Help with choosing the right 2nd gen for me

hello,

Would anyone be able to tell me if there is a 2nd gen model out there that would be best suited for my needs? I've narrowed down my interests to the following:

4 cylinder
Long bed (6ft vs 8ft bed .. might be hauling kayaks, does this matter)
Access Cab
4WD not particularly invested but may be used sparingly

The Sport model definitely caught my eye .. but just trying to continue my research here
I live in the desert and love to go fishing, unpaved desert roads would be pretty common but likely not tearing up many mountains

Just not sure if what I am interested in is even realistic, or what may be close to it
Thanks for any info .. pretty damn excited to eventually have my own

 

Go big or go home. Get the v6

 

There isn’t an 8’ bed available. You’re limited to 6’.

The 4 cylinder does not get much better mpg than the 6 cylinder. And you’ll notice a big difference if you get a PreRunner with the 4. I had one. Get the manual trans if you get the 4.

Personally, I’d go with a Single cab in the 4. And 6 in the AC and DC.

 

There is no 8ft bed.

It's 6ft on the regular and access cabs and 5ft on the double cabs (with some rare sports with the 6ft double cab but they are all automatic transmissions.)

Get the V6 if you can find a rust free clean one within your price range, same with the sport model, for your use case a TRD Off-Road isn't necessary.

An SR5 4WD would be plenty for your needs plus any of the Sport and TRD O/R add ons can be more easily added to lower trim trucks aftermarket and arguably better.

 

IMO, the V6 is already underpowered enough. I wouldn't even consider the 4cyl unless I was getting a single cab (maybe an access cab), RWD, base model, SR5, with tiny tires. Any bigger than that, or 4x4, or plan for any lift or anything but the smallest tires... I'd go with the V6.

Personally, the higher trim is worth the $$. Even just the little stuff like the difference in seat fabrics. And I actually think the JBL system is pretty decent (albeit terrible to try and upgrade. But that's just me.

You say you're in the desert... How often are you out in the sand? If you go out in any sand or need to do any water crossings and that kind of stuff while you're out fishing you may like having the 4wd. But definitely not necessary if you just know what you're doing and don't get yourself into a situation you shouldn't be in.

 

Information overload, a link to multiple brochures.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-ebrochures-2001-to-2017.486957/

 

Thanks everyone I appreciate the help. Hard for me to respond to every reply but I have read them all

I see one of the questions I forgot to ask has already been answered so thanks for the informative responses

Q: I have also been wondering what mods would warrant having a 6 cylinder engine over 4? might as well go for it

 

I would say sand not as much, but lots of dirt and rocks and gravel. Water crossings yes!

 

Weight: Between armor (skids, sliders, winch & mount) I’m running a 5,000+ lb truck. Tires also get heavy. Prinsu rack is 70 lbs. etc.

 

Meant to ask this yesterday - got another one for y'all..
Are there any notable maintenance costs / hidden fees between owning a 4x2 4cyl SR5 vs. a 4x4 6cyl Sport? Would appreciate any takes on this
The power of the v6 is certainly appealing. I wouldn't want any buyers remorse with a v4

 

Changing spark plugs on the 4cyl is easier that’s about it, dude get the V6 you’ll be so much happier in general. 2wd or 4wd I’d get what you can afford or best deal.
You’re over thinking it imho, either way you’ll have a reliable truck for a long time.

 

I have my third second generation Access Cab since October. I wanted the TRD Off Road but was having trouble finding one. I bought a 2013, SR5 4X4 V6. Good truck. I found a really sharp 2005 TRD with low miles but it was a manual. A couple of days driving that truck in heavy traffic convinced me my rowing gears days are behind me so I sold the manual for a premium. At my age I’d rather have a cup of coffee or something else in my hand when checking cattle.
Searching Autotrader at a 500 mile radius I found the exact TRD I wanted in Texas. Love the truck and a rancher bought the 2013.
We also had a first generation 4 cylinder Pre Runner. It had the hard start issue. My son tore it down and replaced everything. It got to the point it wouldn’t start below 45 degrees. Sold it to a Toyota mechanic who is still puzzled. Power was adequate but really didn’t feel the love at the gas pump for the slight difference in MPG.

 

agree with the others. Try to find one with the v6. You wont be disappointed.

 

Thanks everyone you are all awesome help. Can't wait to report back when I am eventually an owner
Listings right now in my area are a little light, but have been looking high and low now that I know what I want

 

I hear ya on the rush hour blues - that is a good one. Think that helps narrow it down for me, thanks for the wisdom
Also what this told me was I need to increase the mileage of my search radius, and check AutoTrader again

 

i know you said kayak, but any chance in getting a boat, even small one? V6 for the capacity, 4wd so you're not stuck on a boat ramp spinning your rears.

 

Can’t imagine wanting much more power than what you get with the 4cly in the single cab….4x4 and I’m getting 23mpg.

 

Rust. All you need to worry about is no rust and good maintenance. The difference between a SR5/Off-Road/Sport for your intended uses is nil. Even 4x4 vs 2WD won’t matter just doing down dirt roads/fishing.

If you can find a 4WD TRD Off-Road go for it. But if you find any 2nd Gen in good condition for a good price go for that over a bad condition/bad price in a different trim.

Rust, man. The only thing that’s ever killed any of my several Toyota’s. Avoid rust and you’re good.

 

Now for the fun part
Trying to find a '12-'14 V6 Prerunner AC 2WD/4WD. They do exist lol, but seem harder to find ..

This is the listing I am currently most attached to - I just wish they had added a bit more info and pics.
The search continues

(honorable mentions 1 & 2 - first one is pretty far from me though)

 

More research for me to do
I actually started with 09 as I liked the updates - it just became more challenging for me to find offers with lower mileage

Also thinking I may want rear locker