1st gen or 2nd gen?

I have a 98 and love it. It has the 2.7l motor so good on gas even with 33x12.50 and great with lockers i pulled out the squad truck with my Tacoma and very proud of that. so i gotta stick with the Fisrt Gen

 

first off, 1.5 Gen FTMFW.

second, I've gone over this thread a million times, and really, they are 2 different trucks, people don't compare the Ford ranger to the f-150. The 2nd gen's are bigger than the old tundra's..

I own an 01 1.5 Gen. and have contemplated getting a 2nd gen, but there are wayyy too many problems for me to ever spend money on one. they are definitely bigger and more comfortable on a long drive. but without searching I can think of these problems that keep me away from the 2nd Gen.

rear leaf problem
temp gauge problem
paint scratches easily
tailgate is flimsy
taligate's come off with no bolts (stolen tailgates)
the need for UCA's when you lift with bigger tires
manual trans problems
floor mat/stuck gas pedal
05's had motor mount problems
ticking noises from the engine bay
I'm sure im missing a few.

yes I know some 98-00's and even some 01-04's have rust issues, but that's our only issue.

IF toyota would harden the fuck up and build the trucks they are known for building, the 2nd gen would be amazing, but toyota has definitely failed us all with the quality control.

 

haha..my 2009 doesn't have any of those problems...get a reg cab 4x4 and avoid the problems ...well unless someone tries to steal my tailgate or something...lol...if that happens i'll just get an air gate...i do miss my 1988 toyo truck sometimes....they really aren't that much different...just electronic stuff and a lil bigger nowdays...it reminds me of my old truck every time i get into it...i guess that's part of the reason i bought it

 

Mr Rab, you definitely have a misconception of a modern toyota truck.
1: There is no "leaf pack problem"-The trucks brought to the US come with 3 leaf packs, and there is nothing 'wrong' with 3 leafs. The only reason we get them is b/c the general public desires a softer ride. Now, if you want a stiffer ride with additonal load carry capacity then get an additonal leaf. This can be accomplished free of charge with toyota's TSB, which does NOT constitute as a 'problem'
2:temp gauge on my 09 has no problems
3: paint has been brushed across california cactus and I have no scratches. There is this crazy new technology called wax!
4: Tailgate has been reinforced for 2009- I carry 2 suzuki motorcycles each weighing approx. 250lbs
5: You dont NEED UCA's after lift and bigger tires; UCA's are designed to accomodate additonal caster angles to improve steering control, wheel travel and strength. No, you do not need them.
6: I drive the snot out of my 6speed, and not only will it destroy your 5speed at a stop light but I'll get better MPG then 1st gens on the highway. I have no problems with it.
7:Floor mat stuck? Is that a joke? The gas peddles got stuck on lexus cars, not the trucks therefore toyota went overboard and sent out warning letters to all toyota vehicle owners about stuck gas peddles.
8: My engine runs smooth, no ticks, just smooth power and torque to run down the 1st gens.

The 2nd gens are smaller than the old tundras.
I cannot speak for others, but thankfully the quality of my 2nd gen is superb.

 

I agree. I love my 09 and the only issue was with transmission shifting with automatic which has been corrected by a TBS re-flashing. I have owned other Toyota cars since 2006 and floor mat issue never crossed my mind... that was blown way out of proportion by that accident in Calif. Since recall, I have even TRIED to cause this to happen and could not even with all weather mats unsecured on top of stock mats. Tailgate to easy to steal (no bolts) could be considered an oversight and does have some merit. Pop-n-lock solves that one. Engine ticking... Most 4-6 cylinder motors of all brands do this... nothing new. I just with they offered power bucket seats on the Tacoma!!

 

The leaf pack is a problem for the guy who buys a Tacoma for his landscaping company, then when he fills it with his work stuff, it drives like some pos. sure it's a simple fix, and free of charge, but with a brand new truck you shouldn't have to get things "fixed" just to be up to par.

I never said your temp gauge had problems, but have a read here and see how many people are having problems...
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/18497-overhead-compass-temp-fix.html

Here is ONE of many threads talking about paint staining and chipping very easily http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/11266-silver-owners-anyone-having-trouble-their-paint.html

Good, I'm glad the tailgate has been reinforced for 2009, so it was only 4 fucking years it took them to realize it's a truck and people use the tailgate too!

You don't NEED UCA's but as you can see here it is highly advised in the 2nd Gen. section of the board http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/40470-ucas-alignment.html

I wouldn't go as far as "destroy" but it is definitely faster I'll give you that, now if yours will make it down the whole track is another story, here are the manual trans complaints http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/54657-official-2009-manual-trans-pos-thread.html

I heard about the floor mat problem on tacoma's too.... yea it's fixed. good

Either your a liar or your music is too loud, here is "one fix" for one of the ticking noises you'll soon start to hear http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/43632-ticking-engine-one-fix.html

so there you have it! that good sir, is why I feel that Toyota has dropped the ball.

and just remember, your truck came from my truck.

 

i had a 2000 4x4 that got recalled, and just recently got a 2010 4x4. i loved my 2000.............. its still a bit early to state how they compare, but i do like the extra room.

 

No, the leaf pack is not a 'problem.' If the guy who owned the landscaping business realized that he was going to carry heavy loads, a beam of light would appear over his head and he would think, "AH, I'll get a FULLSIZE truck to carry heavy loads!" You have to consider that the public desired a softer ride, thus a 3leaf pack and a smaller truck. And I don't consider the TSB a "fix" but more an option.

Of course UCA's are recommended, they're recommended for every single independent suspension truck that has been lifted via spindles, spacers, shocks etc. and are fitted with oversized tires. Recommendation is different than necessary.

Well I certainly hope my engine doesn't begin ticking... so far it hasn't

With that said, I love all walks of trucks, ford, chevy, isuzu, nissan, and 1st gen taco's but I chose the 2nd generation taco for many reaons. And just remember, my truck can drive OVER your truck

 

I have 285/70R17 AT's tires, and I can also get my truck into proper spec. However, stock proper settings are not optimal. This is a common misconception. For better performance and control you need aftermarket UCA's for additonal caster angles that cannot be otherwise reached with stock UCA's

 

Bring it on...

 

What if the guy wants a midsize truck to do his work with?
If it was an option, it would be offered in a package when you buy the truck, but it is not offered now is it?

FYI my truck can drive OVER your truck, 1st gen's are taller

 

I really wish that toyota wold make these trucks (4wd) with solid front axles again like they used to. Really just start making them real bullet-proof like they used to be.

 

EXACTLY reason #1 that I am trying to pass my '09 to the wifey and pick us/me up a 2001-2004 DC OR model. I think each gen is better for a particular thing, and which you say is "best" depends on your needs. For off-roading, I think the 1st-gens are better in just about every regard, which is why I'm hunting one down now (for a reasonable price).

1st gens better off-road because:
1) they're taller, better native ground clearance, by 2" or more. Think about that, a 3" lift w/ 33" tires on a 1st gen gives BETTER absolute ground clearance than a 2nd gen w/ 6" of lift and 33's
2) lighter by about 400lbs
3) shorter wheelbase, by 6",
4) 4" narrower track.


2nd gens are better for the general public because:
1) larger interiors, more roomy, more comfortable
2) larger motor. People like larger motors.
3)More cushy ride
4) more "aggressive" styling. People like looking like posers I guess. I don't know. I used to hate them, but honestly anymore I do think they "look" better than the 1st gens, esp. when done up w/ a good lift/tire combo & some armor.

I agree with most of the 2nd gen lovers, the "droopy's" of the 1st gen are not as visually appealing as the clean, aggressive lines of the 2nd gens.

 

How much did toyota give you for your 96? if you dont mind me asking

 

2nd Gen. I think my first gen '99 regular cab was better quality, but we really like the space of our '10 access cab.

Tim

 

Wow! You just dissed all 2nd gen owners with stock Comas.

 

nah man just a joke actually, sort of in reference to what someone else said a few pages ago!

I actually OWN a 2009 DC OR model. I LIKE the way they look better than the 1st gens now. Didn't used to, but anymore when I see a well-equipped 2nd gen… makes me question wanting to build up a 1st gen. Just because of those sexy looks.

I have a wondering eye…