1st Gen or 2nd Gen. Which?

Hey guys, long time lurker. I have wanted a Tacoma basically since I knew what they were. I am graduating in December as a Mechanical Engineer. My plan was to run out and get a new 2nd Gen just how I want. Well...I found a nice deal on an 03 trd ext cab 4x4. Its got 67000miles and i could get it for 12500.

I want your input whether I should get the first gen now which would save me butt loads of money vs. a new truck. Or wait and get a brandey new toy. The money doesnt bother me if the 2nd Gen is that much better. I want to know your opinion as a daily driver and semi beater for offroading and hunting (reliability, fun to drive, capabilities, etc.)

And since you guys like pictures so much, heres my current ride.



And what I will be hauling in my truck


Thanks guys

 

i had a 99 and it was an awesome truck i also love my 2008. completly different trucks tho. my advice is drive both see what u like best.

 

Yea I would like to if I can. I drove a 2010 for about 2 miles maybe. It was my friends new truck so I drove it like a grandma but it just felt like a car to me. I guess I was kind of disappointed. And it scares me to spend 30k on a truck when people on here are saying they aren't like they used to be and it seems there are lots of little stupid problems.

 

That sounds like a pretty good deal on the '03

 

I was in the same boat you were- found a killer deal on an 03 double cab with 27k miles on it. After going back and forth between what the dealers had to say about the 2007 DC and the other guy trying to talk me into the 03 DC I am so happy I made the choice with the 07. Yes, It was a little bit more expensive... But in the end you pay for a bigger engine, far higher towing capacity, better safety features, nicer interior and dash set up, as well as a higher resale value (if you're thinking you won't drive this into the ground) on the 2nd Gens then the 1st. How I looked at it was I can buy a 1st gen for cheaper and have more money to upgrade it, but when I looked at it I would really be spending money upgrading it to only about how good the 2nd gens are stock. Also, both bodies are pretty unique so I'd see which one your heart falls in love with and go from there- you will be very happy with either truck.

 

Nice Ride!!!!
IMO... the more I drive (and work on) my '05, the more I miss my '99.

 

yea i think my 99 was more of a truck if that makes sense. and i have had more problems with my 2008 then i did my 99

 

2nd Gend any day of the week. More power, more room, nicer interior, better towing capabilities, looks better.

 

i think the 1st gens are more fun, lever shift for 4x4, and can beat on it more. but the 2nd gens are fun cause of more power.

 

find a clean 04 double cab with low miles.1st gens are way nicer.i have owned both and miss my 1st gen

 

very true

 

id go first gen, at least in cali, thats a gret price for tht truck...i have a 1st gen and love it, at like 106k miles and have no issues, even off roading (except when i snapped my axle shaft, and that was my fault, the grey wire mod makes the lockers too much fun)...so id reccomend the 1st gen and use that money u save for mods!

or, if u keep it a street queen it could look lik this all the time:

 

I personally miss my 04 Access Cab. I traded it in for an 09 and I can tell a big difference. Here are my few observations:
1. The 04 felt like it had more power and both are V6's
2. I love the four doors in the 09 Access Cab.
3. 09 has more room and nice interior.
4. 04 had a really mean stance and looked b@d @ss
5. When I got that first door ding in the new truck I got pissed. I wouldn't in the old truck.
6. Here is my biggest concern. In the 09 which has only 16k on it, when driving around town where the speed is between 35 and 45 mph, I really notice how it always down shift (automatic). Going between gears all the time sucks. I hope this goes away.

In conclusion, I needed the four doors but miss my 04.
Good luck