My New First Gen Taco

After being on the hunt for a new Tacoma (new to me) for a while I finally found one that had everything I was looking for. 2004 DC 4x4 TRD. Super happy with it and can’t wait to modify it! Only 75k original miles and 1 owner.

 

Clean, nice looking truck! How is the frame, any pictures of it? How much did it run you, if you don't mind me asking?

I looked for a while for mine as well and finally found it a little over a year ago. I wanted an extended cab though. There are tons of first gen. Tacomas around here with varying conditions, but not many for sale, especially clean ones. Congratulations and enjoy the new truck. I actually drive mine more than my new 4Runner.

 

Thanks! The first gen’s are just different haha so I understand why you drive it more than the 4Runner. This is the frame and undercarriage. Doesn’t look to bad, it’s been in Spokane WA it’s whole life and will now reside in El Paso since that’s where I’m stationed, but after I’m out I will be going back to California and that’s going to be it’s permanent home.

 

I paid 20k for it, some people think that’s way too much money and in reality it is a lot to shell out for a 20 year old truck but it’s worth way more than 20k to me and I will appreciate and enjoy this truck for what it is so I’m happy with it.

 

That looks very clean from the pictures! I agree on the price and value, they aren't making trucks like this anymore. They are, I think, just about perfect and the high-water mark for small/medium sized trucks. I believe I paid $16,900 for mine last year and it had approximately 144,xxx miles IIRC and feel the same about it as you do. The guy I bought it from would't budge at all on the price. I had looked for some time for a clean one so I paid the price and don't regret it at all.

I've since done and had done a ton of preventative maintenance and new tires and wheels and other misc. stuff. I absolutely love driving it. I love the 2024 4Runner too, but prefer the Tacoma for most driving. Enjoy the truck!

 

exactly! These trucks were made to last. At 16,900 I think you got a good deal. I really dig those wheels you’re running. Cheers to you and I hope you keep enjoying your taco

 

Absolute score! That truck will last for years if you keep up with the routine maintenance. Don't ever sell it! I've owned each generation of Tacoma and the first gen continues to be my favorite.

 

Well done -- fair price. I paid 18.5 for a similar condition xtracab from Washington back in 2016 so I think you got a good deal, considering the frame is mint. Amazing it still has the foam tabs in the cup holders! Enjoy!

 

Thanks! I’m surprised the frame is good considering it’s from WA, I expected there to be a lot salt since there’s some snow up where this truck is.

 

Put some nice AT tires on it and keep it stock. These are pretty capable trucks, unless. you plan on doing some hard core Off Road Trails and such. I think you definitely scored a winner. I purchased a 03 DC Limited Edition TRD back in 2010. I paid 15k for it then and it had 80k miles. I'll never sell this truck. It will be the last vehicle I own in my lifetime. Drive it and enjoy. Please check your lower ball joints. They are the one weak point on these 1st Gen Tacomas.

 

75k One owner = Gold

nice purchase!

 

Yeah i definitely have that same mindset of “I’m never selling this truck” and I’m keeping it that way! But yes I’m going to definitely keep up with all the maintenance on this truck.

 

Nate27==>
Some reading for ya if unknown when T belt changed..

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-often-should-you-change-your-timing-belt.660218/

 

Very nice truck, it's very hard to find or restore one that has "meat left on the bones" I know did it 3 yrs ago.
2001 prerunner 252,000 miles - $3.5k for it TT&L (spun bearing). Then $2.4k for Jdm motor I installed w/ all the trimmings new Tbelt, W/pump, gaskets etc etc etc another $1k.
Next, Front bearings, 4 new door handles, new headlights, front brake kits, rear brakes pads, shocks, tires, tint, factory radio ebay - all for about $2k. Just now had a fender painted and in process of actually replacing fender myself that cost me another $450 and overall 10,000 hours of blood, sweat and tears cleaning and wrenching! I Love these trucks!
NOW I KNOW WHAT THERE WORTH AND WHY THESE TRUCKS ARE SELLING FOR THESE PRICES. That's an awesome awesome truck dude enjoy it and take care of it.

 

Thanks man! I like your truck too, very clean

 

Deal of the century. I paid $12k for mine in 2004 and it came with 97k miles. I told the owner to tell the bank he was asking $15k and bring me a check for $3k so I could leave it with my mechanic for a couple of weeks to get it in as 'like-new' condition as possible. It was everything that I wanted in a truck when I bought it. I'm just as happy and proud of it now as I was when I drove it home from SC (I live in NC). Today, I've got 372,000 miles on it and it runs as good if not better than it did back in 2004. These trucks are hands-down built to last. It's been beyond reliable and I think we all can agree that we've gotten way more than our money's worth from our trucks.