NEW MBR, INPUT ON A TACOMA PLEASE

Im leaving the diesel world. Im trading in my 06 Duramax Crew Cab Longbed 3500 for a little taco. This is a big step and out of my comfort zone, but im going to see what it is all about, i havent been real lucky with work i got this truck for, so its alot of truck to just commute and maintain. And a money pit for parts.

So im shopping for a tacoma....you you members with your existing knowledge about the toyota packages and aftermarket mods, what would be your plan of action in getting a taco? I go offroad to fish and hunt often around Texas. My Duramax is a pretty nice truck, Im not looking for the best, but im not looking to pick back up another 5 years of payments or get a base model with crap options. But i will be replacing the bumpers and the suspension with a small lift 2-4"

I would really like yalls inputs before i pull this trigger ill be hunting around threads on this forum all day

 

Kinda of a tough thing to advise you on, you are not going to find the same size/power you had.
Just some random thoughts;
If you want gas milage and off road capable , you can try and find a 1st gen 4 or 6 cyl. the 2nd gen will be larger but not get as good gas milage (I drive mainly city and get 15/20 Mpg). I have found them all to be more reliable then the American versions but you will always get exceptions.
As far as packages, meh,they dont make that much difference, looks and comfort. an offroad or sport package will have higher resale value, a 4X4 will have more utility but weigh more and have more mechanical to them. Find a good deal and mod it, try not to use blocks and spacers.

 

4X4 is a no brainer if you are going to hunt.
Do you need a double cab? single or extended,
I have an extended-wish i had gotten the double cab.
REASON-rear is only accessable by moving seat forward-No third door.
Get the 6 cyl--more power--Had the 4cyl too--there is no comparison.
1st gens are a smaller truck--that is what i wanted-smaller truck.
Want a larger one?--2nd(newer) gensre bigger.
Love my 1st generation!!
You may need to LOOK for a while to get what you want. Taco owners keep their trucks.
Keep us posted on your findings.
BTW--I have a diesel (dodge) It HAS Power out the ass--you will not have that kind of power with a small truck.. But the power is OK.

 

i work at a performance and suspension shop for diesels. so i have a basis on what is required and dos/donts

 

You can also "Private message" your replies or questions --Just FYI

 

Good, we never know what you know.

The more you tell us the more we can help.

 

I was in your boat a year ago. Had an 05 Cummins with a programmer 8 inch lift and 38's I loved that thing. I wanted a practical off road vehicle so I sold it for a base 2 door 2012 taco and honestly I loved that little thing but switched it out for a 4 door and couldnt be happier. Suspension wise dont go past 3 inch. Rcd makes a 4 but the crossmember gets cut and you dont gain much ground clearance because of the droppes crossmember. But look into the 2nd gen since they are a little bigger. Only thing I had to get used to was hitting my head on the a pillar because i was used to climing in that cummins, and looking in the mirror stepping on the pedal and not seeing smoke.

 

i deffinatly have found no one gets rid of their tacomas, everyone keeps them, the ones i do find, have like 200+k miles on them and are still selling for crazy prices.....i can get a chevy z71 for less then most tacomas i find, so most people want double cabs, i understand i wont have the power anymore, but if i am in some sloppy mud, do the 6cyl have enough power to spin all 4 tires? i know there is nothing that will stop my tires from spinning now, but if i got in a bind, how do tacomas do with pressure? and how do they do in sand? ive never had a problem with my chevys in sand, i love chevys differentials

 

i guess more information about it would be, the 4x4 will be a reuirement, that was a given i shoulda said it first though

 

YouTube some videos you will see they do great

 

How much were you looking to spend?
Will it be a daily driver AND hunting vehicle?
As for TOUGNESS and easier to find at a reasonable price-
PRE-TACOMA pickup. Ther are many still on the road--and easy to modify.
Since you already have the tools available!!!
Just a thought!
Had a 91(4X4) pickup--only reason I sold it--needed BODY work.
Picture of it is to the left-my avatar.
Was running strong and was tough as NAILS.
I still miss it.
Currently have a 2003--it is tough--BUT NOT like the older 91.

 

Get one youll be happy

 

trd off road would be a good start.

 

I have considered an older body style, are the older engines powerful enough to say pull a medium sized trailer with a decent load on it? Or maybe a shallow water bay skiff? I dont think id need the trd, if i was told right, they have selectable lockers that make them the trd correct? If so i only really need limited slip front and rear because im mostly on dirt sand and trails, im not gonna really use the lockers ever probably, i would like a new body but their resale is crazy, and im hesitant about an older one because power issues?

 

6 cyl recommended-Older pickups are a TRUE 4X4-Solid axle front and rear.
Towing (a 19' boat w/468ci. engine) was OK for short trips-15miles each way-You definately knew it was there-unlike the diesel.
4cyl towing was acceptable-6 would have been much better.

 

Still LOOKING?????
Check craigslist-for local listings.
There are other longer range sights-Never send money as a deposit.
Lots of ripoffs out there.
Auto trader and others are good bets-if you know what you want.
I do know a auction buyer in FLA.
TX has MANY GOOD BUYS- and some nice trucks.

 

As far as older or newer goes... I owned a 91 pickup (3.0 L V6), a 96 T100 (3.4 L V6-same as 1st gen tacos), and a 06 Tacoma(4.0 L)

The 3.0 L engine was noticeably under powered. The 3.4 had some pretty good get up and go to it and was noticeably better than the 3.0. The 4.0, again more power than the other two but not as big of a difference between it and the 3.4 L as the 3.4L and 3.0L in my opinion.

Again, I have not done much towing. Never towed with my 3.0L, I wouldn't have wanted to anyway though.

All three GREAT trucks. Reliable. The '91 and '96 had 250K+ miles on them when I sold them. my 06 has 90k currently.


Hope that helps some and good luck!

 

Sorry guys but i think i have given up on tacomas already, i have been looking everywhere and have come to the conclusion that they are severely overpriced lol i cannot get over why such old tacomas in terrible condition with so many miles can cost so much, their resale value is incredible, i may just have to get a chevy 4x4 instead, they are a dime a dozen, i really wanted a taco but im pulling the trigger this weekend on whatever i find