2 Dirt Bikes and Gear? 3.4 Lacking Power?

That would be a pretty good deal at 12k. I'd shoot for that. On a 2nd Gen.

 

I've also seen some 01-04's with 100000-120000 miles for about $11000-$14000. If I went for one of those I'd try for talking them down between $8000 and $10000. Prolly stick closer to $8000 to make the price difference worthwhile.

 

with those prices I would probably go with a second gen, 1st gens are cheap in Arizona.
I got mine, 4cyl 4x4 97 ext cab with camper shell 135k miles for 4500. like 4 years ago

 

I'm thinking maybe if I can find a 01-04 with about 100000 for $6000 it'd be worthwhile. That would make the out of pocket costs pretty low.

If not I think I'll go for a second gen.

 

I think that's a good decision.

 

My 1st gen 3.4L/5 speed handles my 17ft. fiberglass camper and gear well. I do feel it back there on steep grades and had to downshift to 4th gear but other than that i'm happy with it as my tv. It tows my 2 4x4 Honda atv's into the mountains of Pa. with ease, don't even know they're back there. One upgrade i recommend if your towing with a 1st gen is upgrade to the tundra brakes, makes a BIG improvement over stock.

 

I never had problem hauling 2 bikes (3 at one point) and a small flatbed trailer with a couple quads with my old 2nd gen access cab 4 banger with the manual trans. If that truck can do it, surely any of the V6's should be more than adequate! As far as being loaded down goes, the 3.4 itself isn't underpowered, but the shift points in the automatic trannies suck so they hunt all the time and you gotta watch that or they overheat. Same goes for the 2nd gen autos from what I understand. Some days I miss my manual, but I'd never go back to one as a daily driver ever again, I'm only 23 and that shit got old on me after a couple years haha but different strokes for different folks. I have a Powerstroke diesel with a hand-shaker when I have the urge to row gears.

 

I have had a manual trans Passat for 2.5 years now and can't stand the sensation of an automatic unless I'm really stuck in traffic. Luckily, I don't deal with traffic much so I can enjoy my manual without too much stop and go. My dad has a F-350 so if the need to take excessive weight arises I can always borrow it.

 

I've pretty much decided a 2nd gen access cab with the V6 and 6 speed manual will be the way to go. This is going to be a huge purchase for me and I don't want anything left to be desired. Thanks to everyone who contributed, you've all played a role in helping choose my next vehicle and first truck.

 

Sounds like you made your decision, good either way. Can't really go wrong with a Tacoma.
I hauled my bike, about 350lb of firewood in the bed and towed my 3000# pop up tent to desert with no issues. Have to down shift to 4th on the grades, but no problems towing at legal speed limit of 55.
My trailer does have electric brakes so can't comment on truck brakes for this work. May have to look into Tundra upgrade though.

 

I thought about buying a 2nd gen for its better towing capabilities but i bought a lightweight fiberglass camper so i wouldn't have to buy another tow vehicle. I love my 1st gen too much to upgrade to another truck.

 

Yep, I've made up my mind. Now the problem becomes finding one at the right price, right trim package, with decent miles and hopefully in the right color.

 

Same here, I bought an old '97 7.3 Powerstroke for towing/hauling anything that's well beyond the Taco's abilities for this reason!

 

I'm not a Ford guy but you can't go wrong with a 7.3!

 

My dad used to have a 7.3 Excursion, It was an awesome truck but it has been nice having a bed on the new 350 to put bikes in instead of a trailer.

 

If you're really that serious about doing it only once and keeping this truck for that long, I would highly recommend considering a DC over an AC.

I see your needs right now only warrant the need for an AC, but a lot of years into the future(which is what you're talking about) could bring a lot of life changes.

 

I have considered it but I want to be able to lay down in the bed. I also want to be able to close the tailgate with my bikes in the back if I build a tailgate like this. Why do you recommend a double cab? Ideally I'd find a DCLB but they don't have those in the manual trans and I'd really like the TRD Off Road too which wasn't offered in that package. I'd also like to get into off roading and feel the additional length may be too detrimental to break over angles and such.

 

Because the natural progression of a normal Americans life is to get a gf then a wife then kids then a dog so if you're looking to keep the same truck for 5+ years you might need more room. Second gen cabs are 4" longer and with the suicide doors I think you'll have plenty of room but it is certainly something to consider.

 

While that is something to consider I am still in my first year of college. I am an Air Force ROTC cadet and am scheduled to graduate in Spring 2020 with commissioning in May 2020 I believe. I figure on that timeline the soonest I will have to consider a larger cabin for passengers it'll be around 2023 at which point a new vehicle would be more than feasible.