2002 vs 2003-04?

All,

I have a 2003 PreRunner and want to upgrade to TRD 4x4. People who claim to know are telling me I should confine my search to 2003-04 models because they are ‘better’ although they can’t seem to quantify how.

I just learned a good friend has a 2002 TRD 4x4 for sale with only 98k miles on it. It looks to be in fantastic shape, and it would be much easier to buy it than go chasing all over the place looking for a 2003-04.

Is there any reason I should turn down the opportunity to get a 2002 and limit myself to 2003-04 models?

Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

 

2003/2004 has the ETCS-I electronic throttle system that tends to be problematic. You’ll probably be fine but that’s one thing to keep in mind.

BTW — you can convert your truck to 4WD for about $1,000-$2,000. I converted my 1998 PreRunner to 4WD.

 

a 98 in good condition is better than a shitty 04.

Don’t confine your search. 1st gen Tacomas are hard enough to find (in good condition) in ANY year. Don’t make things even harder by confining your search to 03-04. That’s silly.

Sounds like the 2002 is a no brainer. There is really NO difference between a 2002 and an 04. Do it!

 

Problematic only because they are more expensive to replace IF they fail, but it’s not one of those items that fail often.

 

I've had both pre and post-facelift models (2000 and a 2003).

There are some things I do like about the 03 better, mainly interior stuff. The center console is a bit more useful, there are tweeters in the door panels for better sound, and the side mirrors are motorized. The cluster gauges got white backgrounds, and the heater/AC controls are a bit nicer (motorized instead of cables).

Also, the 4x4 models didn't get ABS until the facelift, if that matters to you.

There's also the look -- the facelifted frontend is pretty different from the previous versions, so that's something to consider -- maybe it's a look you dig, maybe not.

Not sure how much of that stuff is really worth a premium to you. I didn't realize the differences until I bought my 03 and started looking around the interior. I was pleasantly surprised, but the changes are pretty minor.

 

The 2001-2004 interior is 100x better than the 1995-2000 interior IMO. Much more ergonomic. I have 2004 Double Cab door panels and the bigger center console in my 1998.

 

I got 4x4 conversation parts sitting at my house for sale...

 

The 2002 has the same interior and exterior as the 03-04. Post-facelift, in other words.

I read somewhere that ABS wasn’t standard on all models until 2003. I would guess that the 2002 TRD 4x4 would have ABS, no?

Converting my prerunner isn’t an option. Both because it would be a kluge, and because it would never happen because I don’t have time to do it. Buying a 4x4 and selling the 2x4 makes much more sense in my case.

Sounds like most suggest going for this 2002....

 

It's really easy, you can probably do it in a single day if you tried hard enough. It's 100% bolt-on. I did my swap with my only previous mechanical experience being changing brake pads.

It's also much cheaper and far less hassle than buying and searching for a new truck.

 

Yes abs was standard in 03. Was optional before that.

 

Not sure if the ABS is much of a selling point on these trucks, as I've heard bad things about the system, especially offroad. The ABS system on mine doesn't work and I can't really be arsed to spend the $$ to fix it...not to mention that the space it takes up under the hood is a perfect spot for a second battery.

 

I believe only 4 door, V6 2003-2004 tacomas had ETCS-I

Truth.

 

Don’t think the cab style would make a difference. It was only found on 5VZ-FE’s from 2003-2004 as you said.

 

Your right, for some reason I thought I read somewhere that it was just double cabs. @mechanicjon always to the rescue, this is actually from your thread!

 

I wouldn’t hesitate to get the 02. I have an 01 DC 4wd with J-shift transfer case and non-abs. It has been an excellent truck. In the 16 years I have had the truck I have never wished I had ABS...

 

Dear Mike Drew and Everybody else,

Some members have given you some valuable information on this thread. The 2001 to 2004 first generation Tacoma is the exact same truck cosmetically and mechanically with the exception that the 2003 to 2004 model years have the ETCS-I electronic throttle system. Some members have already pointed this out to you. The 2001 to 2004 first generation Tacomas are going to be more refined ergonomically than the previous years. Their gauges and their instrument panel are going to be easier to read. From what I have read, they might be a little better insulated as well. Please don't think that they are going to any ride better than the earlier ones. They are all going to ride the same. Remember the double cabs are heavier than the other two body styles so, as a result, they are going to ride the best. We have an extra-cab, and it makes you pay when you have to take the thing long distances.

Good Luck,
Paul

 

Thanks—I have a 2003 Extra Cab and the one I want to buy is a 2002 Extra Cab. Same color and everything. So I’m familiar with the very nice interior and terrible ride quality. FWIW it does ride better when heavily loaded.

Apparently ABS is optional on 01-02 models and standard on 03-04. I hope this one has ABS as it is a nice safety feature. But I won’t turn my nose up at it if it doesn’t!

 

Mike,

Remember to check extensively for frame rust.

Good Luck,
Paul

 

Thanks for that good advice!

Fortunately we are in California where rust is a color, not a thing.

Nevertheless it’s possible it could have spent time somewhere else. I will be inspecting it closely with my stepson who has far more expertise than I do in such matters.

 

Not necessarily. There’s that Pacific Ocean thing that tends to rust he crap out of metals...