1st 2 3rd gen regrets?

For those of you that have gone straight from a 1st gen to a 3rd gen Did you have any regrets other than financial ones? Trying to decide if I want to upgrade to a newer or new vehicle from my '04 2.7 4X4 5sp X-cab. Off road capability not a concern. Thanks.

 

I have had all 3 generations of Tacoma's, no regrets at all.

 

I still have my 2004 Tacoma, so my opinion may not be as applicable. However, I'm quite pleased with my 2020 AC MT in no small part because I was able to get it with a Manual Transmission (I bought the 2004 used in 2007 so had to accept the AT). The swing-out doors, bed management system, electronics (including back-up camera), Apple CarPlay, and the driver's power seat are huge quality-of-life improvements over the 1st Gen.

One thing I have noticed. My 1st Gen Tacoma feels more solid. It seems quieter and heavier than my 2020. Maybe it's the composite bed of the 3rd Gen that makes it feel lighter or maybe Toyota is optimizing its manufacturing process and producing lighter vehicles, but it sounds a bit "tinnier" when closing the doors. However, overall, I'm very happy with the 3rd Gen.

 

Went from an '04 Xtra Cab to a '19 Access Cab almost exactly 2 years ago. No regrets.

Safety, comfort, and convenience are massively improved. If you are average size or bigger the 3rd gen is also much more comfortable, 1st gens are short on elbow room. Love the swingout rear doors. Only drawback to me is the expectation that long term reliability will be lower with all the "improvements".

As the final year of 1st gen, the '04 is likely as reliable as they get. The smaller size by nature made it more off road capable. Mine was a manual and when it came time to sell that turned out to be an asset. Many potential buyers shyed away, but the ones that didn't were all serious buyers. Your '04 is a highly sought after truck, take your time if you decide to sell you'll get top dollar for it!

 

My experience going from 1st to 2nd gen was similar. Materials and build quality feel overall cheaper, more like a Lego truck.

In contrast, when I went from my 93 pickup to my 01 Tacoma, it felt like a significant upgrade.

 

I have more room now. The truck is smoother and quieter. I don't have confidence this engine or transmission will last like the 3.4 v6 I used to have. The plastic, lightweight, snap together model feel of this truck depresses me every time I get in it. I leaned on the front end the other day with the hood up and it deflected in a disgusting amount - I thought I was going to shatter it by putting my elbow on it. I'm not buying any new vehicles after this - if this ever craps out I'll get an 80's vintage truck or Land Cruiser.