Is the first gen Tacoma a "classic?"

I read that a classic car is defined as any vehicle older than 25 years that is worth keeping on the road instead of scrapping. Technically, my 1996 Tacoma meets this definition: it's a daily drover in solid condition. I still have a hard time thinking of this truck as a classic car, like a numbers-matching '69 Hemi Cuda or something like that. I mean, is someone's beater 96 Cavalier also a "classic" by this definition?

 

I wouldn't call it a classic, BUT, there is a unique appreciation for these trucks with people in general as evidenced by the constant compliments mine gets whenever I'm out driving it, and there's a cult following not unlike Jeeps or Toyota FJs. Fords, Chevys, Dodges, Nissans, Mitsubishis just don't have the same love. They may have a different following of their own, but most everyone recognizes our trucks as the super reliable diehards and if you're lucky and smart enough to own one, you really have something good. I suppose my long-winded post is just saying your truck may be a classic in those regards.

 

I still see them on the road every single day, so it's not a classic car in that sense. It will never be an object of envy. It seems a combination of rarity and good condition is what solidifies the classic car in my mind.

Regardless, I'm definitely registering for the classic car license plate because it's a few bucks less per year I have to give to the state. My truck looks clean enough to not be embarrassed calling it a classic.

 

Your 96 tacoma in is rare compared to a "numbers matching 69 Hemi Cuda" (they don't exist).
I'd drive it & enjoy it and not worry about that to call it.
In Massachusetts we have antique plates, but your not supposed to have them on daily drivers.

 

Just got here to say that. Not sure what the exact regs are in OP's state though

 

‘If you are applying for classic plates it’s a classic.

 

Thing is most states have different laws when it comes to classic plates or antique plates.

Many restrictions Day light hours only . A limited amount of miles from the registered address. Limited yearly total miles. Which is also reflected in your insurance policy .

Some so strict to and from official functions only. car shows/parades etc.

Check before you apply.

 

Yea here in Arkansas I think they changed the rules so it has to be 40 years old to get antique plates. Even then, you’re supposed to only drive it a certain amount each month, but I’m not sure how that’s enforced.

 

Florida, 25 years old. Drive it all you wish.

Called antique. Not same as classic.

Antique is just old. Classic is old and lots of people would be willing to pay too much for it.

So the old truck to one who owns it, it is a classic. To the prospective buyer it's just an antique.

 

Not unlike the George Carlin piece on stuff..and shit..

 

That have that distinction at the DMV in AZ. 25 yr plates are "antique", I believe, and your car has to be on a list to be a "classic" and to be eligible for those plates.

 

I stand corrected. All I'm really after is that copper & red plate. I'll take one that says "Historic Vehicle" rather than "Classic Car" if I need to. It's just 10 bucks per year registration and no tabs or emissions to deal with anymore.

 

Better not steal my vanity 4-letter I come up next year

 

I have an 87 4runner and I live in Colorado I have collector vehicle plates for 5 years for 155.00 and no restrictions.

 

"TACO"? LOL

 

I'm the original owner of a 2000 PreRunner and at retirement age. I once came out of a nursery with my wife to find a small crowd of guys my sons' age checking out my trusty "Dave the Giant Killer" (yes, it has a name). They thought it was classic. I know what I have. Thanks, Arizona family for chiming in.

 

I am in the midwest where salt on the road is common. In the town I live in I see 1st gens all over the place! I mean - every day I see one. They are becoming classic it seems Almost everyone (including myself) always takes a double take when you see another one passing by. Lots of appreciation for these little pickups. The amount of people that ask me "is it for sale?" and it's almost always at the hardware store. lol