1st gen tacoma prerunner (6 cylinder) as a daily driver in the City

I wanted to know if a 2004 pre runner tacoma crew cab would be a good daily driver in Los Angeles. I'd use it for daily driving but also occasionally going surfing or hauling music equipment.
I mainly like how the truck looks and I'm drawn to utilitarian vehicles for their simplicity and ruggedness.

Also is the 1st gen tacoma starting to become too old?
Will I see myself doing a lot of expensive repairs vs me getting a newer hatchback/sedan?

Basically just want to know if the truck will hold up and be dependable for what I want it for or am I being ridiculous and should I just get a newer more fuel efficient car?

 

@Crodell6 @zero4 @eon_blue @Prayn4surf

 

probably 400-500 miles a month.

 

It depends on the condition of the truck you buy. In general these trucks are reliable and somewhat easy to work on. They will not get good gas mileage (15mpg on the low end to 20 to 22ish mpg if everything is in good order and you drive easy). They also don’t ride smooth and you may not be comfortable on long trips due to the seats.

If you still want one and you still haven’t purchased one, check the frames for rust. All generations of Tacomas have a problem with rust. Good luck and I hope this helped. Welcome to TW.

 

tough call not knowing the truck in question. With the 04's they can get expensive due to the CA catalytic convertors and the drive by wire throttle. Are these troublesome areas, they can be and there are not any work around's. You just have to bite the bullet and pay for it... Factory convertors, easy $1500, throttle body $500 easy.

I dont think a short board will fit inside a Tacoma but it will in a 4 Runner.

There are many 3.4 Tacomas with 300k miles on them. I have a reg cab 5 speed with 388k on the odometer, but I am on motor #2.

 

My 2001 dcab 3.4L has been my daily driver in the Valley since 2004. Got it with 28K mi on it & now I have 220K, still running strong, & still do I not have a feeling of it being unreliable. Mine has lived up to the typical Toyota lasts forver reputation.

It has never broke down on me & has never left me stranded (knock on wood). Only time it has ever been in a shop for repair was 3 months ago when I got the rear axles seals & bearings replaced (well again a month later for a regear but that wasn't a necessity). I used to work on cars so all the maintenance I have done myself.

I don't consider 1st gens to be very old yet but they do have age. So expect to replace worn out suspension parts as needed & usual maintenance on the engine.

Also depends on where the truck has lived most of it's life. My truck has always lived in SoCal so rust is not a concern but if you're looking at a truck that came from a area where it has been exposed to salt, etc be sure to check very thoroughly for rust. These trucks are known to have rust issues.

Fuel efficient these are not if that's what you're looking for but sure beats a full full size truck. Even with lift & bigger tires I can still park in compact spots & take my truck anywhere like a car. I couldn't daily drive a full size truck or anything even a bit bigger. Like a 3rd gen long bed would be too big for my liking to daily drive everywhere in LA.

 

Shortboard will fit fine diagonally if you get the 6ft bed. Even if you longboard my 8ft plus longboard does fine propped up. As for the double cab not too much room, maybe a bed extender or a bed rack system.
As for hauling music equip most leaf packs will be already worn out if they haven’t been replaced. Like the others said mediocre gas mileage but reliable.

 

I daily drive my 4x4 Extended Cab in San Francisco/Oakland.

It's not fun. Turning radius is ass, and parking is difficult. But I like the challenge, which is why I continue to use it as my daily driver. Gas mileage is also horrendous.

I'd like to add Toyota Tacomas are one of the most commonly stolen vehicles in SF/LA due to their value, especially in LA because of it's popularity in Mexico.

 

I daily drive my truck from San bernardino to Ontario. I put about 350 miles a week and spend about 60 on gas for those miles with a majority being highway.

I would imagine with being in LA that your mpg will suck due to traffic and possible city driving. If you find one with a good history and able to keep up the maintenance I don't see why it wouldn't last.

It's also true that these truck are sought after by thieves. First thing I did was add a kill switch and make sure I park in visible areas. It really depends on where you live but I haven't had any issues.

 

Short bed isnt good for surfboards, but the 6ft bed will be. That will fit everything except a 9’ But you can still tie one down.