Want opinions on 1st generation vs. 2nd generation Tacomas

Hello all,
I'm shopping around to upgrade my 2002 Tacoma. I've test driven several 2nd gen. trucks (years between 2006-2009) and found that most of them did not feel very good, in that they really felt like they badly needed a tuneup or worse. For those of you like me, who've only driven Tacomas for 20+ years, what are your thoughts between the 1st and 2nd gen. engines? I may just keep my 2002, as the 3.4 engine is still doing fine after 215K miles.

 

I miss my 1st gen 4cy 4x4 single cab, but the 2nd gen doublecab 4x4 fit my growing needs better.

If you don't have a reason to "upgrade" to a 2nd gen aside from "I want one," I think you'll be happier sticking with what you've got.

 

In general I think they're both reliable. I have both, a 2003 Tacoma and a 2014. Both V6's. Also owned a 2017, but I won't get into that mess. The 4.0 definitely has more power and it's very apparent when I make my longer drives over the mountain. If I had to choose one, I'd pick the 4.0. The 3.4 does the job though.

 

Thanks Shaeff! Simple words of wisdom.
Musubi, I'll guess the 4.0 is an option for the later generation. Was your 2017 just a logistical issue? I wouldn't imagine a truck that new would have any mechanical problems.
Anyhow, thanks for the feedback! The 2008 I'm looking at still hasn't sold after nearly 3 weeks. So I still have my eye on that one. We'll see if they take my offer.

 

If you're over 6 ft tall the 2nd gen would be more comfortable. If comfort isnt an issue I'd keep the 1st gen

 

It's 2020 and the 3rd gen still an ugly truck JMO

 

If what you have is running fine, keep it.
Change the timing belt and water pump.
The 2nd Gen is a better truck (mostly).
But not good enough to upgrade if you don’t need to.

 

The 4.0 was an option only with the 2nd Gens which ended in 2015. From 2016 on the 3rd Gen V6 is a 3.5 liter. In short, the issue I had with the 3rd Gen was the powertrain combo with the factory tune. It has a different powerband and trans shifting that lots of people don't like. If the 2008 has a V6, then it has the 4.0. If your 2002 is in good shape, keep it. We're not letting go of our 03' Tacoma anytime soon.

 

Thank you everybody! Lots of good information here. Much appreciated!

 

The 4.0L and side impact / overhead airbags (2009+) are making me search out a late 2nd gen to replace my 2003.

 

I absolutely love the body style of the first gens. I had a 1998 T-100 for 17 years, with that 3.4 L engine. Keep the oil changed and do the scheduled maintenance on the timing belt and water pump and those little engines will go forever. I sold my T to a nephew when it had 267,000 miles on it. I had JUST finished changing the timing belt and water pump for the third time about two days before he got there to pick it up.
He drove it from southern Illinois to Des Moines and is still driving it today. Last year, he sent a picture of the odometer and it had 308,000 miles on it and was still running strong.
I wouldn't start worrying about that 3.4 yet but if you want to move into something a little newer, go for it!

I do have to add that my 2014 TRD OR Taco rides and drives worlds better than my old T-100. I know it's not a comparison to the first gen Tacos but my current Taco feels really planted. When I'm off camber or crossing a small ditch, even in the grass, my T-100 would spin the tires, my Taco doesn't, even in the same places. And I'm running the exact same Michelin tire on my Taco that I ran on my T. I think the TRD OR rides and handles great. Of course, I may just be a peasant.

 

Functionality is about the same, 2nd gens have a few more creature comforts like comfier seats and a more modern dashboard... frame wise the 1st gens are fully boxed all the way around, which has partially been the cause for the notorious rust issue. 2nd gens are mostly boxed with the middle being made of a c-channel. 2nd gens have a little more plastic all around, not a bad thing but not great either. The bed is made of a fiberglass resin which won't rust, but you also can't really sand and paint it. It's honestly all down to preference, I don't think 1st gens are the bees knees, nor do I really think the 2nd gens are either. They both just work.

 

I drove a 1999 3.4 auto for 3 years, then went to a 2014 4.0 auto, world of a difference. Rides better, tows better, creature comforts, power, you name it. Saw a lot of debate on here between which was better, but the difference blew me away personally. Had 205k on the 3.4, currently at 135k on the 4.0 with no issues. Check out one of the 2012-15 2nd gens, later year models are usually more refined and the facelift looks better

 

Depends...

Getting groceries, 2nd Gen.

Everything else, 1st Gen.

4.0 makes more power but from a simplicity and reliability standpoint, the 3.4 can't be beat in most applications. 4.0 has a shitty amog pump that when it fails leaves you in limp mode. Realistically the 3.4 needs a timing belt and an occasionally huff of brake clean on the MAF wire. Then kick it down the road for another 100k miles.

I will say the absolute only thing I dislike about the 1st Gen is servicing the front wheel bearing. Requires a press and involves almost killing yourself popping the upper ball joint appart. Aside from that I think personally the 1st Gen was Toyota's last real truck.

Even then I'd consider the last one to be built in 1985.

 

Thanks Slum Lord!
Well, they wouldn't take my cash offer for the 2008. So I think I'll just keep my 2002 for another year and fix up a few minor items on it.

 

reading makes me think im not going to get rid of my 14 for a long time thanks everyone