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

Exactly...

As far as a financial standpoint the '05 is priced low enough I am looking at only making up about 1000 to 1500 difference after selling mine. Which isn't going to hurt one way or another just trying to decide if I really want to... Thanks again very good advice

 

I've had both and I greatly prefer the 1st gen. If I ever buy another truck that only has 260 lb.ft of torque, weighs over 2 tons and gets 15 MPG, it will be an 80 series Land Cruiser not a 2nd gen Tacoma.

 

I had my 2002 extra cab and my 2006 access cab at the same time. I much prefer the gen 2, more comfortable, more power and better looking. If money is not a concern it is a no brainer to switch to me.

 

One other thing is I know the timing belt on the 1st gen needs to be done around 100xxx mile intervals. What's the rule on the 4.0's timing chain? Has 145xxx and hasn't been done eve . Thanks

 

Actually found this information after I got home and had time to do some thread searching.

 

Hell my 80 series gets around 12 MPG and its stock.

Hey OP if you want a little more room than do it. If your fine room wise keep it. 1st gens are very reliable and are getting harder to find. You know your truck history better than the one your looking at and it could have lived a hard life. Personally I'd keep it because your aware of the history behind it.

 

I don't have anything to offer on 1st Gen vs 2nd Gen as I skipped from a '92 to a '15 and thus missed the 1st gen experience.

But I'd add the following things to consider:

• '05 is the first year for the 2nd Gen and they had a lot more issues than later 2nd Gens (things like cracked motor mounts). Your '01 is a more "mature" 1st Gen (but watch the LCA of course).
• Do you want to trade a high mileage vehicle you've owned and maintained for a high mileage vehicle you aren't sure what all has happened to it over its life?
• How's the frame on your '01 holding up? Moving up to a new frame on an '05 might be a worthwhile move as far as longevity of your ride goes.
• You'll likely be able to source parts and after market mods for longer with the 2nd gen than the 1st gen. Also the 3rd gens share a lot with the 2nd gen meaning some new after market mods for 3rd gen may also work on 2nd gen or be easy to modify for 2nd gen while it is unlikely anyone will ever develop a new 1st gen after market product these days.

Anyway, pros and cons... Personally I'd be inclined to keep the truck you have unless there is really something you want in the 2nd gen.

 

Unless you have a compelling reason to make the switch, keep yours, K.I.S.S. principal.

If nothing else, the ABS system on the 2nd gen will make your mind up for you.

 

I have only had my 01 for about a 1 1/2 years. The previous owner did have a good service history on it though but so does the 05 I'm looking at. My 01 frame was replaced in 2013 through Toyota recall.
The frame and rear suspension was replaced on the 05 in May of 2016.
Thanks

 

Quite a few problems with it I'm guessing?

 

I currently have an '02 TRD Xtracab and a '15 SR5 DCSB.

I prefer the 1st gen but I like the 2nd as well. The '02 feels smaller inside and out. It's a lot more fun offroad and exploring forest roads. Parking is easier. The visibility feels much better. I think that the hood on the '15 doesn't slope down as much which makes forward visibility a little more difficult. The driver position in the '02 feels better to me, though the seats aren't much fun after a few hours on the highway. The clock on the '02 is in a stupid location but I liked the radio and climate control layout better. A super minor gripe, but I'm pretty sure the windshield wiper intermittent speed selector is wired opposite between the two generations.

The 2nd gen feels bigger all the way around. Maneuvering in tight quarters doesn't feel as natural as in the 1st gen and visibility over the hood isn't as nice. I do like the backup camera and find it very useful as I prefer to back into spots. The seating position isn't as natural feeling but the seats are more comfortable. The 2nd gen is an auto, and the gearing feels like it's not happy going 25 or 35, which is annoying in 25 or 35mph zones. If I speed up or slow down just a couple mph the transmission will pick a gear and stay in it. The engine braking also feels much more aggressive. I find that I slow down more quickly in the 2nd gen than I do in the 1st gen when I let up on the gas. I prefer the 4x4 controls of the 1st gen better than the 2nd. The 2nd gen has 13 cup holders, which seems a little bit excessive coming from two in the 1st gen. To be fair, eight of those cup holders are in the doors and two are removable.

The brakes and engine feel more powerful on the 2nd gen. I never felt that either of these was an issue in the 1st gen, but I drove a VW bus with its original 40hp engine before I bought the 1st gen. I always get a chuckle when people talk about their trucks being underpowered. FWIW, my wife does not like how the 1st gen brakes feel. She says she has to push a lot harder than in her Corolla.

I still have both of the trucks and I'm not planning on selling either any time soon. The 2nd gen is for family traveling, the 1st gen is for my solo trips. Neither is a DD. I'm fortunate that I only commute a couple times a year and it's mostly spent in whatever airplane seat is the cheapest and then whatever taxi who's driver has the craziest eyes.

 

Thanks very helpful info. I don't use my 01 much on extended trips but if getting the 05 I could see myself doing so more.
I do use it as a daily driver though. In time I've owned my 01 I have already put 25xxx miles on it. Actually closer to owning it for a year then a 1 1/2. Bout a year and 2 months. I have brand new Bilstein 5100s to put on my 01 with aal. Was going 2.5 front 2" rear. If I bought the 05 I was going to return it for same for 05. I'll also keep my trd baja wheels if I switch too.

 

The 05 he was looking at had the Frame replaced so the Motor Mount Section will already be reinforced but I do recall early 4.0s having some head gasket issues.

 

Here is a picture of each. Thanks

 

Wow I see what you're talking about as far as the ABS is concerned. Had no clue about this until you said something about it. So I started looking it up on here. Seems like quite a few having issues with it.

 

I'll adopt it if you can't afford to feed it...

 

+1 to all of this.

I previously owned a '92 Toyota Pickup and a '04 Tacoma, and I now have a '13 Tacoma. All were/are Xtra/Access Cabs. Each was/is a nice upgrade from the previous generation and all provide(d) excellent service.

Things I liked better about my 1st Gen include:
- Smaller and, therefore, more agile/maneuverable
- Xtra Cab windows that open (tip-out)
- Rear speakers
- 4WD Shift Lever
- Better gas mileage

Things I like better about my 2nd Gen include:
- Nicest and least cramped interior
- Best ride
- Best inclusion/integration of technology
- Composite bed eliminates need for bed liner
- Most available accessories

 

I'm still considering the '05 but am leaning towards just keeping my 01. My 01 is a first year production of the DC 1st gen. So I thought about the fact that the '05 is first year of a completely different gen. But from what I see online places like "car complaints" the '09 Tacoma has more issues then the others.
I would like more room as I have two car seats in my truck 90% of the time. I like the more modern interior design of the '05 also.
But I am concerned with having more issues with the 2nd gen VS my 1st gen.
Thanks everyone for your input so far it is helpful.

 

Well I appreciate everyone who has commented and given me their opinions. I received a lot of great things to consider. I have decided at this time that I am going to hang on to it.
Unless he contacts me and says he's willing to take a 1000 less... which I couldn't pass up a deal like that. HaHa

Thanks again everyone... Great site to be a part of.