1st gen Tacoma vs 1st gen Tundra or T100

Hi all! I am new to this site and new to Tacomas. I have been told over and over how great tacomas are and am looking to buy a first gen (because of small size and lower price). I am young and don't have a family so no concern for car seats. I don't need it to last forever, but just for the time being with a new job, etc. I recently saw some listings for 1st gen Tundras (and also a few T100s) that also look nice. I am hoping to get some more information on which might be a better choice. Mostly need it for regular commuting and random hauling for work/my parents. I am buying in the southwest, so usually not many rust problems. Any tips (especially about size, ease, and mileage) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much.

 

Welcome!

Frame rust, regardless of where you live; vehicle could've originated in another state.

Lower ball joints are a must to replace upon ownership (as well as the usual, used car stuff).

You mentioned hauling stuff; depending how much you haul could be the difference between getting a Tundra or getting a Tacoma.

 

Hauling need a full size bed or can you live with the smaller one??

 

Not hauling much at all, just occasional light moving if necessary. I've been checking vehicle origins and where they have been, trying to make sure they are all from the southwest but I will definitely get the rust checked out. Good to know about the lower ball joints!

 

Why not get a 2nd gen regular cab, reasonably priced as long as you don't get 4x4.
Welcome to tacomaworld!

 

I would be happy with a smaller bed, and I'm looking at the extended cabs, I don't need a huge cab either but I prefer the extended cab to the bench.

 

Are the 2nd gens much bigger? I want a small truck

 

2nd gens are mid size pickups, 1st gens are compact. They are considerably smaller, although a 2nd gen regular cab I would also consider to be a compact pickup.

 

If your mostly looking for a commuting truck I would get a Tacoma, a Tundras are a lot bigger and if it's a v8 it's going to suck down gas commuting around the city.

I wouldn't consider a T100 personally, not really any advantage over a Tacoma. Bigger truck with the same drivetrain

 

They are bigger, but regular cabs aren't too bad. I swapped the seats to 4runner seats, direct drop in fit. Not too much bigger.
I just find that older vehicles have more problems than you'd think, 1st Gens are almost 20 years old, and almost a project truck at this point.
Just want to give different options.

 

reliability would be the tacoma 2.4 or 2.7 no timing belt to worry about and these engines have been known to go over 300k so if you found on with 175 to 200k you would still have a lot of miles left as long as it had been maintained , i have a 96 tacoma 2.7 with 244k on it have had a few issues but has been very reliable ,i might possibly know of one it was a 4x4 ll have to check and see if it is still around ,i am east of san diego if you want feel free to give me a call 619 992 4936 Al

 

Tacoma will be the most expensive choice. They did make a few tundras with the 3.4 or a t100 with the 3.4 is another solid choice. I’ve had all 3 and I like the size of the Tacoma best, but if you plan on towing or need more space I’d stick with the other 2

 

1st gen tundra is basically a 2nd gen taco in terms of size with a V8. T100 will have less parts availability in the long haul. I get 18-20 mpg with my 2.7 2nd gen Tacoma at the pump in Los Angeles so if you’re looking for mileage and cabin space that’s the route I’d go - you could get a 4x4 manual access cab 2nd gen with the 2.7 and the added benefit of not dealing with potential for stuck valves in the 3rz 2.7 in first gen tacos as the 2TR has hydraulic lifters.

 

Thanks for all the help! I was definitely leaning towards Tacoma, and I think I still am. I found a 2004 taco with 135,000 for $8,500. Seems like a great deal but it's financed so I have to work that out...

 

I would decide if you want or need 4WD. In my area 4WD adds $2-3k to the price of a truck. There are some good deals to be had on regular cab RWD Tacomas.