Noob from Long Beach, CA

Hi guys,

Short time lurker, even shorter time poster. I grew up here in So. Cal and have always wanted a 1st gen Tacoma. Back in 2001 I almost bought an 02 PreRunner but my ex g/f at the time beat me to it (well, her parents did), and I didn't want to have the same truck as her, so I bought an 02 Ford Danger 'Edge'. The transmission went out at 70k, thank goodness I bought the extended warranty, only cost me $200 to get it repaired. Promptly sold the Ranger after I got it back, and got into a Scion after that. blah blah blah.

I'm currently in a little Kia Rio5 (I commute 42 miles round trip a day, 5 days a week), and while it is economical, the fun factor is nowhere to be found. My plan is to get into a 1st gen Tacoma. However, I'm thinking the A.D.D. will come to an end when I get my 1st gen since it is the truck I've always wanted, well since 2001 at least.

Anyhow, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. I'm a huge LA Kings fan and play beer league hockey on Sunday nights. I also am a big beach person, often bodyboarding, long boarding and body surfing. Long walks on the beach are also something else I dig, j/k.

I've been looking at the 2WD, Automatic, Extra Cab trucks. I'm not sure if I will be better off with a 4cyl or 6cyl. Are the 4-bangers easier on the gas, or do they work harder than the 6cyl, thus negating any potential mpg advantage?

Well, I look forward to learning a bunch from these forums, and if you read this entire thing, I owe ya a beer!

 

Welcome
My .02 cents, get the v6, the 4 cylinder isn't very fun to drive, get a 4 door (if you plan on having a kid or kids), and get a 4x4 if the budget is there (i've never, ever, heard someone say "darn, i should've gotten a pre runner instead of a 4x4).

If you get a 4 cylinder i'd get the 5 spd manual trans to gain pack some of the power you lost over the V6.

 

Thanks for the welcome, I hear ya on a few of those points. 4x4 would hardly ever be of use to me, I'm sure there miiiiight be a time when I wish I had it, but the chances would be low. Sounds like the 6cyl would be better, I do sit in traffic from Long Beach to Irvine everyday, that is one of the reasons of why I sold my Subaru WRX, it had a stiff clutch and my left leg would get tired from the first gear/second gear shuffle for the majority of my drive in and drive home from work. So a 6cyl auto seems like it would be ideal.

 

I looked into 1st gen for a while. The 4cyl is easier on the mpgs but I know the 4cyl would not have cut it for me. Since your looking for a bit of fun I think you should go for the V6.

I understand the car ADD. The Tacoma has been the only vehicle I have ever loved and it's not going anywhere now that I have 4x4.

 

Welcome to TW from the better half of the state


Get the 6, if you want the extra cab or the four door, definitely get the six