1st gen Tundra yay or nay

The vvti 4.7 access cab does get better mpg, city driving is where you’ll prob see the most increase. The first gen double cabs are super nice, but when Toyota released them in 04 they should have without a doubt put the 5 speed in it.

 

You will not regret a 1st gen tundra. Its still a toyota lol. I went from a 2010 tacoma to two 07 tundra regular and crew max sold them both for a 06 with 50k. I love my truck.

 

In theory maybe, but in practice the later trucks get marginally worse MPG overall, vvt or no.

http://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/tundra/2005?engineconfig_id=5&bodytype_id=&submodel_id=

http://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/tundra/2000?engineconfig_id=5&bodytype_id=&submodel_id=

 

You can't tell anything from that limited and way too broad data set. Those model years have way too big a mix of drivetrains and cab sizes and there is no choice for transmission choice or 4x4 or 2x4 to accurately compare MPG. In fact, those 2005 stats only had 3 AC and 20 were DC.

In short, there is no way to definitively say the later trucks of the same configuration got worse (or better) MPG. You would
have to compare a larger data set of 2000/2005 ACs, both AT, both with or without 4x4 and both with the AT transmission
to say one or the other got better MPG. Having said that, it seems logical that a 2000 AC 4sp AT with 4x4 would get slighly less
MPG than a 2005 AC 5sp AT VVTi with 4x4, but to even say that definitively would require a much larger accurate data set. I'm sure Toyota knows which is true...

 

I will give you that it's not a perfect measurement, but my point still stands. marginal differences.

You can filter out the engine choice, which is the biggest differentiator, and the v8s were only offered with auto transmissions, so there's that.

so really you're left with 2x4 vs 4x4 and cab configuration.

also, EPA estimates are almost identical. the 2005 is rated for 17 highway instead of 16 for the 2000, and that's the only difference.

 

I've had three Tundras. A 2000 AC 4x4, a 2005 AC 4x4, and now a 2005 DoubleCab 4x4. All had over 200k. All pretty much trouble free. My favorite is the current truck. I love the look of the Access Cab but the space on the DC is nice. I don't even have kids, just a lot of two-wheeled toys. I seriously considered a 2007+ before getting this current truck but just don't like them that much. Too big, kind of cheesy feeling, and still spendy. But do love that drivetrain.

I love the 5 speed Auto for highway driving, but actually kind of preferred the 4spd and non VVTI for city driving. Seemed like it did less hunting.

They've all gotten between 14-18 MPG. But honestly who cares, it's a V8 truck. I have a Vibe for a commuter and my OG 95.5 Taco for off road duties.

Also 1 MPG difference over 10000 miles is only about $100 in fuel...

 

I’ve only looked at fuelly a couple of times but some of these people with 05-06 tundras that are only getting around 13mpg. Are their trucks modified with bigger tires, camper shell, lift kit? Even a stock sized tire with all terrain tread can have an impact on mpg. Also one person might feel comfortable going 70mph on the freeway whereas somebody else might like going 80 mph, that will also significantly impact mpg. The poster above this post is correct. Don’t worry to much about mpg. I don’t ever get above 15mpg in my 02, but you know what I don’t care because I enjoy driving my truck.

 

Yay!

 

This thread makes me miss my 2005....that truck was great.

 

I love my 4.7 2002, I have owned it since '03 and it's a keeper.

My 5.7 2007 is a totally different animal, and it's also a keeper now that I've sorted out the ride quality.

 

I recently purchased my first 1st gen Tundy, coming from a 2nd gen Tacoma. So far, impressed with the Tundra. Though mine has the 3.4L and a manual trans.

It's a short term fix, while I hunt for the right 2005-06 DC Tundra. That said, it has 276K miles, was a 2 owner, well maintained but also well used, very affordable (at $3,500) compared to my 130K Tacoma that's still worth $19K. Runs and feels like a new truck still. So I support the "downgrade" to a 1st gen over your Taco. There's lots of little things to enjoy about the Tundra over the Tacoma.

For starters, I enjoy the interior room/layout a bit more. Less cramped and no stupid trans tunnel console that wastes space. Some of the creature comforts and more modern equipment I'm going to miss from the Tacoma; backup cam (fixable), side curtain airbags, better radio setup, turning radius, traction control/A-trac/locking diff (from the TRD OR).

 

No dana shit the bed on the frames and Toyota sued them and won and then took care of their customers with free frame and other component replacement or bought the truck back above value.

 

I have a 2000 Tundra 330,000 miles and counting! Other than the rusty bed its fantastic. I have looked at moving on to a newer Tundra several times. Every time after the test drive and returning to my 1st gen Tundra, I prefer the feeling of the 1st generation Tundra. Even at 300,000 miles plus, it feels sporty, more nimble and tight. Major repairs to date 1 coil pack, the starter, tie rod ends (small lift 2" in front 1.5" rear), brake master cylinder, brake booster and timing belt service. Thats it!

 

Yours has 100k more than mine, but I’d still keep it. Besides, who want payments?

 

OP, Did you ever make that switch from 3rd gen tacoma to 1st gen tundra?
I'm on the same boat and came across this post.

I have a 2016 TRD Sport and i keep looking around for a first gen tundra.

- I like to live in my truck for 2-3 months at a time, the shortbed is too small so I was either going to make a switch to a 1st gen tundra or a 3rd gen long bed to have more options if i wanted to switch to a Four wheel camper in the future.

- I am not very mechanically inclined, and thats what im seeing which may be an issue if i got a first gen tundy. I also wouldn't mind just taking her to a shop whenever I need something done.

- Would like to hit overlanding trails across the US and Canada, possibly mexico as well. So would definitely want a reliable rig to get me out of the trail in those trips.

any advice is appreciated!

TLDR: need a longer bed to replace my shortbed, torn between just getting a DCLB 3rd gen tacoma or a 1st gen DC tundra

 

I recently test drove a new 2020 Tacoma Double Cab TRD Off Road and considered getting rid of my 2001 Tundra Access Cab. The V8 powertrain in my Tundra is much better than the 3.5l V6 Tacoma. The new Tacoma did not seem to have much low end torque and the power seems to be at the higher RPM range. The transmission also gear hunts a lot on the highway. Although the exterior dimensions of both trucks are very close, the cab of my Tundra seems much more spacious. As an experienced/capable mechanic, I think you may really like a first gen Tundra. You probably would not lose any money if and when you got bored with the Tundra. These old Tundras are pretty much fully depreciated and if you DIY the needed maintenance, it would be a very inexpensive vehicle to own.

 

Thankss!
Exactly what i was thinking. If i downgraded to a 1st gen I even get about $15k-$18k back in my pocket since my truck is fully paid

my 2016 only has 24k miles and I'm already bored of it

 

I really wanted to like the new Tacoma. I think they look great but the powertrain was a disappointment. The first gen Tundras are a little more spacious and have a great 4.7l V8.

 

This is true but, know what you're getting into. You're buying a significantly older truck. That isn't to say you're going to have real big problems but, you will be running into needing things such as ball joints, bushings and seals. You won't have any of that with the newer truck. If you're a capable shade tree mechanic, you may love it. If not, it may nag at you and get old real quickly. It's really depends on your personality.

 

Update:

I pulled the trigger and got a 2005 SR5 4x4 Tundra with 158k miles
Timing belt, Lower ball joint, Serpentine belt, water pump all done
$12,500
Came with extended icons, UCA, other goodies.

The V8, throttle response, power, space, large bed is so worth it. I absolutely do not regret my decision
The only thing I miss in the Tacoma is the tech, compactness in city driving, and turning radius for trails.

Cheers!

 

Definitely an 05-06 Tundra. Check the Million mile Tundra it has the V8 Engine that is on the 06. Made in the Princeton, Indiana.

 

congrats migx333

 

Tech can be added. Just look at what I’ve done! Lol these are great trucks and you’ll enjoy the purchase for years to come

 

I started adding some tech !
Put the bluetooth driver to run it while my phone is mounted and this headunit with carplay is the best!
Put some sound deadening in my doors, added a front and backup camera and I'm already starting to forget about my old Tacoma

 

I’ve been debating about a front camera. I’m still trying to hunt down a 2020 86 CarPlay radio. None yet (yes I’m difficult and didn’t go with an aftermarket radio)

 

I put a manual trans in my tundra and it pretty sweet! Now looking into an aluminum tray and FWC camper. Wish ARB made the bp-51 kit for these trucks...

 

Update on my switch from the '16 Tacoma to a First Gen Tundra:


January 2021: absolutely do not regret it. V8 in this first gen tundra is the best of both worlds.
- full sized bed
- 4 doors
- almost identical size to the new gen tacomas, was able to fit in tight obstacles my other tacoma buddies fit in
- perfect amount of power
- Drives pretty smooth for a 15 year old truck
- VERY reliable, haven't had to do any maintenance stuff so far. Just preventative stuff for an older truck

Any questions, hit me up.



Heres my build page
https://www.tundras.com/threads/mad-maxyy-05-dc-4x4-survival-rig.69407/#post-2087283

 

Diablo dropoff?

 

Good eye! yupp
I was able to fit in the slot part with the Tundra. Was pretty surprised about that. Didnt get a picture in that spot but it was the one further down where you have to fold your mirrors.