Switch to a first gen?

So….I have a 2014 Tacoma AC (190k miles v6) and happened upon an 04 Tacoma DC in beautiful condition for $4500 (200k miles v6)…I tow hay and a cow here it there with my Tacoma currently and never had an issue but it’s an access cab. Kiddos often don’t ride along when I’m doing chores but as they get older they’ll want to more and more. Any thoughts on picking up the 04 due to it being a double cab? No rust, beautiful truck. I do all my own maintenance so no real worries there.

 

I don't own a 1st gen so I will only remark on the comfort in the Tacoma 2nd gen Double Cab, and tundra 2nd gen.

On a 2nd gen is nearly vertical is the rear. It gets quite uncomfortable after 1.5hrs sitting back there.
As for leg room, its manageable for a short n' skinny Asian male, but the front occupants need to move up a bit.

I do frequent my buddy's Tundra tho, and I wish I got one.
I would personally if I have kids, go for a 2nd gen or higher, Tundra Crew Max or The Double Cab. As its more room for all occupants front and rear and not at all too uncomfortable.
As your young ones grow, they may grow out of the 1st gen. But with a Tundra there is space to grow until they are more, "able".

The Tundra platform is catered to a SUV up front, with space in the bed while having the towing capacity for real hauling.

But that's my $0.0000002

 

I have both a Gen 2 (2015) and a Gen 1 (2003). Both double cab 4WD TRD models.

The Gen 1 is a little more cramped inside (I'm 6' 6"). But the Gen 1 is also "tighter" as a body and frame package and its overall size makes the Gen 1 more maneuverable. The Gen 1's ride with OME suspension on both is at least as good as the Gen 2, although the Gen 2 is quieter and a little more comfortable for long highway drives.

I've done some modest hauling (a vintage British sportscar mainly) with both of them, and the 4.0 and the brakes of the Gen 2 are probably a little better. The more conventional bed and tailgate of the Gen 1 likely give more options for tonneaux or canopies (if they're still in production, that is...)

I can imagine someday parting with the Geh 2 (although I have no plans and no expectation of selling it). But I'm never parting with the Gen 1 I'll have that one forever.

 

$4,500? Get off the couch.

 

It’s literally at a ford dealer…not sure what they are thinking. It’s a good deal though…just kinda higher mileage. But not a bother to me.

 

I often wonder if others are better than 2nd gen.

Like Lexus, Toyota SUV’s
-4th gen 4runner V8
-1st gen Taco or 3rd gen runner V6 5VZ
-1st gen Tundra. Similar trans. V8. More luxury. Bigger bed. Cheaper. Hopefully similar mods available but honestly might not be as much aftermarket for it.

buddy likes his recent MY Ram 1500 5.7 more than previous 5th gen 4runner

obviously not turd gen because…it’s earned the name turd gen…

but from what I’ve heard 2nd gen, at least in terms of body to say nothing of the asthmatic engine, strikes a good balance.

non COVID prices on any of the above might be a good deal. The other models seem to not charge as much.

 

Buy it and worst case flip it if it doesn't work out.

 

Assuming it has the 3.4, 5VZFE, that's a good engine if it's been maintained.
It'll go way past it's current mileage. My 98 T-100 had that engine and my nephew, to whom I sold it, just sold it a few months ago with approximately 328,000 miles on it. He said it was still running great.
It is a timing belt engine but is non-interference, so that's a plus. I'd done the belt and water pump on my old T, three times in the 17 years I owned it. I think the last time I did it, it took me a little over 4 hours.
If (God forbid) I somehow found myself back in the market for a truck, I'd look really hard at trying to find a good, clean 1st gen, but it would HAVE to be the 3.4L engine.
The engine isn't overly powerful (205 hp if I recall correctly), and they aren't overly efficient, but they are bullet proof.
I'd be jumping all over that.