Pre runner reg cab rarity

How rare is a pre runner reg cab? I just need a truck to use in the summertime when I need to run errands, not sure if 4wd necessary, seems not many pre runner regs/4wd reg manuals are around?

Did they make the pre runner reg / xtra with a stick?

 

All Prerunners are auto.

Prerunner popularity (and therefore, how commonly Prerunners are to find now) varies by region. There seem to be a lot of Prerunners in California, but relatively few in Colorado.

It sounds like you might be happy with a 5-lug Tacoma. A Prerunner is a 6-lug truck, based on the 4x4 chassis/suspension but with a 2wd drivetrain. All of the big tough off-road looks but without as much off-road capability.

A 5-lug truck is a simple, utilitarian, 2wd-only platform. It was available with a manual transmission. If you're actually using it to haul stuff, the lower bed height makes loading and unloading easier.

 

besides the loading and height aspect, do these have any sort of odd ball advantages vs a 4x4 reg cab? For example is the suspension softer , any quirks with these. I like the look but most of these 5 lug trucks are ratty around me

 

Not really. I guess they're a bit simpler to maintain, and maybe cheaper to buy, but I'd pick a clean 4x4 over a ratty 5-lug if those are your options.

 

I'd take the rusted out ratty 4 x 4 over a 5 lug! :-D

I'd like a 2WD 5 lug for my next project. The biggest advantage is the lower fuel consumption for DD usage as well as the above, though if I had the two in the driveway and someone needed to move I'd take the bigger truck. I'd use the 2WD for lightweight stuff and keep it a highway princess.

 

5 lug M/T owner here.
It's a bit trickier to find aftermarket parts for anything drivetrain or suspension related, due to the 4x4s/pre-runners being more popular.
As long as you pay close attention to trim levels when checking part numbers, it's nothing too crazy.

After typing this, I realize you asked for advantages of the 5 lug...
Already been mentioned, but it is a lot lower. Easy to load things or climb in the bed, yet still high enough to not need a jack for an oil change.

 

Obligatory photos of an x-cab Prerunner for comparison. There are also Prerunners that are not TRD Off Road; whether they made regular cabs - I think so...





I love my 2wd Prerunner. I don't have it for off roading. I have it because I like having a truck to haul stuff around town.

 

I have a regular cab 2000 Preunner.

 

yeah I like the pre runner look, I don’t need 4WD, this would be a spring summer fall work around the house / shop truck for me. My issue is that all the trucks on the north east I see are junk and rusted , especially the 5 lugs, but the price difference for a 5 lug and 6 lug is crazy. I think I would want a stick 5 lug to keep it interesting , but the pre runner or 4wd auto is ok. I’ve heard the bench seat is unbearable? Also, I looked at a mint garage kept 5 lug today . High miles but only used in the summer at this guys beach property. My plan is to use it mostly during summer and spring. It’s 90 here today. I get inside for a quick drive and it’s fine. I turn the knob to cold and it’s still blowing hot air. No air conditioning. From the factory. Couldn’t believe it.

 

Bench seat is very subjective. I don't mind mine but most others seem to hate it. A seat swap is always possible but with a regular cab it requires a but of fabrication work--at a minimum, drilling some holes in the floor, probably a small amount of welding.

I don't think I've ever seen a first gen without A/C. I assume they exist, but the majority seem to be A/C equipped. Turning the knob to cold isn't enough to get cold air, you also have to push the A/C button.

 

Yeah, where the ac button was on this one , was a blank. It also had bucket seats which I’m assuming weren’t original

 

Regular cabs with factory buckets do exist, but I'd be surprised to see buckets without A/C. There are some signs that might tell if it's a factory bucket truck if you're curious.

 

Looked factory, had the center plastic arm rest , and was the right cloth . But no AC it had a blank where the button is

 

2002 Reg cab Prerunner. idk if it's rare.

 

Want to sell it ?

 

Here’s a photo of my’01 regular cab SR5 with S Runner 16” wheels and the “step side” bed. I’ve been trying to find out how rare it might be but can’t seem to find any production figures. Anyone know where to look ?

 

Official numbers not available.
I've not seen anyone dispute or offer better data than my estimate of 12000 stepsides for all configurations.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-first-generation.576595/page-4#post-29386681

 

Not gona sell it, I just bought it!