Pros and cons of a 1st Gen over a 2nd?

I love my truck, 2011 Tacoma 2.7 SR5, but I was just laid off from my job recently and am trying to find ways to cut costs. The insurance and licensing fees on such a new truck are outrageous so I was maybe thinking of selling it and buying an older Tacoma with hopefully less than 150k on it. Are there any certain years I need to stay away from? What years are the best? I want an extended cab with the V6 and manual transmission. I could insure it with liability instead of full and the licensing fees would be considerably cheaper.

This isn't written in stone, and am not entirely certain I am going to do it yet, just up in the air right now. Thanks guys!

 

its a first gen, they are all good id shoot for a 97 to 04. but youll pay a decent amount for a clean one with low mileage

 

What mileage is considered too high do you think? Would say 250k be considered high? I know they can go go go like a Toyota should, but I would like to know the approximate mileage when they start having issues.

 

150k< is totally fine. If its over 100k, make sure the Timing belt was done and water pump at 100kish.

clutch condition would be something to look at too.

 

You'll get 10 different opinions here, from 10 different guys. And it depends on what you are going to do with the truck.

IMHO, 98-2000 are the best years for my style of moderate wheeling, because :
- manual hubs are still available - AND -
- no more distributor

However, if you really need a double-cab, then you'll have to settle for 2001+.

 

he wants a V6..no distributor at all on the 5vzfe on any year.

 

I bought my 01 with 150k already on it and she's still a beast. Biggest things to check for is frame rust or rust in general. I'm still on the original clutch too and I thought I blew it but it's still going. I personally enjoy the 01-04 models but the 95.5-97 models are growing on me.

 

I want an extended cab, never cared for the 1st gen double cabs..

Yeah, I was leaning towards a 01-04 bodystyle, love that grille and headlight design.

 

Hey Monte how's life been treatin' ya? Still in Powell? I am back home for awhile, probably going to go to school in Butte this fall. Sure miss riding my 4 wheeler out on the Polecat bench, some fun climbing back there!

Definitely want the V6, yes. The 2.7 in the 1st gen was before the Dual V-Vi or whatever came along. While I love my engine, I could sure use more power, and I think the old V6 gets about the same mileage as my current 4.

 

One con that affects me due to a lot of driving is the small fuel tank. Only 15 gallons compared to your 21 gallons. Gas mileage is about the same depending on the condition, etc. Harder ride. And some harder plastics. Other than that, pros would be theyre bulletproof lol. Mine has so many issues with it due to being neglected by the previous owner with over 170k miles and still runs like a champ. I drive a lot and use it like its supposed to be used. Never gave me any issues. Just make sure its in good mechanical condition before you buy.