Reliability of a first vs second gen tacoma

Hello, I am deciding between a first generation vs second gen in terms of reliability and maintenance costs over a span of 10 years or more.

My question is, will i run into problems if I get a first generation tacoma? The reason why is because there are perks to buying a new second gen tacoma in that it is brand new, and you do not have to worry about having it break down and have used car problems.

What is your take on buying a first gen vs a brand new second gen for reliability and maintenance costs?

 

they are all pretty damn problem free.

The "problem" with buying a used first gen is this..... clean, priced well, low miles .... pick 2 of those 3.

I scoured all the CL in California for about a month and a half and came across all of about 6 white / silver v6 auto 4x4's that were worth looking at, and almost bought one for 13k out the door, with 160k miles, that when i showed up it had tcase issues (syncro was gone).... i was like f that buy new and not have to deal with someone elses problems.

In my research and searching for a tacoma used or new it came down to this... the price depreciation on these trucks is perfectly linear. a used one will depreciate at the same rate as a new one. which is the best thing about these trucks.... their resell value is phenomenal.

Either way the 2nd gen is so much nicer of a vehicle with all the new creature comforts and if you can afford it, it is well worth it.

that stated a piece of me wishes i bought a used first gen as i wouldnt feel so bad beating on it.

Also with the 3.4v6 in the first gen you do have timing belt replacement which can cost ~ 600 bucks if done right, also lower ball joints should be replaced on them for piece of mind with OEM ones. That stated, my dads 04 taco v6 prerunner trd has 203k miles and never had a single issue and it doesnt use a drop of oil.

 

Pinoy ka? Mabuhay dito, sa TW.

 

they are all nice. if you are tall you will appreciate the 2nd gen. the 1st gens are also super pricey for their age / mileage (as stated previously). they are also prone to rusting out (frames).
Engines are solid in each, but the 2nd gen has WAY more power, WAY more. Auto tranny in the 2nd gen is MILES better than the 1st gen. It actually works how it's supposed to.
More room in the 2nd, and i like that. it makes more sense for me and what i do. i also like the DCLB (not available 1st gen).

2nd gen mpg is also better than the 1st gen.

Looks are about wash, i like them both in different ways.

that being said, i love having my old 89' 4runner (fun truck) and 11' taco...

 

My 2nd gen. 91K+ miles, no issues, general maintenance only. Can you say super reliable?

 

I traded my 1st gen in at 215,000 miles for a 2nd gen. I am very diligent about preventative maintenance, and I never had an ounce of trouble with the 1st gen. By far the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Next in line was my '81 Nissan 280zx....

 

The first gens are getting up there to where they will become unreliable as they age but that's what happens with every vehicle.

 

Just hit 100k on my '06, I have had 0 issues. Couldn't be happier with my truck!

 

I had a 94 v6 with 303k that I replaced 2 headgaskets, a started rebuild, and an alternator on and that's pretty much it. Had an 01 v6 taco with 120k for a few years that I never worked on. Had an 06 tundra for a couple years that I never worked on. And now I have this 05 taco with 130k and I've replaced throw out bearing, front air bag sensor, left front wheel bearing and diff bearing in 2 years or so. Diff bearing probably was ok but the lift showed its weakness. I noticed the other day the valve cover and timing cover are slowly showing some oil seepage. But I still love this truck because it drives great, has plenty of comfy room, and lots of power even with 33's and stock gears.

 

Thank you for the advice! My budget for a Tacoma is $30,000 max. Still debating on whether to get a first generation with as low mileage as possible and go mod it or go all out with a second gen.

 

go second gen... buy new you wont regret it.

 

why do some people who had a second gen, actually downgrade to a first gen tacoma?

 

If it is a daily driver go 2nd gen. I got a 1st gen with low miles completely stock in perfect condition for 11500. I bought it to mod and off road. I feel the 1st gens are better for this purpose. But the 2nd gens are nice too. Both are solid trucks very reliable. It's all about what you want it for..

 

It's not a down grade.

 

For my case, I am looking for a truck which is a daily driver, can go through a good snowstorm in the Sierras, will support my future family in the future, and potentially give it to my kid for his/her first car.

 

Then go 2nd gen. It is more suited for what you are looking for.

 

Agreed. I replaced my '97 single cab manual 4 cylinder with a 2013 DC VC Auto and am super pleased. A part of me does wish I'd kept both and used the old one to play and experiment with learning to be more mechanical and fix, replace, or upgrade stuff. It had 140k and in 10 years I only ever replaced the alternator. But with the safety, comfort, reliability, and good looks of my new one, I'm very happy overall. Buy a new one!

 

I'd go with 2nd gen. The youngest 1st gen you can get is 10 years old.... A 2004. Think about it..

 

go second gen. they are also much safer in the event if an accident then the 1st gen's.

for what it's worth i suggest buying new. i bought my 2012 TRD sport Double cab short bed in aug 2012 at invoice for 28,7xx (sticker was 32,xxx). i checked the NADA book value yesterday and clean retail is STILL 30k. even clean trade in value is 28k. and that's with 27000 miles