Other than more affordable, why do you prefer the 1st Gen?

I doubt so either, we can only hope! Only way they could is if they were basic, and considerably cheaper than the bigger trucks to make them make sense. That's what ultimately killed them, they went from being cheap, entry level base models to appeal to younger folks to decked out luxury vehicles that cost just as much or close to a full size. People just naturally went with what was bigger. Big trucks have their purpose, but I much prefer the uniqueness and size of a compact. Something not many people have anymore.

 

To each his own. Before I bought my '04, I had power everything, but specifically wanted manual locks/windows in my truck. So much simpler, easier to fix if it breaks.

 

Days of compact trucks are gone. I don't think there would be much of a market in the U.S. anymore.

 

Boy this thread has yielded some great passionate thoughts about our beloved trucks! I bought mine new in May of 2001, one day after I saw it being delivered to my dealer with the protective covers (its diapers) still on it. In April of this year, I bought a new Lexus, but at no time was there any question of selling the Tacoma. It has been deemed as the truck in the family. The thing is that reliable and that beloved. A vehicle that actually purports "loyalty" to its owner a lot like a great dog or something like that in all seriousness it is staunchly reliable that way.
Its look in my opinion is "tougher" than the newer ones due to the certain "lines" across the body, even though it's not as large. Its build quality matches that and then some-this truck IS tough. And the engines are well-built with super tough internals. The standards used in building this 1st gen gem were higher than they are now.

 

Sad but true. There is a market for mini trucks but just no enough for Toyota or any other major company to make one. Unless you look overseas.

 

I think if Toyota can make a basic 4 cyl mini truck that gets 25+ miles to a gallon and cost below $20k that it would sell globally.

 

I think it would be a hit too. I'd go put in an order for one ASAP! Just a simple, basic, 4 cylinder, manual everything 4x4. Nothing fancy, just a good old plain jane Toyota truck. Something like my '79 Pickup but brand new. Be cool if they brought my trucks old body style back, that was probably the best looking Toyota truck ever made IMHO.

 

Thought id add that in my area where 1st gens are rare 01-04 models are actually more expensive than early second gens in same shape alot of times.

 

I have also noticed that where I live, especially if it's a 1st gen double cab.

 

Same here

 

I've got a 2nd gen that I'm really quite happy with but had I been more patient when I was looking for a Tacoma I may have tried to score a 2003-2004 double cab in hindsight simply for a lower monthly payment. I am still impressed with the awesome ground clearance the gen 1's have over my truck (or so it seems.....haven't actually looked up any numbers but everytime I'm driving behind one it always looks like there is way more space under there).

 

Not only paid it off but gave it a make over too. Bought her brand sparkle new in 2001 after 13 yrs she was transform into a beast Not much to say just the endless love of my 1st gen yota

 

Hard to find a good 1st gen. I've been lucky to find mine. Silver one is a 2002 TRD OR manual 4x4 stepside with 89k miles bought for $13k and Gold one was a 2003 TRD OR manual 4x4 with 56K miles for $15k. The good ones are out there but just around $10-17K.

 

For anyone interested, 2001 DC 4x4 with 115K miles for $15k
http://www.hbchryslerdodgejeepram.c...e-county-283481970a0e0a17689cb50d51fe80a6.htm

 

The most annoying thing about my truck is that the paint has died in the same spot, just like this one. Actually, I've seen A LOT of 1st gens that have the same paint issues on the hood and the cab. So annoying.

 

I think that's typical in the western states with the hot and cold.

 

Size is a big factor, I don't want or need a full size truck and the 3rd gens are darn close to that size now as the Tundra's keep getting bigger. On the trails or on a parking lot, maneuverability is much much easier. Simplicity, easy to troubleshoot, easy to work on, plenty of parts. Styling - it looks like a truck, square with some style. I hate, the bigger bigger bigger grills every manufacturer is doing now. I don't want a Kenilworth wannabe, I want a pickup.

I drove a new 4x4 TRD offroad and liked it, but it's so different than the 1st gen, the only thing they share is the cargo bed in back.

 

5VZ-FE, cheaper to modify are two good reasons

 

I actually got mine from my dad a while ago, he worked for a company that had (the former) NUMMI as a client. His company manufacturers the molds/stamps for the various body panels on Toyotas, GM's, Teslas, Honda, etc. I think the Toyota division of NUMMI gifted to him as a company car, but since he was the only one who used it he gave it to me. I prefer it because it looks great and it can fit in small parking spaces.

By pure technicality, he indirectly manufactured my Tacoma.

 

I started out wanting a 1st generation but couldn't find one. Tacomas are wildly popular here. So I got a good deal on a 2nd generation regular cab. I'm happy with it.

I still like 1st generations, they're nice.