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Educate me: First gen differences.

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by putput, Aug 9, 2009.

  1. Aug 9, 2009 at 12:14 AM
    #1
    putput

    putput [OP] Member

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    Looking to get a first gen Tacoma. Not really sure if I want pre or post 01 style. I DO know that I want a 4cyl, automatic, ,ext cab Prerunner for gas milage, convenience, and looks. (possible 6cyl if the milage is negligible).

    Just from seeing a few around town, I noticed different variations in body styles within the generation, and I'm not talking about the grill and lights for pre/post 01. Mainly, I noticed that some have color matching fenders. Any info on this or other subtle differences?

    Also, I'm sure there are other little differences between the years that make a big difference to owners. If there are any that you feel are very much worthwhile in looking for specific years, please let me know.

    I have also, noticed that 1st gens here in Hawaii sell within a very wide price range. Between $6k-$20k. I have a feeling that some of the well kept, low-milage, newer models are being overpriced, so if you provide info for specific years and believe that that year is best, please let me know what you think a fair price would be for good-excellent condition.

    Thanks in advance!!!
     
  2. Aug 9, 2009 at 1:30 AM
    #2
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    Use the search button, google, or even Toyota website.

    I would stay way from the 00 or earlier models simply because of the 15 year rust warrantee. If you're looking at 01 or newer - I'd highly recommend having a Toyota dealership inspect it before buying it. If you are unaware of the rust warrantee, you can read about it here:
    http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/07/toyota-extends-rust-warranty-on-older-tacoma-pickups-to-15-years/
    You can also search this forum and other forums and read all about it. Even the 01-04 models are affected and Toyota may actually apply rust proofing or replace the frame if the vehicle fails the warrantee inspection.
     
  3. Aug 9, 2009 at 3:12 AM
    #3
    EnolaGaia

    EnolaGaia Well-Known Member

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    If you want a PreRunner, you're only looking at two sub-generations: 1998 - 2000 and 2001 - 2004.

    Color-matching of fender flares (and other such trim issues) are determined by the option package(s) the particular Taco has.

    If you intend to do any offroading and want the electric locking differential, you can't get it on a 4-cylinder automatic.
     
  4. Aug 9, 2009 at 6:22 AM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Welcome to TW!
     
  5. Aug 9, 2009 at 7:40 AM
    #5
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    Isnt a 1st gen 4cyl prerunner rare?
     
  6. Aug 9, 2009 at 8:42 AM
    #6
    EnolaGaia

    EnolaGaia Well-Known Member

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    4-cylinder PreRunners were offered in all 3 cab configurations. How many there were overall would be tough to determine - seeing as how Toyota policy forbids enumerating how many of a specific model / configuration 'specimens' are built.
     
  7. Aug 9, 2009 at 10:28 AM
    #7
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    not in the DC config. All DC 1st gen tacos are V6
     
  8. Aug 9, 2009 at 10:32 AM
    #8
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    X2.
     
  9. Aug 9, 2009 at 11:43 AM
    #9
    EnolaGaia

    EnolaGaia Well-Known Member

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    Sorry - not true ...

    Double Cabs came in both PreRunner and 4X4 configurations.

    The 3RZ was the base / standard engine for PreRunner Double Cabs from 2001 - 2004.

    (Yes - anyone with any sense would have gotten the 5VZ V6, but it wasn't the only available engine ... :D )
     
  10. Aug 9, 2009 at 1:17 PM
    #10
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    I know the Prerunners come in the double cab config., I just never heard of them having the 3RZ engine....Was this a regonal thing?
     
  11. Aug 9, 2009 at 1:21 PM
    #11
    EnolaGaia

    EnolaGaia Well-Known Member

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    Nope ... Nationwide / everywhere.

    I've seen claims that Toyota actually built some 4X4 Double Cabs with the 3RZ in the first year (2001), but quickly discontinued it. The available 2001 factory / sales documentation doesn't support this claim, so I've never believed it.
     
  12. Aug 9, 2009 at 1:24 PM
    #12
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Ok, then. I have never seen them out here, but like you said, perhaps most people simply wanted the v6 more....
     
  13. Aug 9, 2009 at 2:38 PM
    #13
    EnolaGaia

    EnolaGaia Well-Known Member

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    A lot depends on what particular configurations the dealerships order. I suspect the sales guys preferred to sell the V6 versions (with higher MSRP's).

    Another thing that probably steered people away from the 4-cylinder Double Cabs was that you couldn't get the electric locker on them (not available on 4-cylinder automatics from 2001 - 2004).
     
  14. Aug 9, 2009 at 4:23 PM
    #14
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Did any 2.7's have the locker? This is another thing in wich I read was a v6 only item.
     
  15. Aug 9, 2009 at 5:31 PM
    #15
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    No 5VZ, no locker. I have seen a '00 TRD 4cyl on ebay a year ago though, so toyota did make a TRD with a 3RZ, but i think you just got the SR5 and billy shocks. No locker. At least not according to my reading and There are very few 3RZ TRDs out there so it would be hard to be certain.

    As for the DC tacos, Maybe the 3RZ was an option in the beginning, but we can see that this was quickly discontinued or never purchased because I have always seen the DCs with V6 badges, prerunner or not.
     
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  16. Aug 9, 2009 at 5:35 PM
    #16
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    This is what I have found as well.....I cant find any info on a double cab 3RZ Tacoma
     
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  17. Aug 9, 2009 at 6:33 PM
    #17
    devilsalmostfree

    devilsalmostfree Well-Known Member

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    welcome to TW, awesome place here, with great people to help out with all ur questions! best of luck on finding u a 1st gen., hope u get what u want!
     
  18. Aug 9, 2009 at 8:51 PM
    #18
    SoCal Tom

    SoCal Tom Member Extraordinaire

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    The double cab 4-cylinder definitely exists. My father in-law has one. I think it's a dog but all he does is commute in it.
     
  19. Aug 10, 2009 at 4:47 AM
    #19
    ChrisYoTaCoMa

    ChrisYoTaCoMa Chrome's for Harleys and old farts

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    UNLESS you find a 2000 like mine that was in CA for 90% of its life, then came here to FL and has a rust free frame...;) Lets not hate on the 95.5-00's.......
     
  20. Aug 10, 2009 at 5:00 AM
    #20
    98tacoma27

    98tacoma27 is going full "SANDWICH" Moderator

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    Some stuff. Not a lot, just some.

    Not true- my 98 was a xtra cab TRD OR SR5 with a 3RZ and a locker.
     
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