Taco DC Shopping

[Skyman85]

I currently have an 07 JK and have been doing some light offroading, and recently caught the overland bug and am looking to build an expedition rig. I love the JK but for a platform for long expeditions and hauling multiple people the JK just it isnt going to work. So I have decided on the TACO DC for my rig. I have a few questions running through my head and want to see what all you experienced people think and post my first thread on the forum. I have really enjoyed reading many of your build threads, getting ideas, and cannot wait to start my own build thread. I'm looking for a used DC TACO and wanting to spend at the most 17k. Are the 01-04s more reliable than the 05+ tacos? Since I'm looking at used vehicles should I set a cap on the mileage of the vehicle?

Thanks for the input!

 

[m3bassman]

the 01-04 are a different truck than the new ones. It may require you to drive both and see what you prefer. Older ones have a more oldschool, basic feel. feel like a truck where the newer ones are a bit softer feeling.

If your going to have a lot of people and a lot of gear and need to get the most space, the doublecab long bed tacomas have plenty of room to go around.

 

[downhill]

I currently have an 07 JK and have been doing some light offroading, and recently caught the overland bug and am looking to build an expedition rig. I love the JK but for a platform for long expeditions and hauling multiple people the JK just it isnt going to work. So I have decided on the TACO DC for my rig. I have a few questions running through my head and want to see what all you experienced people think and post my first thread on the forum. I have really enjoyed reading many of your build threads, getting ideas, and cannot wait to start my own build thread. I'm looking for a used DC TACO and wanting to spend at the most 17k. Are the 01-04s more reliable than the 05+ tacos? Since I'm looking at used vehicles should I set a cap on the mileage of the vehicle?

Thanks for the input!

The following are strictly my opinions: All things considered, I would say that the Gen I's are better trucks. They have a lot less electronics, cable driven throttle, better manual transmissions, and a long list of other things that I see as advantages. IMO the Gen II's really went soft in the paunch. The only real saving grace of the Gen II's is the 4.0 engine, which is very good. I wish they had just left the 2004 alone and dropped in the 4.0. If you can find a low mileage Gen I, you will get it cheaper too, which leaves more money for upgrades. I even like the looks better. One real gem IMO is the first generation Tundra. I would give that a look. Reasonable size and great power plant. I have a 2007 ac 6spd. If I had it to do over I woulld not buy a Gen II Tacoma.

 

[18seeds]

It's tough to find a cheap Gen 1 tacoma IMO, especially with low miles. A Gen 1 Tundra can be had for super cheap.

 

[Vermonster]

...cable driven throttle...

Most of 03 and all of 04 are electronic throttle if it matters to you. In extreme cold I need to let vehicle warm or throttle can stick and logic causes truck to run only in creep mode (5mph). Scary the first time it happens but once you understand what is going on it is not too much of an issue to deal with.

VT

 

[Plannerman]

I'd say that both generations are great trucks, but definitely different trucks. Buy the one you are most comfortable in and call it a day. For me, I did not fit well in a Gen 1, but the Gen 2 feels like it was designed for me personally.

 

[Area52]

This was my 2010 JK that I traded for my 2012 double cab, which I immediately started to modify.

I've owned 14 different Toy 4x4s, and there's nothing soft about this truck, although it does have more electronics than earlier trucks.

I like this truck better than any I've owned to date, including all the other non Toyota stuff I've owned.

The early Tundras have a size similar to the new gen Tacomas and may be more in the affordable range you are seeking.

 

[wmflyfisher]

I have owned both and I LOVED my 05. The 4.0 should be enough to make you go for the newer model. Its a real beast compared to the older 3.4 especially if you plan to run bigger tires. The cab is also slightly bigger. I'm also in the market for another truck and really don't want to go over $17k or $18k. It's been a challenge finding one with decent miles in that price range. I can be patient though.

 

[downhill]

This was my 2010 JK that I traded for my 2012 double cab, which I immediately started to modify.

I've owned 14 different Toy 4x4s, and there's nothing soft about this truck, although it does have more electronics than earlier trucks.

I like this truck better than any I've owned to date, including all the other non Toyota stuff I've owned.

The early Tundras have a size similar to the new gen Tacomas and may be more in the affordable range you are seeking.

Very nice truck! There is nothing soft about mine either, BUT I've had to replace the entire suspension, regear the truck, and ditch the electronic transfer case just to get to a platform that I could build on. Hence my comment. These trucks were clearly targeted at an urban market. If not for a vibrant aftermarket, it would be a complete no-go.

 

[NCjeff]

I have had both also. My 05 Double Cab was great, but I honestly don't miss it. Rear window leaked horribly, if I sneezed on the paint it would scratch, there was a lot of rattles and squeaks. The 4.0 was awesome, even with 33's. Just felt like it was missing that Toyota feel. Thats just my ************** opinion though.

Currently drive an 03 Double Cab, and I plan on having it until my 2 month old son can drive it.

 

[wingysataday]

I flew off a 15ft cliff into an empty drainage canal in my taco and all I needed was some new rivets for the front fender flares and an alignment. My yota as stated in my signature has been absolutely awesome! No leaky window or rattles of any kind. Great power. Climbs great, pulls great, I got 17.6mpg on my last trip through the snow and wind! I can't say enough about it. It just runs great looks great. I am constantly getting compliments on it. I plan on having it until it is totalled. PS there are more parts and bits than you could possibly afford to attach to the rig. Everyone makes stuff for it. True in stock form the taco suspension leaves alot to be desired. ttora.com has tons of info on either one.

 

[surlydiesel]

Bought a brand new 08 when my 99 got bought back by Toyota. After 10,000 miles I was done with it, as was mentioned above, the paint was useless, body panels dented if you leaned on them too hard, needed to be re-geared to run bigger tires and tow, needed new suspension even after the new rear springs were put in. I went back to a 2002 Tundra and now I'm in an 01 Tacoma. They feel like real "trucks", they don't beep at you when you try to put them in low range, The paint takes a fair amount of abuse and the suspension is not the best but it is livable. I think for most consumers, the newer trucks are fine. Just realize if you use it as a "truck" you will have to invest a fair amount of cash to make it handle the stresses of a real truck. Just my opinion, I know plenty of people are more than happy with their 05+ trucks. I just wasn't a fan.

 

[Finlay]

I currently have an 07 JK and have been doing some light offroading, and recently caught the overland bug and am looking to build an expedition rig. I love the JK but for a platform for long expeditions and hauling multiple people the JK just it isnt going to work. So I have decided on the TACO DC for my rig. I have a few questions running through my head and want to see what all you experienced people think and post my first thread on the forum. I have really enjoyed reading many of your build threads, getting ideas, and cannot wait to start my own build thread. I'm looking for a used DC TACO and wanting to spend at the most 17k. Are the 01-04s more reliable than the 05+ tacos? Since I'm looking at used vehicles should I set a cap on the mileage of the vehicle?

Thanks for the input!

I wouldn't say more reliable. Toyota reliability is Toyota reliability.

I prefer the smaller size of the first gen taco. I like the roominess and power and creature comforts of the second gen.

It's a bag of compromises either way. You just gotta choose which bag is better suited to your wants.

 

[Skyman85]

Thanks for all the input. I think ill be going with 1st gen. I think i found a decently priced 03 gold dbl with the trd pkg, seems in great condition in and out. All service records back to 05 just had its timing belt and water pump changed and a frame inspection so i dont have to worry about those. So I might have a new rig this sat if everything checks out when i go and look at it! Now to sell my Jeep!

 

[Box Rocket]

Take this or leave it but I was speaking with a Toyota Regional Trainer/Master Technician and he made the comment that the 5VZE (V6 in the first gen Tacomas) are getting enough miles on them now that Toyota is able collect real long term data on them now. His comment to me was that there is real evidence that the 5VZE is possibly the most reliable motor Toyota has ever built. believe what you will but as for me and my house.......I LOVE my '03 DC Tacoma!