Why Should I Get a Second Gen Instead of a First

Mainly was looking at first gens just cause I like the way they look, someone suggested I look into second gens- why should I get a second gen instead of a first?

 

Because we say so.

 

Because this form is where the cool people hang out. I had a 97 I bought new that I really loved until somebody hit it. Ended up buying my 2008 new and I’ve never looked back. I like the extra room in the cab and the fact that the access cab has the doors that open where the gen 1’s didn’t.

 

How do you guys measure "cool" here? Curious what the metric is

 

You should get the newest and best shape truck you can afford. A first generation you are looking at a truck that’s between 16 to 25 years old and likely high mileage. The older the vehicle and the higher the mileage the more likely you’ll have problems. Buying an older vehicle is a crap shoot.

 

I had an '04 1st Gen for ten, pretty much, flawless years. Loved that truck. Perfect size, svelt around town, simple and just plain worked.
Came time and I moved up to a '15 DC 2nd Gen...not as svelt around town but much better power (both trucks were/are v-6) power, far better on the highway. More modern "comforts" in the 2nd Gen...overall its just a nicer drive. More comfortable for passengers (but that's sort of a wash).
Still loved that 1st Gen but the current truck is shaping up to be the best vehicle I've ever owned (has a couple of years yet to prove that though)

 

Size and comfort are the major factors here. If they are not important to you and you prefer the look of the 1st gen then get it.

 

Access cab=opening doors. That was all it took to convince me to buy a 2nd gen.

 

Folks that have more 'likes' than posts could be one

I too love the look of a clean 1st gen. I don't drive excessive miles, and rarely road trip in the truck, so the hard seats don't bother me much. And I like more spartan. Don't need 4wd, lift or big tires, so a 5 lug was suitable. I had a nice Sonoma, regular cab, but it was time to gain some in cab space for securing fishing gear, etc.

So I shopped 1st gens. All the ones in acceptable condition were way over priced, yet quickly sold. Even the 5 lugs. Like @Muddinfun I discovered the rear door opening on the 2nd gen, which was a big deal for me.

Found a '13 (in '14) w/only 8k on it, unmolested. It was 2x the most comparable '04's I was finding, but 10 less years and 100k less miles (or more) than most. The math is easy.

I have driven it as much as 5 hours on the road, quite acceptable. Does everything I need it to, probably more.

I still like the looks of a 1st gen better, but feel I have a better truck for my use. And it still looks better than a 3rd gen anyway.

 

If it's the 3.4 liter in the first gen, that's a good engine, but the 4.0 of the second gen doesn't have a timing belt you have to change every 90,000 miles.

 

2nd gen. 1gr fe. Mic dropped...

 

I think if your into bigger, heavier trucks then the second gen is the way to go!

 

More interior room, more power, bigger towing capacity, exactly the same fuel mileage, no timing belt, less age on plastic and rubber parts, better performing headlights, a real console, and the glove box has a strut.

 

I take it that you haven’t visited the 3rd Gen forum yet?

Gotta give the 3rd Gen guys a hard time.
Just kidding you guys, we love ya’

 

Wait for the 4th Gen. It will likely have a 14 speed transmission. Just imagine the "hunting".

 

2nd Gens aren't too outdated like the 1st Gens but aren't advanced like the 3rd Gens either

 

Seems like the technology,comforts,safety features,etc keep getting better. My first Toyota truck was 86 and that seems very primitive by today’s standards. Had a 99 then a 2000 and they were a step up all the away around. I’ve owned 4 second generation 2006 Tacoma’s and thought they were better yet. I’m still driving second generation trucks because of cost. Cheaper all the way around, parts and drivability issues are also also easy to find and well known. Resale values remain high but second gens are way more affordable than gen 3. Someday I’ll buy a gen 3 and by then they’ll be affordable and the areas of weakness will be well known and engineering problems solved. There’s a wisdom in letting someone else take the depreciation and buying them after 5-7 years. Good luck.​

 

Freeway power.

For small towns, city driving, or offroading the 1st gen makes more sense. But on the highway, power is king.

 

Go second gen: Size/volume and power. Have owned both.

 

That's really what it's about IMO. Whether I really like 2nd gens or not is aside the real point of age and maintenance. The oldest 2nd gen is 15 years old already. At some point you become a vehicle collector and are really looking for a low mileage unicorn with most options being worn out and rusty. Toyota stops making spare parts for trucks, too, so you need to start finding things in junk yards and in the aftermarket.