2000 vs. 2001 and up??? what were the differences??

I've been looking for 2001-2004 tacomas for a while now but I just started looking at 99-00 tacos as well and found one that looks nice. I'm trying to find exactly what the differences were between the v6 00 and the 01s. I know there is a bit of a cosmetic difference but what about mechanically/functionally? Im guessing not much, otherwise there'd be gen 1, 2 and 3 tacos. But was it signifigant enough of a difference to pass up a 99-00 model to wait for an 01-04 model?

thanks.

 

99 was the first year a Reg cab prerunner was offered along with new seatbelts and the ability to disable the passenger airbag

00 got new colors, an available stepside bed, new mirrors, daytime running lights (on those with ABS) and the front section of the 4x2 were changed to match the 4x4s

in 01, you got the new grille, hood, headlights, taillights, the S-runner option, and the double cab
02 no real changes
03 standard anti-lock brakes

 

I bought my 2000 tacoma over the summer and I was in the same boat you're in. I originally wanted to get a 2001-2004 tacoma, but due to my price limit, was forced to start looking at 98-00's as well. I researched them quite a bit (I always do tons of research before any big purchase) and honestly, the only real differences I found were cosmetic. If you've found a nice specimen in the 98-00 range, I'd say go for it!

I bought a 2000 v6 limited (SR5 and TRD OR) and I absolutely love it!

 

yeah all differences are cosmetic until 2003 when you get the anti-lock brakes. unless you count the double cab which comes in 01

 

BINGO, same here. I also bought a 2000 but with a 4 cyl which I prefer over the 6 cyl.

 

Alright cool, that's what I was beginning to think, but i rarely see a company change something so much cosmetically and leave everything the same under the skin.

There weren't any flaws or defects ironed out from 00 to 01+ were there?

the truck I'm looking at has 127k miles. It's a manual 4x4 v6. first thing Im going to ask is if it has always been a florida truck and then check for rust, then I'll ask if/when he changed the belts. After that I'm not sure. I've never owned a manual, but I know a lot about manual trans in theory through motorcycles. But I wouldn't be able to drive a manual and know if the clutch needs a rebuild or not. I also think I'll check too see if the waterpump is leaking, the differentials fore and aft and the power stearing but I don't know exactly where any of them are located

 

'95-2000 trucks are being bought back if the frame have frame holes.
'course I think you are too late for the 1.5X buyback.

2001-2004 will get the frame rebuilt if it rusts through.
I had the frame rebuild and it's like a new truck.

 

what do you mean by "1.5x buy back"?

 

Toyota was buying the 1995.5-2000 Tacomas if the frame rusted through.
1.5X KBB Excellent condition but I think you had to own it by a certain date, otherwise people were buying the trucks cheaply and tuning a profit.

Do a search on Tacoma frame rust and it will pop-up.
In fact, there is a sticky in the 1st Gen.

2001-2004 frames are still being made so they can replace them.
The earlier truck frames aren't made so that's why the buy-back.

 

well wait.... first everyone is saying the trucks are the sameexcept for cosmetics. Now your saying it's a different frame between 00 and 01. The frame is a pretty big difference.

 

It's a different frame.
Check the "sticky" in the 1st Gen on this forum.

"95-2K rust help from Toyota"

If the frame fails.....
1995.5-2000=buy back.
2001-2004=frame replacement

 

Yes, it is a different frame. But not different enough to base a decision on. Cosmetic differences are the main ones. The 01's I think are the only ones without the oh $hit handle on the driver's side and to only have one on the passenger side. I had a 2000 and now have an 01. The only differences I noticed were cosmetic and that I now have a TRD. Bottom line is that if you do decide to buy a Tacoma, check the frame. Between the two sub gens there were hardly enough of a mechanical change to warrant one as "better" than another.
The reason for the frame difference was Toyota subcontracted the frames for the 98-2000 and can't get them anymore. (I may be wrong, but IIRC this was the case). And that is why they buy back the truck rather than install a new frame like they are doing on the 2001-2004's.
Good luck man.

 

Actually, it isn't limited. I researched this issue extensively before I bought my 2000, and it's a 15-year warranty, regardless of when you bought it or what number owner you are. My truck's frame, for example, is covered until ~2015 even though I just bought it 6 months ago.

 

Although, *do* check the frame out. If it's exceptionally rusty or already falling apart, it may be more hassle than it's worth. Just FYI...

 

No, you are right. The warranty was extended to 15 years regardless of owner, but, you had to have the vehicle for an amount of time. In other words, you couldn't go to Craigslist and buy a rusted out Tacoma and then take it straight to the dealer.

 

I had a 99 tacoma prerunner ext cab, bought it in 2005 with 46,000 for $9500. sold it 2007 with 93,000 for $8500, bought a 2001 double cab for $11.500 in 2007 with cap 4x4, 90,000 timing belt changed at 88,000, still have it with 140, 000 no issues no leaks don't burn oil. love it. 1 1/2 inch lift front 2 inch in back from added leaf spring. 265/70/16 could go bigger but don't want to cut down on the millage. Great trucks minor cosmetics changes in the years Front mainly. 1st gens r keepers wanted more and more.

 

Actually, I think you could. Maybe it's just because they haven't done many re-frames here, but they didn't even ask how long I'd owned it. I even asked the service manager if there was a time limit on how long I had to own the truck before i could bring it in. She told me there was nothing in the TSB she had about that.