what year preference up to 2010

In general, I feel that newer vehicles are made cheaper than older ones. This is due to advancements in technology and materials. The first gens seem to have a higher build quality than the current generation. Personally, I would look for a 2001 extended cab TRD.

With that being said, any newer vehicle will meet higher safety standards than an older one. There is more thought and design put into crumple zones and what happens in an impact with the newer vehicles. There are also more airbags.

 

If up to 2010 is your window, then get a 2010. It's going to be safer and more reliable then any 1st gen. A 2010 is only a 5 year old truck. Add approx 6-10 more years on the life of the vehicle for any first gen. Go find a 1st gen in as good of condition as a 2010, and then compare prices. Wouldn't surprise me to see it only a couple thousand difference, if not the same price. Worth the little extra to buy newer. Plus the extra room in the 2nd gens is nice since he has a kid.

 

Yep. Them frames last forever.

 

Well I'lll be damned. Now all I want to do it go poke my head under the bed. Cant believe I didn't notice. Was just pumpin up the zerks with some Red n Tacky last time I was home... Im fine with it being a composite if its similar in strength. My first gen did not "feel" anywhere near as safe as my '13. This thing is solid, except for the mushy suspension! Only two months left on this world tour and then I can finally enjoy my new truck and put my lift on. Can't complain though, work is what bought the truck!!

 

That's what I'm wondering. First gens are still a bit "dumb" as far as technology goes, and as far as I know, they only have sensors in the front for the airbag. No sensors in the rear or g-sensors I believe. So it's not that they failed to deploy, the truck just "didn't know". Unless of course he did get pushed into the semi and they didn't deploy.

Yep, the inside part of the bed is plastic, the bedsides are metal.

 

Well insurance totaled the truck due to age. And yes he was pushed into the semi which pushed the grill back to the motor but did not puncture the radiator from what I could see under the crumpled hood.

Thanks for your input. The search begins

 

no matter what you do buy the truck from the insurance for scrap value, they just deduct it from your payout.

you will get 3 or 4 times what they claim its worth based on book value if not more by parting it out and selling whats still good and when there is nothing left sell it for scrap iron.

everything in it has good value and endless people looking to buy Tacoma parts so everything from the ash tray to rear view mirror and seat belts has value. and all that value can be used to put into stuff for the new truck.

even a second gen truck can use your first gen engine so keep that in mind for finding a good deal because a truck with a blown engine will go dirt cheap then you just drop yours in it and your good to go.

 

First gens are more reliable than 2nd gens, just saying..

 

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2nd gens have been recalled for frame rust too you know. Seems to be a Tacoma issue across the boards.

 

Updated in 2010.