-Toyota parts obsolete…

Such a bummer how first gen tacomas have so much parts at the dealer that’s discontinued… anyone else agree? I can’t find a OEM rear chrome bumper or center console for my truck.

 

In the US auto manufacturers are required to make parts for 10 years.

There is also an Act that states manufactures need to support the product for the warrant period.

Then there are case by case agreements like for Toyota frame(s), that is 12 years after first use. Not sure if that’s law or Toyota playing nice or what ever.

 

You can get an OEM chrome rear bumper on eBay. OEM style I should say, aftermarket copy. I just bought one (I got a black one). Good quality.

 

Two options available on RockAuto?

 

I tried to find an OEM chrome bumper about a year ago after a kid rolled into the back of me in his daddy’s F150. Parts guy at the local stealership said he checked every warehouse in North America and there was none to be had. I asked who does their dent repair and eventually was referred to “The Bumper Guy” who said it would be about $200 to take the dent out. At the time the aftermarket bumpers were going for about the same I just doubt they are the same quality.

 

You do realize how old your truck is, right?

 

"WHy dOn't TheY sTiLl maKE pArTs FoR mY mODeL 'T' tHoUgh?" internet man screams into the void.

In all seriousness a 5 second Google search will yield all sorts of results. Not sure what you're complaining about.

 

They do... I'm pretty sure you can still build a brand new Model T; you could just a few years ago for sure.

 

TBH that's on my bucket list, but do an electric build and drive it into the hipster section of my city. Out-hipster the hipsters.
Or even a Chitty-chitty-bang-bang build. That would probably take me a decade but once I figure out welding anything is possible.

 

It's a 18 year old truck. Every year the Toyota spends manufacturing, storing, shipping, and administering these parts for an outdated vehicle is money Toyota is not spending on manufacturing and R&D'ing their modern vehicles. One can argue that even having to maintain a model for 10 years past it's manufacture date causing a slight increase in the price of the vehicles Toyota is currently selling. Because modern vehicles in a way have to subsidize the the existence and operation of the machines and plants that make parts for those older vehicles.

 

This one is near OEM. Installed 7 years ago and still looks brand new. If it becomes available again its a quality part.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002MYG8L2?ie=UTF8

 

I will say that outside of a few exceptions, I have been able to source most parts from Toyota still, which is pretty darn good for a 20-year-old truck. Toyota has recently started remaking parts for some of their other older vehicles (cult classics, old celica's, and fj40s). So I don't think you're on safe ground to point a finger at Toyota- they support their legacy products pretty well.

 

A Tacoma is not a legacy product.

 

Toyota is great with parts for 20 year old vehicles. The non essential parts go first trim and exterior parts.

American vehicles are far worse 10 years it is gone!

 

Toyota still make lots of parts for 40-series Land Cruisers. One guesses it's because there's a community that values and supports Toyota in this.

With our Gen 1 trucks coming up on a minimum of 20 years old and desirability (and prices) remaining high for these vehicles, is there an opportunity for Toyota to consider it a "collector" truck and consider supporting us with parts that might otherwise be made obsolete?

One hopes so. i for one would certainly support original Toyota over aftermarket.

PS: When I switched charcoal interior from my outgoing 2001 in place of the oak interior in my incoming 2003, I had to get some interior pieces that, surprisingly, aren't the same between these two model years. I was able to buy some of the trim and new badging from Toyota, but even in 2018 some parts were going out of stock. Those simple little SR5 emblems I bought for notalot now look like solid gold...

 

Your right. Some interior parts will not match 01 with 03 . I am still looking for a interior fuse box cover in charcoal and they only match 02-04 . Charcoal is discontinued and hard to find but oak is still in stock.

 

First of all Welcome to Tacoma World!

I agree with you it’s a bummer on the discontinued parts as we all love our 1st gens!!
And we both know the Tacoma is the state of Hawaii pickup

I have noticed however that the online Toyota oem part departments , some will have it and others won’t.

Best of luck

p.s. everyone
I’m stocking up on OEM Lower ball joint’s asap