Looking for reliability and fuel economy of a truck

I do network service calls. so it can depend on a ladder for me to carry with me or my tool bags. I have considered a first generation Tacoma to replace my aging and old land cruiser. So, I see the Tacoma is fairly reliable except one year on www.carcomplaints.com years 2001-2003. What makes the truck reliable? What is considered TO MANY miles where major, expensive things start to break and cost me $$?

 

I would have to say the most reliable feature of the first gen Tacomas is the 5VZ-FE V6 engine.
It seems to run forever as long as you do regular servicing (oil change, air filter, spark plugs, timing belt, etc)
My 2001 Tacoma has 240000 miles on it and it runs great, doesn't use any oil and starts every time, so high mileage isn't much of an issue.
The only thing I would suggest watching out for is the infamous rusty frames (Where road salt is used they tend to rust from the inside out)
Otherwise the only other major item that I would look out for is the condition of the automatic transmission if it's not a manual. ($4000 to rebuild)
Other than that you would really only have to change the usual wear items like brakes, ball joints, tie rods, u-joints etc (depending on usage)

 

I'd make a pitch for the 4 cylinder. Simpler, better gas mileage and no timing belt replacement. (I've had both, BTW).

 

Better gas mileage? 1-2mpg isn't that justifiable for going with so much less power. Get a V6 for sure. Especially if you want to tow, add bigger tires/lift, or care to have a decent amount of power. I would also stay away from 200k+ and go towards anything less than 160k. As mentioned above, check for rusty frames. 01-04 years may have new frames due to a recall. My 01 does.

 

I've never owned the 4 cylinder but I'm sure it's just as reliable as most Toyota engines.
It will definitely be cheaper on fuel, especially with a 5 speed.