I'm in the market to buy an 06 Tacoma TRD/SR5 4x4 Access Cab, with 6-speed manual. This will be my 3rd Toy.

1st - '82 SR5 Longbed, 7" lift 35" tires, 5.88 gears, 14 shocks.
Owned it for 10 years, put on 250K miles, 4 transmissions (result of weak bearings) 4 rebuilt rear 3rd members, 2 rebuilt front 3rd members, 2 rebuilt drive shafts rear, 1 rebuilt front shaft.

2nd - 2001 Tacoma Pre-runner - stock

So my question, and I am sure TcmaBoy (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/member.php?u=247726) will be able to add some insite.

What are the gotcha's I need to look forward to in the latest version of the Tacomas?
I know in the 01 - 04's there was a ball joint issue and power steering leaks.
In the 79 - 82's they had the weak bearings in the in transmissions.

Any additional info would be greatly appreciated.

The truck is still a little too new for major issues to have crept up. I have heard of a few R&P failures, but only a few. There are problems with squeakey leaf packs. The 4.0 has tendancy to develop a tic. I think there was a squeakey cab mount issue. There have been a few other TSBs released. From what I hear the manual trans they used is a bit of a dog. I can't really say because I have only driven the auto.

They are certianly capable trucks. They are just a bit too big for my taste. They are only 8 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than my Silverado. As far as I am concerned you may as well buy a full size vehicle. The 4.0 V6 sucks down just as much gas as full size trucks with a small block V8. If you are footing the gas bill you may as well have the capacity to go with.

Thanks for the reply Tcmaboy.
I broke down and bought it
TRD - Off-road package
6-speed manual

I'm very impressed....this truck has everything the 2001 was missing, including the extra ponies under the hood.

Are you familiar with the TRD exhaust? I know in the 2000 - 2004 models, the TRD exhaust was a cat back design, single exit. I've seen some mention of a TRD dual exhaust, cat back design for the 05 - 06's, but can't find it anywhere. The TRD website does not mention having any exhaust systems for the 05 - up