Should I mod my 1st gen Tacoma or wait and get a newer one?

I have a 2002 Tacoma Quad-Cab. I've had if for about 3-4 months now and I'm loving it so far. I would like to do some mods to it like getting it repainted, new rims/tires, etc. The only thing I don't like about the truck is that is isn't 4WD. Even though I don't live in a climate where 4WD is necessary, it is a nice feature to have. So, I was wanting a second opinion from some people who have experience with both.

A few notes that might affect your advice:

• I got this truck for a fairly good deal and could put a few grand in it and still probably sell it for around what I put in it.
• I have nowhere near the money to do this right now, especially getting a 2nd gen. Probably looking 1yr+ in the future.
• I will not be taking this vehicle off-road except for dirt roads in my area that are regularly graded.
• My truck is not currently in the best condition. It's fine mechanically, but it would need some basic body work in order to sell it for a decent price.(see picture)
• The mods I would like to do to my current truck would cost around $6000. (includes repainting and body work)

I've posted this in both 1st gen and 2nd Gen because it's really kinda in between. There really needs to be just a general Tacoma forum.

I've attached a picture. As you can see the paint is peeling on the driver's side. What you can't see is that there are various places where rust is starting to form. Since It doesn't have a bed liner, the bed has some serious rust problems as well.

 

Keep it and get a new one if you are financially able

 

I'd say get another 1st gen with 4wd or get a 2nd gen with 4wd. At least if you plan on doing any off roading with it

 

And this is another lesson in reading, brought to you by the letters TLDR (sorry, but he did post both of these as bullets )

@Disastronaut save your money and fix the rust first, no use having a "nice" truck that starts to deteriorate.

Do a search in the 1st Gen section to read how others have went from PreRunner to 4wd with parts sourced from yards/sellers. Depending on the condition of the rest of the truck this may be cheaper and more rewarding if you do it yourself (if capable).

 

don't waste your time getting a newer one. i think they're over-rated and over-priced. 2000 FTW BABY!!!

actually i don't like any tacomas 2001+

 

If you don't need 4x4 and it's mechanically sound, I'd just keep it and fix it up over time.