First Gen base model 2.4L - will it do?

I'm looking to buy my very first Toyota Tacoma. Have a chance at a '99 x-cab with the 2.4L 4cyl. I know a lot of people love the PreRunners and the larger engines, the higher clearance, the look, etc of the "higher" models. But all I'll be using her for is as a daily commuter, and to have the truck bed for weekend chores, trips to the dump and recycling center, yardwork cleanup, Home Depot trips, and putting a couple of kayaks in the back when I want to go to the river.

My question is... aside from the people who love the other models and engines for off-roading, more power, more sporty look and feel, etc... can someone(s) with a first-gen base model experience let me know their opinion?

If the truck were going to be an extra vehicle I might feel differently, but since I'll be using it every day as my commuter, and I drive pretty conservatively, I'd really like to get the best fuel efficiency possible while getting the bonus of a truck bed for the tasks mentioned above.

THANK YOU!! Bill (new to the forum)

 

After owning multiple Tacomas... The first gen Base 2.4 will fit your bill. I actually picked up a 2000 X-cab base w/ close to 300k miles. Because you don't have a 6" lift and 35 means you'll get some smashing gas mileage. I came from an 09' V6 Pre-Runner, stock - totaled that. Then to a 14' i4 4X4 that was lifted on 35 w/ armor - that got totaled. and now I have a first gen.

It's got plenty of power and room to haul a lot in the bed.

 

There’s my 02 2.4 5 spd manual, pulling my cargo trailer that I’m doing a very basic RV conversion on.
The little engine that could.

 

How much does that thing weigh? Most I've dared to tow on my 2.7l is 3,750 pounds, limit is 3,500 pounds.

 

I haven’t weighed it but the manufacturer claims 1,400lbs empty. I may add at the most 300lbs to that.
It pulls the weight fine but hits the aerodynamic=HP brick wall at about 65mph. I’ve found a, rough shape, $100 camper shell that I think may help that a bit. I’m not planning any cross county trips with this rig, just local camp outs.

 

1st gens are great, I owned one for 10 years and 187,000 miles on it when I sold it (big mistake).

So I ask how many miles is on this truck your looking at? What are they asking for it? The issue I see is your wanting it as a daily driver, your looking at a 20 year old used truck that you will never fully know how well the previous owner(s) kept it, or didn't.

Also, these trucks aren't known for getting great gas mileage, at least the sixes aren't.

 

if it's mainly for a daily driver and to occasionnally carry things around, you will be okay with the 2.4. I have the 2.7 here and I carry wood and tools with it no problem.

When you'll go check out a truck, the first thing you want to look for is for frame rust. Tacomas are known to suffer from severe frame rust and rot issues, so bad they can literally snap in half. Trucks from cold climate areas are the most affected due to the winter salt and chemicals but even if the truck isn't from such a place, it's a good idea to peek a look at the frame anyways as rustbuckets can be driven around, you know...

 

I had a 96 which was wrecked 6 times now..... and still going with a around 280k on it

 

It's better than other 20 yr. old trucks but it is a 20 yr. old truck. Should get 27 mpg on hwy. driving sane.

Unless the owner was as anal as the 4WD bunch (usually not) you prob. have a bunch of maint. to do. shocks, ball joints, tie rods, fluids. rubber is all getting old.

 

I got the 2.7 prerunner with the stepsides and I'm a homeowner. I been doing a lot of work at the house and the truck has been really useful. I'm sure if you are going to be hauling stuff it will do the job.

The stepside is a little inconvenient and sometimes wish I had a regular size bed but so far I been able to get by with it. I managed to fit a 24 gun safe which looked really heavy and too big. I laid some sod at the house and had to do a couple of trips. I've hauled dirt That I had left over.

Also I forgot to mention this is my daily driver too. lately I been driving it on the weekends when I'm hanging out. I love my Taco