Looking to purchase a 2nd Gen, could use some guidance!

Hey everybody,

I'm looking to purchase a 4WD 2nd generation Tacoma, and I signed up just so I could get some guidance from the truck experts.

I currently drive a 2001 4Runner Limited (pretty much stock), coming up on 250k... and I'm responsible for all the miles. Thing runs like a charm, but after being rear ended twice, and needing the transmission rebuilt at 170k, I can tell it's getting tired. Despite having upgraded tires, I do notice it losing traction more often lately in slushy conditions. The suspension is going to need some serious work soon and the rear drums have enough life to live out the summer. The car is my daily driver, but I also go up to to the mountains A LOT. I don't do any heavy duty off-roading, but I do take this thing on dirt trails and in the winter the 4WD is constantly engaged.

The reason why I want to purchase a newer Tacoma instead of another 4Runner is because I own a motorcycle. I'd like a truck so I can haul the bike around in the bed (more specifically... for track days.)

I'm looking for a newer Tacoma with 4WD, either 4 door or access cab (would prefer 4 door but can live without, as long as there is a backseat), and a bed long enough to fit the bike.

My family also owns a 2004 4Runner with AWD/4WD. I've always been a little iffy on cars that automatically engage the 4WD, this one is solid. I've never had this thing slip out on me in the snow. Are there any Tacoma models that offer the all time AWD/4WD drivetrain?

Is there anything I should look out for when looking to purchase a newer Tacoma? Any years/models I should specifically look for when searching?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated! I know this question probably gets asked a lot, but I'm looking for some personal advice. I love my 4Runner and am looking forward to getting a new truck!

-Lindsay

 

What bike do you plan on hauling? How long is it? You would probably be better off with the longer bed in whatever you get. My dirtbike sits on the tailgate, which has caused it to bend my tailgate right in the middle. But, The 09 and '10 tacoma have the reinforced tailgate, so it probably wouldn't matter. Also, check all the TSB's for whatever year you are looking into.

 

I have had a long bed and a short bed taco. Both trucks fit my Honda 250R and 450R no problem. You can close the gate on the long bed if you put the bike at an angle.

 

Have winters in the Bay Area suddenly gotten worse than I remember?

 

Keep in mind that the "long" bed on the 2nd gens is 6.5 ft (1st gen used to have an 8-ft bed on the reg cab and 6.5 on the x-cabs) and the short bed is less than 5 ft. That will factor in for hauling a bike, depending on the size.

If the back seat will get significant use, I'd reccomend a quad-cab over access cab as the only person to have ridden in the back of my AC for a 5-10 minute ride commented on the discomfort of the seatback (basically a thin pad bolted to the cab wall) being absolutely vertical.

Can't help with any knowledge about the 4WD specifics since I'm in a PreRunner, although I can say that with a decent bit of weight in the back, it's perfectly possible to drive a 2WD (or a 4x4 with the transfer case disengaged) safely on most snow and ice, since the 4WD doesn't steer or stop any better than a 2WD. I live in L.A. now, but I learned to drive in western Montana.

 

Ha... well, not really. We have property in Tahoe, so every weekend I'm in the mountains. Hence why I've managed to stack up the mileage on the daily driver.

My bike is a 2002 Honda F4i.

 

I play taxi driver a lot and am constantly on long road trips with friends - so this is very helpful information. Looks like I will definitely be looking for a quad cab. My only concern was the length of the bed and if it'd fit my bike or not. I don't mind if the tailgate has to be down and the bike is at an angle. As long as I can get it back there then it should be fine.

 

To give an idea. Here is a pic of my double cab Short bed with two 250R motocross bikes in the back.