[Mellow77]

I know this is primarily a 4Runner forum but have noticed several of you own, or have owned, Tacos so I'm Looking for some insight on which way my bro should go on a Taco.

Couple things to consider...he doesn't drive a while lot (less than 7k a year), is meticulious about his vehicles, has a baby on the way, occasionally needs to haul sizeable things, is 6'5", wants a 4x4 automatic and would really like to get something with a supercharger if available. Installing a SC would also be an option if it'll be hard to find already on something.

I think he's leaning towards a newer model Gen 2 DoubleCab but am looking for thoughts. Should he consider a Gen 1?

[combatmedic]

I had a regular cab 99 4x4 w/ 6inch fabtech lift and 3inch body lift w/ 36's. 4cylinder.. Ill try to find some pics.. It was slower than hell but could climb anything... and was reliable as hell too. Only sold it due to having tons of rust, I bought it on ebay from Boston MA and drove it to Texas.

[KCcarguy]

I had a 2005 (2nd gen.) and loved it. My good friend has a 2003 (first gen.) crew cab with 180k miles; still looks and drives great. The 2005 drives better, and is more spacious/ comfortable, but the 2003 has a more solid/ rugged feel. The first gen. Tacomas are the last of the old-school, over- built Toyota pickups IMO. If I were buying a pickup, I'd find a 2003-2004 crew cab 4WD. But, any generation crew cab/ 4WD would be a great, versatile truck that he could keep for a long time.

[Jesse1983]

i had a 2005, 2001, 1995.5 and loved them all. I really like the front of the 2012 too. I'll consider getting another Tacoma after a full redesign

[Dezert4Runner]

Well, if he's having a kid IMO nothing pre 2001 is acceptable since he'll need 4 doors. I hauled my toddler around in a 1993 ext cab toyota truck for a while and let's just say the old lady was less than thrilled to be sitting in a jump seat

[JohnsD90]

Depends on his needs and where he lives but, if i were too build one i wanted it would be the 4cyl with a 5/6 speed manual and 4x4 double cab, dont really care what the interior or wheel size is.

[Mellow77]

Originally Posted by Dezert4Runner

Well, if he's having a kid IMO nothing pre 2001 is acceptable since he'll need 4 doors. I hauled my toddler around in a 1993 ext cab toyota truck for a while and let's just say the old lady was less than thrilled to be sitting in a jump seat

That's a very valid point.

Originally Posted by JohnsD90

Depends on his needs and where he lives but, if i were too build one i wanted it would be the 4cyl with a 5/6 speed manual and 4x4 double cab, dont really care what the interior or wheel size is.

Why the 4cyl? Just for MPGs or do you believe it's a superior platform?

[gptoy96]

I had a 98, and currently have an 05. Both are great trucks, the 05 is much roomier, more powerful, nicer interior overall, but as KCcarguy mentioned the 95.5-04's are the last of the "true" Toyota's in my mind. The 05 is nice, but there's a lot of my 98 that I miss and it seems that with the 05 they let a few things slip. It's still a fantastic truck though, and beats any of the competition out there hands down. Plenty of the guys on the Tacoma forums I visit have high mileage and still trucking along just fine.

One thing to watch for if you shop for a 1st gen is frame rust, make sure it's been checked or get it checked if you're thinking of buying one. That's how I lost my '98, hole in the frame. Toyota went out of their way to be more than generous to make it good, but I'm not sure how they're dealing with those situations now if it's just as good as it was in the beginning.

[gptoy96]

Oh, my dream Taco would be an 04 double cab long box (I know that doesn't exist, hence it's my "dream" taco).

[Mellow77]

Originally Posted by gptoy96

I had a 98, and currently have an 05. Both are great trucks, the 05 is much roomier, more powerful, nicer interior overall, but as KCcarguy mentioned the 95.5-04's are the last of the "true" Toyota's in my mind. The 05 is nice, but there's a lot of my 98 that I miss and it seems that with the 05 they let a few things slip. It's still a fantastic truck though, and beats any of the competition out there hands down. Plenty of the guys on the Tacoma forums I visit have high mileage and still trucking along just fine.

One thing to watch for if you shop for a 1st gen is frame rust, make sure it's been checked or get it checked if you're thinking of buying one. That's how I lost my '98, hole in the frame. Toyota went out of their way to be more than generous to make it good, but I'm not sure how they're dealing with those situations now if it's just as good as it was in the beginning.

That's good insight on contrasting the two.

Originally Posted by gptoy96

Oh, my dream Taco would be an 04 double cab long box (I know that doesn't exist, hence it's my "dream" taco).

Next major mod/build?

[Dagobah]

Originally Posted by gptoy96

Oh, my dream Taco would be an 04 double cab long box (I know that doesn't exist, hence it's my "dream" taco).

X2
If this existed, I think I would want it more than my Runner...

[SCRunner12]

I'd go with a 05-08 DC LB. Since he has a kid only a DC would work well. The 1st gen DC is great if your child is out of the rear facing car seat, but otherwise there isn't enough room. I said 05-08 because the 2012 don't have a s/c yet and the s/c system is much more tested on the earlier years. Also if he is going to get a DCLB then he might as well get the sport and the 05-08 have a mechanical LSD instead of an electronic LSD. I like mechanical more than electrical because there is less of a chance for it to mess up. Definitely go with the V6 since he won't be driving it all that much anyways and the 4.0 with a s/c is a beast!

[KCcarguy]

Originally Posted by SCRunner12

Definitely go with the V6 since he won't be driving it all that much anyways and the 4.0 with a s/c is a beast!

I bet! My 4.0 hauled some serious ass. I couldn't imagine it with a s/c. My wife says my 4runner "has no balls", lol.

[JohnsD90]

Originally Posted by Mellow77

That's a very valid point.



Why the 4cyl? Just for MPGs or do you believe it's a superior platform?

Just MPG's I don't know much about the motor, but Toyota has a good reputation on their 4 bangers. Once you hit the 6cyl you might as well get a full size truck.

[t4r4life]

um 01-04 is still 1st gen