My wife and I are in the market (or we will be in the next month or two) for a used Toyota truck. We looked at a '92 a local dealer wanted too much for, and I really like that body style truck as opposed to the next generation (first Tacoma's?). The 2nd generation Taco's are also nice, but I think I still prefer the early 90's style.

Y'all know way more about these trucks than I do, so if you had 12 grand to spend, which model would you buy and why?

I'd prefer a 4cyl. manual extended cab and of course, 4WD.

Thanks!!

 

well with 10.5k I got a 2000 Tacoma Ext. Cab 4X4 V6 5 spd with 60k miles in very good conditions

even though the 95 and erlier are nice I wouldnt spend 12k on one

 

get a taco, 1996+.

if you plan to tow or load down, get a 3.4L V6. otherwise the 2.7L I4 will be sufficient.

most important, get a TRD taco (1998+?) if you will drive substantially off road. the major assets are the factory locking rear diff, and the 4.10 gearing for stock 31" tires. these assets double your offroad capability. also includes the bilstien shocks, but by the time you get the truck they will probably need replacement anyway.

i like the early trucks too, but the later trucks have better safety features, including airbags. i rank that as important for daily driver.

 

I know I can get a newer one within that price range too. And I don't plan to spend that much on an older one. That's just what I have to work with. If it's a better idea to get a newer one for more money, versus an older one for less, that's what I want to find out about.

OK, so the TRD package adds more than just a skid plate and bigger tires. The rear locker and nicer shocks make it more appealing to me.

It won't be a daily driver though, I might drive it to work twice a week and on trips to the mountains or whatever. I'd like to eventually lock the front-end too and get it a little more off-road capable than stock.

 

I know around where I live, a good condition pre-taco truck runs about 5 grand, which would leave you plenty of cash to upgrade.

 

where i live, you'd be lucky to find a '96+ for under ten grand...like the o.p. i am to looking for a early 90's pickup, but they are tought to find in my neck of the woods...good luck to you sir, post picks when you get it

 

99runner

 

tell us your location so we can better understand the market.

if you go pre taco, go with the 22re, if you go with the taco, stick with a 3.4 and get a trd edition with the locker.

etan not sure he wants an SUV

but if you do, 96-00 4runners did have an option of the same locker as well but it wasnt a trd or some edition, just an option for the truck.

 

I would buy a 4x4 TRD Tacoma extended cab without hesitation if I was in your shoes. Sounds like you will use it offroad, I kick myself every day almost for not taking the time to find a rig with a locker when I bought my 4runner.

 

First gen Tacomas 95-97 look pretty similar to the 89-95 trucks IMO. This is my old taco and a couple of my friends' yotas. It's amazing how little changed over that time (84-->97)when looking at them side by side, especially on the interiors, strong similarities.

 

Forgot to add, if I had 12k to spend on a truck I'd wait for a deal on a 01+ V6 Tacoma. My 97 4 banger was a dog compared all the 01+ tacos.

 

What do you plan on doing with it?

If I had 12k to buy a truck

1985 Extra Cab SR5 with a few upgrades mainly

ARB Bumper
Warn winch
OME Lift
Nice set of wheels and tires
ARB Air lockers

While some might gripe that you may not need a SFA truck, the durabilty they provide is well worth it.

 

02 3.0 v6 Taco ext cab. TRD package. The possibilities are endless with those trucks and a few grand.

 

thats an amazing deal for a low mile newer taco.

you mean 3.4?

You can't get a trd package on the 4 bangers on tacomas is my understanding. That was what a used toyota truck dealer told me.

You should get an older pickup with 22re and save 5 grand for upgrades or get a 2000ish tacoma with the 2.7L engine (based on 22re) and drive the hell out of it.

 

Isn't there a 3.0 v6? Or is it strictly 3.4l now? My brother owns one, not me.



4" Danahoe
36" tires


Wanna hear the sad part??



..Its never seen dirt....EVER.

 

^ ya the street queen has a 3.4L...

 

well thats good news. My rig would own it.

 

and that was with brand new A/Ts

 

You can't get a trd package on the 4 bangers on tacomas is my understanding.[/QUOTE]

i have one. there were not many available in NA i think, since i had to have it shipped to reno from new mexico when purchased new.

 

I may be selling this rig so stay tuned. Arizona
99, 95,000,Auto,V6 new bilstiens all around, airlift bags, custom roof rack and dam,
4 inch lift in back, 1 inch in front, etc. tow hitch, new tune up, full tranny fluid exchange, Amsoil air filter,
Kenny Sharrocks
freeformdesigns@cox.net