DC vs AC

I'm sure this had been posted somewhere before... in fact.. I know I read it somewhere. If so, then just humor me
I've decided that once I get to San Diego, my 05' DC PreRunner is going bye bye and I'm looking for an 01-04 auto 4x4. I just can't decide on another double cab, or an access cab. I love the room in my DC, and though not too often...if I have to haul people, I can. But, is there that much difference between the wheel base of a DC and an AC? Especially pertaining to off-roading?
I did a search on Autotrader, and came across this...

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=274678071&dealer_id=65014267&car_year=2003&rdm=1269403632541&lastStartYear=1981&model=TACOMA&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2001&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=6%20Cylinder&certified=&body_code=32&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=both&distance=500&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&sownerid=19989024&showZipError=n&make=TOYOTA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&body_style=TRUCKS&drive=4%20wheel%20drive&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=p&max_mileage=100000&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=93245&advanced=y&end_year=2004&doors=&transmission=Automatic&max_price=&cardist=475&standard=false


But seriously... a "wife driven Taco with 36k miles??" Perfect.... just not sure if I want the DC or not. Is a DC any better or worse for off-roading, size wise?

 

Ok, seriously.... 24 views and NO replies?

I have candy!

 

I picked up a DC because I have a little girl and need to have a baby chair. Figured I could always use the extended bed in the back when I need the extra room.

 

True. 10' sheetrock is tough enough to haul with a 6' bed.
But I did test drive a DC Long bed over the past weekend.
I love my 09" AC $ banger. But my 11Y/o GF's kid is 5'6" at least, and hates the AC.

 

It's really all about personal preference. I love my DC..It suits my needs. Others may need only a AC.

 

dude please, who wouldnt want a four door!?

the AC sucks. no room. and honestly the bed in the DC is not much smaller. Ive hauled plenty of things. obviously a construction worker wouldnt buy a tacoma. but the DC is much better. go for it

 

First off - it's XtraCab, not Access Cab.

Comparing 2001 - 2004 V6 4X4 XC's versus DC's ...

Overall length, wheelbase and track spec's are identical.

Compared to the XtraCab, the Double Cab:

- is about 3.8" wider overall
- weighs about 165 lbs. more
- has about 0.8" _less_ minimum ground clearance

 

I got the XtraCab so I don't have to give anybody a ride

 

Yeah - about dumping one!

Read it again ... The OP was asking about differences because he's searching for a 2001 - 2004 Tacoma.

 

XtraCab = extended cab; no rear side access; 198X - 2004

Access Cab = extended cab with rear side access; 2005 and onward.

 

xtra cab is the way to go. It feels like a sports car to me! (coming from a suburban). I have a bedbox on mine so the bed size is around the same as a double cab and I think its too small. I end up taking the bedbox off whenever I haul stuff for the most part.

 

same here, my stretched bike fits with the tailgate down so its enough for me

 

dude please who wouldnt want a two door!?

the DC sucks. no room in bed. and honestly the room in the AC is not much smaller when you have a larger bed. Ive hauled plenty of things inside the AC. obviously a construction worker wouldnt buy a tacoma. but the AC is much better. go for it

 

i like my AC but wish it had that half size, suicide door thing back there like the 2nd gens...

 

Perfect. That's what I was looking for. My main concerns are
1.) offroading (i.e. clearances / wheelbase differences) and
2.) bed size differences (w/ or w/o toolbox, can I still carry a motorcycle or atv, camping gear, etc.) I am going to put a toolbox in the back, so that takes up a good 1 1/2-2 feet, depending on box size. I know if I put one in my PreRunner, it would almost cut my bed in half it's little...

And yea, I'm looking at SELLING my 05 DC PreRUnner for an 01-04 4x4, just trying to decide on XC vs DC

I still think the 03 with 35k from the guy's wife ain't bad at all might have to check into it.

 

UPDATE:

Man... I've been drooling over this truck for like a week...

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-builds/76172-yota-beast505-build-since-ya-asked-lol.html

Damn David....you did some good work on that truck. Excellent build

Starting to tip the scales towards the DC. It's kinda like 4WD, when talking about the extra seating. You might not always need it, but you're sure glad you have it when you do

 

I love my DC, The extra cab would be useless for me... Not worried about bedsize as I have a trailer!! The Dc's do have a better resale value too...

 

Alright, according to Wikipedia and Edmunds....

"The only extra feature in 2001 was a new crew cab (four door) model added to the lineup. The crew cab featured four doors, while the extended cabs still opened with two doors. The extended cab featured a 6-foot (2 m) bed while the crew cab featured a 5-foot-5-inch (1.65 m) bed." -Wikipedia

"This issue was solved for the 2001 model year when Toyota came out with the crew-cab (Double Cab) body style for the Tacoma. The Double Cab had the most interior room in the Tacoma range and four standard-opening doors. In order to keep overall length reasonable for on- and off-road maneuverability, however, Toyota reduced the Double Cab's bed length. This setup proved problematic for certain Tacoma buyers, which is why Toyota added a long-bed option for the second-generation Double Cab." -Edmunds

So for 01-04's, the overall length is the same. But since the double cab takes up more room (obviously), the bed was shortened 5 inches.

SO.....5 inches... That's most of the depth of a toolbox.

The Xtra Cab is looking better and better...

 

Bad resources = bad data ...

The inside bed length for 2001 - 2004 Regular Cabs and XtraCabs is 74.5".
The inside bed length for 2001 - 2004 Double Cabs is 61.5".

The difference is 13".

SOURCE: Toyota factory specifications sheets

 

epic fail on my part...

Thanks Enola