Identifix, a company that rates long-term reliability for vehicles, reports that the 2004 Toyota Tacoma with a V-6 engine had minimal problems in all mechanical categories, according to Edmunds. Properly servicing and maintaining your Tacoma should prove a long and hassle-free relationship between you and your truck. Follow Toyota’s suggested service maintenance schedule to ensure that you’re taking good care of your vehicle.
Toyota recommends having your 2004 Tacoma V6 serviced every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. Added maintenance work is included every 15,000 miles—the same service happens again at 45,000 miles and every 15,000 thereafter. At 30,000 miles, the vehicle’s maintenance has yet more items added onto the list, and is repeated every 30,000 miles thereafter. The 90,000-mile service adds on even more as does the 100,000-mile service—each service is repeated every time the truck hits the same mileage mark.
Maintenance for every 5,000 or 10 months calls for an oil change, visual inspection and tire rotation. Every 15,000 miles or 18 months calls for additional maintenance, including propeller shaft lubrication for four-wheel drive models and a re-torque of the propeller shaft bolt. A 30,000-mile or 36-month service adds on two-wheel drive wheel bearing lubrication, park-plug replacement and replacement of the engine and cabin air filters. A 60,000-mile or 72-month service adds on replacement of the limit-slip differential in four-wheel-drive models. The largest service, 90,000 miles or 108 months, adds on a timing-belt replacement. A 100,000-mile service calls for the replacement of engine coolant.
Toyota’s website states that some vehicles require extra maintenance in the service schedule. Vehicles that drive on salt-covered roads, Tacomas that constantly tow, or those that drive on desert or dirt roads require extra maintenance and repair. Salt-covered roads are usually a seasonal condition and should not affect the Tacoma’s maintenance schedule once the roads return to normal conditions.
Edmunds states that the 5,000-mile service interval costs an average of $55, as of 2010, while the 15,000-service is around $97. Expect to pay around $250 for each 30,000-mile service up to 90,000 miles, where the average runs about $420 because of timing belt replacement. The area, taxes and dealer may affect average prices.
Toyota suggests having all service intervals done at the dealership. Toyota uses genuine Toyota parts and has factory-trained technicians who specialize in Toyota products. The 2004 Toyota Tacoma V-6 has no drivetrain or bumper to bumper warranty. If you're having your Tacoma serviced outside of a Toyota dealership, keep all receipts—Toyota dealers keep track of all repairs and service items that you can access at any time. Independent shops often do not.
