Other than more affordable, why do you prefer the 1st Gen?

I personally like the 1st gen trucks over the newer ones because they are much smaller.

Whether it's utilizing their smaller size on tighter trails or just fitting in that small parking spot, the 1st gens have a place in my heart that the newer Tacoma's don't.

What other reasons do you guys prefer the 1st gens over the 2nd and 3rd gen Tacoma's?

 

Purely financial.

I've been buying wrecked 1st gen's since 2001. I've driven close to 500,000 miles in 2 of them. I know what will likely break and how to fix. I have lots if parts, so I just repair and move on.

I have never hated on the 2nd and 3rd gens. I'm sure my next project will be one. There just isn't very many 1st hand left.

 

Their looks. These little trucks turn my head whether its junked out, lifted or straight stock. Plenty of them still on the road, tons of parts, every issue has been addressed bumper to bumper by someone somewhere, compact enough for downtown parking garages, big enough to haul what I need for the family campout/fishing retreat, great TW forum for guidance and they are extremely capable machines in stock form with a bit of knowledge behind the wheel.

But honestly: for their looks. Nothing comes close.

 

Have to agree on both fronts mentioned here. Such a simple styling, but it looks good. And there's really nothing you can't do on them yourself without a little forum research, the right tools, and confidence. The wealth of knowledge here made buying mine an easy decision

 

Ya know, I was thinking that too as I was sitting in a 2016 TRD 4wd model at the dealership. The fancy screen and complex controls. The 2003 I picked up was VERY similar to the functions of my 1998's dash controls.
Heat, Cold, fan speed etc. Very basic and did what I wanted it to do.

The 2016 also looked like the size of a Tundra, it just felt BIG.

I want a truck, not a BMW

 

this.

and welcome to TW by the way!!!

 

compact size, resale value, undeniably reliable and fairly cheap to maintain, the frame being tucked up into the body almost out of sight and allowing lots of ground clearance, the curved "flaired" body line that goes over the fenders, the fact that these trucks are a platform for builds with a huge aftermarket following with anything from sas kits and lt kits to superchargers and ls swap kits.

 

Thanks man! I'm already putting together a wish list of wants... errrr, needs!

 

Heard that bud. I've been here a few months and already my wish list is larger and my wallet is smaller.

Tread carefully and hide truck parts safely at home from wife. My damn attic is about to burst.

 

1. Financial - I own the truck outright!
2. Looks! - I prefer the looks over the second and third gen, however the 3rd gens are growing on me.

 

Love the 1st gens and swore I'd never buy a 2nd gen. Had my 04 OR 4wd 5spd for close to 10 years. I bought it used in 2006 and test drove a brand new 2006 before I bought the 04. Only sold due to having kids. My goal was to drive it till it died. If I had bought the 4 door I'd still be driving it. They're the perfect size, look, easy to work on and plenty of parts. I still like them better then the other gens. If I ever come across a 1st gen dc in good shape I'd snatch it up. My 15 OR Pre is more of a van in disguise. I'm still amazed at how many 2nd gens are on the road. They're EVERYWHERE!!!

 

Cost and aesthetics. The second I had to get rid of my '91 pickup, I knew I needed to get another small toyota truck. Took me a while to save the money, but my '04 feels just like my old truck. Specifically wanted a 4cylinder with manual trans, locks, and windows. Suits my needs perfectly and I love how it looks.

 

For me its simple...
1. I own the truck, no payments on it.
2. I only have 62K on the odo, had it since it was brand new with 3 miles when purchased.
3. No payments.
4. Maintenance is relatively low cost.
5. Tows any trailer I need just fine.
6. No payments.
7. Its not my DD so it sits in the garage most of the time.
8. No payments.

Oh and in case I forgot, no payments.

--Dan

 

Looking back I wish I hadn't traded my 01 on a WRX in 04. Eventually got an 07 Taco and still have it. The 1st gen trucks are great and the ONLY thing I like better about my 07 are the rear doors on my access cab truck. If the 1st gen had them it would be perfect. Great trucks and I still see lots of them locally. A guy down my street has a green 98 that is in great shape. Every once in a while he says he considers a new truck but can't bring himself to part with the old one. Can't go wrong with them.

 

- No payments
- Fits my needs,don't need anything bigger
- Super easy to work on
- The engine on these things are darn near bulletproof, just regular maintenance required.
- Only 127K miles on it. Still tons of life left in it.
- And as others mentioned the looks. I like the looks of the newer Tacomas but the 1st gen ones look a lot better to me.
- Also the simplicity of everything. Its a truck I don't need leather seats, and a fancy touch screen.

 

It is paid for !!

Then I have a F250 7.3 if I need a more of a Truck

 

I would hope any orginal owner of a first gen has no payment. But I get your point...

 

I don't own one, but I like the looks and size better.

When shopping, I couldn't find what I wanted with any reasonable cost, so I bought a 2nd gen. basic 5 lug. It works just fine for my purposes.

The 3rd gen is just too big for me, along with a few other things that would dissuade me.

 

One would hope. But ones that are selling in the $10-15k range probably still have a lot of units financed.

Unfortunately saving isn't very conducive to instant gratification.