1st Tacoma Purchase: Looking for Suggestions

Hello TW, I might stir up a storm with this post, but I'm looking for some suggestions. I'm new to TW, Tacomas, and off-roading in general. I would like to purchase my first Tacoma, which would serve as a daily and a beginner's off-road platform. My max budget limit for the truck is $14k, and it will need to be a crew cab. My first question to the community is are second gens worth the extra cost? My next question is would it be better to find the lowest mileage Tacoma within my budget, which I'm currently looking at a '02 with 127k miles, or go for a '03 with much higher 246k miles Tacoma for basically half the price as the former? I appreciate any info. Thanks.

 

Welcome to Tacoma World! Depending on what mod's you would like to do: 05+ Tacoma's have more to offer in the aftermarket world. If you just want a decent truck, lowest miles and best treated always wins. Keep up your studies and pay attention on what to look for in any used vehicle when purchasing.

 

You aren't going to find a 2nd gen double cab 4x4 for $14k unless it's got a ton of miles on it or has a salvage title. I'd keep looking at first gens, the '02 sounds like a good option if it was well cared for. The 03' has a lot of miles on it...these trucks do run for a long time but that's starting to get up there. At 246k it's going to need a lot of work I bet to make it a reliable adventure rig.

 

As they say, first gen best gen!

For the price, you can pretty much either get a nice first gen, or a somewhat beat up/abused second gen. I think you'll definitely get more out of your money buying a first gen with that budget. The main thing to look for on these trucks depending on where you live is frame rust, which can become a big deal if you don't know what to look for. Good luck on your search!

 

Welcome to TW! 2002 with 127k sounds good as long as that frame is solid.

 

I agree on 02 with 127k and welcome to TW!!

 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions so far. My initial thoughts lean me towards the lower mileage '02 truck for sure. With the higher miles, I would fully expect the '03 to need a refresh immediately, but if the frame isn't rusted and with about $6k difference in price, I am thinking the difference could be used to refresh and rebuild it into a really reliable truck. That might be crazy thinking, but just thinking out loud anyways.

 

Welcome to tw if the 02 is clean i say GO FOR IT. It is a great starting platform.

 

Welcome aboard