Gang, I got the opportunity to see a new '05 Taco this week over at Alpine Meadows ski resort in Lake Tahoe. Looked really cool, they had it in a faux 'cage' with chains on it. It was also equipped with aftermarket wheels and MT/Rs and was looking very sweet. In overall dimensions it looks much larger than the old Tacos, and appears to be as wide and as long as my Tundra Access Cab. It looks a little shorter in overall height, and I have to say the ground clearance looks a little iffy. But with a major redesign of the Tundra coming in '06--I wonder if this could be taking over for the Tundra as Toyota's mid-size offering. I REALLY like the way the Taco looks, but would have to wait until they iron out all the kinks (after reading this thread-it seems like the '05 Tacos are having standard new model problems) But I wouldn't mind shopping for one of these to replace my Tundra next year...looks like all of my aftermarket parts will fit....
Upgrades: PA 3" Body Lift, Powertrax No-Slip rear, Detroit ezLocker front, Fabtech/Fox front, Wheeler's AALs, TC Front Diff Drop, 16 x 8 MB Wheels, 285/75R16 Goodyear Wrangler MT/Rs, Pioneer Head Unit, Infiniti Reference speakers [front and rear], 150 W bridged amp to bandpass enclosure, 6 CD changer with IR remote, iPod mini and xm hardwired into stereo, Toyota drop in bedliner, and Tonneau cover
Geez, we must be special up here. Toyota chose us to be the venue for unveiling their new concept truck the FTX. Looks very menacing. I wonder if this is a hint of what the new Tundra will look like. I can't wait to see it in person when I head to the show next weekend.
Marcel
Toronto
ps, when I do get there, I'll be sure to let Toyota people know about the problems that people such as myself are having....
yeah, wasn't the FTX first shown like last year at this time?
__________________ HAVE YOU DRIVEN OVER A FORD LATELY?
Team West SAWS (cranked up to 3.25")
Total Chaos UCA
ORS Manual hub kit
reese front receiver hitch
10,000 lb. winch on receiver hitch
Warn Quick connects front and rear
rear brake porportioning valve mod
3" perfomance products body lift
skyjacker AAL
wheelers urithane kit for front swaybar and steering rack
BFG AT's
Eagle101 wheels
CB radio W/ dual fiberglass 48" ant.
Don't worry, no bubble bursted. I haven't seen anything on the FTX anywhere until today. Nothing mentioned in any Toyota forums...but I didn't exactly spent hours looking! It amazes me just how many trucks and SUV's Toyota has now in their stable. It's really incredible when you think about it.
Is the level of Toyota quality still present in the newest Tacoma? Some reviews (Auto Mags) say its much improved over the first generation. I am a huge fan of the older Japanese trucks(presently own 2 1993 SR5 4x4's) because of their bulletproof construction. I never thought the Tacomas were quite up to the same level as those earlier models, but very close. I havn't driven a 05 Taco yet but sat in one yesterday on a dealers lot and noticed some things seemed somewhat cheaper. In particular the switches(power windows/locks) felt like the cheaper type on GM trucks. This is only a quick impression I got so perhaps I'm way off base here. Anyone have any comments having owned the different gen Tacomas or Japanese Pickups? Do you think this new model will live up to its past reputation with the same legandary reliablility?
Is the level of Toyota quality still present in the newest Tacoma? Some reviews (Auto Mags) say its much improved over the first generation. I am a huge fan of the older Japanese trucks(presently own 2 1993 SR5 4x4's) because of their bulletproof construction. I never thought the Tacomas were quite up to the same level as those earlier models, but very close. I havn't driven a 05 Taco yet but sat in one yesterday on a dealers lot and noticed some things seemed somewhat cheaper. In particular the switches(power windows/locks) felt like the cheaper type on GM trucks. This is only a quick impression I got so perhaps I'm way off base here. Anyone have any comments having owned the different gen Tacomas or Japanese Pickups? Do you think this new model will live up to its past reputation with the same legandary reliablility?
I feel I can answer your question. I owned a 04 "Double Cab" and traded to a new 05. First of all, these a two very different trucks. The new 05 truck is very much more refined as for as noise level,ride, power, size, looks. The 04 was a dated design that needed obvious upgrading. If you would read my post in the "leaky winshield thread" you will see some of my concern with the 05. The are some bugs in this new truck, some of them serious IMO . When dealers are having to pull fenders off to stop leaks then you got a problem. A defective part is understandable, but this is a assembly body integrety problem. The fixes are bandaids to cover mistakes made on the assembly line. To get back to your original question, I love the new 05, I hope that Toyota has corrected those issues mentioned above. I am in arbitration to get them to replace my truck. My 04 was rock solid, not very comfortable but solid and dependable. Another issue IMO is that the sound system in the 05 is lame, Toyota changed mfgs of the head unit. The 04 sound system was better and the FM was great. The FM on the 05 wont even find stations without stoping on static, very disturbing. MY advice, before you buy a 05 make sure the leak issue in taken care of. Some dealers have leaking trucks in inventory and dont even realize it. You have to pull the carpet up in the front driver and passenger floorboard. Just pop off the side trim and run your hand under the carpet toward the firewall. The padding can be wet without the carpet feeling wet on top. Toyota needs to go public with this issue and determine the vins affected with this defect and do something about it. It amazes me that they would have a recall on a little nut that could have been handled easily with a service bullitin. Sorry for the lenght of this post, I just thought any buyer should be informed.
Personally I don't think the 04 is a dated design, it is a compact truck and although I would have liked Toyota to tweak a few things my 04 TRD works well. I took a good look at the auto show in chi-town at the new Tacoma & yes the size is interesting, but in my view not necessary with the Tundra in production. It doesn't work for me because seats are non adjustable & low, it appears that the exhaust system has been out-sourced ( this usually happens when the piping dips down instead of being tucked in to save money), u-joints look different than mine & the hood is not acceptable for trails. I think the thing that really bothers me...and I often think about the bigger design is in reality you have not given me anthing special. The smaller Tacoma TRD is special in my opinion & of course very capable. When I look under the 05 all I see is the under body & frame of my 04 & I like my 04 better. I use mine for my trucking business & it runs full & empty & whatever and if used within specs I see no reason to upgrade to almost the same thing when mine will do almost the same thing. NOW...show me a 3/4 ton and maybe we can do business.
This is my 3rd Taco and 4th Toyota truck. . . . . simply stated, I think Toyota hit the mark. I bought the 05 without a test drive. I thought it would be a simple upgrade above my older Taco. Was I wrong, the 05 is much improved and a whole new truck. I am thoroughly impressed.
05 Taco 'almost' as big as a Tundra?
JOHN
Linear Mode
