Still searching...still confused

Hi everyone, taco noob here again...

I'm having a really hard time finding the perfect truck that meets all the specs I'm looking for so either the specs are incompatible or I'm not looking in the right place? Also trim packages are confusing the heck out of me

-First gen, ideally 2004 (I just can't stand the size/look of the newer trucks, am I being naive/idealist?)
-Automatic (my dad is helping me buy and absolutely will not consider the manual which really bums me out, can anybody help me convince him otherwise? Pros/cons of manual?? Which will go further/get better mpg, etc?)
-4x4 (Everyone is telling me to go for the 4x4, but is it really worth the steep increase in price? I live in Santa Cruz so it never snows but I do plan on using the truck for farm work/off roading at some point...)
-V4 2.7L (A seemingly bulletproof engine with better MPG, and I won't be hauling much more than the occasional bed of soil/hay bales)
-Ideally 150k miles or below, this has been the hardest part to fulfill!

Every time I find one that seems perfect I read the fine print and its either RWD or manual which sort of drives me crazy do I need to compromise on one or more of these specs? And start searching outside of California? Ahhhhh!!!

Thanks for coming to my ted talk

 

Hit dad up with logic. You will become a more accomplished, less distracted driver with a manual. Can't text if your hands are occupied. You pay more attention to your surroundings if there's a risk of rollback at intersections.

Having said that, it's getting harder to find a pristine low milage 1st Gen anymore. Parts will be harder to locate and more expensive, maintenance will be a challenge. Newer gens have their charms.

 

Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to TW. I don’t have a 1st gen, but I do have a 4x4 automatic i4 and yes they are tougher to find. Most people prefer the manual with the i4 engine and when I was buying my Tacoma I couldn’t find any 1st gens in good condition that fit my criteria which was almost identical to yours. I would definitely stick to your criteria and get what you want. 4x4 is nice to have as you never know if you are going to want it later down the line. I would however give the manual a good look, as it’s generally a better choice on the 4 cylinders than the automatic.

You probably will need to expand your search area. Start with AZ, NV, and OR then work your way out from there. Be careful and always make sure you get undercarriage pictures and avoid rust at all costs. Good luck with the search!

 

Welcome to TW...Try Car Gurus and eBay. Lots of Tacoma’s out there, just gotta find them. You can be very specific and narrow your search down with Car Gurus. Depending on if and where you locate a truck, be aware of possible frame rust.

 

Pretty cool pops is helping you!

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to The Forum!

Good luck with your search!