Hypothetical question...

Don't know if a thread like this exists. If it does, then on! And I didn't know where to post so I just put it where I usually roam.

So you can buy any of the generations brand new from Tacoma current day. They've magically reproduced all years and sub models and you're in the market for a new truck. You've got $30,000 cash and can either:

1) Buy a 1st Gen and have at least $5,000 for TW inspired mods

2) Buy a 2nd Gen and have at least $2,000 for TW inspired mods

3) Take out a loan for the rest of the 3rd Gen and have no monies for mods

You can further explain your choice with cab choice, engine choice, etc. For the sake of arguing, no second jobs or outside sources of extra income to add to the new truck fund. This purchase will prevent you from spending any more money on your truck for the next year at least.

Let's see which generation gets the most TW love.

NOTE: I found these MSRP's with a quick google search and used a close to MAX amount that I found. (Apparently the loaded 2000 Tacoma was $25,000 )

EDIT: I realize posting in the 1st gen forum might make this pole a little biased. Oh well.

 

I'd buy another 1st gen Tacoma, as a matter of fact right now I'm trying to sell/trade my 2014 Camry LE (with only 16k miles ) for either another 1st gen 4x TRD or a 1st gen Tundra 4x TRD...

But with $30k , 5k of it going to MODS sounds great...

 

5k would be awesome. Especially when you can do rear lift springs for cheap thanks to OMD. I read that entire thread about a month ago. Still hunting for a good deal on springs with good arc to get rid of my...... blocks .

 

Thanks for the props dude..I try to be helpful & informative...

 

1st gen all day long. And i think this question was asked before.

Hey Doug.

 

I wish Toyota did a 50 year anniversary thing and re released the 1st gen with a few minor upgrades. Sort of like the GWagon by Merc, but a whole lot cheaper and usable.

 

This never works because no matter how you try it will always be a completely different vehicle

That includes both the good or the bad

I liked my sixties Muscle cars I might take a New Camaro or Mustang if you gave me one but I liked the original the best

 

I would go for a first gen, miss mine and want and searching for another.

 

some people must be really attached to their 1st gens.

I bought a 2016 4Runner trail edition almost 2 months ago now. Test drove the 2016 trd sport dclb taco and didn't like it. However it is far superior to my first gen taco.

If you drive a lot there is no way a 1st gen is more comfortable to drive than a new truck. The cabin noise alone is reason enough for me to like a new rig over my 2004.

Now if they could make a 1st gen cabin quiet like a new vehicle, and ride like a newer truck then ya, I like the way my 1st gen looks, no plastic bumpers to tear off when I'm in the woods.

 

2nd gen. I don't fit in a first gen

 

Buy $100 worth of sound deadening. Huge difference.

 

I likely will. I've got 13,000 km on this truck in less than 3 months. Definitely not quiet compared to new vehicles

 

1st gen - ExtraCab, V6, manual.
With the $5k, I'd definitely do the following right away:
- frame beefed up & protected
- ball joints
- small lift
- 32" tires

By doing the above, I'd think I'd have a very dependable vehicle. I wouldn't have to worry about frame corrosion, dying from a broken ball joint, and the annoying axle wrap thump (better spring). Stock...the 1st gens are great to begin with.

 

Totally agree. I like my '08 (if for no other reason other than the XtraCab Access Doors are awesome), but if I could have a brand new first generation without rust, that's probably what I'd do.

It's easier to get them to true truck-ness. Frame plates, paint and rust prevention and you're almost as good as the 79-95 trucks with their fully boxed frames that last.

 

Hi Rich How the hell are ya man ? , been awhile....

 

Is that 30k PLUS more money? Or just whatever is leftover from the 30k after buying the truck. Or for arguments sake are you saying to just "have" that year truck and have the money to mod it.

 

1st gen all day long. 4 door 4x4.

 

Doin good man. Hope all is well.

 

Id buy a used 1st gen for 5 grand and put 25 grand mods into it! Id have one hell of a turbocharged long travel rig...

 

Access doors are the main thing I wish my truck had, but I don't want it bad enough to buy a 2nd or 3rd gen