Spotted one of the rarest 2nd gens today on a Toyota lot

Was off to work this morning, when I passed my hometown Toyota dealer. Spied this sitting near the front so pulled in for a closer look. Thought it was just another base PreRunner like mine, then saw "V6" on the tailgate and "4x4" on mud flaps. So out of curiosity, seeing I am casually contemplating upgrading to both a V6 & 4WD , I then peek in and see the manual gear-box.

So now I'm fully intrigued over this truck at this time (Despite hating the color combo) looks great on TRD's and Sports, but anything other than white looks terrible on base models with the black textured bumpers and flares(Just my opinion).

Anyway, I start reading the option lists, and this truck is fitted with the "Tow Pkg" with 7-pin, oil and trans coolers etc... $29K sticker price, which may or may not be had for a few grand less. But is this rare and a good buy? It's missing a dozen items I dream to have like JBL, Locker, A-trac, nicer alloys, color keyed bumpers and grille etc...

But it has all of the mechanical features that matter, plus a bonus that it's a manual. Although I must admit, TW has me scared to buy a manual (despite all the cool factors) seems like every week there is a new "My TB is squealing or loud, or broken" or "Why does the 6-speed manual shift like it's in a bowl or rocks" also in the back of my mind if I'm going to tow 5-6K lbs, I feel like I would rather do it with a slush box instead.

Anyway, the unpractical side of me says get it, try to get $1500-$2K off sticker and add TRD-Supercharger and have one heck of a fun sleeper?

** Sorry for crappy potato phone photos, the cars were sandwiched in tightly and it was difficult to get good pics without a glare**

 

DCSB
Base
6 Speed
4.0

Dunno what's rare about it

 

Yeah but a base with a 6/sod and Tow pkg?

 

I agree. And your right, truthfully I should just keep driving this damn 4-cyl and just save for whatever the TRD-Pro equivalent is, or possibly FX4, over the next 5-7 years.

It will be a long painful wait, as I've always previously had one fun or fast car in my stable. But right now between my wife's CVT, Subaru and this weak ass truck I'm driving now, I want to gouge my fricken eyes out.

Mind you nothing is ever wrong with either of these vehicles, they are probably the two most reliable forms of transportation I've ever owned. And solid re-sale on both.

I know, I know priorities 1st. Just sucks being a diehard car guy, and everything else around you on the road is a 400hp machine. I feel like 90% of the time everyone is pissed off behind me at a light because my 2.7 will barely keep up with all the Camry's & Accords that do 0-60 in under 6 seconds now, even minivans are pushing the pace behind me while my foot is buried into the floor board.

 

Asshole.

 

Read the sticker closer. It does not have a trans cooler, auto only.

 

He he, but is a "Boxter" err I mean 996 considered a fun car? Just effing with you. Nice car.

 

Ohh yeah, duh forgot manuals don't have trans coolers. Bang head on wall.

*edit* wonder if they charge the same for the tow package, wether manual or auto? Toyota would be sneaky like that.

 

Anytime dude. You can always count on me.

 

Not sure why that would be considered rare.

Here probably 95+% of Tacomas are 4x4s. Exceptions seem to just be the 5-luggers. Don't think I've ever seen a PreRunner here.

On top of that, TONS of 4.0 base models. MT isn't that uncommon either. ...and the vast majority of the 4.0s I see here have the tow package.

If you want a truck that you won't "wish you had more," get a TRD. Sport if you want a DCLB, Off Road if you don't. Just my opinion, of course.

 

hey; fun cars don't need 400HP!

My summer time rag top baby after a wash last year.

 

Base 4.0L Tacomas are pretty common where I live. Some 6 speeds, mostly auto, usually double cab short beds. I have seen a few base double-cab long beds, though.

 

now that's a babe magnet

 

do you call it that because that's what you use to pick guys up in?

 

OMG, I literally spit coffe all over the dash. Well played sir!

 

That was weak...

The Jersey in you should be shamed

 

What are you planning on towing?

If you're towing heavy, (travel trailer, large boat, heavy work trailer etc...) then having the automatic transmission is vastly superior to the manual.

If you're only towing say 2000 lbs or less - go ahead and consider this if it's what you want.

 

You lost your edge when you were banned...

 

Beavis how did you get re-instated? Id like to know for future use in case I need it.

 

quoting the wrong person, but whateves.... he wasn't perma banned. Just given a mini vacation.

you screw up bad enough and the ban could be months like my last one