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Test Drove 2005 Tacoma

PricklyPete

PricklyPete

Lifer
So my local Toyota dealership got their first set of 2005 Tacomas in. I am definitely going to be in the market for one of these or a similar truck in the next 6 months, so I figured I'd go by and take a test drive. Since my girlfiend was not around, I took my little sister who is still in college. The only truck they ended up having left was the Double Cab V6 with the long bed.

This truck is a HUGE improvement over the 2004. Not only is there more room (which is a big deal to me since I'm 6'5"), but the over all material quality is SOOO much nicer. The 2004, while a reliable truck, was long in the tooth. The interior reminded me of my 1992 Camry and the seats were far from comfortable. Night and day with the 2005. While I'm not huge on the big "aluminum" console in the middle, I can get used to it. The rest of the interior looked great. Also, the bed was really nice (it is made out of this super strong composite material so that you do not have to put a bed liner down).

Anyway, the truck's ride is a lot smoother than the old truck and yet felt very confident in the turns (I always felt like the old truck hat a little too much sway in the suspension...even with the offroad package). The V6 is very powerful. It felt faster than my supercharged Mazda Millenia. The truck test drove had the 5 speed automatic, but I really want to test drive one of these with a 6-speed manual.

This test drive definitely got me salvitating for a new truck. Hopefully I will be able to hold back for at least 6 months (let them work out some of the early production kinks and hope to get a much better deal with dealers have a nicer inventory).

Anyway, if anyone has been thinking of getting a new truck, you need to test drive this one.

 
Originally posted by: CraigRT
Very nice, I'm a huge fan of the Tundra, but this is still a nice truck for a "light" truck.
Click to expand...

I hear ya on the Tundra...very nice truck. Still though, I'm not sure I really need the larger bed (most of my use of the bed would be for outdoor activities...not work), so the compactness of the Tacoma is more appealing.

Plus this new Tacoma is nearly the size of the Tundra and can haul 6500 lbs if need be with the towing package. Try that in a GMC Colorado.

Did I mention that you can get this thing with a 6-spd manual. Car & Driver got a double cab going to 60 in 7.5 seconds with the 5spd auto...so it should be even quicker with the manual. That's pretty darn quick for a stock truck.
 
Be prepared to pay out the nose. I think they're around $30,000 and that's not even fully loaded. I actually prefer the older styling to the bulbous new styling. I saw a 2005 at the stealership while I was out buying my 2002 Tacoma on Saturday and I didn't like it that much. It's HUGE! I like the old Tacoma's because of their size. Smaller than a F150 or Silverado, but more powerful and bigger than a Ranger or S10 (actually not sure bout the S10's, I'm assuming they're similar to the Ranger). I didn't like the styling inside either, but it does have more room. Seats in the back of a double cab are especially nice. I think after a while I could get used to the exterior styling though, but I still prefer the 2001-2004 models.
That engine though, is one bad engine. I didn't test drive it, but it's got a lot more power. Wonder if the gas mileage got any worse. That's one things that gets me is how bad the fuel economy is. Oh well, it's not a Corolla thats for sure.
I LOVE my truck though, best auto purchase I ever made. I love Toyota quality and the fit and finish is top notch. Instant power when I want it, smooth riding, quiet interior, just miles ahead of what Ford is putting out with their Rangers. If you get one, you're gonna love it. Matter of fact, don't wait, go out NOW and buy one. You won't regret it, your checking account will, but it's WORTH IT!!!!!
 
Originally posted by: AmigaMan
Be prepared to pay out the nose. I think they're around $30,000 and that's not even fully loaded. I actually prefer the older styling to the bulbous new styling. I saw a 2005 at the stealership while I was out buying my 2002 Tacoma on Saturday and I didn't like it that much. It's HUGE! I like the old Tacoma's because of their size. Smaller than a F150 or Silverado, but more powerful and bigger than a Ranger or S10 (actually not sure bout the S10's, I'm assuming they're similar to the Ranger). I didn't like the styling inside either, but it does have more room. Seats in the back of a double cab are especially nice. I think after a while I could get used to the exterior styling though, but I still prefer the 2001-2004 models.
That engine though, is one bad engine. I didn't test drive it, but it's got a lot more power. Wonder if the gas mileage got any worse. That's one things that gets me is how bad the fuel economy is. Oh well, it's not a Corolla thats for sure.
I LOVE my truck though, best auto purchase I ever made. I love Toyota quality and the fit and finish is top notch. Instant power when I want it, smooth riding, quiet interior, just miles ahead of what Ford is putting out with their Rangers. If you get one, you're gonna love it. Matter of fact, don't wait, go out NOW and buy one. You won't regret it, your checking account will, but it's WORTH IT!!!!!
Click to expand...

The gas mileage has actually improved on the 4x4 V6 double cab. On the 2004 it was 16-19 while it is 18-21 on the new truck. While you will definitely pay out the nose if you just walk up to the stealership, I have been following several Tacoma forums and a lot of people have been getting deals on them by doing some internet shopping/emailing. A lot of times larger dealerships will give you a good deal if you email/fax them and a bunch of other dealerships with what you want and what you want to pay (lets say $800 over invoice).

The double cab I was looking at was pretty much fully loaded and it was the most expensive config you can get (Dbl Cab, Long Bed, 4x4, TRD Sport) and it was just at 30K.
 
Originally posted by: PricklyPete
So my local Toyota dealership got their first set of 2005 Tacomas in. I am definitely going to be in the market for one of these or a similar truck in the next 6 months, so I figured I'd go by and take a test drive. Since my girlfiend was not around, I took my little sister who is still in college. The only truck they ended up having left was the Double Cab V6 with the long bed.

This truck is a HUGE improvement over the 2004. Not only is there more room (which is a big deal to me since I'm 6'5"), but the over all material quality is SOOO much nicer. The 2004, while a reliable truck, was long in the tooth. The interior reminded me of my 1992 Camry and the seats were far from comfortable. Night and day with the 2005. While I'm not huge on the big "aluminum" console in the middle, I can get used to it. The rest of the interior looked great. Also, the bed was really nice (it is made out of this super strong composite material so that you do not have to put a bed liner down).

Anyway, the truck's ride is a lot smoother than the old truck and yet felt very confident in the turns (I always felt like the old truck hat a little too much sway in the suspension...even with the offroad package). The V6 is very powerful. It felt faster than my supercharged Mazda Millenia. The truck test drove had the 5 speed automatic, but I really want to test drive one of these with a 6-speed manual.

This test drive definitely got me salvitating for a new truck. Hopefully I will be able to hold back for at least 6 months (let them work out some of the early production kinks and hope to get a much better deal with dealers have a nicer inventory).

Anyway, if anyone has been thinking of getting a new truck, you need to test drive this one.
Click to expand...


:camera:'s?
 
Originally posted by: PricklyPete
Originally posted by: AmigaMan
Be prepared to pay out the nose. I think they're around $30,000 and that's not even fully loaded. I actually prefer the older styling to the bulbous new styling. I saw a 2005 at the stealership while I was out buying my 2002 Tacoma on Saturday and I didn't like it that much. It's HUGE! I like the old Tacoma's because of their size. Smaller than a F150 or Silverado, but more powerful and bigger than a Ranger or S10 (actually not sure bout the S10's, I'm assuming they're similar to the Ranger). I didn't like the styling inside either, but it does have more room. Seats in the back of a double cab are especially nice. I think after a while I could get used to the exterior styling though, but I still prefer the 2001-2004 models.
That engine though, is one bad engine. I didn't test drive it, but it's got a lot more power. Wonder if the gas mileage got any worse. That's one things that gets me is how bad the fuel economy is. Oh well, it's not a Corolla thats for sure.
I LOVE my truck though, best auto purchase I ever made. I love Toyota quality and the fit and finish is top notch. Instant power when I want it, smooth riding, quiet interior, just miles ahead of what Ford is putting out with their Rangers. If you get one, you're gonna love it. Matter of fact, don't wait, go out NOW and buy one. You won't regret it, your checking account will, but it's WORTH IT!!!!!
Click to expand...

The gas mileage has actually improved on the 4x4 V6 double cab. On the 2004 it was 16-19 while it is 18-21 on the new truck. While you will definitely pay out the nose if you just walk up to the stealership, I have been following several Tacoma forums and a lot of people have been getting deals on them by doing some internet shopping/emailing. A lot of times larger dealerships will give you a good deal if you email/fax them and a bunch of other dealerships with what you want and what you want to pay (lets say $800 over invoice).

The double cab I was looking at was pretty much fully loaded and it was the most expensive config you can get (Dbl Cab, Long Bed, 4x4, TRD Sport) and it was just at 30K.
Click to expand...

Which forums have you been going to? I've visited yotatech.com and customtacos.com but haven't registered.
That's weird that you get a more powerful engine AND the gas mileage improves. Wonder what Toyota did to get it that way. So where is yours? What do you mean you haven't bought it? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????
 
Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Originally posted by: PricklyPete
So my local Toyota dealership got their first set of 2005 Tacomas in. I am definitely going to be in the market for one of these or a similar truck in the next 6 months, so I figured I'd go by and take a test drive. Since my girlfiend was not around, I took my little sister who is still in college. The only truck they ended up having left was the Double Cab V6 with the long bed.

This truck is a HUGE improvement over the 2004. Not only is there more room (which is a big deal to me since I'm 6'5"), but the over all material quality is SOOO much nicer. The 2004, while a reliable truck, was long in the tooth. The interior reminded me of my 1992 Camry and the seats were far from comfortable. Night and day with the 2005. While I'm not huge on the big "aluminum" console in the middle, I can get used to it. The rest of the interior looked great. Also, the bed was really nice (it is made out of this super strong composite material so that you do not have to put a bed liner down).

Anyway, the truck's ride is a lot smoother than the old truck and yet felt very confident in the turns (I always felt like the old truck hat a little too much sway in the suspension...even with the offroad package). The V6 is very powerful. It felt faster than my supercharged Mazda Millenia. The truck test drove had the 5 speed automatic, but I really want to test drive one of these with a 6-speed manual.

This test drive definitely got me salvitating for a new truck. Hopefully I will be able to hold back for at least 6 months (let them work out some of the early production kinks and hope to get a much better deal with dealers have a nicer inventory).

Anyway, if anyone has been thinking of getting a new truck, you need to test drive this one.
Click to expand...


:camera:'s?
Click to expand...

I love that I wrote 5 paragraphs about a truck...and the only part of it that you got out of it was that I have a little sister in college.

Here is a pic of her and I at a recent cousin's wedding...
Sis and Me

That make you happy.
 
Originally posted by: PricklyPete
Originally posted by: DainBramaged
Originally posted by: PricklyPete
So my local Toyota dealership got their first set of 2005 Tacomas in. I am definitely going to be in the market for one of these or a similar truck in the next 6 months, so I figured I'd go by and take a test drive. Since my girlfiend was not around, I took my little sister who is still in college. The only truck they ended up having left was the Double Cab V6 with the long bed.

This truck is a HUGE improvement over the 2004. Not only is there more room (which is a big deal to me since I'm 6'5"), but the over all material quality is SOOO much nicer. The 2004, while a reliable truck, was long in the tooth. The interior reminded me of my 1992 Camry and the seats were far from comfortable. Night and day with the 2005. While I'm not huge on the big "aluminum" console in the middle, I can get used to it. The rest of the interior looked great. Also, the bed was really nice (it is made out of this super strong composite material so that you do not have to put a bed liner down).

Anyway, the truck's ride is a lot smoother than the old truck and yet felt very confident in the turns (I always felt like the old truck hat a little too much sway in the suspension...even with the offroad package). The V6 is very powerful. It felt faster than my supercharged Mazda Millenia. The truck test drove had the 5 speed automatic, but I really want to test drive one of these with a 6-speed manual.

This test drive definitely got me salvitating for a new truck. Hopefully I will be able to hold back for at least 6 months (let them work out some of the early production kinks and hope to get a much better deal with dealers have a nicer inventory).

Anyway, if anyone has been thinking of getting a new truck, you need to test drive this one.
Click to expand...


:camera:'s?
Click to expand...

I love that I wrote 5 paragraphs about a truck...and the only part of it that you got out of it was that I have a little sister in college.

Here is a pic of her and I at a recent cousin's wedding...
Sis and Me

That make you happy.
Click to expand...

😀 :beer:
 
Originally posted by: AmigaMan
Originally posted by: PricklyPete
Originally posted by: AmigaMan
Be prepared to pay out the nose. I think they're around $30,000 and that's not even fully loaded. I actually prefer the older styling to the bulbous new styling. I saw a 2005 at the stealership while I was out buying my 2002 Tacoma on Saturday and I didn't like it that much. It's HUGE! I like the old Tacoma's because of their size. Smaller than a F150 or Silverado, but more powerful and bigger than a Ranger or S10 (actually not sure bout the S10's, I'm assuming they're similar to the Ranger). I didn't like the styling inside either, but it does have more room. Seats in the back of a double cab are especially nice. I think after a while I could get used to the exterior styling though, but I still prefer the 2001-2004 models.
That engine though, is one bad engine. I didn't test drive it, but it's got a lot more power. Wonder if the gas mileage got any worse. That's one things that gets me is how bad the fuel economy is. Oh well, it's not a Corolla thats for sure.
I LOVE my truck though, best auto purchase I ever made. I love Toyota quality and the fit and finish is top notch. Instant power when I want it, smooth riding, quiet interior, just miles ahead of what Ford is putting out with their Rangers. If you get one, you're gonna love it. Matter of fact, don't wait, go out NOW and buy one. You won't regret it, your checking account will, but it's WORTH IT!!!!!
Click to expand...

The gas mileage has actually improved on the 4x4 V6 double cab. On the 2004 it was 16-19 while it is 18-21 on the new truck. While you will definitely pay out the nose if you just walk up to the stealership, I have been following several Tacoma forums and a lot of people have been getting deals on them by doing some internet shopping/emailing. A lot of times larger dealerships will give you a good deal if you email/fax them and a bunch of other dealerships with what you want and what you want to pay (lets say $800 over invoice).

The double cab I was looking at was pretty much fully loaded and it was the most expensive config you can get (Dbl Cab, Long Bed, 4x4, TRD Sport) and it was just at 30K.
Click to expand...

Which forums have you been going to? I've visited yotatech.com and customtacos.com but haven't registered.
That's weird that you get a more powerful engine AND the gas mileage improves. Wonder what Toyota did to get it that way. So where is yours? What do you mean you haven't bought it? WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR????
Click to expand...

The big change was Variable Valve Timing I believe. It is also a completely different engine (the same one that is in the 4 Runner I understand).

I check out tundrasolutions.com, edmunds.com, and customtacos.com...although I haven't registered either since I don't own one yet.

I really do want to buy one, but I am possibly buying a house soon...so I need to get that all straightened out before I buy. I figure I'll have a better chance of a deal if I wait another 6+ months. Of course...test driving it was the kiss of death.
 
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