2005 Toyota Tacoma

[RyanPont]

Since I dont belong to any Toyota forums, I saw it fit to post this thread in this section. This isnt a tech question of any sorts.

Im going to look at a 2005 Toyota Tacoma SR5 Access Cab 5speed, providing they still have it on the lot. 78K on the clock. 4 cyl. From pictures it looks in good shape no obvious blemishes, but I wont know for sure till I see it. For that year and Mileage, I know 78k is just a number, and dosent mean much for most Tacomas.

When I look at it, what should I look for?, Other than the obvious cosmetics and what the eye can see at the 6'3 level. What should I look for in the engine compartment, I know worn belts, oil leakage, cracked hoses. Anything else?

How about driving it, other than the obvious effects.

When I crawl underneath? Tie Rod ends, U joints, look brackets, Bad Break Lines?

Toyota is a new ball game to me, Ive had a TJ and Currently an Xterra. Im excited to hopefully own a Toyota, if the truck looks good and the numbers work for me. Thanks for any help.

 

[Applejack]

Other than the usual things you mentioned I don't there's anything in particular that you need to be looking for, especially with the low mileage.

 

[hansonian]

I've got a 2007 Tacoma Prerunner. Besides checking the usual stuff look over the frame for any rust and on the 2005-2006 models they had problems with the motor mounts sinking into the frame itself. I don't remember if they were the 6 cylinders, 4 cylinder or both but definitely something to check out.

If you're looking for a Toyota forum I'd recommend tacomaworld.com, they have a section for the 4 cylinder trucks so you could probably get more in-depth answers on what to look for.

 

[alextreme76]

05s had recalls on the rear leaf springs, look for considerable sag, the recall i thank was an add-a-leaf to make it a 4leaf pack.

the tail gates in 05 also got recalled to add an extra brace, mine is bent pretty badly, look top down if you see any light between the bed floor and bottom of the tailgate its toast.

airbag light means the clock spring in the steering wheel is probably busted, thats a common problem.

motor mounts were only collapsing on 4.0s. still give the frame a good look over for rust. check the cv boots for wear and leaks. if its an sr5 it wont have a lockers or lsd, if it does have a trd locker make sure its made in japan not mexico.

4cyl 5speeds dont seem to have many problems. on the test drive listen for wheel bearings squealing.

 

[RyanPont]

Thanks for some Info.