1st vs 2nd generation?

I have a small garage and am about to purchase either a 2004 Tacoma or a 2007 Tacoma and would like advise from someone who has had both. The 2004 will fit in my garage better, cost less etc - but the 2007 was a much more luxurious truck...and about 5k$ more...

If you have moved to 2nd gen are you happy with vehicle and why?

 

I hate to say it, but theres guys who love 1st gens here, and hate 2nd gens. Same with guys that love 2nd gens, but hate firsts. They're both good trucks, but my heart goes out to 2nd gens Now go post in the 1st gen forum and see what happens!

 

you should drive both and see how they feel. IMO. i like the 2nd gen better. not bias. my friend has a S/C 1st gen and my truck is still faster. seats are more confy and everything is pretty much more modern. but the 2nd gen is bigger. its all prefrence. i'de still love to own a 1st gen someday.

 

I've owned at least one of each model Toyota has produced. The biggest plus for a 2nd Gen. IMO is the added power. You can build a 1st Gen. or get it right out of the box with a 2nd Gen.

 

I don't get your question, 1st and 2nd gen are different in price, weight, features, motor etc.

What you want the truck for? For a wheeling rig you may like better a 1st gen due to warranty is out, can modify it easily, lower price and many tested aftermarket support, for a work truck you may like a newer truck due to warranty ect.

Me, I got what I pay for so 2nd gen will have to do for both, Daily Driver and Off Road rig, as soon warranty wears out, chopping will be made here and there to make it more off road capable than already it is.

 

I would go with 2nd generation,it's much better then the 1st Technology wise. 1st a little small for me,But since I can't afford 2nd,3rd,or 4th do me fine.

 

thank you to all of you for your thoughts and advice on this thread.
I decided on the 2004 because of the extras, the size and the price... I just couldn't afford the 2007...

So I will own tomorrow a 2004 with TRD and v6 4 door 4x4 (I'm new - so don't laugh if i described it all incorrectly

 

Good choice...I love my 1st Gen!

 

Nice choice, you really couldn't have gone wrong either way!

 

did he also mention he currently owns a Tundra

 

Matt you are an idiot. The 3.4l S/C would obliterate your stock truck in a race. It is at least 2 seconds faster 0-60. Depending on the pulley and tuning it competes with camaro's. Do your homework. Not to mention it is also 60 lbs lighter.

 

Holy dead thread revival!

 

1st Gens has no problems with room in the cab if you get the ext cab version. I weigh 330lbs, I am 6ft 7in Tall, And I have too much leg room in my Tacoma. I have to actually move the seat forward atleast 5" or more.

As for technology, I like the first generation truck more because it was not engineered and developed by Ford Motor Company like the second generation truck was. Do your research, Type in Toyota Tacoma Engineering on the Toyota Website. There it tells that basically the 2nd Gens are Ford Rangers built on a new platform and Ford makes many parts that are interchangeable in the electronics portion of the truck as well as the drive train. The last year Toyota built a real Tacoma was in 2004. Search the Toyota Website and see for yourself.

 

again!

 

Look it up. I worked on many drawings back in 2003 when I worked for Toyota Research and Developement in Torrance, CA. These drawings were then flewn to Toyota City, Japan and approved. Many of the drawings were replica's of the Ranger that we obtained through Ford. The company, After reviewing the files and approving them paid Ford Motor Company 156.5 Million Dollars for their royalties. Its all on the corporate website if you want to look it up

 

Actually I was searching for something on google and came across this thread and had to correct his erroneous comment. As for the truck trend statistic pull up the link. I want to see the complete review and mods. A 3.4l Tacoma with the TRD S/C (trd headers) and URD 7th Injector and 2.2 inch pulley and some tuning will give you roughly 5 seconds 0-60. Nobody runs that truck without the 7th injector. I'm neck and neck with the newer tacoma's and I only have a few natural aspirated mods. I have seen 1/4 mile times printed on slips on youtube 13.3 seconds. Either way Matt is wrong. Supercharged 3.4l owns stock 2nd generation 4.0 taco's.