09-27-2015, 05:16 PM
Took the time to satisfy my own curiosity and took a look at a 2005 Tundra Ext. Cab. I walked away from this particular specimen for a variety of reasons, but my overall impressions of the truck left me very happy.
Ride: LOVED the ride of the truck aside from some qwerks that had me definitely not considering that particular truck. The ride is firm which is very different than 2nd generation Tacoma's that rode too soft and squishy for me (even with the TRD package/Bilsteins). This truck did have the TRD package with Bilsteins. Easy to drive and blindspots were minimal. It had a truck box which made looking back a little difficult, but I would have removed that anyways.
Storage/Comforts: It's a truck. Look at all that bed space! The Ext. cab left plenty of room in the back for gear/groceries. People? Meh. Maybe if you're small and skinny it would be ok. Interior cargo space was fantastic. Cup holders just about everywhere. I think about 6 in total? Center console was a huge selling point. The upper tier was perfect sized for little things you would need quick access to. The lower tier I think I could easily fix two 6 packs of beer cans down in there. A LOT of space that could be put to good use. Two 12volt plugs right in front with a flat space to hold electronics to charge made a big impression on me considering I usually have my personal/work phone with me and on trips we take generally bring our camera + GOPRO (or some combination).
Seats: This deserves it's own category. Jake will probably tell you I have a huge thing for seats (still love those ST seats to this day). I loved the "Captain's" Chair like feel. Great bolsters, great lumbar support, cloth seats kept me from moving around, and the flip down arm rest was titties. These are the kind of comforts I'm looking for on longer drives. Very plush seats that combined with the storage/comforts helped make this a big contender.
Power: This bitch will get up and go. In 2005 Toyota upped the 4.7L V8's power from 245hp/315lb-ft to 282hp/325lb-ft. A quick right out of the dealership road onto 28 I put my foot to the floor. I was happily rewarded with a quick downshift, rear tires chirping, and launched to 60mph in no time. Now that's some torque. Combine that with the 7,100lb towing capacity? That'll do pig, that'll do.
Overall, very pleased with the Tundra platform. I will file this experience away for the future.
Ride: LOVED the ride of the truck aside from some qwerks that had me definitely not considering that particular truck. The ride is firm which is very different than 2nd generation Tacoma's that rode too soft and squishy for me (even with the TRD package/Bilsteins). This truck did have the TRD package with Bilsteins. Easy to drive and blindspots were minimal. It had a truck box which made looking back a little difficult, but I would have removed that anyways.
Storage/Comforts: It's a truck. Look at all that bed space! The Ext. cab left plenty of room in the back for gear/groceries. People? Meh. Maybe if you're small and skinny it would be ok. Interior cargo space was fantastic. Cup holders just about everywhere. I think about 6 in total? Center console was a huge selling point. The upper tier was perfect sized for little things you would need quick access to. The lower tier I think I could easily fix two 6 packs of beer cans down in there. A LOT of space that could be put to good use. Two 12volt plugs right in front with a flat space to hold electronics to charge made a big impression on me considering I usually have my personal/work phone with me and on trips we take generally bring our camera + GOPRO (or some combination).
Seats: This deserves it's own category. Jake will probably tell you I have a huge thing for seats (still love those ST seats to this day). I loved the "Captain's" Chair like feel. Great bolsters, great lumbar support, cloth seats kept me from moving around, and the flip down arm rest was titties. These are the kind of comforts I'm looking for on longer drives. Very plush seats that combined with the storage/comforts helped make this a big contender.
Power: This bitch will get up and go. In 2005 Toyota upped the 4.7L V8's power from 245hp/315lb-ft to 282hp/325lb-ft. A quick right out of the dealership road onto 28 I put my foot to the floor. I was happily rewarded with a quick downshift, rear tires chirping, and launched to 60mph in no time. Now that's some torque. Combine that with the 7,100lb towing capacity? That'll do pig, that'll do.
Overall, very pleased with the Tundra platform. I will file this experience away for the future.
Current
2006 4Runner V8 Limited|| Currently no BRAPS
Past
2007 DRZ400S || 2007 SV650 || 1998 Yamaha RT180 || 1998 XJ Sport || 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon || 1998 XJ Classic || 2002 VW Passat Wagon || 1992 F150 Custom
2006 4Runner V8 Limited|| Currently no BRAPS
Past
2007 DRZ400S || 2007 SV650 || 1998 Yamaha RT180 || 1998 XJ Sport || 2002 Subaru WRX Wagon || 1998 XJ Classic || 2002 VW Passat Wagon || 1992 F150 Custom