Need opinions Tacoma vs Tundra

Ok i need some opinions. First off I love my 02 double cab tacoma 4x4. But I just need more room and a little more power for towing. Thinking about selling my Tacoma and looking at a first gen tundra dc 4x4. Any opinions on reliability of these trucks with 4.7 v8 and fuel economy vs the Tacoma? I drive around 90 miles a day to and from work. I get around 18-19 mpg from my Tacoma. What could I expect from a tundra with 4.7? Also what would be a good asking price for my Tacoma? Its an 02 dc 4x4, 185, 000 miles. All original in good but used condition. Original silver paint no mechanical issues at all. Drivers seat has some wear but otherwise clean interior. Does not have locking rear axle.Thanks.

 

I've had both. I liked my first Gen tacoma best over both first and second Gen tundra.

First Gen tundra got same MPG as second Gen tundra. 14mpg, which was disappointing.

Second Gen tundra is a towing beast and very big. First Gen was the perfect size, but under powered. Not very fun after driving the sporty tacoma.

185k is not very many miles. Keep the truck and bank the money would be my suggestion. Besides, I don't think you will find one with less miles than what you have now. If you do find one, it will be pricy.

 

I had an 05 tundra dc 4x4 w the 4.7 and my mpg was 16-17. Def more room in the tundra than the Tacoma and towing is much better in the tundra as well. If they still made the 05 tundra body style I would have bought another one over the Tacoma. With the Tacoma I was getting 18mpg but the rear seat room in the Tacoma is lacking . The first gen Tundra with the 4.7 is a great truck.

 

I bought a brand new 2001 Tundra 4x4 TRD Limited and my parents still have it. Never any issues except an O2 sensor. It was a good truck but I always felt that first generation 4.7L V8 while smooth was a bit underpowered.

I now have a 95.5 Tacoma 4x4 3.4L and the ride is not as good as what it was on the Tundra. The Tundra could tow and haul more. However I like the size of the Tacoma which is why I just bought a '02 Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 TRD Limited 3.4L. For reference, I paid $12.3k for it, 1 owner, all maintenance done early at the dealer, no accidents, no paint work and cosmetically as good as you could ask for. Test the water on Craigslist and see how many bites you get. Use KBB and add a grand or two at the start.

Both are good trucks. Go test drive a used Tundra DC and see if you like it.

 

Supercharge your Tacoma and you will have all the power you need for it's towing capabilities!

I've never personally owned a Tundra but I've been around a few. They are nice trucks but are very big and cumbersome compared to the nimble little Tacoma. Gas mileage probably is, as stated above, 14 at best. But if you really want a towing beast, go all out and get a 2nd gen Tundra with the 5.7.

 

For my money, the Gen1 Tacoma is the PERFECT size for a personal-use truck. Now if you have serious work, you'll want something bigger...but all-around, it's fine.

If you're towing something, you may want bigger. Fine - that's where a Tundra V8 makes sense. Otherwise...I don't see a tangible benefit in posing in a larger truck. Few people care; buy a rig that makes sense for your use.

 

supercharger with 7th injector or meth injection kit will give you plenty of power.. upgrade to tundra front brakes and you will feel fully comfortable pulling the 5k tow limit of this truck.. you can probably pull more if your trailer has brakes on it as well but that is illegal..

but the reality is that if you need a tow vehicle, you need a full size

 

I own both, a 02 trd sr5 4x4 tundra and a 3rz 4x4 tacoma.
As far as a truck goes the tundra beats it hands down. Mine gets 15 mpg and has 288k on the clock. The 4.7 v8 is a powerhouse compared to the 3rz which I only get 16 mpg from. It alot more comfortable hauling the family around and the ride is alot smoother.
As far as a trail rig ill take the taco anyday over the tundy.

 

Thank you all for your responses. I'm gonna look at some tundras. If I decide to sell my Tacoma i'll post it on here.

 

power is the least important part of towing, with the right gears even an old 22r could get 10k moving pretty easy. Stopping and controlling the load is far more important than getting it moving and that's where a bigger heavier truck comes in. Even if your taco had 500 ponies that's not gonna stop a big trailer from tossing it around like a rag doll if a cross wind picks up. You just need to decide what your gonna be towing and pick the right truck for the circumstances.

 

Don't forget that the tundra used the same transmission as the Tacoma up to 2004. It's not strong enough to tow regularly with. The engine has the power, but the transmission can't take it. Ask me how I know.

 

Oh what they hey... Hey koditten, how do you know???

--Dan

 

04+ had alot better transmission due to a better od planetary gear set up.
My 02 tundra had 286k on the clock before the transmission bit the dust.
I replaced it with a low mileage 04 transmission