Looking at 05 Tundra... Anything to look out for?

Ruskins · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 12:15 AM

Hi, Im looking at buying an 05 tundra 4x4 crewcab v8. I am going with a 05 because that is the first year of the more powerful 4.7 - And it will be in my pricerange. Since this truck underwent several changes from the 00-04 tundras, is there anything that I should watch out for? I always hear that the first year of changes always have quirks. Please let me know if I should be looking for any specific problems to the 05-06 models. Thanks!!

dac01 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 07:49 AM

The only issue that I've had, and it's minor, is the drivers seat frame rocked. The dealer replaced the seat frame. From a mechanical perspective, it's been a great truck. Be sure and look up the TSBs and get the dealer to verify that they have been addressed. You can do a search on this forum and find most of them.

shhendri · #3 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 08:04 AM

No probs with mine, not even a seat rock. I have heard people having probs with the tranny not engaging from time to time. Or clunking coming from the rear u-joint.

GORILLA · #4 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 09:09 AM

2005 & 2006 4.7 are exactly the same.
even the HP & torque. due to the fact there are a new set of calulation set for 2006. thats why it might seem the 2005 is more powerful than the 2006. but that like i said is not the case.
the 05 & 06 are bullit proof. and are awesome ride's. the only issue i was told to do was the ball joint recall, which they did and than a wheel alinement. all done for free.

check around the prices on all V8's yes, even tundra's have dropped.
you might be able to get a 05 or 06 for 12 to 14g's.
sad but true.
i already seen gen2 used for 19, and thats the 5.7 V8.
even the 08's brand new for 25. some less some more, depending on options and model.
look into a gen2 if you want power, there 5.7 has a optional TRD supercharger,504HP
i believe the 09's come out in sept, so the deal's on the left over's from 2007 and ton's of 2008's are going to be HUGE. incentive's, discount, cash back, extended warrenty's, etc will be given out, just to get rid of the stock all these dealership's have.
i'm continuing to look for a crew max limited, with every options, trd package, and add the trd superchager.
but i'm not interested in trading mine in. i have to much invested.
be smart and look smart, read up and thing's, and don't rush, the deals are out there, be patient.
good luck,
gorilla

tempetom · #5 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 09:24 AM

Make sure you feel around the fitting that goes into the right hand side of the AC condensor. If you feel oil, you're gonna have problems.

mytundrarocks · #6 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 11:28 AM

the only issue is she drinks, man does she drink. I love my 05 and would not trade it for the world. 05/06 is the way to go with the 1st gen Tundra. Good luck and enjoy, I know I do..

Ruskins · #7 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 01:13 PM

Thanks to you all for your input! Im really hoping that I can find a great deal since truck prices are soo low.

Got another questions.. Is there a noticable power/torque difference between the pre-05 model, and the 05-06? I know that in 05 there was suppse to be a 40hp increase. I drove a friends 01 pulling 16' boat and it was really straining on moderate inclines at highway speeds with OD off. I would like the 05-06 that I buy to be able to ocassionally pull my 18' car trailer. Think its capable?

Boosted27606 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 02:00 PM

I have pulled my trailer with race car on it ( total weight ~5000 lbs ) with my 2003 Tundra with no problem. Now I pull trailer with 2006 Tundra with no problem either. Take off, acceleration are slower than without trailer ( DUH ! ) but still very acceptable nonetheless.

Make sure you have brakes on the trailer as it tends to jackknife under extreme braking conditions otherwise ( and you never know when those conditions will take place ! )

toyotakid1996 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 02:32 PM

If you see an 05 Signature Series. It is a mythical truck. It's a figment of your imagination. You may think wow....a Signature Series Double Cab! I thought they only made those up to 2002. Do not be fooled..... They did. Its just a sticker. I love my sticker. But its only a sticker.

Tundradrenalin · #10 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 03:02 PM

I've not had many problems with my '05 AC. It's been a joy to own and even more of to drive. I do take excellent care of this truck though. Treat her good and she'll treat you good.

My list of problems:
lower ball joint - fixed under recall
rear main seal defect (oil leak) - fixed under 5/60 p-train warranty
tailgate latch broken - fixed under 3/36 b2b warranty

That's it. Nothing that hasn't been covered by my warranty. It's a great truck. Just look out for the obvious used-car stuff when you make the offer. One major thing to check, the tires, don't accept the factory tires if they've got more than 30k on them.

Good luck. I'm sure more owners will chime in here and give you some suggestions that haven't already been mentioned.

Ruskins · #11 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boosted27606

I have pulled my trailer with race car on it ( total weight ~5000 lbs ) with my 2003 Tundra with no problem. Now I pull trailer with 2006 Tundra with no problem either. Take off, acceleration are slower than without trailer ( DUH ! ) but still very acceptable nonetheless.

Make sure you have brakes on the trailer as it tends to jackknife under extreme braking conditions otherwise ( and you never know when those conditions will take place ! )

Was the power difference between the 03 and the 06 noticable? I just really wasnt happy with the towing abilities of the 01 and am hoping that an 05/06 will have a little more umph!

sooner4x4 · #12 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 05:38 PM

These are the four issues I have had with my 05 double cab, that have been mentioned by other members of this forum:

rocking drivers seat (minor but annoying. a homemade fix has been posted)
shaking mirrors (minor but annoying. relatively easy fix)
A/C leak at condensor (potential long term expensive repair)

wimpy, easy to dent rear bumper (few aftermarket alternatives)

Truck is very solid. Smooth quiet ride, far nicer than the competition. I average in the low 16's for mpg. I consider this pretty good for a big vehicle with great four wheel drive capabilities.

sophijo_46 · #13 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 06:57 PM

CK out "Toyota Certified Used"; warranty and all TSBs done......

toyotakid1996 · #14 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sooner4x4

These are the four issues I have had with my 05 double cab, that have been mentioned by other members of this forum:

rocking drivers seat (minor but annoying. a homemade fix has been posted)
shaking mirrors (minor but annoying. relatively easy fix)
A/C leak at condensor (potential long term expensive repair)

wimpy, easy to dent rear bumper (few aftermarket alternatives)

Truck is very solid. Smooth quiet ride, far nicer than the competition. I average in the low 16's for mpg. I consider this pretty good for a big vehicle with great four wheel drive capabilities.

Totally overlooked my shaking mirror.... as stated easy fix..

Boosted27606 · #15 (**permalink**) 07-01-2008, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruskins

Was the power difference between the 03 and the 06 noticable? I just really wasnt happy with the towing abilities of the 01 and am hoping that an 05/06 will have a little more umph!

******************************************

Honestly, the towing experience is very similar. The 06 has a K&N intake so it "howls" louder. The torque is a bit more solid and the top end stronger. Only when you actually floor it will you notice any difference. Driving sensibly ( when you pull a trailer, you really don't want to be racing ) both the 03 and the 06 do well.

Maybe the 01 you drove needed a tune -up , who knows ? unless it was a 6 cylinders ?