Thinking of making the switch from 1st gen to 2nd gen

Well I have found a real good deal local on an 05 Tacoma TRD Off Road. I'm very seriously considering buying it. Thing is I'd have to sale my 01 TRD Double Cab. The 05 had frame and rear suspension replaced from Toyota recall last May. It's in excellent shape does have 150xxx miles though. My 01 has 165xxx and runs and looks great also.
My question is for those that have experience with both are you glad you switched and why?
I do like to do the wrenching on my truck and hear that the 2nd Gen is a little tougher than on the 1st gen.
Just wanting to hear some thoughts. Thanks in advance Gary

 

I never had any issues with my 1st or 2nd gens, you should be good either way.

 

Does the 2nd Gen have more room as far as seating goes? MPG is about the same isn't it stock for stock? Thanks

 

Yes there is more room in the 2nd gen, power feels about the same but mpgs are a little less

 

I think you'll regret it, I almost did the same thing and I'm glad I didn't go through with it. There's just something about a 1st gen.
But you're not me, you may love it. Good luck with it.

 

I've always been a big fan of the 1st gen's looks and reliability. Seriously considering it but just completely undecided. Haha

 

Little less on the 2nd gen? Thanks

 

I recently made the switch. LOVED my 1st, but wanted upgraded features and more room. My new 12 is much wider and I don't feel as crammed with my little family in there. I can fit my Wife, Dog, and baby seat along with one other person no problem.
it also seems you can find a whole lot more accessories to add to your build with a 2nd gen than a 1st gen. IMO the interior is much nicer as well.

 

Yes, about 1 or so less on the 2nd, l owned access cabs and the reverse opening doors made it much easier to use that extra interior space.

 

I just traded my 03 DC for a 2015 DC TRD. Have only had the newer truck for 2 weeks but no regrets.

 

Unless you're cramped in a first gen or your wife/kids are complaining about the old interior, stay with what ya got.

 

Thanks very helpful

 

I have no real issues with mine at all. Little tight as I'm 6'1 but honestly not bad. Not used much as far as whole family trips (wife's van). Thanks

 

i would make the switch, just my opinion

 

I may be the odd ball here. I feel the driving position of the 2nd gen is cramped and the sight lines worse than the 1st gen and earlier 79-95 trucks. The interiors are more car like in the 2nd gen but I think that's at the expense of space. Deeper dash, larger console and door trim. I'm used to it now but remember feeling a little claustrophobic at first. I'm 6', 175 lbs and wouldn't really want to be any larger in my truck.

 

The trucks are too close mileage wise, and from your description, condition wise, to make financial sense from a wear standpoint.

Your only rationalization can come from how you use the vehicle and what you need feature wise.

Only you can make that pro/con list and compare.

 

Very true... I just am bad a making final decisions and thought well maybe there's something someone might say that only comes from having owned both..

 

im about 6'3" and 220 pounds and i fit comfortably in my 09. not claustrophobic at all

 

So the question is what does the '05 do for you that the '01 doesn't?

And if there is something, is it worth spending the money to get it?

Debt is the enemy. Spending money for things that are not needed is one reason so many have so little financial security.

You are wise to proceed with caution, as only you know your financial picture.

 

Have you owned any older Toyota trucks? I only had a 2001 briefly (about 6 months) but it was very similar in feel to my 1991, which I had for 16 years. I had both the '91 and '08 overlapping for a year and there seemed like more shoulder and leg room in the older trucks. The A-pillar is massive on the 2nd gen compared to them, too.

Like I say, I'm used to it now but the old tin box cabs felt less cramped to me. I don't have much frame of reference beyond that, though.

It's also possible that the 4 door trucks are different. All of my trucks have been XtraCab or Access Cab and all stick shifts. The floor was lower on the old trucks, too, with mile long shifters in comparison.