Thinking of selling my 3rd Gen for a 1st Gen

Damn! never thought someone was in a similar situation. Part of the reason why I'd be willing to "downgrade" would be same as you - truck is too nice (yes, I know it sounds stupid) This truck is the nicest car I've ever owned and like I've said before, I'd rather see the extra cash in my bank account then in a depreciating truck.

PS: love the color of your 1st Gen!

 

Check this unicorn out...https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/749134347/overview/

 

Wow that is super clean, unicorn status indeed... rather get a access cab tho

 

Sounds like you made up your mind.

 

That 95-97 front end was the best looking of the 1st gen era.

 

Keep your truck, the newest 1st gen you can get is 14 years old and if it's from a winter road salt state, you'll be dealing with the rusted out frame at some point.

My first gen was great, owned it for 12 years and never had much problems, but it was small and if you get the access cab, there's only two doors and difficult to get into the back and if you get the double cab you get a small 5' bed. Plus, it was underpowered compared to these 2nd and 3rd gens and talk about road noise, you can hear everything in the drivetrain, especially if you have a manual.

But, it's your call, I just like the new Tacomas.

This was my truck when it was new, they don't stay looking like that after 16 years.

 

OP a decent condition 1st gen is not a good replacement imo for a few reasons.

Prices are still quite expensive and since the vehicle will have a lot of mileage, it would last you less than the 3rd gen, meaning you would have to replace it 5-7 years before the Tacoma.

All in all, the long term expense would probably be the same.

The only way this works out for you if you simply want lower payments or no payments at all, is if you get a killer deal on a 1st gen with decent mileage and you can shave off 10-15k but just remember that you will have to replace it much sooner than the tacoma so you will still pay that money later down the road lol

To put it into perspective, lets say you are trying to spend $30k to last you the next 15 years or around 200-250k miles

-You could buy a new nice Tacoma for around that price

-You could buy an older $15k Tacoma with say 100-150k miles and then get another one later on when the 1st one has too many issues

In both situations you spent the same amount of money but in one of them you get to have a new truck from the very beginning until the very end.

The exception is if you can find a great reliable top of the trims(think limited) older vehicle with say 60-90k miles for under or around $13k

I have been toying with the idea but with a 1st gen v8 tundra or preferably a 4th gen v8 4x4 4runner but I am still looking for that killer deal on a <90k miles vehicle for <$15k to see if it sways my decision.

 

Sad when I had to get rid of my old Toy. Sure glad I din't hit anything with it. Wouldn't have been alive to buy my 2017 Toy.

 

I want to add that I waited and searched a long time before I found my unicorn. I too would have a hard time paying 20k for a 1st gen, luckily I found mine for 8k with brand new timing belt and water pump. My 2016 ran me almost 40k, I personally don’t see the 32k price difference and pulled the trigger!

Maintence records, rust, and sale price would all be part of this financial equation. If you’re going to do this, be very patient in searching. It might take you a year to find the right truck.

 

To be fair, the power to weight ratio of the older tacoma's is probably even better than the new gen, if you get the most powerful v6 there shouldn't be a difference.

TFL trucks did multiple drag races between all 3 gens and I think the 3rd gen lost against against the older 2 gens lol, it was very close but still.

 

Thanks so much for the insight! As a new member, I have to say that the TW community is super knowledgeable and responsive.
As I mentioned earlier, I bought my current 3rd gen cash on a whim because the price was too attractive to pass by - $23,800 for a 4x4 with ~1,000 miles.
Yet, every time I see a clean 1st gen I always think they look better than my 3rd gen. I personally prefer the smaller body type of the older models, but I've never driven one so perhaps road noise and power might be an issue.
I guess I'll just have to keep searching for that one of a kind access cab...

 

Nothing wrong with that truck.

 

Older ones are better built,if I was getting one it would be a pre 85 Hilux.

 

The gen 1 are outdated now but are bulletproof if anything. My bro-in-law owns a Tow truck company and all his service trucks are gen one 1 Tacos . I just drove one of his gen 1s last weekend (was helping him haul car batteries from a warehouse to his tow yard). Over 180k without any major issue . But he services his trucks himself. If anything, I'd bet my ass that a Gen 1 will outlast a Gen3 when it comes to long term reliability, given the same mileage/use.

 

Plus anytime you have an issue with your third gen you have to go to the dealership. Gen 1 you can DIY almost everything.

All depends on what you value most, there’s compromises to be made across the board.

 

I have both, 1st gen is fun.

3rd gen is....powerful about it?

 

I'll give you 10k for your truck

 

Thats ONE of the reasons I sold my 02 for a 16. Loved the 02, but I don't do maintenance beyond oil/filters, and yes, things to get old.
Not that the 3rd gen won't need work, but with a 10year/100K warranty I shouldn't need to mess with much for a while.

 

Rust belt guys are all passing on this because either we see what a 15 year taco looks like, what's left anyways. Or we see the garage queen that would cost too much. If you live where rust isn't an issue, go for it. You already have the drivetrain from a first gen anyways.

 

For me, at around 120k miles, little things started to fail. Rack, bushings, LBJ, various seals. Not a big deal, but some things to pay attention to. People who look at buying 15+ year old vehicles should be prepped for that. Things were simpler back then, but not fail-proof.

1st Gen Taco's, in non-rust belt states, are going for premium. Unless you get very lucky, it'll be a tough hunt.