2005 Tacoma questions

[Dave]

So I'm looking at a 2005 four door TRD to replace my 2002 Xtra-cab TRD. I like my truck, but we've got another dog (lab) on the way and the Xtra-cab just will not cut it.

Are there any known bugs or issues I should look for on a 2005? How does the stock TRD suspension ride when loaded for a camping trip...I know I will miss my OME suspension and it will be a while before I can upgrade the new truck. It's a certified used vehicle with around 35,000 miles.

 

[crawler#976]

Early 2005's had several TSB issued, the dealership should be able to check the VIN and see if they were completed. One of them involved replacing the rear springs for squeaks and sagging problems.

The stock suspension is to soft, but it's serviceable until you can upgrade it. As a trail rig the visibility absolutely sucks compared to what your used to. I have a '98 Taco and an '05, so I know that first hand...

Other than that our '05 has been a good vehicle.

Mark

 

[Overland Hadley]

The TSB on the rear springs really helps. I just had mine done. Changes the rear from a three leaf, to a four leaf. The ride is alot better, and it lifted the back a couple inches, close to stock unloaded hieght. I should have pictures on my thread today or tomorrow.

 

[Lawrence]

So I'm looking at a 2005 four door TRD to replace my 2002 Xtra-cab TRD. I like my truck, but we've got another dog (lab) on the way and the Xtra-cab just will not cut it.

Are there any known bugs or issues I should look for on a 2005? How does the stock TRD suspension ride when loaded for a camping trip...I know I will miss my OME suspension and it will be a while before I can upgrade the new truck. It's a certified used vehicle with around 35,000 miles.

I bought one as soon as they hit the lots, and got one of the first TRD Offroad Double Cab Toyota of Hollywood received. I now have 55K miles and I haven't done anything to it besides regular maintenance. It is a very good truck, my only complaint being the road noise on the freeway (my wife's FJC is much quieter) and the so-so brakes.

As far as the suspension, I have found that mine rides better when loaded. Some of the freeways in SoCal are pretty bad, and the truck would bounce quite a bit unloaded. But after I put my Snugtop shell, it made it ride better. With a load of camping gear, it seems even better.

Edit: I'd have to look at what kind of springs I have.

 

[Dave]

Thanks for all the replies. The 2005 sold before I even got to take a look at it. Found a 2006 similarly equipped and then realized that a 2008 isn't much more. There's a few incentives on the new ones too. We're talking about test driving one tomorrow.

Tomorrow is Natasha's birthday and she's going for a spa day...it's only far I get something too right?

 

[Bergger]

Some of the 2005's have rear differential issues. I'd go with an 06 or later model just to be safe.

 

[asteffes]

The stock TRD suspension is harsh. A set of Donahoe coilovers and rear dampers do *wonders* for the handling and ride quality.

 

[Jacket]

Some of the 2005's have rear differential issues. I'd go with an 06 or later model just to be safe.

THis is the biggest issue I'd be cautious of. Seems like it was early production 2005's that have had a few blown rear ends. Does not seem to have carried forward into the newer builds.

 

[Dave]

Went and test drove a 2008 D-Cab TRD yesterday. Very nice ride. I really liked it actually. The sales guy wouldn't really work with me on the price, so we left it on the lot.

I took off most of the stuff I've added to my current truck this afternoon so that it will be ready for trade in. Kind of funny how an installation project can take a weekend or more but taking it all off takes just a few hours.

 

[Cackalak Han]

** Sorry, double post...

 

[Cackalak Han]

Went and test drove a 2008 D-Cab TRD yesterday. Very nice ride. I really liked it actually. The sales guy wouldn't really work with me on the price, so we left it on the lot.

I took off most of the stuff I've added to my current truck this afternoon so that it will be ready for trade in. Kind of funny how an installation project can take a weekend or more but taking it all off takes just a few hours.

Talk to the internet sales guys. I've gotten much better prices through them than on-lot sales people. Also, you can email them for a quote. For instance, when I was looking for an 07, I got a quote from a local dealership for a white 07 DC, TRD OR for $30k OTD (taxes and everything included). I think that was a great deal (unfortunately, didn't end up buying it).

And the blown rear ends for '05's were an issue and even some '06's were plagued with this problem, too. Look at the sticky at TTORA

 

[Dave]

Talk to the internet sales guys. I've gotten much better prices through them than on-lot sales people. Also, you can email them for a quote.

That's what I'm doing now. I originally was dealing with the Internet sales girl but she was on vacation when I went down there for a test drive. She's back and I'm dealing with her now. I told her my price, she has my trade in info, so it's in her court now.

She wrote back real quick when I told her I was going to test drive a similarly equipped Nissan that is priced closer to my numbers. :lurk:

 

[Cackalak Han]

Nice, I actually wrote 3 different dealerships and would forward the other dealership quotes to each other. Best part was not even going into the dealership--all done by email.

Also, I don't know which direction you're heading with this new Tacoma, but I would suggest looking for the ATRAC equipped model, if possible (and the rear locker, of course). It's a really nice feature that's also available in the new FJ's.