Buy Used 1st Gen or New - Any Regrets?

Hi all,

I am finally in a financial position that I could buy a new Tacoma, but my dream truck since I was a kid was the 2001-2004 1st gen Tacomas with the updated grills. I am not sure if I should go new or get the dream truck of my childhood.

Used Tacomas have always been overpriced, but they seem particularly steep currently during the pandemic. If I bought I first gen, I would buy the truck I always wanted and I would be willing to pay a premium for it to get exactly what I wanted (I am viewing this like purchasing a classic/enthusiast car). I would only buy a black (could be flexible if it was affordable enough that I think a paint job wouldn't be out of the question), 4wd, v6 extended cab (TRD offroad and manual preferred, but not required). I understand that it would not be as reliable as a new truck and I would go in with the expectation that certain catastrophic failures (e.g., engine replacement) could be required in the future. I always viewed it as the perfect compromise between a truck and a car. Its size is small enough to be nimble, but the 6ft bed is still functional.

The alternative is me getting a new Tacoma (TRD off-road, DCLB, 4wd). This would provide the reliability I want. It would have more room for having a future family plus safety. However, it would cost upfront at least double. I also wouldn't have the funds to customize it, but I don't need it really needs anything as I use it as a regular vehicle/truck and don't offroad.

I guess my question is did any of you decide to buy a truck out of your passion for it from your childhood and regret it over purchasing new? I am just not sure which direction to go and I need to purchase a truck soon (just moved across the country and need a vehicle ASAP).

 

I'd buy a first gen any day of the week, and two on Sunday before I bought a third gen.

The reliability of the new model did make me chuckle

Not saying they're not, but first gens are already proven. Plenty out there with low mileage and a ton of life left.

 

1st gen's for the win.
I'll never part with my '03 RC Pre-runner.

 

The only 3rd gen you should buy is a 4runner...


check out the buyers guide:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-tacoma-buyers-guide.156943/

 

How could I forget about the 4R

 

Unfortunately, I am only interested in Tacomas. I bought some land that I want to build a house on and a truck is necessary. I have access to larger trucks for the real heavy lifting, but the 6 foot Tacoma bed is necessary for lots of tasks.

 

I personally really like the 2.7 I4 mated to the manual....I'd rock rock one as a parts runner if prices for used Toys weren't obscene in my area. As it is I can get way more bang for my buck with other makes.....

 

I’ve got a 2003 I bought that needs work. Tossing around selling it. I’ve done some things but it needs a power steering rack and lines- already bought- and needs ujoints/ carrier bearing, both valve cover gaskets, and seal on the transaxle. It’s a 5spd 3.4 extended cab off-road. I have all the parts needed but it’s the labor costs. I can’t do the work myself and my sciatica and bad disks are killing me when I drive it. I wanted another one so badly 10 years after selling my other one. It’s killing me.

 

For a family 3rd gen would probably be way safer. Although I don’t know the facts that’s just what I would imagine.

I bought mine and paid it all cash. No payments and extra money goes to mods. I love the old trucks to that I saw when I was younger so i didn’t mind buying a first gen at all. There also simple but have nice functions.

I would weigh it down like this if I was deciding for myself:

3rd gen:
pros: safer and less mileage.
Cons:$ 40-50k

first gen:
Pros: Simple clean and easy to work on
-$8-12k

cons: might run into minor issues for an older vehicle

I’m always tempted to buy a 3rd gen especially since starting at PG&E but I always remember mines paid off and fully functional for me! Just have to remember to appreciate what you have

 

I say always live your dream, when feasible!

As a nice bonus your dream truck is actually affordable, reliable, and will likely only go up in value if you get a nice one and take great care of it for a long time!

Here is my long term dream pure fun truck, also the last of the first gen's. I always wanted one just like this so finally found a clean one for a good deal and picked it up it early this year. Forget about regrets, this truck turned out to far exceed all my expectations on how much fun I would have driving and upgrading this thing!!




No brainer here when your dream is a first gen Tacoma, start looking for the example you love with the nicest body and paint you can find today.

 

Also I guess the big thing with ANY first gen would be to take a REALLY close look at the frame. Even in areas with no rust you can have catastrophic failure:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/02-cracked-rear-framerails.636972/

Not bashing these trucks, just saying everything has its unique faults and better to inspect before than have surprises later....

 

and car fax it. Pretty sure my ODO was reset back 100k miles

 

Now that's a Rollback that'd make even Walmart jealous!!

 

I recently bought a 2004 with 263k miles. I love it. No regrets. I couldn’t really afford anything else but I’ve always wanted a Tacoma so it was an easy decision for me. One thing I didn’t consider when looking was to see when the timing belt was last done because that will be an added cost that will pop up right away or in the near future (like mine). There are also little issues that may start coming up just because of the age and when things were last taken care of but I’m just slowly replacing stuff and cleaning to start fresh. They are fun to learn on and diy most routine stuff. Go with your gut on this one really.

 

Ever since going through the divorce I just can`t see going into debt again.

I like being debt free why I have no idea I can spend a $1000.00 a month on parts for a year and still be far ahead of a truck payment.

It comes down to just what works best for you OP.

 

Get a 1st gen. Very much considering selling my 2nd gen to get another 1st gen.

 

I, too, am part of the bad back club. When I first picked up my 1st gen I found the seat too low and it aggravated my back issues. I installed one of these and have been very comfortable driving since:

$33 LARROUS Comfort Memory Foam Seat Cushion for Car Seat Driver, Tailbone (Coccyx) Pain Relief Pad for Driving, Office Chair (Beige)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0827BB1VN