1st gen Tacoma vs 1st Gen Tundra

Looking for opinions on 1st gen Tundra - our 02 Tacoma Double Cab needs an engine and in the interim this '05 Access Cab w/ 62k miles caught our eye. SR5, 4wd. Appears minty. Going to look at it early in the AM. Priced at the top end of KBB/NADA and yet to find out if timing belt/water pump replaced (I'm assuming it hasn't). Low mileage Toyota trucks seem to hold there value so I probably can't go wrong - but looking for some Taco owners opinions. We used our Tacoma mostly for towing a motorcycle trailer and light truck duties. Really wish MPG was better but the extra HP/Torque of the 4.7 V8 will be greatly appreciated to the 3.4. Thanks in advance.

 

05 was the most powerful year of the 1st gen Tundra owing to the VVT-i that was added. Super solid trucks as a whole though; my family had one for about 5 years and never had a single issue. As per usual with the Tacomas, which applies to these Tundras too, make sure to check it well for frame rust. Almost nowhere to go wrong on the purchase with a clean truck like this, and it'll serve you well for the towing/truck duties!

 

Appreciate the feedback. It's priced at $15,900. Clean carfax, same owner for past 12 years who put 22k miles on it. Hoping to negotiate based on 6 year old tires and unknown timing belt/wp. Feels like all the money but given used car prices these days, and new truck prices it's a bit more palatable. We've also been looking at FJ Cruisers but 100k mile rigs in the 2010+ MY are a $25k commitment, which is more than I'm willing to spend at the moment.

 

That bed is an eyesore, otherwise solid deal if rust free

 

Can't say I've ever seen a stepside Tundra, but that looks to be in great shape. Got any underbody photos? Let us know what you find. And, at least where I live, the pricing is just about what you'd pay for a similar year/condition (1st gen) 4WD Tacoma. Given that, and if it's in good shape, I'd jump all over it. 1st gen Tundra is my favorite, especially with the V8.

 

Yeah that booty and those PT cruiser esqe tail lights are the best....

 

We ended up buying it. Garage kept, not rust whatsoever on the truck, including the undercarriage. Seller would not budge, even with no known history of the timing belt I decide to pay and instead of walking. The recent BAT sales made the pill easier to swallow.

 

Great decision, you'll enjoy it and you got a great deal as well! I was actually going to send those BaT sales last night but forgot.

 

Seriously this is the engine that half the 5vz's wish they had....
and they're already use to the milage.......just a fact of life...
Great truck.....

 

Ran the Moroney label and it has more options that I thought - Towing pkg, limited slip and cold weather.

 

Good for you, congratulations! I personally am not a fan of the look with the shell, but if it's useful to you, enjoy. You'll note that none of the BAT offerings were a stepside - definitely a unicorn.

 

Once you see it you can't unsee it!!!

 

The truck has really good possibilities, for the right collector its a really nice truck..
The others are a dime a dozen.....and most pretty sad looking by now....

I would paint it, would look stunning in the right color......and after market grill to go with that color......
.....not a fan of white....thats color of my bosses new tundra work truck....shows every little ding....dime a dozen....

 

With only 62k miles, I'd have the timing belt inspected for cracks and wear. Does this 4.7L timing belt have to changed every 100k miles like the 3.4L engine.
I will say this, thats a dam fine looking truck. I can't say that I've ever seen a step side Tundra like that. Like other posters have stated, that might have some serious collector value to the right buyer. How about posting some pics of the interior for us to see.
I think the rear end looks more like some of the 60's station wagons.

 

I dropped it off and just had Toyota go ahead and do the timing belt, water pump and an oil change. Decided to just pony up the $$$ now and not worry about it.

 

Very clean truck! I think you did good, OP.
I own both and I really enjoy my 06 Tundra. Feels solid and the ride is very comfortable versus the Tacoma.
Good call on the timing belt too. While your at it, if you have the money or the time, I would change out all the fluids to new, just for the peace of mind. The coolant, brake, tranny, power steering, and diff. People often forget about those areas.

Check out Tundras.com for a fourm. Lots of info.

 

My 06’ Tundra has 305k on it and runs strong. Same engine and trans. Timing belts must be done every 90k, Toyota wants about $1,800, and if the secondary air injection goes out Toyota wants about $4,000, or you can do the Hewitt bypass for $175.

Great drivetrain and probably one of Toyota’s best engines 2UZ. Girlfriend has an 07 sequoia with almost 200k on it. I plan to keep these around for a long time.

 

My 05 has been a fantastic addition to my fleet. I still prefer the tacos. But this truck rocks for hauling the Tacomas and other projects around. You’ll love the thing… even with the eyesore they call the stepside

 

Good to see these tow OK. I towed a few Miatas on I haul trailers with my Taco but nice to have the V8 power now.

I did order a tailgate mounted backup camera to pair without the new Android Auto Stony Double Din I'm putting in. Truck feels significantly bigger than the Taco and I'd like to have some sense of where that back bumper and those fat hips are!

 

Awesome Truck.