1st gen vs 2nd gen

Fellas i have a 2001 Tacoma trd 4x4 i love this truck ive done so much work to it and had many memories I recently have acquired a 2gen 2011 trd off road 4x4. I am having a hard time adjusting or selling my gen 1 and replacing it with this stock gen 2 truck.. I am not sure if it is the blood sweet and tears that ive put into the 1st gen or what.. very strange feeling, has anyone made the switch?
2001 1st gen 250,000
2011 2nd gen 250,000

 

Where the fist gen really shines is on tight backwoods trails, due to it being lighter and narrower. If you're not doing that or looking to build a crawler, there's not really a rational reason to have one over a second gen, which is more powerful, comfortable, and arguably more durable. You don’t have to worry about the tension-loaded ball joints on the newer Tacoma, or timing belt changes. They also seem to be a bit more resistant to frame rust. Most people just like the older ones because of the styling - they were the last of the true minitrucks, when they could still make lean, featherweight pickups - the second gen can look somewhat bloated and dull by comparison, but it's still a better truck for the vast majority of people.

 

Iv had both and I love the 1st gen but I find the 2nd gen is a little easier to live with especially as a daily driver. More room, more power, etc. The 1st gens are a little more nimble for trail use though since they are smaller. Just keep both

 

I have a 1st gen and a 3rd gen. The 3rd gen is much more comfortable and has more modern comforts. The 1st gen is just badass, has better interior and exterior styling, and gives me a healthy dose of nostalgia. I would keep both if you can swing it. With mileage that high, insurance and registration must not be all that expensive. Conversely, both have high mileage and may not last all that much longer, depending on maintenance and treatment. If the mileage was different I would say keep the less used vehicle. I don't know, keep both for a bit and see what your heart decides...

 

Everyone who had a gen 1 and has bought a new truck after 2004.

Keep what you like! No reason to bring it to a vote of strangers.

 

I second all the "keep both" sentiments.

Having two vehicles if you can afford it and park both where you reside is so convenient.

Wanna do an extended maintenance project, just drive the other one that week.

I daily drove my 1st gen for the last several years until recently. Whenever I wanted to do maintenance on a weekend, I always had to be sure I had every part and tool I could possibly require before starting the work, otherwise I risked not having the truck fixed to drive to work come Monday. Not having to worry about that is a nice feeling. Just my $0.02

 

I had 2013 Sport DCLB, it was a great truck, but it was pretty close in size to Tundra, but the Tundra had much more interior room. So, I bought a Tundra, then another one. Great Trucks! Decided I wanted a 4runner before they change them and didn't need the full size truck anymore, so I got rid of the Tundra for the 4runner. Knowing one must always have some kind of truck, I was back on the lookout for a 1st Gen. Tacoma, which I had always wanted. It was difficult to find but I eventually found a nice 2002 and love it. It's what I drive the most, by far.

Having said all that, and as of the others have mentioned, it's personal preference. And, having a second vehicle is very handy for the mentioned reasons.

 

Wish I still had my 1st gen. I'd keep both if that's an option

 

What size lift do you have on the 1st gen? I've got a 04 just like that. I plan on giving it to my son and want to lift it a little and put him some new wheels and bigger tires on it. Bought it brand new in 04 and it's been a great truck for 20 years!

 

its hard to find another, just always remember that if you do part with the 1st gen.(atleast clean + affordable ones).. i had two people back to back at stores today stop me to ask about my 1st gen & try and buy it lol.

 

Keeping both really isnt a good option. I already have a dodge diesel and wifes 4runner as second and third vehicles. I like the 1st for its old schoolness heck will be a classic soon. The gen2 is nicer to drive. I think I am questioning myself is just because i am not gaining a ton going to this 2 gen its the same mileage and i have to basically restart on this truck i have a Landry list of stuff I've done to the 1st gen.
Im sure the 2gen will hold its valve better, But then i think i mean will it though, the 1st gen seems harder to find these days
@Ozark_RegCab you really think the gen 2 is more durable?

 

Overall durability is arguable, but the second gen has beefier IFS, with the 8" front diff and the newer lower ball joint design that won't take the wheel off if it does fail.

If I were gonna get into a second gen, I'd look for one of the single cabs with the 2TR-FE. They have the old proven 5 speed with an improved version of the 3RZ-FE, and are still lightweight enough to be good trail rigs, while also benefiting from the better suspension set up.

Second gens can have their own set of issues though - if I'm not mistaken, they're more likely to break a spindle than a first gen if you're using it hard. Some years of the GR engine can have head gasket and timing chain issues, but overall I'd say they're a more reliable platform than the 1st gen.

 

I think the benefits of upgrading would be mostly offset if the 1st gen is all up to date on maintenance and the upgrades you want and the second Gen would need a bunch of things.

I think the 1st gens primary advantage (being smaller for tight trails) is the best justification to keep it and offload the 2nd gen, especially knowing you have a 4runner and other bigger truck.

 

1st gen all the way. I've never liked driving the 2ng gens because it just feels so much bigger. Your first gen will also hold it's value better