which year is best

I'm not sure if there is a thread created yet but I am looking to buy another Tacoma that is DC 4X4 MT TRD OR, preferably with a locker and gen 1 or gen 2. What are the best years and which ones to stay away from.
thanks for the help

previous truck: 99 Access cab TRD OR 5speed 6ft bed 4x4 with locker 100% stock. best truck all around could go slow anywhere. unfortunately rolled it. time has come for another

 

Big difference in ideal use between first and second Gen. I’ve owned a few of both (as well as the respective 4Runners) and the 1st Gen is night and day more fun off road. But the 2nd Gen can actually hold interstate speeds comfortably haha. Might be more 2nd gens to choose from. Either way budget wise it’s a rough market but the 1st Gen will be cheaper, albeit harder to find in good condition and for a reasonable price. Do you need a 6 foot bed or are you okay with a 5 foot bed? If you’re dead set on needing a DC and a MT in the same truck you’ll also have to settle for a short bed. I wish they made a DCLB with a MT in the US. I’d go back to a Tacoma if they did. Lots of questions only you can answer in order to answer your question ha.


EDIT:

TL;DR version: 2012-2015 or 2003-2004

 

I would be happy with the SB to get DC MT either gen would be fine just don’t know which years to stay away from. It’s not going to be used as a daily primarily for off roading and camping

 

There really is no year to stay away from that finding a truck that was taken good care of isn’t more important. The 05s had some head gasket issues, the 03-04 have timing chains so they’re theoretically more reliable, but the 1st Gens have a worse lower ball joint design than the second gens. 2008 was the last year before electrical nannies started to take off if that’s important to you. Personally, I’d fine a 2012-2015 and throw in the URD STS. It made a world of a difference on the 2012 I used to own. By far my favorite mod and super easy to install yourself. Cheers.

 

2.5 gen tundra

 

05-06 Tundra is king

16-17 Tundra is an acceptable alternative

 

The one with the best frame, maintenance record and good interior.