anyway. This will be my 3rd black vehicle. I had a black GMC2500 and a black Saleen Mustang S351 (gorgeous). I'll just have to restock my car washing and polishing products.

    I've found that a orbital buffer is very helpful in getting a swirl-free wax or polish job. When I used to hand polish, black paint always showed swirls or areas where the black looks 'deeper'. Hopefully the paint on my new Taco will be easy to work with. BTW, on a new vehicle I always rub the paint down with a 'magic clay bar' to clean off any overspray or contaminants. It makes the wax go on real nice. If you haven't used a clay bar, you gotta try it. It's great for overspray, tar, sap, etc. It works like a squeegie, sort of.
  • matacomamatacoma Member Posts: 6
    I purchased my desert sand mica DC Long bed 4x4 Tacoma with the towing package on January 4, 05. I love it! I have 2759 miles now and just got back from a trip in Maine. Highway mileage was 23MPG at 60MPH. I also got 23MPG with a mix of driving some back roads in Maine in which out of 150 miles total driven about 75 miles was at slow speeds (15-20mph) while scouting to photograph deer and moose. This has been the best gas mileage I've ever received with my Tacoma. Since I purchased it I had been getting any ware from 18-20 on the highway & 14-18 City. I have been using Premium gas Octane 93 in it.
  • canadian_tacocanadian_taco Member Posts: 8
    I have recently test driven both the NISMO King Cab 4x4 A/T and TRD Offroad 4x4 Acess Cab A/T. I have an interest in buying either.

    I admit there are pros and cons of both.

    Taco: has excellent interior and comfort
    not excited about the bed (yet, might need some convincing) & 5 to 10 less HP on regular gas.
    -exterior noise was significantly louder once vehicle was started, interior noise just OK
    -back seats more practical with storage
    -toyota seems to be more prestigious than nissan when it somes to the truck dept.

    Fronty: has a smooth ride and more power but a piss poor interior design....seems very plastic and cheap. back seats suck!
    -very quiet start up and quiet ride

    To me both trucks look great and handled well on road. (rugged canadian roads)
    APR is lower on nissan 3.8%, 5.4% toyota
    (canadian rates)

    -prices are similar

    I guess from my list I am slightly leaning towards a toy, but really liked the power of the nissan,

    I have been reading the forums and worried about problems I may encounter with the toyota (ie squeaks and leaks and such)
    I havent heard of many problems about nissans (yet)

    Not sure who is the true leader in sales this year (if there are numbers published yet) or if I should wait till the fall for the '06's to come out

    I am trying to get the best prices as well.
    Best for Toyota so far is $34150 (without taxes)
    =$39259 incl taxes, minus 1000....grand tally =38k and change? (any other canadian out there in ontario get a better deal)

    Anyone have any nissan prices? 39k and change is best so far.

    any reccomendations for my future investment?

    tx
  • geogeckogeogecko Member Posts: 225
    You just have to be careful with clay. You want to keep in lubed all the time (I usually wash the truck, then use the left over car wash soap as lube for the clay, and do one panel at a time). I've also found that if you only have one bar of clay, to tear it in half, and keep half of it stored so in case you drop your other half, you can still finish the job. You shouldn't ever use a dropped bar (unless you like rubbing sand paper on your paint!).

    I didn't believe in claying until I tried it a couple months ago. You'd be surprised about the amount of junk on a new car!
  • georgeageorgea Member Posts: 1
    Got a 05 Tacoma yesterday, silver, access cab, TRD - Off Road pkg 2, built 02/05 (have not looked for the exact date yet.)

    Am happy to report that I have not experienced any of the troubles described in some of the previous posts.

    No leaks - (Had about 3" of wet snow here yesterday, drove through many large slush puddles on drive home from dealer)

    No suspension, bed or rattle noise of any type detected, (drove home on a road that would beat the heck out of you average small car - bumpy, many pot holes)

    At this point the truck only has 370 miles, so will wait and see if anything out of the ordinary occurs.

    To those that have any doubts about the Tacoma, put them aside - This Truck Rocks !, I considered and have driven many other trucks before deciding on the Tacoma, 04, 05 GM Sierra's, F150, and F250's. (and others)

    In terms of the complete package the others can't compare. The Tacoma is a great blend of size, performance, gas mileage, off road ability, comfortable to drive (am 6'2" with long legs), well designed engine compartment, etc.

    As a final note, My "anti-pickup truck" 72 year old Mother went for a ride today ... even she was impressed !
  • pb2themaxpb2themax Member Posts: 471
    Yeah, I've been using clay for about 10 years now. I buy a new bar every year because they get so filled with contaminants. It's almost impossible to use a clay bar without some kind of liquid on the surface. The clay will just stick there. I use the special liquid that's made for the clay bar, but I imagine soapy water would work too.
  • paldentepaldente Member Posts: 12
    Drywaller,

    I'm actually getting it through a dealer in southern vermont where I know someone who works at the dealership. I live in downtown Burlington, but have ridden up 100 and east on 14 last summer, near where you have land. Great riding out there!

    Paldente
  • paldentepaldente Member Posts: 12
    My dealer will also allow me to swap the TRD offroad BF Goodrich rugged trail tires, 265/70/16, for anything I like. Has anyone put on a slightly larger tire that looks good and performs well? Please recommend some tires to look at.
  • volleyvolley Member Posts: 298
    I would go with BFG All Terrains or Bridgestone Dueller AT Revos. Both are great tires. If they will let you go bigger I would get 265/75/16, otherwise stick with the 265/70/16.
  • paldentepaldente Member Posts: 12
    Volley,

    Can I get away with 285/75 for the all terrains or am I just asking to have rocks thrown against my truck from them? I like the all terrains better style-wise and there are three options.

    265/75/16
    275/70/16
    285/75/16

    Thoughts on these options?

    Thanks,

    Paldente
  • singlehuntersinglehunter Member Posts: 3
    No clearance problems with the 4X2 makes sense since there is no transfer case. Anybody with a regular cab, extended cab, quad cab 4x4 long bed have the same observation ?
    There is no skid plate and I have the TRD 4x4 quad cab #2. If you did add one to protect existing crossover pipe, you would lose another 1" or so of ground clearance.
    I have been loading a Polaris 500 Scrambler ( 525 lbs.) into the back several times with aluminum ramps and have not had a problem "yet" with my tailgate. I'm not sure I want to try the 700 Sportsman though ( 750 #'s)
    For those of you looking for a neat website to review and purchase Toyota after market assecories for the 2005 Taco, look up " TRD Parts 4U" they are located in Texas. I live in California but there on site pricing beat the pants off what my local dealer quoted me. There service was great and they delivered promptly.
  • eldenslackeldenslack Member Posts: 10
    Lets get more bizarre ...

    Looking here :

    http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/tacoma/key_features/deck_rail_system.html

    and clicking on the pictures of the rail tiedowns and the bed tiedowns the following is found:

    Rail tiedowns -- 220 pounds each

    Bed tiedowns ("D" rings) -- 440 pounds each

    ???????
  • iono11200iono11200 Member Posts: 4
    Took delivery yesterday of my 2005 Silver Access Cab V-6 Auto Sport Package #2. Ordered 2/16/05 at Performance Toyota in Sinking Spring Pa. My Truck arrived at the dealer almost 5 weeks to the day. No rain yet so not sure of any leaks but so far no problems at all. Built 3/05 in California, Fit and finish is meticulous. Seems like typical Toyota High Quality. This is my 4th Tacoma and by Far the sweetest. As stated before, it is the perfect blend of a mid-size pickup with lots of configurations, options and goodies. Not cheap but worth the extra cash for a really sweet, well built truck.
  • bdstuartbdstuart Member Posts: 11
    5 weeks--not bad--did this beat their estimated delivery date they gave you or was this on-track?
  • toytrucktoytruck Member Posts: 67
    >Lets get more bizarre ...

    >Looking here :

    >http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2005/tacoma/key_features/deck_rail_system.html

    >and clicking on the pictures of the rail tiedowns and the bed tiedowns the >following is found:

    >Rail tiedowns -- 220 pounds each

    >Bed tiedowns ("D" rings) -- 440 pounds each

    >???????

    Update: My latest email from Toyota on these load limits.

    "We apologize for the inaccurate information provided in the previous email.

    Your owners manual does not contain the most current information regarding this issue. Upon further research we determined that the following weight capacities would apply for the components listed;

    Mini tie downs (attached to bedrail)weight capacity = 110 pounds
    Bed Cleats or, Tie down cleats (attached to bedrail) weight capacity = 200 pounds
    D Rings (mounted to lower bed wall)weight capacity = 440 pounds

    Toyota Customer Experience"
  • tacomadavetacomadave Member Posts: 24
    BFG all-terrains are horrible about throwing rocks. Without running boards to protect the truck, they will destroy the paint.
  • maxvenummaxvenum Member Posts: 39
    That sounds much better. I was wondering if the 100 lbs referred to earlier were the mini tie-down cleats.
  • nbtacomanbtacoma Member Posts: 15
    Hi,

    2 months ago I took my 1996 2WD Tacoma in for service and made the mistake of wandering the floor while I waited. Long story short I now own a silver 2005 2WD SR5 Tacoma. Of course I would love a 4X4 but have owned a 2WD for over 7 years and that little truck never let me down. Big toyota fan here moving from a Tercel to now 2 Tacomas. I pick it up on Monday. Just needed somewhere to talk about it!
  • bjw1bjw1 Member Posts: 152
    I did the same thing, I took my 04 taco in for 12000 mile oil change and walked out with an 05 dbl cab v6, i was going to wait for another year, but they gave me a surprising decent deal giving the demand for them right now, but i was looking due to my 04 was an access cab and need more room, so thats why i upgraded to a double cab, well hope you enjoy your new taco as much as i have been doing, as I am sure you will.
  • iono11200iono11200 Member Posts: 4
    I was originally told 4 to 6 weeks when I placed the order.
  • paldentepaldente Member Posts: 12
    So it looks like I'll be getting the Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo and I want to try and fit a 285/75/16. My dealer thought that should be no problem to fit on the truck. I'll let you all know how it works out and perhaps better yet, post a picture.
  • bacolodbacolod Member Posts: 24
    hamma:

    I have exactly the same truck as yours and am running 91 octane premium too. I am averaging 18-19 mpg with 65/35 more on the freeway. I have 1200
    miles right now.
    By the way I've got a 2wd.

    Bacolod
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