1sdt gen owner has some questions for you 2nd gen owners who were previous 1st gen

I'm pretty attached to my 1997 4cyl ext cab Tacoma. It's been an awesome work truck! I bought it as a high mileage vehicle and in the two and a half years I've owned it, it really hasn't cost me that much to maintain - although I've noticed the fuel economy isn't great - averaging around 20 mpg, for a 4cyl.

I'm at the point where I need to choose to pump some significant money into it if I'm going to keep it longer (engine rebuild, some bodywork and paintjob, some rear leafs). I could do that.

But then at the same time I ponder going with a new 2nd gen - same config (ext cab, 4cyl). I could afford a lease with the potential buyout later. I'm going to go over the pros/cons with my accountant soon, and my friends who have a business mind seem split 50/50 on keeping the '97 -vs- going new.

Some questions I have for you folks:

* When you bought your 2nd gen, did you find yourself wishing you'd kept the 1st gen instead?

* Do you find the build quality and reliability to be at least consistent with the 1st gen?

* Do you find the increased size of the 2nd gen to be any kind of an issue?

* Is there anything at all you'd do differently if you had the chance to go back and purchase that 2nd again?

* I have a LEER flat top canopy on my '97... any chance that would fit a 2nd gen?

Thanks folks, for reading, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

 

I didn't have the '1st gen' but a 93 tacoma truck. Pretty close. I didn't buy my 2nd gen right after selling the older Toyota, but I have always wished I would have just kept it as an extra vehicle. That was a solid truck.

It's hard to compare the quality between the 2 because of all the extra things the newer trucks have, so they have 'more' issues, but are still great quality trucks. The older trucks had less things to go bad, so less problems. The older Toyota trucks seemed better built though.

Personally I like the larger size tacoma, but that's all preference. It can hinder getting into tighter spaces.

I wouldn't change anything with this truck. I love it.

A cap from a 1st gen won't fit a 2nd gen. It's a bigger bed.

Again, I love my truck. I did sell a 2011 offroad and bought a 2013 sport. First was a manual 6 speed access cab. New one is a double cab long bed sport. I would definitely go with the auto. Better gas mileage and acceleration.

 

If I choose to go 2nd gen, then that's my next big dilemma... 4cyl std, or 6cyl auto. I'm almost feeling like I'm done with shifting.

 

I traded my 1999 4 cyl manual extra cab on a 13 DCSB 6 cyl auto TRD sport. I put the 99 through its paces in the 14 years. Loved the truck and it was solid! But I have no regrets at all and I don't miss the shifting. Get a second gen, you will be happy happy happy!

 

I love the look of the 2nd gen's. Bummed that my canopy won't fit a 2nd gen, though...

 

I went from a 2001 extra cab V6 TRD to a 2011 TRD Quad cab.

I MUCH prefer the larger truck. The truck is large enough to have the feeling of space, but small enough to be easily driven around town or down tight trails.

Reliablility is great for both the V6/4cyl models, and I have had no issues with my 2011.

If I were you and it sounds as though money is a major factor, why not buy a near new?

If it were me I would look for a 2009 access cab V6, as the mileage is close between the two engines. I average 18mpg on my lifted double cab V6. 2009+ Sr5 models recieved a nice ipod input, LED tails, and backup camera. These are all things I thought weren't important but now am glad I have them.

A 2009 Sr5 can easily be found locally (As I am near Vancouver as well) for 22,000-25,000.

You could also get into a TRD double cab for around the same price, which is another thing that I highly recommend. I don't have kids but MUCH prefer the double cab to my old extra cab.

A used 2009 V6 Sr5 access cab: $23,000 + tax =$26000
A new 2014 Sr5 Access cab 4cyl standard: + tax,pdi = $35,000
A new 2014 Sr5 Access Cab V6 standard: + tax,pdi = $36,000.

2mpg and $1000 savings is not worth it to get the 4cyl over the V6.

Just some food for thought.

 

+1 on the automatic.

The auto is the same one used on the V8 and is bulletproof.

I have the 6speed manual, and it will be the last Toyota standard I buy. It is bad, even with my TRD quickshift.

 

Money's not really the issue. My business can handle it.

Reliability I think is more an issue.

Probably irrational, but I'm concerned about regret later by giving up the 1st gen.
But then again, shifting gears is starting to get to me. And lack of power.

 

As Forest Gump says, life is like a box of chocolates, you'll never know what your going to get.

 

Not much difference in mpg between the 4 and 6, that would be your own preference.

If leasing new, then the 4 would be cheaper. I'd go new over almost new, as people ask way too much for these things second hand.

Keep in mind as well that the double cab is a much longer truck than the access cab


I owned a 2000 4Runner and a 2002 Tacoma, both were excellent, they were built when toyota trucks were at their best. Too bad they wouldn't last forever!

However, I am very happy with my 2012. It feels like a quality piece, should last me a while

 

That's really it right there. I'm amazed at the prices these things command almost new. That will help later if if/when I'd sell, but it's either keep the '97 or go with a 2013, if there are any left.
I would dump whatever money I WOULD have spent on the '97 as a down payment on a 40 month lease.

 

The 40 month lease has the best rate.

 

That's where I was at last winter. I came very close to buying a 2009 trd sport for $29,500. I walked away from that one, but 2 months later by chance our local toyota dealer had a brand new leftover 2012 trd sport for $32,500. There was an identical 2013 parked next to it for another $4k

 

I have the 6 speed tranny as well. I agree it's not the best tranny. But it's pretty solid and far from "bad" in my opinion.

 

I've had 4 1st gens and I'm on my 3rd second gen. I have an 89 pickup as well and I've owned 15 Toyota trucks total. I have a pretty good feel for them...

My first second gen was an 05 4 cylinder extended cab 4x4 I bought new. It was a great truck. Consistently averaged about 23 MPG until I put some heavier more aggressive tires on it then it dropped to 22. A bit peppier than the early 4 cylinder too. If I didn't have a kid a few years into owning it I would still have it. Extended cabs and car seats don't mix. That said up to that point it was absolutely the least reliable Toyota I had ever owned. Front wheel bearings were toast around 75k (same has held true for my other 2 2cnd gens) the alternator and A/C compressor failed shortly afterwards, shocks were smoked around 50k, and the frame got crustier than I could believe after a few New England winters. But I still loved it. They drive better, tow better, and get better mileage than the first gens. But honestly if I didn't a family I would be rocking a 89-95 extended cab with a 22re. Those were damn good trucks. I wish my 89 was an extended cab. And not rusted to death.