Tacoma vs Tundra 1st Gen

Yeah, that's really been a gripe of mine with the tacos: space for stuff and people. Yeah, it has "space" for 5 (but with two car seats, there's only room for 4, and anything we take has to go in the bed where it's exposed to the elements. I'm currently wearing my wife down to get a 4Runner. The newer ones have a 3rd row seat, so I can actually take other people/kids with us, and I can actually take things (besides just people) and not have it get wet when it rains.

But don't worry, I'm keeping the taco. I ain't stupid.

When I was shopping for my taco in 05, I could have gotten a new 2nd gen, but I specifically wanted the older body style, I lucked out and found the last year of the 1st gen body style. I didn't *want* the larger body pickup. The new Tacos are as big as the 1gen Tundras. But, I also have the advantage of not being as tall as a tree, so I easily fit in a Taco...

 

This is 100% correct. if you've got car seats, the xtracab will NOT fit them. I wouldn't even consider them an option. When I got my truck, it was pre-kids, so car seats didn't fit in my calculus, but as it turns out, I happened upon a double cab. Glad I did.

 

The mileage on either of these trucks is not high and both platforms are seeing vehicles with 400k+ miles. Mileage shouldn't be a factor in this particular decision, but maintenance could be. Both drivetrains in both these trucks have turned out super reliable, which is no surprise considering the due diligence Toyota does when introducing a drivetrain, or before replacing any existing drivetrain, in their lineup.

 

My vote would be for the tundra: you are tall and you have kids. Otherwise, if you do go for the tacoma, find a double cab

 

If the Tacoma was originally a Pennsylvania vehicle, I would stay away from it especially when looking at the pictures of the frame you posted even though the price of $9,000.00 is an extremely reasonable price. Most first generation Tacomas with this amount of miles are priced well over $10,000.00. Part of this is due to the fact that these first generation Tacomas receive cult like attention from their admirers, and there are not a hell of a lot of good condition ones left out there. If you want a first generation real bad, you are going to want one that resides in the west coast or the southwest. To all those admirers that have first generation Tacomas in good condition in other parts of this country, I applaud and respect you, but we both know that is not the norm with this frame rust issue.
The first generation Tundra will hands down be the more comfortable rig, and it will have more room than a first generation Tacoma.
My family has a 1999 Tacoma Extra-Cab first generation Tacoma. It is completely stock, and it rides hard. You will feel all of the road's imperfections and bumps. This doesn't bother me too much, but my wife points this out to me every single time she has to ride in it. It is also tiny in the back of the cab, and it does not have any doors to the back. I purchased it about a dozen years ago before marriage, house and all of the crap that comes with the first two items I just mentioned. Our old Tacoma does indeed ride hard, the wife hates the fact that it is tall, has a stick shift, and that the bench seat is not to her queen like standards so it is now relegated to house fix it truck where it is used on the weekends to aid in doing house repairs. We are not going to even begin to discuss the how many repairs the fixer upper house needs because that would be way more time than I could possibly explain. House repair is even more difficult due to the fact I married a reincarnated queen. This is completely my fault, though.
As many bad things that my wife hates about our Tacoma, even she would admit that it has been exceedingly useful since we have been married, which is why it won't be leaving this family.
Good Luck,
Paul

 

Thanks for all the replies guys. I really appreciate it. I am trying to go back this week and get the Tundra. If its still there I'll try to get it down to NADA value around 10750. If he can do that and do the timing belt/water pump for $500 and add the BFGs 285/75/R16s I want I think I can squeak out the door for at or under 13K, which would leave me with just putting on some OME 885s I have sitting around and purchasing some OME nitrochargers for front and rear... I can do the AAL later. Plus with the Tundra I think my UWS box from my Silverado will fit in the back. Anyone know if the 72" box will fit? I'd hate to not be able to use my toolbox.

 

How did things turn out? Just finding this thread and I am in a VERY similar situation. All input is appreciated!
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/new-member-and-new-taco.638644/

 

I feel like it's important to note that 150 and 170k on 2003 model trucks is not high mileage. You'll actually still be paying a low mileage premium on any truck that has under 200k. 250k+ is where the prices really start to taper off.

 

I 2nd a tundra if you feelin cramped, the 1st gen tacoma is not wide like the tundra

 

Space isn't as big of a deal for me.. im 5/7'' and no kids. Just like having friends and more gear inside. Mostly care about longevity and enough power to get around the mountains.

 

I have a 1st gen tacoma, but if I had found a deal on the tundra I'd do it.

 

Statistically, both the first gen taco and first gen tundra are reliable, well made trucks. They'll both do well in the mountains and off the beaten path as well. It will prolly boil down to a preference thing for you after test driving both

 

LOL that's an old post!

I did eventually get the 4Runner, and I DID keep the taco:

 

Also consider a tonneau cover for your gear, I highly recommend them.

 

Think I am upgrading to this gem! first gen with under 50,000!
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/denver-2003-toyota-tundra-low-mileage/7021379837.html

 

I'm assuming you bought it because the ad is gone.

 

Ughhh no I passed on it

Back to thinking a v6 first gen Taco is better suited for me.. Even though that was an awesome looking truck if im being honest with myself its not right for me who drives alone with the dog 95% of the time and don't have much to tow around

 

https://helena.craigslist.org/cto/d/helena-2003-toyota-tacoma-access-cab/7022098658.html