1st or 2nd Gen

[jgallo1]

Looking to build another truck.

I have narrowed it down to

1st gen tacoma
1st gen tundra
or 2nd gen tundra

The truck needs to be able to drive the hwy's all over the west comfortably with the wife , a 90lb dog and I. Then be able to run trails through the mts, desert, plains, forrest and mexico.

Thoughts?

 

[DaveInDenver]

What have you had to compare?

I thought our 1991 XtraCab 22R-E was comfortable (but definitely slow) for two people and a German Shepherd/Malmute mix for years. Then I got a 2nd gen Tacoma Access Cab and now that's barely big enough for two people. It's comfortable for us on the highway without a doubt.

So I can't still imagine ever needing a Tundra of any gen but at this point I probably wouldn't really want to go back to a 1st gen Tacoma either.

Therefore of those three I'd say the 1st gen Tundra would probably be my choice if I was forced to select from that list. I'd get another 2nd gen Tacoma now. Or a Frontier or new Ranger.

 

[Todd n Natalie]

If it were me, and those were my options, I'd be thinking Tundra just for the extra interior space with the dog. Not considering a 2nd gen Tacoma crew?

 

[jgallo1]

What have you had to compare?

I thought our 1991 XtraCab 22R-E was comfortable (but definitely slow) for two people and a German Shepherd/Malmute mix for years. Then I got a 2nd gen Tacoma Access Cab and now that's barely big enough for two people. It's comfortable for us on the highway without a doubt.

So I can't still imagine ever needing a Tundra of any gen but at this point I probably wouldn't really want to go back to a 1st gen Tacoma either.

Therefore of those three I'd say the 1st gen Tundra would probably be my choice if I was forced to select from that list. I'd get another 2nd gen Tacoma now. Or a Frontier or new Ranger.

I have had a 1st gen tacoma in the past, I drove the hell out of thing. It seemed like it was indestructible. I was also in my early to late 20's, when I had the truck so it was just me.
I did own a 1st gen tundra for about 3months , it got stolen. I do remember liking it.
Currently I am driving a Power Wagon. It is a beast, alittle to much of beast.
I also owned a 3rd gen tacoma for about a year, and then sold it, I really disliked it. When I would get in my buddy's 1st gen tacoma, it felt more spacious than the 3rd gen.

 

[jgallo1]

If it were me, and those were my options, I'd be thinking Tundra just for the extra interior space with the dog. Not considering a 2nd gen Tacoma crew?

I could give them a look, I had a 3rd gen and really did not like it

 

[Doc_]

I'd go with the first gen Tundra. I love the extra space my T100 offers, and the Tundra has a little but more.

 

[GTV]

Second gen Tundra is massive and not really comparable to the other two (especially a first gen Tacoma, those are tiny in comparison). 1st or 2nd gen Tacoma or a 1st gen Tundra would be much more comparable. The 1st gen Tundra is a great truck, it's the perfect size (IMO) and it has the legendary 4.7 V8. However, it has very little aftermarket support beyond the basics.

 

[jgallo1]

Second gen Tundra is massive and not really comparable to the other two (especially a first gen Tacoma, those are tiny in comparison). 1st or 2nd gen Tacoma or a 1st gen Tundra would be much more comparable. The 1st gen Tundra is a great truck, it's the perfect size (IMO) and it has the legendary 4.7 V8. However, it has very little aftermarket support beyond the basics.

This is why I was thinking of the 2nd gen tundra. There is alot of aftermarket support. It is a big truck, but it is 11" shorter than the truck I drive now. It has alot of power and is really comfortable.

 

[tennesseewj]

Is it safe to assume that you are considering extended cab short bed versions of each?

I love first gen Tacomas, but they are stupidly overpriced at this point and very small. Plus after having several trucks with rear doors, there is no way I could go back to having an inaccessible back seat. Getting a 90 lb dog in the back of the cab sounds like a pain, and if the dog rides up front your wife would have to ride in the bed.

Also, don't you own a T100 that needs frame work? Seems like a better option than trying to find a first gen Taco for a reasonable price.

Second gen Tundras will have way more aftermarket support than the first gens, so if you see sliders or bumpers in your future then you'd better skip over the first gen. That aftermarket support for second gens comes in handy, too, because they are pretty hideous trucks in stock form!

 

[Kpack]

Second gen Tundras will have way more aftermarket support than the first gens, so if you see sliders or bumpers in your future then you'd better skip over the first gen.

Bumpers for 1st Gen are available from Brute Force Fab, Addicted Offroad, and Coastal Offroad. Sliders can be bought from Brute Force Fab, Stubbs Welding, and All Pro (for Access Cabs). Not tons of manufacturers, but at least there are options.

 

[Watt maker]

I would go for a 2nd gen double cab tacoma or a 2nd gen double cab Tundra. The aftermarket support for either one is pretty good and either one is comfortable on long drives. The 2nd gen Tundra with the 5.7 will have plenty of power for just about anything.

 

[Tex68w]

Man @jgallo1 you're harder to keep up than myself when it comes to deciding on your next vehicle lol.

Of those that you listed, here are my thoughts. There's no way I'd recommend you get an XtraCab (extended), you'll want/need four full doors with your crew. No to the 1st Gen Tacoma, period. 1st Gen Tundra's look the part and are a great size but the frames are a major issue and like the 1st Gen Tacoma, they are hard to find in good condition with acceptable miles and not overpriced. The 2nd Gen Tundra is a great platform but there's no better fuel economy than you PW, less power, no lockers, no straight axle, and a shorter bed. I don't see what you're gaining in going to a 2nd Gen Tundra from your PW, it's just as wide and lacks everything I just mentioned, it's only benefit is the shorter wheelbase. If you're trying to lose some girth and overall size then I would suggest a midsize.

If I were you I'd be looking for a 2nd Gen double cab Tacoma or possibly the new Ford Ranger. I know if I hard to start over right now and there were no need for a full-size truck in my life, I'd head straight to the Ford dealer and pick out a new Ranger. The new Frontier looks promising on paper but until it hits who knows and coming from family that had quite a few Nissans/Infinitis in the past I can confidently say that they aren't as reliable as a Toyota and they definitely lack in the fit and finish in comparison. I really wish we could get the Isuzu D-Max over here.

 

[jgallo1]

Is it safe to assume that you are considering extended cab short bed versions of each?

I love first gen Tacomas, but they are stupidly overpriced at this point and very small. Plus after having several trucks with rear doors, there is no way I could go back to having an inaccessible back seat. Getting a 90 lb dog in the back of the cab sounds like a pain, and if the dog rides up front your wife would have to ride in the bed.

Also, don't you own a T100 that needs frame work? Seems like a better option than trying to find a first gen Taco for a reasonable price.

Second gen Tundras will have way more aftermarket support than the first gens, so if you see sliders or bumpers in your future then you'd better skip over the first gen. That aftermarket support for second gens comes in handy, too, because they are pretty hideous trucks in stock form!

I do own a T100, but it needs a full frame off restoration. That is above my mechanical skills. I have gotten 3 quotes now both are around 3 months and 14-16k. I bought it for 4k so, I would rather sell it or part it out and make my money back and call it a day.

You are right about the Tacoma, I still think they are one of the best stateside trucks toyota ever made.

Any truck will be the access cab or double cab standard bed, so 6.5 ft on toyota I think .

I agree with you about the aftermarket support

 

[jgallo1]

Bumpers for 1st Gen are available from Brute Force Fab, Addicted Offroad, and Coastal Offroad. Sliders can be bought from Brute Force Fab, Stubbs Welding, and All Pro (for Access Cabs). Not tons of manufacturers, but at least there are options.

I think arb as well correct?

 

[jgallo1]

Man @jgallo1 you're harder to keep up than myself when it comes to deciding on your next vehicle lol.

Of those that you listed, here are my thoughts. There's no way I'd recommend you get an XtraCab (extended), you'll want/need four full doors with your crew. No to the 1st Gen Tacoma, period. 1st Gen Tundra's look the part and are a great size but the frames are a major issue and like the 1st Gen Tacoma, they are hard to find in good condition with acceptable miles and not overpriced. The 2nd Gen Tundra is a great platform but there's no better fuel economy than you PW, less power, no lockers, no straight axle, and a shorter bed. I don't see what you're gaining in going to a 2nd Gen Tundra from your PW, it's just as wide and lacks everything I just mentioned, it's only benefit is the shorter wheelbase. If you're trying to lose some girth and overall size then I would suggest a midsize.

If I were you I'd be looking for a 2nd Gen double cab Tacoma or possibly the new Ford Ranger. I know if I hard to start over right now and there were no need for a full-size truck in my life, I'd head straight to the Ford dealer and pick out a new Ranger. The new Frontier looks promising on paper but until it hits who knows and coming from family that had quite a few Nissans/Infinitis in the past I can confidently say that they aren't as reliable as a Toyota and they definitely lack in the fit and finish in comparison. I really wish we could get the Isuzu D-Max over here.

Ha ha ha I know right, I might keep the PW and just get something else. If I went 2nd gen Tundra I would sell the PW and build up the tundra.
I am curious about those rangers as well.
The PW is a beast. When I test drove it, I knew it was big but you dont realize how big until you trying to turn it around on a trail. It is down right scary. What a great truck!