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Any major issues with 1st gen trucks?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by hiraxmax, Jan 12, 2010.

  1. Jan 12, 2010 at 9:41 PM
    #1
    hiraxmax

    hiraxmax [OP] Member

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    I am in a unique position to own either a 1st or 2nd gen double cab and cannot decide.The 1st gen appears to be my preferance, but I cannot resist the urge to want a newer truck. Is there any major issue with either that would help my decision?
     
  2. Jan 12, 2010 at 9:51 PM
    #2
    dylandercole

    dylandercole Well-Known Member

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    the first gens have a tendancy to get frame rust in areas where the roads are salted. but toyota will buy back the truck for something like 1.5x kelly bluebook price. the second gens i know have week leaf springs sometimes. but again toyota has a tsb for that. Those are the main ones iv heard of
     
  3. Jan 12, 2010 at 9:53 PM
    #3
    mountainwolfpup

    mountainwolfpup Ford Guy (Formerly known as a Toyota Guy)

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    First month of ownership... This month I'm removing front air dam, and also Rhino lining the bed.
    Well, all things being equal I'd definitely recommend the 2nd Gen.

    Certainly the 1st Gen 4x4s are easier to lift and sit higher stock. Also they are easier to mod in some respects..

    But the 2nd gens have a stronger frame. A roomier cab. Softer ride and handling characteristics. The plastic bed is awesome. The wider wheelbase is better for stability and handling in on-road highway driving scenarios.

    Of course I'd be happy as punch with either myself so I'd choose the one that is in the best overall condition.

    How did you get so lucky?
     
  4. Jan 12, 2010 at 9:57 PM
    #4
    dylandercole

    dylandercole Well-Known Member

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    Santa Cruz Mountains, CA
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    sway-a-way 2.0 coilovers, 1.5'' AAL, 1'' toytec shackle lift, Go-Rhino 3000 Grille Guard, Kicker KS6502 speakers, JVC KD-S24 Head unit, billstein 5125 rear shocks, Deck Plate mod, K&N air filter, Wheelers offroad front and rear braided brake lines, diff breather mod, power slot rotors, ebc yellow stuff pads
    i think the composite bed is a negative. but thats jsut me
     
  5. Jan 12, 2010 at 9:57 PM
    #5
    rgd51

    rgd51 Member

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    Took out the bench seat and but in leather racing bucket seats from Schucks, thus making mine a 2 seater. Put a leather steering wheel cover on.
    the first gen will be a 3.4 V6 and the second gen a 4.0 V6 so the first gen will most likely get better gas mileage and it is smaller so it should be easier to manuver so id go for the first gen if i were u
     
  6. Jan 12, 2010 at 10:36 PM
    #6
    threepeat

    threepeat Active Member

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    Got a 1st gen 98 2.7l with 230K. New starter and now needs new alternator. Other than that basic maintenance. Original clutch on a 5 speed. It is a great truck.

    That being said I love my new 10 V6. I'd say it depends on what you want. Mostly street 2010 hands down although I have not tested in the snow. The 98 is great on snow. As someone mentioned for off road the smaller 1st gen might be better. Can't go too far wrong with either! My first was an 89!
     
  7. Jan 12, 2010 at 11:04 PM
    #7
    gusotto

    gusotto gusotto

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    As a "new" owner of a 1st Gen. (buying after the earlier buy-back announcement) you won't get the 1.5X anymore.
    I think it becomes what you paid for it. Keeping people from taking advantage of the generous Toyota program.
    If you were an earlier owner, Toyota will take care of you.

    There are some problems with the composite beds. Some have cracked. They don't have the higher load capacity of steel bed trucks.
     
  8. Jan 12, 2010 at 11:12 PM
    #8
    rab89

    rab89 Well-Known Member

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    If your lifting it, the "softer ride" will be gone anyways.
    I've heard that shit rolls around in the plastic bed A LOT unless you get the bed mat.

    there is also an issue with the 2nd gen leaf packs, the mirror compass,
    weak tailgate, and they say the paint scratches easily, BUT if your looking for a nice roomy comfortable truck, the 2nd gen is much better then the 1st gen.

    Overall, the 01-04's seem to be the best built, having less frame issues and no other issues, they are still built very well.
     
  9. Jan 12, 2010 at 11:12 PM
    #9
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    the whole buyback thing depends on the year as to whether you get the truck bought back or a frame replacement

    as far as 2nd gen vs 1st

    i'll tell you this much

    i see very few major issues come up with 1st gens...but every couple months (maybe more frequent) theres an issue or TSB that is brought to light concerning 2nd gens

    i'm not very good on preventive maint. and i dont do routine maint. often

    i drive my truck like its a race car, i put cheap gas in it...ive beaten the shit out of it offroad...and quite frankly...i dont take care of it

    its 7-8 years old and runs like a top...ive replaced an o2 sensor and an alternator (that i fucked up offroad)

    everything on and in my truck works flawlessly and barring a small handful of scratches and a dent...it would shine up like it did when i bought it 5 years ago

    mine has been up to the doors in mud, on 2 wheels once, 3 wheels a bunch...the first oil change i did on it was 9000 miles after i bought it...

    you just cant ask for much more from a truck

    btw mine is an 02 3.4l v6
     
  10. Jan 12, 2010 at 11:13 PM
    #10
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    being that the OP is in New Mexico...i would highly doubt any 1st gen he's looking at having frame rot issues
     
  11. Jan 13, 2010 at 1:00 PM
    #11
    dylandercole

    dylandercole Well-Known Member

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    yea thats a good point. go for the first gen. i love mine and everyone i know that has a 1st gen loves theirs
     
  12. Jan 13, 2010 at 1:53 PM
    #12
    hiraxmax

    hiraxmax [OP] Member

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    Thanks. That does help. I am not the best routine maintenance guy , but I remember someone saying "Tacomas run even when you dont take care of them".However, I do plan on loading the back with about 600 ponds of equipment , permanently. I am a locksmith and I refuse to use a van anymore.I also plan on putting a cap (camper shell) on the bed. Any suggestions? Ive looked at LEER, Snugtop, Jason, and a few others, but have not decided.
     
  13. Jan 13, 2010 at 1:55 PM
    #13
    hiraxmax

    hiraxmax [OP] Member

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    That " plastic" bed sounds questionable. I'm very concerned about how well that kind of material holds up with weather and time.
     
  14. Jan 13, 2010 at 2:02 PM
    #14
    Caduceus

    Caduceus Well-Known Member

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    Well, someone's bound to correct you on the plastic comment, but yeah. Depending on where in NM you are, I'd have serious concerns about how it would fare in prolonged summer sun and heat.
     
  15. Jan 13, 2010 at 4:22 PM
    #15
    4WD

    4WD cRaZy oLdmAn

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    Well if you are going to "load it up" as you say, then I'd look for a later 1st gen. maybe with the steel bed(all 1st gens are steel) & either get a new rear leaf pak or add a leaf or 2 to your existing for a little higher load capacity. ( I think ALL Toys have a rather soft-rated rear leaf spring issue).......:cool: & like mentioned you live in New Mexico so unless they salt the roads where you live then rusty frames shouldn't be an issue, although I'll add that its a good idea to clean under carriage of ANY TRUCK & apply a good under coating.............:mudding:
     
  16. Jan 13, 2010 at 5:05 PM
    #16
    shitroc

    shitroc Master of War

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    well said, your ride quality will definitly suffer if u dont put in an extra leaf or 2. As for issues, ya never really start to have any until ya fuck with the ride height and suspension geometry,stuff like that. Except ya know for the occasional little things.
    I know id like to have the comfortability of the 2nd gens but being able to get my much smaller 1st gen into some tight places is nice.
     
  17. Mar 23, 2010 at 1:42 PM
    #17
    STravis

    STravis Well-Known Member

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    I live in Ruidoso, New Mexico and it has snowed almost every other week here this winter so they have been salting the roads a lot haha...so it may be possible.
     
  18. Mar 23, 2010 at 4:14 PM
    #18
    Coolidge

    Coolidge Well-Known Member

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    I just like the Gen 1's better. I guess so, I just my 3rd one
     
  19. Mar 23, 2010 at 4:42 PM
    #19
    biggdog747

    biggdog747 Well-Known Member

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    that is not true at all. i bought a 95 in aug. and just turned it in last week and go 7300 for it. i paid 3000 for it. if you turn to many then they have the right to just give you what you paid for it. it says UP TOO 150%.
     
  20. Mar 23, 2010 at 6:34 PM
    #20
    Barnone

    Barnone Guest

    It's hard to find a first gen with low miles which I guess is good and bad. I test drove a second gen 2.7l auto and it seemed to be slower in acceleration than my first gen 2.4l auto.
     

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