Torn between fixing up my truck or getting a new one...input?

So, I've currently got a 2004 2.4l base 5 lug xtra cab, 96k miles.
Used to have a 2003 2.7l prerunner reg cab, it had about 186k miles, decided I needed a bit more room and a truck with a little less miles on it, but now I'm thinking about something different maybe.
I actually got better gas mileage on my 03 prerunner, by about 2 or 3 mpg, even though I've done all necessary tune ups to my current Taco.
My prerunner was lifted, which was awesome when it came to getting underneath it and doing any work on it, haha, and now I'm so low to the ground I feel like I'm driving a car, and lifts aren't as easy to do on 5 luggers, which I didn't know at the time.
The 2.4l doesn't have as much "get up and go" to it, and it struggles going up hills.
I got it for fairly cheap due to some body damage to the rear passenger bedside, everything else is fine on it.
I'm in love with the 2001-2004 models, I've considered trading this one for a prerunner with an extra cab or even a 4wd, I work construction, it's nice to have a truck that can get through jobsite obstacles.
I'm torn between dumping my money into maximizing my 5 lugger to suit my needs and wants (which I've already done to an extent), or just getting a different model, either a 2.7 or 3.4, something like that...maybe even a nice 4runner. Or maybe even just keeping this truck and getting a 4runner as an extra vehicle when I have the money for that.
But it DOES only have 96k miles.
And it would be cool to learn even more about these trucks with all the upgrades I want to do...but I'm just not sure.
Input is appreciated, trying to decide one way or the other is hard, hahaha, thanks.

 

Upgrade. Sell the engine and get a 3.4, I'm sure you could get a shiny Nickle for it. Or, convert the 2.7 to deisel. Not clear if your current truck is 4x4?

Even tho you could do some great things to your truck.........
Personally, I'd Sell the truck. There are some really nice 1st gen extra cab/ 4dr 4x4s 3.4 out there on the lesser expensive side. Some with some upgrades (e.g. nice lift, tires). Some stock trucks are out there owned by "older" folks who barely drive them. Ditto on the 4runners. This way you can do your own work and learn a metric tonne of 411. This site is loaded with great I formation from very knowledgeable people.

 

Sounds like you would rather have a prerunner or 4WD extra cab with at least a 2.7l. I think you are right in that you can do much more with them. Of course, the guys on Custom Tacos would disagree. I'm partial to 4WD, and have only had the 2.7l, but in all the Tacomas I've owned it has met my needs.

 

Hello Life Over the Edge,

Good Luck in whatever you decide. Willie64 is optimistic in his thinking about getting Extra-cab First Generation Tacomas on the less expensive side. For your sake, I hope he is correct. I have not studied the prices extensively on first generation Tacomas to agree or disagree with him. The one thing I can tell you is that first generation extra-cab 4x4s with the 3.4 liter V6 that are in good shape without frame rust are pretty difficult to find.

Take it easy,
Paul

 

Optimistic but, not overly.

 

Willie64,
You have to remember. Toyota also bought quite a bit of first generations back at above Kelly Blue Book price to rectify with their customers the frame rust problem so there are not as many first generations out there for her to purchase as there used to be.
Paul

 

Finishing up a 2.7 to 3.4 swap I will say that if you have a nice low mileage running vehicle I would sell and buy what you want. While it is gratifying to rebuild something to your own taste you can still do that with a new truck and learn through the ordeal. Hacking apart a nice truck and spending the coin to redo it is going to cost you far more, and take a lot of time as well. Start with the base that is correct for your application and ditch the one that is not. YMMV

 

Yes, Paul. I'm aware of that. However, they are still to be had and at a reasonable price. Sometimes it just takes diligence and patience. Also depends on several other factors including but not limited to location (rust factor) and who is selling. On the west coast, Oregon in particular, you can still find good ones that are cancer free. We don't use a lot of salt or other corrosives on roads very much.

Where in WA are you? The SeaTac area is well known for over charging on rides and using salt/corrosive. Central oregon isn't as bad. There are a few rides around for sale but I haven't looked at them. I LOVE 1st gen and will never let it go. I would over charge if I were to ever consider selling. Not that I'm greedy.

 

Yes, it's a 2wd.
Rust isn't too big of a problem in TN, I got this truck that was in northern AL it's entire life and I've yet to find any rust on it except in the crease of the dent on the bedside panel I mentioned, which I'm still figuring out how I want to fix.
I may just pop it out the best I can, slap on some bondo, and get some of those cut-to-fit rocker panels that come in a roll to cover it up.
That would be my cheapest option, anyway.
If I did fix this truck up close to the way I want, I could get some extra money for it than I originally got it for...
And most tacomas in good shape for these years, are from private sellers, and I'd have to sell my truck first because I don't have that kind of money laying around, not right now. AND I'd totally want to have both for a short period of time so I could do some part-swapping, lol.
This is my only vehicle, I think I may wait a little bit before I make a solid decision.
I'm still thinking maybe making this one a toy and getting a nice 4Runner (maybe after I get my tax refund and yearly school reimbursement to use as a down payment) is a good option.
OR I could just sell this truck after that and THEN get a Tacoma that I really want, lol.
I just love 4 runners too, and they would be ideal for the traveling I have to do a few times a year to see my family. Carrying 2 dogs, a cat, and my clothes and everything and no cruise control in only an xtra cab is a bit of a hassle.
Also, anyone have experience with Tacomas newer than 04? I've never had anything newer, I'm skeptical about them, but mostly because 98-04 is all I really know. Just curious.
Thanks for the responses so far, by the way.

 

TN is a nice part of the country, especially the east side mountains. Not being in a hurry makes a world of difference.
2nd greens are pretty nice and have more'extras' in them. We have an 05 runner to and love it. But, the wife won't let me do anything to it. Understandable. There's something to be said with all the extra room inside. You can hang a hammock in it.

 

I'm 5 min from downtown Nashville, we did go to Gatlinburg a couple of years ago, I like going out there ever so often.
The 2nd gens' headlights and body style just look weird to me, but I'm probably just biased.
The 2017 Tacomas look badass all around, I just won't be able to afford one for another 10 years or so, hahaha

 

Hey Everybody,

First Generation Tacomas are great. I love them, and I have one. There are, however, problems with procuring one at this point in their lives. As I already pointed out, there are not a whole lot of them available for purchase. The rust problem and the Toyota buy back program have taken their toll on how many are left. Willie is correct in his assumption that if you try and procure one with enough diligence and patience, you will find one. His tactic of getting one, though, is going to require a great deal of diligence and patience on your part, and you might have to travel a great deal and spend a lot of money to make this dream of a first generation come true.

Another problem with them is that they receive almost cult like attention and have a cult like following behind them. This is in part why you have web sites like this available, and this attention is, by no means, a passing fad. If that was the case, the following and attention behind these first generations would of died a long time ago. This attention is the same kind of attention first generation Camaros receive. First generation Camaros get way more attention than the rest of the generation of Camaros. As a result of this attention coupled with the fact there are not many good ones left, first generation Tacomas are priced very high especially the extra-cab 4x4s with the 3.4 liter V6 engine that are in good condition without frame rust.

The last problem with them is that they are now very old. The newest ones are now thirteen years old, and the older of the first generations are either twenty plus years or close to being twenty plus years old. As a result, they will have a great deal of miles on them, and, most likely, will need some work in order to be a dependable daily driver. This web site is not a good place to gauge what is out there as far as the condition of first generation Tacomas. The members here like me are all Tacoma Junkies and Addicts, and they take impeccable care of their rigs. The first generation Tacomas on a site like this one will have 300,000 plus miles on them, and run like they came off the show room floor. This is not going to be the case for a Tacoma that has had to work its entire life, and was owned by a series of owners who neglected it.

You are much better off putting your efforts into purchasing a second generation Tacoma because you will have a much easier time purchasing a rig that you want, and can keep a long time without having to spend any money into making it a daily driver. You will also have many more vehicles to select from if you decide to pursue second generation Tacomas. Although, I am, by no means, an expert in second generation Tacomas, I am sure they are built well. The first thing I would do if I were you, LifeOverTheEdge, is make a criteria sheet of everything you want your Tacoma to be, and then pursue one based off that sheet.

Good Luck,
Paul

 

Thanks Paul, so far I'm thinking my best bet would be to get a decent 4runner as my travel vehicle and keep my current Tacoma, I take great care of my vehicles, I could always sell my Tacoma later and get another one, or make this one how I want it to be.
With my habits and income, I think a 2nd vehicle would probably serve me best, and a decision for my truck can be made after that.
Having an extra vehicle to drive around if one is being worked on is probably my best option.
2nd gens, I just don't know much about, guess it's the typical fear of the unknown about those, lol, but I'll pay more attention to them.

 

There are plenty of people out there driving 1960's (or earlier) domestic vehicles as their daily drivers, and those weren't known for going a million miles on the original engine.

Most people here wouldn't hesitate at owning/driving a 20+ year old Taco with 250+k miles on it (I still miss my '86 Turbo 4Runner with 320+k), as long as it has a known maintenance history.

Having an older car of course takes a little more time and care. I had to undergo an immense amount of planning just to change my timing belt because as my daily driver I could not afford to have it down when I needed to go to work. With little kids, and a social life, I ended up spending a couple days over my christmas vacation doing the work. Got it done, and it runs like a champ.

Eventually, my Taco won't be my daily driver anymore, and I'll have the time to let it sit for a little longer as I complete some well needed projects.

But as far as owning an "old" vehicle, however, Tacos (toyotas in general) are pretty easy. As others have said, the older they get, the harder they are to find a good one. But I guarantee there's some grandma out there still driving her 98 4x4, and is looking to upgrade to a nice new Caddy.

 

LifeOverTheEdge,
The decision to go with a 4Runner or a second generation Tacoma is the wiser choice. Your money will certainly travel a lot farther. A first generation Tacoma is not a practical decision for somebody like you. They are great, but at this point in time the individuals out there pursuing them are the people are in love with the body style of first generations.
Good Luck,
Paul

 

If you need a truck for work that requires seating space, then a 4runner will not meet your needs. I'd look at an 01-04 double cab if you do not need a long bed and have the patience to find one (prerunners are easier, 4x4 are harder and $$). A second generation tacoma would offer you both the double cab and long bed option, if you needed it.

By far the cheapest option would be to keep your current tacoma for which you know the maintenance history (and has low miles), and add a nice 4runner to your fleet. 3rd gen 4runners are a heck of a lot cheaper than 1st gen tacomas. But it really depends on whether you need the truck for work. Sounds like you don't from your other posts and can continue using your 2.4 at the construction sites.

 

The need for a truck at work is intermittent, like when I've gotta carry ladders/tool boxes/etc., but that's not an everyday thing for me.
My boyfriend has a truck I COULD use, but it's an F-550, I'm not used to driving trucks that massive, hahaha, I like having my Tacoma.

 

I did not read every thing myself I would keep both.

Drive the new truck restore /rebuild the older truck to what you want.

 

Did you find a granny to sell you one I am a Nana to young to be an old granny. I have a 96 i have been repairing since august 16. it started with a dent and antenna, now fixing the frame. Haven't had any transmission or engine problems . a few dents from the storm damage replaced the wind shield. its on it second owner. He didn't know about the rust issue and his nephew didn't get in on the buy back this owner bought it from him , so its still in the family. The nephew installed a dry cold air intake and there is an issue with the air temp sensor throwing code and not starting you unplug it it starts. i still haven't found the answer to that. i replaced all the clips for the grill and knocked out a dent in the front bumper. whoever installed the cold air intake was a noobtard. They left sensors hanging and open vacuum lines. i have all that set right. hours days weeks this taco has consumed me. I want it to get the best gas mileage run without rattles and look great. Its still a really great truck i just noticed when i saw a shift in the rear end it has about 12 to 18 in of rust rot on the driver side frame right in front of the leaf spring mount on the lower half. i'm here today looking for a fix for that. I happened upon your post. not sure if the owner will sell it but he's not overly taco worshipful and everything is for sale when the price is right. shes rough but she has great bones, no motor trouble. the frame is a serious issue because of safety. but if someone has some steel and a great welder... its an easy fix. let me know if you found what you were looking for. i cant find a single one in Missouri in a salvage yard or for sale as a parts truck so its pretty rare at least where we live. ( central Missouri) hit me up. any one interested.

 

after 5 months im sure she has found something by now. I was about to respond to her when I noticed the thread was 5 months old.

im actually about to put my 04 prerunner v6 141k mile on the market just asking for nada listed book value, its about as clean as the come no rust or accidents, spent its whole life in texas before I got it, frame has no rust at all, second owner taco with new brakes and tires on it all the way around. it just needs the timing belt done and the windshield has a crack but its up high out of the line of vision.