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early or late 1st gen ???

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by juice, Sep 20, 2010.

  1. Sep 20, 2010 at 3:00 PM
    #1
    juice

    juice [OP] Member

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    covington,la.
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    Hey guys, i'm looking for a 1st gen ,and was wondering how the 95',96',97' years compare to the later years 03' and 04's?? I know to be aware of frame rust. Are the drive trains/motors all the same? the I found a 97' with a 5 speed v6 with under 100,000 miles. they are asking 9,000. what are y'alls opions??? thanks for the info!!!
     
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  2. Sep 20, 2010 at 3:50 PM
    #2
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    The drivetrains are all the same (for the most part).

    I'd get the newest one that you can afford and definately have it checked for the frame rust by a toyota dealer before you buy.
     
  3. Sep 20, 2010 at 7:11 PM
    #3
    Digiratus

    Digiratus Adventurer

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    The '97s are great trucks. Every bit as durable as later model 1st gens. Mileage is low for the model year but not too low. Can't really go wrong.

    About the only real drawback that I can think of on the '95.5-'97s were their headlights. The old, sealed beam type. They aren't very good compared to halogens of the '98s and newer.
     
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  4. Sep 20, 2010 at 7:47 PM
    #4
    mattleegee

    mattleegee Well-Known Member

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    Most are all small changes

    95-97
    98-00
    01-04
     
  5. Sep 20, 2010 at 7:58 PM
    #5
    juice

    juice [OP] Member

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    Thanks for the input!:D the 1st gen tacoma are so dam expensive! Its hard to find a decent mileage tacoma in good shape down here in south louisiana!!
     
  6. Sep 22, 2010 at 5:45 AM
    #6
    EnolaGaia

    EnolaGaia Well-Known Member

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    01 SR: Double Cab conversion, S/C, lowered.
    As mentioned, the 1995.5 - 1997 headlights don't stack up well against the later ones.

    With a pre-'98 Taco you have to deal with some older technology like:

    - distributor (4-cylinder models)
    - cable-driven speedometer

    1997 is the earliest year that can really use a TRD supercharger, because the earlier ECM's couldn't keep up with fuel mapping data shifts.
     
  7. Sep 22, 2010 at 8:52 AM
    #7
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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    The interior is a little more refined in 01-04.
    For 01 and 02, ABS became an option
    For 03 and 04, ABS became standard

    I didn't want ABS, and I am happy my 01 doesn't have it...just thought I would mention it if you care.

    I think there is more throttle-by-wire stuff in the 03-04, too, but I may be revealing my ignorance here...someone with better info/experience can chime in. I dont' have time to dive into the 2003 FSM at them moment.
     
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  8. Sep 22, 2010 at 7:35 PM
    #8
    MowTaco

    MowTaco Well-Known Member

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    I'm pretty sure mine is a straight throttle cable. I can feel the play in the pedal while in cruise control, so there's definitely a physical link there.
     
  9. Sep 22, 2010 at 8:17 PM
    #9
    humanoid

    humanoid bite me

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    I had a '99 Xtra Cab PreRunner SR5 V6
    Early 1st gen V6 models had head gasket problems as well, but I don't think think as bad as the 3.0L engines.
     
  10. Sep 22, 2010 at 8:31 PM
    #10
    Unknown

    Unknown He who angers you conquers you

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    i have a 95 with 196k and running perfect, the interior is super quiet.

    ohh headgasket? never heard of it in a Tacoma
     
  11. Sep 22, 2010 at 8:33 PM
    #11
    747

    747 function > form

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    i've heard that '03 was the best model year ever...just sayin'.
     
  12. Sep 22, 2010 at 9:26 PM
    #12
    zero4

    zero4 Metal Cutter

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    I vote 01-02, preferably 02. :D

    03-04 does have a semi throttle by wire system but it not the full blown ETCS like on the 2nd gens

    IIRC it was the pre-tacos (Toyota p/u) v6s that were known for head gasket issues.
     
  13. Sep 22, 2010 at 9:30 PM
    #13
    Finks99Taco

    Finks99Taco Well-Known Member

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    I have a '93 and a '99 and LOVE them both.

    I bought the '99 last year with 94K miles for $6,000.
     
  14. Sep 22, 2010 at 9:32 PM
    #14
    AKTacoma

    AKTacoma Dedicated Crew Chief

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    I blew my head gasket a while back, but it was due to the coolant being frozen and the engine not having any coolant running through it. Otherwise, it wouldn't have blown, at least not the way that I drive it.
     
  15. Sep 22, 2010 at 10:11 PM
    #15
    Digiratus

    Digiratus Adventurer

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    The '02 Tacoma was the pinnacle of achievement. :D Toyota's finest hour.

    Besides, everyone know that the '03 and '04s were built from left over '02 components. Just Sayin... :eek:
     
  16. Sep 22, 2010 at 11:15 PM
    #16
    scocar

    scocar hypotenoper

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    No no no, you have it all wrong, 01 Silver Xtra cab V6 4wd TRD SR5s in lunar mist metallic are the standard by which all others are measured, especially if they have had their crappy stock suspension replaced....just sayin'. :headbang: 02s are just imitations...
     
  17. Sep 22, 2010 at 11:17 PM
    #17
    ColtsTRD

    ColtsTRD Well-Known Member

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    I like the 2004s the best...I used to own one :D


    [​IMG]
     
  18. Sep 22, 2010 at 11:19 PM
    #18
    Unknown

    Unknown He who angers you conquers you

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    you guys are all wrong, the mighty 95 is the father and creater of all Tacos! "just sayin"
     
  19. Sep 22, 2010 at 11:35 PM
    #19
    Leadgolem

    Leadgolem Well-Known Member

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    Herculiner bed liner, White LED instrument lights, Custom painted hood, Homemade leather steering wheel wrap, Avic u310bt gps stereo, 1.5" bushwacker fender flares, 1.25" bilstein lift front, 1" shackle lift rear, rear bilstein 5100 shocks, ridiculous helper spring lift rear, wet okole seat covers, mutilated exhaust, boom mat under hood
    Because of the electronic changes noted above I would go with a 98 or newer. At that point in mileage though I would be looking pretty close at this truck before you buy it. There are a fair number of components that are designed to last about 100k.
     
  20. Sep 22, 2010 at 11:45 PM
    #20
    RideFast

    RideFast on the flats.

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    ...
    I had a 03 5spd and now I own a 02 auto. Both were and still are bad ass. I do wish I had the abs on my 02.
    Other than that I did like the fender flairs on the 03 better. They were a little bigger, so I thought. idk maybe I am wrong, I just remember them lookin bigger!
     

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