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Looking for my first Tacoma!

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by xLowEndx, Jan 27, 2014.

  1. Jan 27, 2014 at 2:48 PM
    #1
    xLowEndx

    xLowEndx [OP] Member

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    Hi everyone, I've been shopping around for a used Taco but I'm not too sure what will be my best route. I'll be using it mostly for commuting but maybe twice a month will be taking it out in the AZ desert to find a good spot to go shooting. I am not interested in climbing or mudding, would just like something to get me out there with a little more clearance than my current Mercury Sable. Haha.

    Here's what I'm looking for:

    -First gen
    -4cyl
    -Manual
    -ext. cab
    -2.4L or 2.7L but mpg is key hence the 4cyl

    Here's what I'm running into - The base models all seem so low to the ground and I don't want the 4x4 so maybe the prerunner? Oh but wait. I can't seem to find a prerunner that is not V6. And even harder to find one that is manual.

    So am I better off going with the prerunner for the added lift and suck it up with the V6 (not really what I want) or can I give the base version a couple inch lift for cheap and still not have to see that ugly rear suspension. Any info would be greatly appreciated, Thanks!!
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2014
  2. Jan 28, 2014 at 3:48 AM
    #2
    Delmarva

    Delmarva Mayor of TW

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    It's the wife's T4R so it's stock
    Welcome to TW :wave:

    The 1genners are getting harder and harder to find these days... good luck with your search.
     
  3. Jan 28, 2014 at 7:15 AM
    #3
    fast5speed

    fast5speed Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like you're looking for a new car in the wrong market.
    I love the "looking for lifted-ish pickup, but also very concerned about MPGs".

    What's your concern with ground clearance? Just for looks, or do you actually need it for something?
    I know that for most trucks, the difference on 2x4 and 4x4 (in the rear at least) is either putting the leaf springs below or above the axle. It varies greatly how they achieve the lift in the front from the factory. maybe you could mess around with that. Or use body spacers. Or bigger tires.

    If MPG is the #1 concern, just get a Civic hatchback or something. not sure about AZ, but here in DC, any and all combinations of these Tacomas are plentiful. Most of them have the 4cyl 5 speed 4x4 ext cab combo.

    If you're dead set on getting a 4cyl, stick ext cab, get a s10 or frontier
     
  4. Jan 28, 2014 at 7:16 AM
    #4
    fast5speed

    fast5speed Well-Known Member

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    Sounds like you're looking for a new car in the wrong market.
    I love the "looking for lifted-ish pickup, but also very concerned about MPGs".

    What's your concern with ground clearance? Just for looks, or do you actually need it for something?
    I know that for most trucks, the difference on 2x4 and 4x4 (in the rear at least) is either putting the leaf springs below or above the axle. It varies greatly how they achieve the lift in the front from the factory. maybe you could mess around with that. Or use body spacers. Or bigger tires.

    If MPG is the #1 concern, just get a Civic hatchback or something. not sure about AZ, but here in DC, any and all combinations of these Tacomas are plentiful. Most of them have the 4cyl 5 speed 4x4 ext cab combo.

    If you're dead set on getting a 4cyl, stick ext cab, but cannot find one, get a s10 or frontier
     
  5. Jan 28, 2014 at 10:28 PM
    #5
    xLowEndx

    xLowEndx [OP] Member

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    I'll be using this truck most frequently for commuting but plan on using its off road capabilities a few times a month. I'm leaning towards a TRD at the moment. I'm finding most ext. cabs with that package.

    Yes I do like the look of the lifted tacos better but if I sacrifice a little MPG to be able to get where I need to with out any problems then its worth the loss I guess.
     
  6. Jan 28, 2014 at 10:34 PM
    #6
    Toyota Tacoma

    Toyota Tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Suspension: -Bilistien 5100's all around -Add a leaf -Firestone ride rite air bags Performance: -K&N cold air -Borla cat back Stereo: -Pioneer AVH-X2500BT head unit -Kenwood 1400 shallow mount 12'' sub in custom box -Alpine 1100 amp -Alpine 400 4 channel -4 energy component 6.5's Wheels/tires: -17x9 with 4.5 backspacing XD hoss rims with 33'' bfTreadwright gaurd dogs and spidertrax spacers Looks: -Satoshi grille made by myself -Hood, front bumper, grille, roof, tailgate and rear bumper plasti-dipped. -BHLM -eyelids -matted out tailights -Tacoma bed mat Small mods : -Trailer 7 pin replaced and moved into bumper beside licence plate -Removed mud flaps -Repainted frame/lower a-arms, skid and rear diff/housing with por15 -Led bulbs -Interior lights replaced with blue led's -Beep on lock added
    If you are going to go off road why not get the 4 cyl 4x4?

    But if you are dead set on a prerunner. After owning a tacoma with a 4 cyl, and now 3 with v6's. Id never go back.
     
  7. Jan 28, 2014 at 11:59 PM
    #7
    Taco47

    Taco47 Well-Known Member

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    the 2.4l are the "5-lug" trucks. I started off with one with a manual and it was fun. There were alot of spots on the trails I couldnt pass. Maybe because of my stock 195/75/14 eco tires but this could slide the gravel trails like a champ. You could lift these trucks but not by much. By the time you life it to the height of the prerunners and 4x4's stock height, the suspension is tweaked to the max and the common lower ball joints up front break easily. 220k on a completely stock truck I averaged 19mpg combined.

    My new truck is a 2.7l 4x4 manual. Right off the batt this truck is much sturdier but it is also heavier. both are single cabs so they are identical aside from the added .3l of displacement, 4x4 driveline and boxed frame as opposed to the light weight frame on the 5-lug. I have been averaging 16mpg on the last 2 tank but it should be more after the new cat and o2's settle in.
     
  8. Jan 29, 2014 at 12:03 AM
    #8
    xLowEndx

    xLowEndx [OP] Member

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    Thanks guys!

    All this researching and lack of sleep is making my head swell haha. So if I'm not wanting 4x4 but want it "lifted" my only option is a prerunner then?
     
  9. Jan 29, 2014 at 12:20 AM
    #9
    Taco47

    Taco47 Well-Known Member

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    finding a 2.7 prerunner with a 5 speed is not too hard.
     
  10. Jan 29, 2014 at 12:25 AM
    #10
    xLowEndx

    xLowEndx [OP] Member

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    I've been looking here in the alley and it's not too easy. I find many 3.4L though. But like I said many are auto. Should I really be looking for a manual? I guess daily commuting might have 1-2 better mpg with manual but does it sound like it will be necessary? Maybe manual 2.7 or auto 3.4
     
  11. Jan 29, 2014 at 12:40 AM
    #11
    FalloutMaster

    FalloutMaster Well-Known Member

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    Grillcraft insert, partial debadge, Toyota tailgate decal, Fog light mod, Anzo headlights, '98 tail lights
    I didn't even know they ever made prerunners with standards :eek:
     
  12. Jan 29, 2014 at 12:56 AM
    #12
    Taco47

    Taco47 Well-Known Member

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    i dont see why not but i could be wrong. If that is the case then they better have a good reason since the 5-lug tacomas with the 2.4l came with a manual.
     
  13. Jan 29, 2014 at 1:22 AM
    #13
    xLowEndx

    xLowEndx [OP] Member

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    Can anyone verify this?
     
  14. Jan 29, 2014 at 11:07 AM
    #14
    fast5speed

    fast5speed Well-Known Member

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  15. Jan 29, 2014 at 6:54 PM
    #15
    FalloutMaster

    FalloutMaster Well-Known Member

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    Yeah that's what I thought. KBB doesn't list a manual option for PreRunners either.
     
  16. Feb 1, 2014 at 1:47 AM
    #16
    xLowEndx

    xLowEndx [OP] Member

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    If I'm planning on going off-road (dirt, rock and sand) is a manual really necessary?
     
  17. Feb 1, 2014 at 1:49 AM
    #17
    PcBuilder14

    PcBuilder14 Well-Known Member

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    Automatic is easier to off road with in my opinion...
     
  18. Feb 1, 2014 at 2:00 AM
    #18
    seedless024

    seedless024 Well-Known Member

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    owning a manual myself. this is very true.

    after owning two tacos (both v6, both standard) if i bought another taco. it will be automatic but still a v6. i still get 18+ mpgs which is pretty good considering the v6 truck market
     
  19. Feb 1, 2014 at 2:08 AM
    #19
    xLowEndx

    xLowEndx [OP] Member

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    So other than better MPG why would the manual be worth getting?
     
  20. Feb 1, 2014 at 3:20 AM
    #20
    fishin71

    fishin71 Well-Known Member

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    I have owned a few stock tacos and my suggestion would be to get the biggest engine available especially if you're going automatic otherwise you will get run off the road merging onto the freeway. But you can't beat the mpg of a 2.4l also I would never own a 2wd taco number 1 they're ugly and number 2 you need clearance if youre going off road the 2wd's has very little. I would suggest from what you say you're looking for a 4wd 2.7L with a 5 speed. my least favorite engines in order 3.0, 2.4, 2.7, 3.4 the new 4.0 is a beast. Im no taco expert by any means but that has been my experience
     

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