Reliability of a first generation tacoma

He means there's more computer operated stuff vs manual operated stuff. Ex:the 4x4 shift. Manual lever on 1st gen vs push button computer actuated. Push button 4x4 is notorious for being problematic

 

this.

the TPMS is another "feature" on the 2nd gens that is very useless IMO and causes problems. People should be checking their tire pressure as part of routine maintenance. I also find it odd that I'm expected to off-road at pavement pressures.

Hell, I didn't want powered locks and windows but that was the only way to get the TRD package. I get confused talking to people that are looking at the top of the line GM and Dodge trucks with every single doo-dad thrown in. I'm asking myself,"is this a truck that I'm going to drive through hell and high water to get a job done or is this a grand marquis with a ton of trunk space?"

 

Very nicely put tomtom!!

 

However, my parents think that I am crazy buying a first generation. My dad thinks that they will break down and have problems.

 

All vehicles will eventually breakdown and have problems.

If you value more years of trouble free use, get a newer Tacoma.

If you value more money for mods, get an older one.

Both drivetrains on the 1st and 2nd Gens are pretty solid. Toyota prizes durability over performance. You can't go wrong with either. Just need to decide what you value.

I know I'll get another decade out of my truck (11 yrs old, 125k miles) but I know that it'll require work along the way.

 

Ha! isn't that the truth my ex-girlfriend bought her Jeep Liberty at the same time I bought my Tacoma and she paid about the same price and she's put a ton of money into it and the resale value on it is crap.

My Tacoma is still holding it's value in fact someone offered me $16,000 just the other day.

 

What I like about the first gen is that it's compact and I can take it on tighter road and trails. However, the second gen seems as big as a t100.

Thank you for all the advice. I may look at a later model first gen from 01-04.

 

From my personal experience, I had a 2012 DCLB that I love. Yes, I used to have it, but I still love it. Sold it due to the fact that I had a child on the way. As a matter of fact, he was born nine months after we bought the truck new off the lot. Apparently, we celebrated too hard.
After I sold it, I found a 2001 DCSB and the child seat barely fit, but we bought it. I love this truck as well. As far a cost of ownership goes, even with the free oil changes, the 2012 cost me FAR more to take it in due to warranty (and not wanting to void any part of it) than the '01 has cost me. That being said, I live in Alaska and due to that, only half of my oil changes were covered by the extended warranty plan.
I think that the '01 with the 3.4 has proven itself, and while the newer 4.0 seems like a good engine, it hasn't had the time to really say it's been tested. I actually bought the '01 due to my experience with the Tacoma line, but also because I own a '96 4Runner with the same 3.4 engine and 250,000 miles on it.

My $.02

 

When I had my 2012, I parked next to a buddy with an '02 Tundra and the dimensions of the vehicle is almost identical.

 

The second gen tacomas are basically mini Tundras. I miss the classic style of a Toyota compact pickup as is rightfully represented by a first generation tacoma.

 

I bought my 01 new in Jan of 01

I just hit 155k miles on it 2 weeks ago, the only problem I have had is, I had to change out the clutch master cylinder about a year ago, other than that, the only money I have spent is on normal wear n tear parts like brakes, tires, belts etc. And some exhaust work that I wanted to do to it but was not necessary, as the factory exhaust was still in good shape.

As other`s have stated, if you buy used, it is always nice to buy a vehicle that was well taken care of.

Oh, and the 1st Gen`s look better

 

how reliable are the 3rz-fe engines? It seems that its so hard to find a 1st gen tacoma with a 3rz-fe engine, AND with 4WD (auto, or 5 speed)

 

That is the 2.7 right? From what I've heard it's just as realiable as the 3.4 v6, which is unstoppable

 

Yes,2.7 is 3RZ-FE
3.0 is3VZ-E
3.4 is 5VZ-FE
2.4 is 2RZ-FE

 

I have a '04 XtraCab 4WD with a 3RZ. It's manual everything (which I prefer) but has cruise, A/C and some other convenience stuff. Heck, it even has a tape deck

The transmission gearing took a little getting use to (1st gear too short, 2nd gear too tall) and the 3RZ won't win any drag races but its a very solid engine...which is why I bought it.

 

Lucky dog,my 95.5 was stripped to ac,am/fm, and 2 spd wiper. Everything else manual. Leaves lots of room for upgrades. Only thing I got to do inside truck is intermittent wiper!
my 96 was exactly the same except it had cassette.

 

I neither agree with this statement.
I have a 2003 2.7L 4 cyl., single cab 4x4.
Yes within a year I outfitted it with aftermarket coil overs, rear shocks and leaf springs (Billy 5200s on the front and 5100s on the rear).
But I have not had to do any extraordinary maintenance apart from oil, lube and filters until now as I am refurbishing the whole front suspension.
I have over 150k on her at this point.
Some years back I was considering buying another 03 or 04 just to store it until this one died. Its not going to die

 

Just some 2cents. 2004 tacoma 2.4L base 5-speed manual with 284k
Still purrs like a kitten.

 

Just thought I'd step in here. I got my truck in May of 2013 with 155k miles on the clock. The PO didn't change the oil every 3k miles, but instead at every 5k miles. The tires were dry-rotted, original suspension from 2001, non-cared for transmission and some engine issues due to him not caring for it. And had been in 3 previous accidents as well. As of now, I am at 182,416 miles. And those were hard miles. Towing and hauling lumber, sheetrock, bricks, marter, and various other items. I also drive it hard, or as if I had a muscle car. And to this day it hasn't let me down, even with me torturing it and acting childish. Now, however, I am going to calm down and start getting my little truck right in terms of mainenance so I can keep it for as long as possible. I couldn't be happier with my decision to get a 1st gen. Oh also, it still has the original water pump, timing belt, thermostat, and fuel filter.

 

Wow , you still with original TB WP with 182K miles ...nice !
When are you planning to do the Timing belt and Water pump change ?
I think I'm going to do it whenever 93,000 around end of 2020
and or I may strech my luck at the 20 years mark 02-2022 (113,000)
really depends on the $ future scenarios.