New Guy

Hey guys dont throw to many stone me to bad, but joined in hopes of learning about tacomas so i could decide which one and what kind to get. Im so ready to get me a taco, but i need advice on whether or not to get a first gen or second. V6, 4 door, trd off road package for both are what im looking at. I have to get used on either since i just bought a house....So is there any real advantage to an 05 or above compared to a 2000-2004 first gen that makes them worth the extra benjamins? Thanks for your help guys.

 

from hawaii!

Each have their pros and cons. If you just bought a house I'd look at a 1st gen though. Older, cheaper, but just as reliable and fun as hell to wheel.

 

Welcome! I love my 2nd gen, but it's personal preference. Be sure to check out the Alabama threads, too!

 

Welcome.

Your question is...pretty big.

The 2nd gens are bigger than the 1st gens. Also, second gens tend to come in a wider array of models and options and trim packets and electronic gizmos. And more plastic.

Fisrt gens are more like the traditional legendary, kickass small toyota trucks that are legend. They are in very high demand, and still fetch a premium over "blue book" prices. They keep value.

You need to tell us a little more about yourself, though.

How would you use the truck? Where would you go with it? Daily driver? Wheeling? Hunting? Camping? Snow? Load of mulch, grave,l and lumber?

What is your budget?

Other than that, I would recommend going to test drive some to get a feel. Check them out on craigslist and go take some drives....

 

Thanks for the welcomes guys. To some it up some more it will be used for daily driver, camping, wheeling, hunting, and zombie hunting...lol just kidding. Im looking for a good reliable truck that can take a beating and keep on going. Ill turn it into an off road machine eventually, but till after the wedding next month a daily driver weekend off road warrior. I love the way the 2 gens look, but was wondering if all the new electronic upgrades were worth the price tags. When off road does one surpass the other. Has to be 4 door b/c within the next year or two plan on bringing a little off road monster into the world and 4 door seems the way to go for family time and camping. Let me know if there's any other particulars i didn't hit.

 

the electronics are really convenient. Rear back-up cameras, A-TRAC, all good to have..but not 100% must haves IMO.
buuut, theres more room in the 2nd gen double cabs.

and as far as wheeling both are excellent offroad, and will start an endless debate about which is "better". In the end, it's all about the driver

 

I agree about off roading is the driver not the truck, but having an awesome truck doesn't hurt...lol. As far as the trd off road packages go on the 1st and 2nd gen compare? I've read that the new auto trans adapts to its driver so you get the most out of it. Is this a big enough one up along with the hill assist and down hill assist functions to make me lean towards the newer modesl. Otherwise a 1st gen makes more since and leaves room for quicker mods. Also i was told that yota's have an unlimited power train warranty. Is this true and is there a year restriction? Thanks again guys.

 

Both have e-lockers, and 4lo gears, but the 2nd gen has A-TRAC, which helps offroad on loose surfaces.

As far as the power train warranty and the 2nd gen auto tranny, you gotta wait until someone else chimes in, cause that's where I suck. haha

 

Welcome to TW from Sparks, NV