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urgent: Need opinions on several 1st Gens

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by PATACO13, Sep 4, 2013.

  1. Sep 4, 2013 at 6:22 AM
    #1
    PATACO13

    PATACO13 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ian
    Erie, PA
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    stock
    Hi, I don't post much on TW but I do a decent amount of research and this forum helped me make an informed decision when I bought my 2000 Reg. Cab 2.7L 4x4 5-speed.

    I sold that truck yesterday with the intent to purchase a newer 1st gen extended cab.

    I live in Lake Effect snow country and like to do some mild off-roading and towing. I have a few options, and if anyone would please take the time to give me opinions, I'd be grateful.


    2003 Xtracab SR5 V6 5-speed 4x4, tow package, 132k

    2004 Xtracab SR5 TRD V6 Auto 4X4, 79k

    2002 Xtracab TRD V6 Auto 4x4, 89k, factory frame recall

    2002 Xtracab SR5 TRD V6 5-speed, 150k


    I have read the entire 1st Gen buyers guide. Pretty much sold on the 04, but I'm afraid I'll really miss the 5-speed.
    I know the advantages of TRD.
    Any opinions or technical info would be great.

    THANK YOU!

    P.S. all are from craigslist and I'll post ads after I've made a deal
     
  2. Sep 4, 2013 at 8:49 AM
    #2
    oldblue1968chevy

    oldblue1968chevy Well-Known Member

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    Mmm tough call. Id be all over the 2004 but its auto, maybe some of the frame recall'd guys will chime in. Id be concerned (but not too concerned) about a new frame.

    Boils down is automatic a deal breaker for you?
     
  3. Sep 4, 2013 at 11:52 AM
    #3
    PATACO13

    PATACO13 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well not really a deal breaker, I think it'd just be less fun maybe. Real hard time finding a TRD 5-speed for under $10k, I'll probably go with the 03 non-TRD because the owner (a retired gentleman) seems very fair and told me a Toyota dealer said his frame was in great shape....kinda wish I'd just kept my old bone-rattling regular cab. Thanks for your reply.
     
  4. Sep 4, 2013 at 11:57 AM
    #4
    yote

    yote Washington State University

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    What do you mean factory frame recall? The frame on this one is no good?
     
  5. Sep 4, 2013 at 12:08 PM
    #5
    yote

    yote Washington State University

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    If everything is good I'd place them in this order if your heart is set on a 5 speed:
    1.) 2002 Xtracab SR5 TRD V6 5-speed, 150k
    2.) 2003 Xtracab SR5 V6 5-speed 4x4, tow package, 132k
    3.) 2004 Xtracab SR5 TRD V6 Auto 4X4, 79k
    4.) 2002 Xtracab TRD V6 Auto 4x4, 89k, factory frame recall


    150k really isn't THAT many miles when you think about it (for a manual). The main factor is that the previous owner took care of the vehicle. Also get the color you want :cool:
     
  6. Sep 4, 2013 at 2:06 PM
    #6
    PATACO13

    PATACO13 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I think the guy meant it received a new frame or was repaired by Toyota...here are the links, I've settled on the 03 unless the 04 guy gets back to me soon.

    2004: http://erie.craigslist.org/cto/4037552746.html

    2003:http://buffalo.craigslist.org/cto/4040032777.html (he sent more photos)

    2002 auto:http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/4035430085.html

    2002 manual:http://rochester.craigslist.org/cto/3961360659.html

    And this one...http://www.bobbyrahaltoyotaoflewistown.com/used/Toyota/2002-Toyota-Tacoma-9ed528670a0a000201b416501c210e9f.htm

    appreciate the feedback!
     
  7. Sep 4, 2013 at 2:08 PM
    #7
    95 taco

    95 taco Battle Born

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    i think it had the frame replaced.

    i'd go for either of these
    2003 Xtracab SR5 V6 5-speed 4x4, tow package, 132k
    2002 Xtracab TRD V6 Auto 4x4, 89k, factory frame recall
     
  8. Sep 4, 2013 at 2:14 PM
    #8
    RJ MacReady

    RJ MacReady professional trousersnake charmer

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    US OUTPOST North 31-Mayday Mayday! We've found som
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    Cheatin' bitch build 2: All stock for now... 99' Tacoma 4wd TRD Cheatin' bitch build 1: BG44K additive, motul 5w40(always), deckplate mod, K&N washable air filter, 2.5" flow master(cut thanks to Airdog), king fronts 2.5", all pro standard leaf pk, stainless steel rear ext brakeline, 5125's 10" travel rears, 4-jasper offroad 6" pod LED spot lights, secret compartment for small bottle of wild turkey, cobra CB, Hi-lift jack w/locking bed mount, hi lift curved bumper lift & road base plate, smittybuilt X20 winch, wab fab F&R bumpers w/ hitch receivers, smittybuilt 4in1 recov tool, 10gal mini flamethrower, 11 lbs dynamite sticks, 13 4-hr snowflares, .50Cal full auto mounted machine gun w/ RPG unit & a shitoad of death metal to fuckstart your brain...everything you need for first contact with a shape-shifting alien entity frozen for over 100,000 years reanimated & immitating all life it engulfs.
    go with the 04 TRD 4x4 & call it a day.
    I went auto on my 99' & haven't looked back.

    go to dealership to inspect frame, check frame on your own with a hammer & make sure rear locker engages/disengages in L4.

    def check carfax to see if mileage was rolled back. 79K on a 1st gen?...idk on that.
     
  9. Sep 4, 2013 at 4:05 PM
    #9
    PATACO13

    PATACO13 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It really helps having some input b/c my girlfriend isn't very helpful ("I like the red one") and none of my buddies/family own a Tacoma.

    The seller of the NON-TRD '03, while he seems knowledgeable, insists that it has limited slip diff (posi-traction). He doesn't claim that it has the TRD rear locker, just limited slip. From what I've read on here its either the locker or open diff on 1st gen trucks. Hate this confusion....!!

    I don't know what my 2000 Reg Cab 4x4 5-speed had in it, but with 3" lift and 33" BFG's I had no problem ever in 4LO or 4HI, and we get 3 ft of snow overnight in Erie, PA!
    Thanks in advance if anyone can clear this up for me
     
  10. Sep 4, 2013 at 4:09 PM
    #10
    95 taco

    95 taco Battle Born

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    ^see the red
     
  11. Sep 4, 2013 at 5:06 PM
    #11
    PATACO13

    PATACO13 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's awesome man thanks! Good to know its not set in stone. I've had several conversations with the seller and he's just a stand-up guy, even said he'd hold it for me until I can pick it up this weekend. Buttt he's not tech-savvy, so he had his daughter text me a few extra photz, and upon closer examination (this is kind of ridiculous), the truck appears to be TRD. HAHA! Super happy about this, but I'm also prepared for the truck to be SR5 with TRD graphics.

    I can totally make out the graphic when zoomed...I know, I know...but I'll clear things up before I go to purchase. Thanks for all replies, I'll follow up [​IMG]
     
  12. Sep 5, 2013 at 6:25 AM
    #12
    oldblue1968chevy

    oldblue1968chevy Well-Known Member

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    Id do the red one..
     
  13. Sep 5, 2013 at 3:00 PM
    #13
    CUtacomaTIGER

    CUtacomaTIGER Unprofessional Driver

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    I'd go for the 04 especially at 9k asking price if at all possible. The only thing it is really missing is the double cab. You can't beat low miles and 4x4 trd. I paid $8700 for mine a couple years ago
     
  14. Sep 5, 2013 at 6:57 PM
    #14
    PATACO13

    PATACO13 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    2004 dude never returned call, email or text. going to get the 03 tomorrow and i'll throw a few photz up.
     
  15. Sep 6, 2013 at 2:22 PM
    #15
    PATACO13

    PATACO13 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    [​IMG]I don't know how he didn't know it was TRD, but it is, and I'm BACK BABY!! Original owner, great frame, super clean. Thanks to everyone who took a look at this thread. I'll be roaming TW for a good time to come now[​IMG]
     
  16. Sep 6, 2013 at 2:33 PM
    #16
    yote

    yote Washington State University

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    CONGRATS!!!!
     
  17. Sep 6, 2013 at 7:02 PM
    #17
    PATACO13

    PATACO13 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well, ya know, she was right. Pure, infallible intuition, can't deny it. This thing's getting washed, waxed and a new muffler tomorrow. F**KING EXCITED!
     
  18. Sep 6, 2013 at 7:21 PM
    #18
    ONALL4

    ONALL4 Well-Known Member

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    Nice! What kind of exhaust dual?
     
  19. Sep 6, 2013 at 7:28 PM
    #19
    PATACO13

    PATACO13 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Exhaust is stock setup, new cats. If you can believe it the muffler is original to the truck, and doesn't sound half bad. Truck was purchased in Youngstown, NY...north of Niagara Falls right on the river. Really well maintained vehicle
     
  20. Sep 6, 2013 at 7:42 PM
    #20
    yote

    yote Washington State University

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    I believe it, my 1999 Tacoma and my Dad's 2002 Tacoma's exhausts were stock and they still sounded great. What new exhaust set up are you going with?

    Oh and I'd look into purchasing a wax kit and an orbital sander (will cost you the same as having the dealer wax 1 time). This will enable you to have the tools for later wax jobs! That's what I did and it looks great every summer when I wax it up.
     

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