Are first gen Toyotas actually worth the price?

I waited and found mine with a little over 200k miles with quite a bit of after market work for 7,000. No regrets. Love my truck. Be patient, save what you can, and something will come along. Good luck!

 

Extra cabs here are 4k to 9k depending on mileage and condition.

The problem is that when you live in an area known for no rust you compete with people from the rest of the country.

 

The answer is Yes, they are definitely worth the money that most sell for. By now you've seen what an average cost is for a Tacoma of that age in decent shape. I would definitely say wait for just the right one(whatever that means to you). The 1st one I bought was a standard cab 4cyl 4x4. Loved the truck but hated the limited space as I have two boys and a dog that is always with me. I looked for the better part of a year before I came across the '03 I bought. It only needed maintenance work and the paint is crap but the seller was fair and sold it to me for 6k.

Regarding your question about other makes and models, I would stay completely away from mid sized vehicles from Dodge or Chevy unless you really like buying parts and making repairs. For reliability of mid sized trucks stay with Toyota or Nissan. Ford Rangers have massive aftermarket support but while they are much better than Dodge or Chevy they don't have the known reliability of the imports specifically the Tacomas. I'm a Ford owner so I'm saying that in all honesty. This is just my two cents and I waited a long time to get my first Tacoma truck but I'd highly recommend them for anyone that enjoys the outdoors/4wheeling/hunting/camping etc.

 

This^

I paid a little over $14k for my 03 double cab TRD with 110k on the clock. New frame and no body rust at all. Completely worth it in my opinion. I would say go for the V6. I know it has a timing belt and not a chain, and the 4cyl guys will say that makes it less reliable, but these motors are good for several hundred thousand miles with proper maintenance. The mpg difference isn't that big, and the extra HP is worth it. Even the V6 only has like 190 which isn't much if you haul or tow anything. Add bigger tires and you'll be thankful for every bit of HP/torque.

 

To answer your question, yes. Legendary reliability, compact truck size and still looks good.

I saw this hot chick at the gas station with a 1st gen Tacoma that looked like it had some nice custom restoration done. New paint job, armor bumpers and a nice lift with killer wheels. I was going to complement her on having a nice truck, but I hesitated because I wasn't driving my Tacoma and instead the shitty tan boring work truck. If I had my Tacoma I'd imagine the conversation would go something like, "Hey, nice truck." After seeing my Tacoma also she would reply, "You too!" And then maybe further inquiry about her 1st gen and customizations followed by flirting...
But having the shitty tan boring work truck it would have gone something like, "Hey, nice truck." After seeing shitty work truck, "Thanks." End conversation.

 

I'd look at Frontiers next.

 

There are still reasonably priced, moderate mileage 1st Gens out there, but you have to act very fast when you find one. Typically the people selling them for reasonable prices are unaware, or not interested, in the cult-like following of these trucks.

Things always become more valuable and desirable when they are no longer produced.

 

I doubt you'll find a nicer one than what this TW member is selling here this is a nice truck.



https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2003-double-cab-4x4-for-sale-nj.503052/

 

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/toyota-tacoma-extracab/6239725342.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/toyota-tacoma/6233877697.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/d/toyota-tacoma-xtracab-x/6240621006.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/cto/d/toyota-tacoma-double-cab/6240451349.html
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/cto/d/tacoma-prerunner-with/6240074791.html

 

Wow! I have not seen anything like one of these in 3 months. Makes me wan't to make a trip your way

If only it wasn't halfway across the country

 

I couldn't tell where you live but this truck might just be worth it if I remember correctly it only has 90k on it for miles

 

I fixed my profile so you can see my location now. I am in southeast TN (Chattanooga area) I would consider travel, but I don't have any means to do so, so I am limited to options within immediate driving distance.

 

You might have to expand the area that you are searching to find a decently priced truck. I was looking up to 1300 miles away to find the right one when I was searching for mine.

 

Here is one I found by widening my search area. It is within 125 miles of me, so still not too bad of a drive.
https://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/d/toyota-tacoma-speed/6213010742.html
It has a 5 inch lift on it, which I would make use of, but should it concern me that it may have been off road a lot? Seems like he wants someone to make him an offer, so I may give him a call tomorrow.

 

https://nashville.craigslist.org/cto/d/toyota-tacoma/6211758459.html

 

This ^^^
Just make sure the frame is solid

 

My thoughts exactly I will call him tomorrow, and go look at it if possible.

 

We TW express parts, why try a truck! Tacomaworld's first cross country TW Express

 

Last true Toyota trucks ever made. First gen=best gen

 

^ so true

Picked mine up last year, after months of searching I found my 4x4 turd extended cab close by with 100k, og owner, receipts for everything. Post went up on Craigslist at 9 am, I called at 9:15, 10am it was mine

They go quick, so you gotta jump.


If you scroll through thread below you'll see links with comparisons to s10, Dakota's, 2nd gens, frontiers and the ranger

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/