2002 TRD Double Cab V6 opinions

If you have any opinions about the 2002 TRD off road double cab v6 I would really like to know them especially if they're bad. How do you feel about the worth of the TRD Off Road Package? Also are there any kinds of significant recalls or constant problems with this model and year? I believe that's the model/year I've settled on. Also if anyone can come up with some form of mileage to price guide I would really appreciate it. Thank you.

 

Frame rust was a big recall. I'd Check for that before buying one.

 

I love mine! Just make sure to inspect the frame extremely well before buying. Especially where the front of the leaf springs meet the frame. The lower ball joints were also recalled, so be sure those were replaced as well. But the big thing is rust, rust, and more rust on the frame.

 

So if i find rust, I've read somewhere here that toyota said they'd fix that via some sort of warranty. Is that true?

 

I believe the recall ended already but you can check and see.

 

321,000 on mine. No problems at all except for that pesky dashboard rattle / vibration.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/251744-dash-rattle.html

 

^this

my '01 DC TRD is awesome in every way!! very capable off road (locker is a plus!), great as a DD (except the meh mpg), a big enough bed to haul most things, and plenty of cab space for gear/people/dogs. I don't feel that its under-powered (though I would love a supercharger ) and have had ZERO issues as far as maintenance/repair is concerned

 

you're prob beat on the warranty thing, but go here -> http://www.toyota.com/owners/web/pages/resources/recalls

enter the VIN and see what comes up.

 

Ok thanks. Definitely gonna focus on checking the rust by the leaf springs and underneath. Now, what would you say about a comparison between this year and a 2009 as far as trail riding goes? I hear a lot of people saying that the earlier years are more rugged and so on. I can't tell if some of the people are jealous of the newer years and just wish they had them or if the older trucks really are just better.

 

loved my 02 reg cab, the first generations are built better, comparing to my 05, and now a 2012. you wont go wrong with either generation though as long as the frame is good.

 

1st gens are a little more compact, so more maneuverable on tight trails; and there's less plastic parts on them too.

fwiw I am a little jealous of the 2nd gen interiors but thats it (my dads got an '07)

 

Yeah the inside of the second gens are nice. But I can't stand the fact that the inside of the bed is plastic...I'm sure it's pretty tough, but I can't wrap my mind around that.

 

So I did some research on the bed for the second gens that you were talking about. Do you think that's a legitimate issue with getting ANY second gen? Especially when all intend upon doing is off roading, driving around an army post and some light transporting if i have to switch posts again soon? Some people have been mentioning TSB issues referring to the tailgate. Could someone explain what that is? And with the 2002 year, what makes it more worth getting than the 2003? All that seems to change between the two is the fact that the antilock brakes are standard in the '03. And I saw something about a 4WD Tacoma sr5 4dr. Double Cab. How has that model faired? Anyone have experience with it?

 

lower ball joints on the 01-04s were an issue as well. i've owned a 2000 TRD v6 and a 2004 TRD v6. Love the v6... the TRD package is nice with the locking rear, but I rarely need more than 4 wheel drive. and if you plan on changing out the suspension (which with as old as these trucks are now, you will), then there goes half of the TRD package right there.

 

I have another question then if that's what you say about 1st gens: How far would I have to go to customize the truck to be able to handle jumping? And how hard would it be to do that customization myself with a mechanically inclined friend's help? It seems that a lot of people are saying that's a more personal, fulfilling way to go but I don't want to do a worse job then a pro gearhead would do just for the reason that I want the best performance overall more than just the best experience overall.

 

Another quick question: How much money would it take on average guesstimate to swap a 2WD out for a 4WD in a 2002 Tacoma Double Cab?

 

Don't think I'd want to jump a double cab.

More then what a 4wd one would cost.

I bought my 03 dc last year with 72k on it 4wd TRD package. In Oklahoma was an Oklahoma truck, no road salt = no rust. I paid 17k for it. I drive mostly city, and get about 13-14mpg, on the highway I get about 19.... Had the typical dash rattle, replaced the water pump and timing belt this year, did a 2 in lift and 5100's in the rear. I'm happy with it.

I don't think your truck will go up to 300k if you start jumping it...

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbvnvyFvbys&feature=youtube_gdata_player this pretty much what I want to do with a Tacoma. Like, add a snorkel, back and front wench mounts and a feeeeeewww other things and that's about it. You're saying a double cab physically isn't able to do this? Or would I break it perhaps?

 

Good lord that guy treats his Tacoma like I treated my frank and beans during my teens.