Hey everyone. Im looking to buy my first Tacoma and had quite a few questions. Does the 95-04 Tacoma's all have the same body style or are they different? I need the truck to take up in the hills for hunting so want something with four wheel drive, but do I need more than a 4-cylinder or will that supply enough power so that I dont get stuck anywhere? Also, how many miles is too many? I have always been told to buy a truck with under 100k miles but have heard the Tacoma's are very reliable and will run forever so im not really sure what I should be looking for. Thanks.
There were 3 distinct body style 'generations' from 1995.5 - 2004:
- 1995.5 - 1997
- 1998 - 2000
- 2001 - 2004
Double Cabs didn't arrive until 2001. Prior to that there were only Regular Cabs and XtraCabs.
The 3RZ 4-cylinder in the 4X4 models is a good and bulletproof engine. It will suffice (up to a point) for offroading. If you need power for hauling, for street speeding, or expect to put the truck in extreme (off road) situations, you might be better off with the V6.
Assuming reasonable maintenance during its prior life, it's not generally considered risky to buy a pre-2005 Tacoma with, say, 100k - 120k miles on it. Some folks won't bat an eye at a used Tacoma with 150k miles on it. Naturally, it all depends on the history of that particular truck ...
My opinion, my 2.7 has all the power I've needed for the past 3 years I've owned it. If you're worried about getting stuck, I'd look for a TRD with a locking rear diff. My truck is an 01 and has 135000 on it. I just had to put close to $1000 into it, the exhaust system needed replacing as well as the O2 sensor ($200 just for the sensor), but other than that it's been great. From what I've read and what I've experienced with mine, the rear leaf springs can wear out on some. Mine was used for trailering before I bought it, and the right rear spring actually cracked. I replaced them both with a set of Alcan's. The O2 sensor is easy to replace yourself, but it seems like some recommend replacing them before they go bad, so it doesn't set off your check engine light. I fully expect my truck to reach at least 200,000. Good luck!
After driving a 97 king cab for 12 years and looking at a lot of the newer mini SUVs, I'm starting to get tired of the longer wheelbase (who in their right mind drives the same car for 12 years anyway) and if I buy another Tacoma it will probably be a single cab, i had an 86 single cab with a camper shell, and I definitely wanted the extended. I drive alone most all the time. I've had 130,000 trouble-free miles, but, I'm also here on Tundra Solutions checking on my post about popping out of 1st gear. Four cylinder is about 130 HP, which i drive.
Changed the oil every 4500 miles, and I like to brag about the fact I've never really added any between changes; it took me 6 months to find the 86 with 50,000 miles on it and it always needed a quart (or something) after 2000 miles.
Personally, i would never consider a 4 cylinder automatic or anything with over 100,000 miles on it.
well it all depend what you wanna do with it. I liked the first response. the 4 banger is great for just about everything, but the v6 will work even better. 96' is only year they made the reg cab with a v6.
the reg cab has a 103 in. wheelbase, and the extended cab like 116 in. if you wanna turn tighter, and offroad better go with the reg. cab
IF u wanna make you buddies cram in the back, or pack it full of stuff that's hard to dig through, and get stuck more, get the extended cab (i am not biased at all : )
the 2.7 is an amazing engine IMO. it produces around 155 HP and 177 torque.
the 3.4 V6 is great too, but a little heavier, and generally much harder to find with low miles and more expensive.
my 4 banger has never failed to spin the tires on anything, but freeway performance is a little less than fantastic with big tires.
I expect nothing less than 200K miles out of the truck as my 93' 4runner did 220k and still sold for 2400 at christmas time.
I think the 4 cyl leaves more room in the engine compartment and is therefore easier and more simple to work on.
TRD is cool but expensive and a waste if you're going to lift it(and remove most the TRD upgrades). plus i think the rear diff only comes with a LSD, (better than open diff but not great and they require matinence)
even without it you'll be pulling your budy's full sized "american muscle" trucks out of the mud.
in snow they're too light without alot of weight in back.
watch craiglist closely and act quickly when you find a good deal.. IMO a good deal doesn't last a day of being on the classifieds!
plus i think the rear diff only comes with a LSD, (better than open diff but not great and they require matinence)
Not quite true. The TRD's came with an electronic selectable locker that was extremely low maintenance and super reliable. Search for "grey wire mod" -its all about the locker. Personally, I would go with an 01-04 3.4L V6 extracab with the 5spd. I REALLY miss that truck. I only sold it because my daughter didnt fit in the back. Sold it in 2006 for 18.5K. I would stick with the smaller generation tacomas if you are going to offroad. They are smaller and easier to maneuver. Both engines (4 & 6) are dependable and nearly bulletproof.
Nearly anything you get will be reliable and great offroad.
To add to what's been said, all of which is correct except that LSD thing, I've really enjoyed my 3.4L V6. I don't even tow much at all, but I really do like the added power without sacrificing the MPG much. Stock, I got 21-22MPG on the freeway. I've had three 3.4L V6's now, and they've all been about the same MPG wise. GREAT engines, IMO. They are non-interference, also, whereas the I4's are. Both great engines, though, but if it were up to me, I'd get the V6.
I got the double cab and only the automatic is offered. I wish that the 5sp were available. Oh, well, I can always swap. Also, I'd get the extended cab. It does add to the length of the vehicle, but you'll appreciate that extra little room to throw some crap back there or lean your seat back when you're taking a breather. My friend has a reg. cab and I cannot stand not being able to recline or having to cram stuff in the back of the seat or down at our feet.
Good luck with the search. Oh, check for frame rust when you're looking.
Hey everyone. Im looking to buy my first Tacoma and had quite a few questions. Does the 95-04 Tacoma's all have the same body style or are they different?
They are slightly different.
Quote:
I need the truck to take up in the hills for hunting so want something with four wheel drive, but do I need more than a 4-cylinder or will that supply enough power so that I dont get stuck anywhere?
It depends. If you plan on doing any towing you will want the V6, if not, the 4-banger is fine.
Quote:
Also, how many miles is too many? I have always been told to buy a truck with under 100k miles but have heard the Tacoma's are very reliable and will run forever so im not really sure what I should be looking for. Thanks.
When it comes to a Toyota, there is no such thing as, "too many" miles. Its not at all uncommon for a Toyota to have well over 200,000 miles on it and run/drive like a vehicle that has just come off the showroom floor.
__________________
All the best stuff is made in Japan.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tundra_Hick
The Tundra is a good single guy's truck. Its pretty, it doesn't rattle too much and its fast. Now I just need to find a woman who matches in all those respects.
Id get the v6 so you can get the super charger, they didnt make that for the 4. Nothing like boost on demand.
The ext cab lets you adjust the angle of the back seat. Unless you are 4ft tall or like sitting upright at a 90 degree angle all the time, you might want to reconsider that.
Second the lockable storage area outside the weather is great too.
What ever you get examine the frame for rust or rot.
yah, i just read the older model TRD tacoma's are an e-locker, which i'm sure is great offroad. i know many of the 05+ models have LSD's which really are crap because if you get a wheel really stuck it'll just sit there motionless like an open diff. i have kicked a dudes butt offroad who though he was extra capable because his taco was a TRD.
(driving makes a ton of difference!)
you can get a supercharger for the 4 cyl... it's made by the same company that makes the 3.4 liter TRD supercharger for toyota.
I'm 6' and my wheelin budy is 6'3'' and as long as we keep our seatbelts on we fit in the cab alright. without em.... you bounce off the ceiling alot.
my girlfriend at 5'5'' and my budy at 5'6 can't sit back in the bench seat and depress the cluch all the way.
as far as lockable storage... buy a truck box. at least that way they can't see how many gun cases you have back there! : )
The legendary 1970's Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruisers could only do 0-60 MPH in 19.5 seconds. The 4 cyl 4WD Tacoma does 0-60 MPH in 11 seconds. So the 4 cyl has FAR MORE THAN ENOUGH power to handle any off road situation.
Suite yourself, however its a well built machine that will last a long time. Id go for the 6 and more room. I upgraded to the recaro ds seats too.
Myself, I can reach the petals from the back seat and steer with my gut. No lsd here, but it could come in handy or the locker. Very easy to smoke the tires.
Id get the v6 so you can get the super charger, they didnt make that for the 4. Nothing like boost on demand.
If you need more power than a stock 3.4L, you should probably be considering a Tundra.
Quote:
Originally Posted by kathyricks
The legendary 1970's Toyota FJ-40 Land Cruisers could only do 0-60 MPH in 19.5 seconds. The 4 cyl 4WD Tacoma does 0-60 MPH in 11 seconds. So the 4 cyl has FAR MORE THAN ENOUGH power to handle any off road situation.
With stock tires, yes. However, once you go to bigger tires or want to do any considerable amount of towing, its a tad bit underpowered.
Thats why so many people do the Ford 302 swap on older Toyota trucks and 4Runners.
Toyota's engines were always very reliable, but they werent very powerful (at least not until the 4.0L V6 came out).
__________________
All the best stuff is made in Japan.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tundra_Hick
The Tundra is a good single guy's truck. Its pretty, it doesn't rattle too much and its fast. Now I just need to find a woman who matches in all those respects.
I had the charger in mine and I am pretty sure it was faster than a gen 1 tundra. The 3.4L V6 with the blower was a lot of fun. About the recaro seats, the stock ones are pretty good, I bought some grey audi leather heated seats off ebay and welded up some brackets and bolted them right in. They fit great and really were comfortable. Got the whole setup for 300 bucks and a little effort....
I had an 06 trd offroad taco
that e locker was NICE!
i too hunt and fish a lot and this thing got me in and out of a lot of places. I'm hoping my new tundra will be as kind....
but if your going for it...look for an offroad package with the v6 and the e locker..you won't regret it.
Need help buying first Tacoma!
After driving a 97 king cab for 12 years and looking at a lot of the newer mini SUVs, I'm starting to get tired of the longer wheelbase (who in their right mind drives the same car for 12 years anyway) and if I buy another Tacoma it will probably be a single cab, i had an 86 single cab with a camper shell, and I definitely wanted the extended. I drive alone most all the time. I've had 130,000 trouble-free miles, but, I'm also here on Tundra Solutions checking on my post about popping out of 1st gear. Four cylinder is about 130 HP, which i drive.
Also, I'd get the extended cab. It does add to the length of the vehicle, but you'll appreciate that extra little room to throw some crap back there or lean your seat back when you're taking a breather. My friend has a reg. cab and I cannot stand not being able to recline or having to cram stuff in the back of the seat or down at our feet.
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