Differences between 2001 and 2004 Double Cab TRD 4x4s

I am looking at 2 Tacomas.
Both are Double Cabs
Both are Lunar Mist Silver
Both are TRD
Both are 4x4
Both are auto 6 cyl
Both have approx 145000 miles
Neither have had water pump or timing belt changed (I have done that before in my 2004 PreRunner)

2001 is a Limited
2004 is not

Oddly enough both are similar in price.

What options or other differences are there between 2001 and 2004 ?

Thanks

 

Not sure of the differences but when trading/selling, the KBB is going to say the 2004 is worth more.
Something to keep in mind for down the road.

 

The 2004 does not have keyless entry.
Not sure what else Limited package gets me.

The 2004 has several (5) decent sized dents/dings in the left rear door.
Also has a major place on the tailgate where a camper top rubbed it to metal.

Have not seen the 2001 in person yet.

All info appreciated.

 

This thread explains it all.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/87762-what-makes-tacoma-limited.html

 

The 2004 would have ABS and ETCS-i (electronic throttle control) on the 5VZ standard. In 2001 ABS was still an option, and ETCS-i was not yet implemented on Tacos.

The 2001 won't have all the child seat anchors the 2004 has (if that matters to you).

 

I'm ok with seat belting the child seat in (he's 6 mos old).
I assume the only way to check for ABS is to look for the dash light and/or locate the ABS maze of brake lines under the hood.

What is the benefit of ETCS-i ?

 

ETCS-i is a sort of partial 'throttle by wire'. It's not a complete 'throttle by wire' system, where the ECM has final control over the throttle function (like some later vehicles).

In the original ETCS-i system there remained a physical / mechanical linkage between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body. However, in parallel to this the ECM monitored the pedal position (etc., whatever ...) and had the ability to manipulate the throttle opening via a motor in the throttle body. In other words, the ECM could 'tweak' the throttle parameters above and beyond what was done with the mechanical / pedal connection alone. If the electronic branch of this dual control system failed, you still had the mechanical linkage to work with (unlike a total throttle-by-wire system, where electronic failure can mean no throttle operations at all).

The alleged payoffs were modest improvements in fuel economy, emissions, and throttle response. The EPA estimates didn't reflect any such improvements (they actually dropped 1 mpg or so from 2001 through 2004).

I don't know anyone who's claimed an ETCS-i equipped V6 had noticeably better throttle response. Interestingly, the sport / performance model (S-Runner) was the only 2003 - 2004 V6 Taco Toyota **didn't** put ETCS-i on.

The downside was that ETCS-i adds some more wiring and sensors that may eventually cause issues.

 

Thanks EnolaGaia. You a Toyota Tech or what?

Sounds like I won't miss it.

I'm going to look/drive the 2001 tomorrow.

Pictures look good.

I'll have to put new tires on it and change the water pump and timing belt.
(Done it before)

I figure it will need shocks and struts, belts and hoses.

What should be a fair price (private seller) ?

Thanks
jon

 

No - just a long-time Toyota truck enthusiast. I 'live' over at CustomTacos.

I don't think the ETCS-i stuff makes a huge difference one way or the other. But it is a difference.

The ABS actuator (if it's there ...) should be located in the engine bay (passenger side fender wall - back toward the rear corner). You shouldn't have to 'dig' to locate it (or its absence).