Tundra Vs. Tacoma

[EricBirk]

If you are small enough to fit in one, then it is fine.

Are we talking height or width? I am just a hair under 6'3" tall and have no worries in mine at all. Load it up with bikes, guys, and gear no problems. Drove it for 14hrs with only stops for food and gas. I couldnt do that in my chev half ton, I had to stop because my back was locking up. It all depends on the person.

I drove a '07 Taco when I was buying my Nissan and didnt really like how they felt. It could have just been that one as it was used, or with more time I could have adapted, but to me it just didnt feel right.

 

[JCMatthews]

The Jury is still out.

I have driven the first generation V8 DC Tundra and a second generation DC Tacoma. I won't quite say I hated the Tacoma but I would get an Outback over a second generation Taco. Maybe that is a little strong, I'd consider a 1st gerneration DC Dakota before the Late model Taco. I did really like the ride the power the fill etc. of the Tundra, however the size is the real concern. I have not driven the 1st generation Taco, and maybe it would ride well and be comfortable and I'd like it too. The best thing would be if I drove one and really did not like it, and then my choice would be easier. In my heart of hearts, I'd love a Taco like Scott's at Expeditions West had and do great trips in it. However I have to remind myself that I am an elementary school teacher, I have three kids, funds are limited, and what ever I purchase has to do everything. The Tundra is starting to look more like an everything vehicle. There are compromises each way, but maybe the compromises with the Tundra out way the Taco. The jury is still out. I need some more cool mild Tundra pics. Thanks 100,000 mile Tundra. Inspiring.

 

[JCMatthews]

Also

I am not a big person either way. I stand 5' 9". However when I sit I am as tall as most people 6' to 6'1". (Long body.) I have fit in a Cherokee for almost 12 years without a problem. My wife is almost as tall as I am and also used to drive a Cherokee. She loved its size. We have grown acustomed to the Expedition on the Highway but are a little leary when we take it off road. My biggest concern is having kids grow up and still fit, as well as being able to be out and not worry when a road gets quite rough. You can see by my Jeep pics I am used to going wherever I point that thing.

 

[Hazzard]

The tacomas have way more aftermarket support then the Tundras. And they are cheaper to modify too. Just price out bumpers for both and you will see what I am talking about.

I know you said you don't like the second gen tacomas, and I was right there with you for a long time (loved my 98). But they are the perfect mix between the old taco and old tundra. I don't think I could go back to a 98 now that I have gotten comfortable in my 05.

 

[motochain]

Just get the Tundra. I love mine. If you're not afraid of pinstripes and get some aftermarket protection you'll be able to go where you want. The added room was the selling point for me.

 

[JCMatthews]

Bumpers and sliders

Who makes bumpers and sliders for the First Generation Tundra. It is easy to find them of the Taco or the New Tundra, but not the 02-06's.

 

[jim65wagon]

Off the top of my head....
Stubbs, DeMello for sliders
ARB, IronBull, Kennesaw Mountain for bumpers

there may be others, but that's the quick thought....

 

[motochain]

Last time I talked to them Shrockworks said they'd build a bumper. There's a business out in NC that just started doing 1st gen. Tundras. And the best option is always to talk to a fab guy near you and tell 'em extactly what your wanting built anyway.

Just because Tacos have a ton of mass produced bumpers available doesn't make them the better choice.

 

[rambrush]

Stubbs for Sliders and Skid Row for skid plates, ARB for bumper. Stubbs advises that the sliders are awful heavy for shipping.
Scott @ Just Bent in Vegas is on my radar for sliders and anything metal that needs created.

Who makes bumpers and sliders for the First Generation Tundra. It is easy to find them of the Taco or the New Tundra, but not the 02-06's.

 

[JCMatthews]

Mind games with myself

I have really been contemplating on this decision, and when I look at a 1st generation DC Tacoma with a canopy (you like my use of the European vocabulary), I see a rig just waiting to go exploring and overlanding. When I look at a first gerneration DC Tundra lifted with a canopy, I see a tall F150. I know that they are not that big, but a fellow around the corner from me has one that is lifted and they just don't look like and expedition rig. (Maybe it's because I live in a hick town where all the rednecks jack up their full size rigs and slap on mud tires so the can drag main and tow their trailers better.) The extra clearance I feel is required by a lift just adds to the oversized look of the Tundra, and just looks right on a Taco. I feel like I am babbling at you. I am really going to have to wrap my mind around this one. I'm playing mind games with myself, and I can't tell who's winning!

Also on the bumper slider issue, I really like the idea of a heavy duty rear bumper, eventhough I have never gotten one on the back of the XJ and probably don't need one. I know that I want ARB for the front. Rocky Road Outfitters in Heber Utah could build me slider like the ones they offer for T100's.

 

[JCMatthews]

Motochain, any pics of your rig?

 

[JCMatthews]

I found the tundrabirds go thread and Borrego 60 your truck is awesome!

 

[bigreen505]

Send a PM to DevinSixtySeven or find him on the TundraSolutions forum. I think the only things Toyota left on his Tundra are the frame, engine and dashboard. If you want to see how far you can build one, it is a good one to look at (and a great guy too).

I've long thought that the previous generation access cab Taco is the best one or two person travel platform easily available in the US. However, I don't think any Tacoma is really suitable for a family. I have pretty much decided that my next vehicle will be a previous generation Tundra for many of the reasons you mention. I too am worried about the size as I have never driven anything that large off pavement in any real way.

One major negative for me on the Taco and Tundra is the visibility is awful, which is why many of the owners have camera systems to see where the front end is. A Subaru Outback is worthless off pavement because it doesn't have low range. Perhaps the autos are ok, but the manual transmission is lacking at best.

 

[JCMatthews]

Send a PM to DevinSixtySeven or find him on the TundraSolutions forum. I think the only things Toyota left on his Tundra are the frame, engine and dashboard. If you want to see how far you can build one, it is a good one to look at (and a great guy too).

I've long thought that the previous generation access cab Taco is the best one or two person travel platform easily available in the US. However, I don't think any Tacoma is really suitable for a family. I have pretty much decided that my next vehicle will be a previous generation Tundra for many of the reasons you mention. I too am worried about the size as I have never driven anything that large off pavement in any real way.

One major negative for me on the Taco and Tundra is the visibility is awful, which is why many of the owners have camera systems to see where the front end is. A Subaru Outback is worthless off pavement because it doesn't have low range. Perhaps the autos are ok, but the manual transmission is lacking at best.

I was joking about the Outback. I would not consider one.

 

[Cackalak Han]

I thought this would be a very obvious answer, right after you said "3 kids." My last truck was a 2001 Double Cab Tacoma and it is not that roomy in the back. Certainly doable for 3 kids, but they would be MUCH more comfortable in the Tundra. Been driving my father's 09 Tundra for a couple of days and it's so much more comfortable on the road and long hauls. You've already got a very capable trail rig (XJ). My next truck will be a Tundra. I love the 4.7/5.7 V8 (especially for the steep mountain roads around here) and the smoothness of a bigger rig. I just did a 8-9 hour trip in my LC and I felt so much better than a comparable trip in my old Tacoma. Both great vehicles, though!

An in-between truck would be the 05+ Tacoma's. Pretty good room in the back, lots of aftermarket support, and pretty comfortable---you'll just have to get used to the looks.