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Want to get a first gen (advice, opinions)

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by MrGuitarguy, Dec 17, 2010.

  1. Dec 17, 2010 at 12:57 PM
    #1
    MrGuitarguy

    MrGuitarguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    John
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    I have a 2005 Tacoma DCLB. Its awesome, but I want a 4x4 manual, and a smaller truck. I cant think of another brand that's as durable, and my dad had a 1st and put it through flood waters. Nothing happened to his truck.

    Regardless I want a 4x4 TRD Manual 1st gen. I want to build one that is versatile because although I live in boring hot Houston, I want to move somewhere cold with mountains (colorado/canada/similar location) and I want to have a truck that can handle the terrain (obviously with modifications, but well get to that later). That being said I need a good daily driver for a working college students.

    My daily life: I go to college, but I dont go through hell to get to a campus (unless you count traffic, and yes Ive considered the manual and still want it).I am a musician and I carry very expensive gear (gear consisting of a combo amplifier, a pedal board, and a guitar). For work I carry a kit which consists of 5 boxes (L: ~20 in W:~16 in H:~5 in) and some other crap on a dolly. It takes my whole backseat of my DC. My hobby and work is my concern, because I am held accountable for that gear and like having it in my truck. Will it fit in an access cab/Xtra cab? I usually dont carry friends or family, though occasionally I do. I dont really want to anymore though. I feel used haha.

    Questions:
    1) Which would you recommend is the best model (DC, Access cab) for my daily life/will my kits fit?
    2) Do DC come in 4x4 TRD manual?
    3) Are 4x4 only on TRD's, and what is the difference between a TRD and a non TRD?
    4) What model/transmission is better for all terrains, and is there any limitations/problems with any?
    5) For a stock TRD 4X4 manual what is the most I should pay? and what is average.
    6) Do the first gens have a locking differential? Do they only come in TRD's

    Hopefully I gave you guys a good idea of what I want and my daily routine so you all can guide me into making a good decision.

    Thank you for all help and advice!
     
  2. Dec 17, 2010 at 2:13 PM
    #2
    BG04

    BG04 Well-Known Member

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    I recommend a regular cab 4X4 with a camper.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Dec 17, 2010 at 3:11 PM
    #3
    Tacomadude89

    Tacomadude89 Well-Known Member

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    Questions:
    1) Which would you recommend is the best model (DC, Access cab) for my daily life/will my kits fit? Totally depends what you like better. If you want a little more cab space, get the DC. I personally like the look of the extended cab better. Go sit in some DC's and xtra cabs and see for yourself the differences and what you could picture yourself in the most.
    2) Do DC come in 4x4 TRD manual? The first gen double cabs only come in an automatic for all the trims.
    3) Are 4x4 only on TRD's, and what is the difference between a TRD and a non TRD? No, you can get a prerunner TRD which will not have 4x4, but will still have locking rear diff which ofcourse is only a TRD option.
    4) What model/transmission is better for all terrains, and is there any limitations/problems with any? Totally depends if you want to drive a manual or an automatic. Everyone will have their opinion on this. To me, I would not drive a Tacoma if it was not a manual. Test drive the truck, whether it be an auto or a manual and see how goes through the gears.
    5) For a stock TRD 4X4 manual what is the most I should pay? and what is average. Depends on the condition, mileage, year etc. A ball park figure for the 01-04's go for around $11.5 with higher mileage to the mid to even upper teens if they have low mileage and are well equipped. That is what they go for around here, every area is a little different so reseach what they seem to be going for where you live.
    6) Do the first gens have a locking differential? Do they only come in TRD's Yes, you the rear diff locks only come in the TRD as explained above.:)
     
  4. Dec 17, 2010 at 8:51 PM
    #4
    MrGuitarguy

    MrGuitarguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Thank you!
     
  5. Dec 17, 2010 at 9:06 PM
    #5
    Blue

    Blue You're my boy blue

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    DC doesnt come with a manual tranny. As for price i picked my 99 4x4 5 speed up for $6.5k with 112k miles
     
  6. Dec 17, 2010 at 9:14 PM
    #6
    Unknown

    Unknown He who angers you conquers you

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    you can get an non trd and later on install a locker or even lockers!!!
     
  7. Dec 17, 2010 at 11:35 PM
    #7
    pidro_el_pirata

    pidro_el_pirata Well-Known Member

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    Well geez what kind of advice is that.. he's looking for something that he wont have to modify to serve his needs.

    Like was stated above, the double cabs are auto only. If you're concerned with the safety of your gear, you have two options, get a double cab (since your five boxes wont fit in an extra cab at all!) or get a locking camper shell or tonneau cover. From there, only you can make the decision on what to get... My 4-cyl '00 xtra cab sr5 (non-trd, non-4x4) was $9500 when we bought it two+ years ago.
     
  8. Dec 17, 2010 at 11:49 PM
    #8
    Unknown

    Unknown He who angers you conquers you

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    This might answer your question.

    " I want to build one that is versatile because although I live in boring hot Houston, I want to move somewhere cold with mountains (colorado/canada/similar location) and I want to have a truck that can handle the terrain (obviously with modifications, but well get to that later)."
     
  9. Dec 17, 2010 at 11:53 PM
    #9
    pidro_el_pirata

    pidro_el_pirata Well-Known Member

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    :facepalm: my bad. Still though, IMHO, get what you need. When i think of "modifications" i think of things like bull bars and rockers, not fundamental equipment like 4x4 and lockers.
     
  10. Dec 17, 2010 at 11:55 PM
    #10
    BoostingMS6

    BoostingMS6 Well-Known Member

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    Alex
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    I hate to say this for fear of getting flamed, but another thing to keep in mind is bed size, in addition to cab space. Although the DC has more interior room, it's got a shorter bed. Personally, I can't fit mine and my brother's snowboards in the back of a double cab, so I opted for the extended cab. Plus, I prefer the way the extended cab looks (perfectly proportionate IMO).

    You can always get a camper, too. Easy to take off and on. I do it for mine all the time. Got a killer deal for a slightly used A.R.E. for $200. Install takes 15 minutes tops, but you need a partner.
     
  11. Dec 18, 2010 at 12:12 AM
    #11
    MrGuitarguy

    MrGuitarguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well I guess I should have clarified "modifications". I want a taco with lockers on it. By modifications I meant the lift/wheels/shocks/coilovers. I was thinking long travel suspension since it can climb and jump.

    I can always get a tonneau cover, but their expensive.
     
  12. Dec 18, 2010 at 12:15 AM
    #12
    pidro_el_pirata

    pidro_el_pirata Well-Known Member

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    Dude... you're buying a truck. Another couple hundred for a cover is nothing!
     
  13. Dec 18, 2010 at 12:23 AM
    #13
    MrGuitarguy

    MrGuitarguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well Ive always liked those fiberglass ones. Those run like 1k (a thousand I could use for other more tasteful mods), unless you have recommendations for other safe covers.
     

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