A

I finally had enough money saved up last summer to buy a decent used 4X4 Tacoma. I have loved Toyota pickups for pretty much my whole life. I really wanted a 1st gen access cab V6 stick shift with under 130,000 miles but could never find a decent one close enough to home. I eventually "settled" on a grannie-gold 2nd. gen double cab with a 6 speed manual and very low miles.

I love the 1st gen Tacomas so much that I never stopped looking for one. Finally last weekend a car lot about 60 miles away had one that met my requirements. I made the drive fully intending to trade in my 2nd gen truck for it. The 1st gen truck was in awesome shape, but I shocked myself at how quickly I got really bummed on the 3.4L acceleration and the ride of the 1st gen truck. Reminded me way too much of the Ford Ranger I used to have, though I know Tacomas are superior in every way.

Mostly, I was surprised at how accustomed I'd become to the cushiness of my 2nd gen truck. I left the test drive totally cured of looking for a 1st gen. I still prefer the look, the size and the manual transfer case of the 1st gen Tacoma. But I love the power, elbow room, on-and-off-road comfort of my 2nd gen more. I get around 19 mpg in mixed driving, which I've heard is equivalent to slightly better than than the 3.4L V6.

I tried to show my wife how to correctly use the 4wd in my Tacoma and how it was not "automatic" like her CR-V. Within seconds she interrupted me and said it was more than she wanted to even attempt to learn and she will NEVER NEVER EVER touch the 4wd switch. Even a poser electronic transfer case is too much for her, let alone an awesome manual t-case.

Long story short, that's how I came to prefer the 2nd gen. You can disagree or think I'm a douche and I won't be mad. Just curious who else grew into liking the 2nd gen better?

 

You're totally right. the second gen is essentially a bigger, more car like vehicle. If that's what you like than good for you.

 

I like the reliability and quality of the first gens. That's what blew me away when I was first looking for a truck but agreeing with you, I kinda fell in love with the power and ride of the 2nd Gen. Plus I got my 05 trd Offroad 2wd with 70k miles for 13,000. I would be a idiot to not go for that deal. Lol

 

Its called Modernization.

 

More power and cushier seats you can mod brah the exterior look you can't really change without major body work

 

Can't really change interior room without major body work either

 

Not talking supercharged ... Cold air intake tuner underdrive pulley header exhaust cats

 

gains you maybe 3 HP.

 

Sexercise brah lose some weight you don't all that room do ya

 

I can agree with that!

 

...I can't even understand what he is trying to say.

 

I still like both models. I looked at some 01-04 DC's for a little while back around 08. I never found one I was willing to buy at the miles vs price they were asking. When I finally did, it was a bit rusty underneath, and I found out it came from Alaska, so I passed on it, even though it was very clean otherwise. It took me a while to like the 2nd gens. But I'm pretty happy with my '13 so far, and probably couldn't be separated from it now. So, I can see where the OP is coming from. I still really like the look & size of the 1st gen DC's though.

 

I have always loved the first gens, but I am 6'2" and 280lbs. I just never fit good in them. Even my second gen is a little short for me, but I love it!!
To the first genners, Keep rockin' them, I love seeing them on the road!!!

 

I few of my buddies had 1st gens with over 250,000 on them and no problems. so when I was ready for a truck I new I wanted a tacoma but I wanted a new one with a warranty. They are both good trucks. Mine is just bigger and more like a car inside.

 

1st gens are great trucks. I love my second gen very much though and dont have to deal with CV breakage, rusty frames, and weak rear section frame that the first gens bring.

 

I absolutely loved my 1st gen. Bought it new a drove it 230k miles. I can't deny that the 2nd gen is not as much of a truck. The 1st gen is just a nasty, gnarly Tonka truck. Small, light, very purpose built, no frills and cheap. The 2nd gen is without question more SUV-ish, and in my case it's not a bad thing, although I sure would have liked this truck to cost $3500 less.

The only thing I miss is a real lever for the 4x4. A little switch on the dash is lame, there is no fanfare in that.

 

All I can say is if Toyota hypothetically still sold 01-04 DC today but with the 2nd gen interior, I'd buy one over my 2nd gen DCSB without hesitation, 3.4L V6 and all. Love my 2nd gen, but the tighter, sleaker body style of the 1st gen has always been to my preference. People nag on the 3.4L for supposedly being gutless, but it is a solid engine that fits nicely with the size of the 1st gen.

 

2nd gens FTMFW