Buying first Tacoma - Air bags and anti-lock brakes?

Hi guys.

First post, but certainly not the last. Been waiting for a long time to get started on this project. Looking for a 1st gen Tacoma for my 15yo son. Ideally I'm wanting driver side airbags and anti-lock brakes. Can anyone verify those are standard or tell me an easy way to identify when searching them out online? Something like, "if SR5, then anti-lock for sure, optional on base".

I believe they all have air bags, but came with passenger in later models and other options as the years progressed. Don't care as much about the other options.

I know there are a lot of gripes on the anti-lock implementation in the Tacoma, but I'd still prefer to teach him how to use it since anti-lock is so prolific these days. This isn't a deal breaker though. I can vet the presence of anti-lock when I see the car in person just to double-check.

This will help me narrow down models and trims. Extended cab is another requirement, but I don't think that will guarantee any other options.

Thanks!

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but I think they always had air bags. I THINK passenger sides were implemented in 1998.
Good dad btw for thinking about a Tacoma for his son.

 

I'm not sure when air bags became standard, but my '04 and my son's '01 both have them. (Both trucks are SR5, TRD, V6, 5-Spd, 4X4, Xtra Cabs.)

ABS was standard on all '03 and '04 models. Not sure about '02, but my son's '01 does NOT have it.

 

Get him a 4x4! Or you will end up with a call at 3am that he is stuck

 

^^^^^^^^^THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I have an 01 DC SR5 TRD OffRoad 4x4 3.6L Auto. It has driver and passenger airbags, No ABS.

I've heard the ABS on Gen 1s sucks.

 

To add, I've disabled the ABS on my '00. The pump went bad and I refuse to replace it. When offroading, I don't want something like ABS letting the tires spin when I wan't them to lock.

 

1995-1997 only had driver air bags, from 1998 on they were standard on both sides. While agree he should have 4x4, it will cost substantially more to insure a teen driver with a 4x4 truck. 4x4 automatically drives the cost of insurance up. Probably because people are more likely to try reckless shit with it I'd imagine!

 

I personally believe the ABS makes these trucks more dangerous to drive in slick conditions. I almost went through a guardrail last winter because my ABS tweaked out on me big time. Only thing that saved me were my defensive driving skills. I am not a fan of ABS in Tacomas, it sucked in my 2nd gen, and it sucks in my 1st gen, I wouldn't doubt it sucks in the 3rd gen as well. It's easy to disable if you want, just pull the ABS fuse out and it's gone. You going to get him a manual or automatic? I'd personally recommend a stick shift, good skill to learn.

 

Great replies guys and I appreciate the feedback.

Airbag was most important and it sounds like I'm covered there. I don't think I'm going to make ABS a requirement, but it'll be a nice to have. I will personally test it out and disable if it sucks. I'm waiting for the first snow here in Utah to give him some experience.

We are only looking at 4x4 as we are a big dirt bike family and he needs to get his bike to the desert or muddy track on weekends when I can't ride. Insurance for 4x4 sucks, but you have to pay to play. Big tires aren't cheap either.

Thanks again.

 

This is only because I wanted a Tacoma or 4Runner when I was 16, but my Dad always wanted me to have a Jeep. So, I got a Jeep.

I've done a good job instilling the Tacoma's are awesome attitude from the day he was born. Every time I see one I'm pointing them out and how cool they are. He can spot them a mile away now. I'm looking forward to some nights in the shop working on this truck.

 

02 sr5 prerunners will have optional ABS, mine doesn't have it

 

ABS in the snow makes me so mad... you can lightly touch the brakes but if you try to press them it just clicks as you go flying down the hill...

 

Great bonding time with him. Those are some of the best memories of my Dad was working in the shop with him when I was a kid on his old Broncos and Mustang, learned a lot.

 

Didn't find anything good around salt lake craigslist but here's some boise. Remember, everything will need a little loving when you get it.

It's cheap, but you'll have to do some minor repairs and clean up the interior a bit.
http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/5234377012.html

here's something. will be great as long as he takes care of it.
http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/5197094878.html

this might be good for 4500 or 5k if you can get him down.
http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/5178001768.html

more in other places.
http://provo.craigslist.org/cto/5224463124.html
http://provo.craigslist.org/cto/5192267824.html

good list. look decent. somewhere to start.

 

Thanks for the tips! Some of those are really nice. Ideally I'm looking for a pretty clean model without rust and these are pretty sweet.

Looks like I'm in the $6k-$8k range for a nicer older version. I'm hoping to keep the budget at $8k on the high end. I wouldn't mind a little work though just to have fun with a project. Tires, wheels, stereo, bumpers, lights, etc. are easy mods. I wouldn't mind a top end or new clutch if the rest of the truck was in good condition. I do not want to do body work.