Picking a first gen

Hello everyone,

New member here from Texas. I'm in the market for a 1st Gen as a daily and mainly to haul my dirtbikes around on the weekend. I also have a 2017 5th Gen 4Runner TRD Pro and a 2018 Toyota Camry so looking to add another Yota to my garage.

As the 1st gens are now 15-20 years old just wanted to hear everyone's opinion on some of the options I'm considering:

Definitely looking at 05-06 models but most in my area are 4x2. The few that I found that are 4x4 looks like they've been beaten to hell and back. Would you rather get a 4x4 00-04 or go with the 05-06 models with more HP but 4x2. I found some 00-04 models with 4x4 one owner which I'm considering since I'm hearing the difference in power between the 00-04 to 05-06 models are pretty negligible.

 

Welcome from NY.
I'd go with the 4x4 since you are taking the bikes off road.

 

4x4 for your use.

 

A well maintained one owner 4x4 would be ideal.

 

If you need a 4x4 by all means do not get anything else?

 

You’ll never say ‘man, I wish I didn’t get a 4x4...’

The resale value will hold much better as well.

 

Welcome from Ontario Canada 4x4

 

I didn't even read the post and said 4x4. After reading I still say 4x4.

 

Agree with the above, 4x4.
I would be patient and keep looking for a 05-06. I had both an 02' and an 06' and the VVTi on the 05-06 is worth it alone. It's not so much about power but better overall engine performance and efficiency. I had 250k on the 02' and 150k on the 06' when I sold them. I bet they are both still running today.

And Welcome from CT!

 

Agree. Is there any other reason to buy a truck?

Real world example: Major snow storm on The Island a few years ago. Neighbor across street with his Double Cab 4x2 couldn’t get out of driveway.

The PHM Access Cab Sweetness floats and stings in this environment.

 

As much as i wish i had an 05-06 I'm happy with my 01 4x4. Just feel like with the vvti its just another engine complication

 

That extra gear in the 05-06, icing on the cake with that vvti

 

But don’t you have to press that ‘Lo Gear’ button to make the ‘extra gear’ work? The other complication I just learned on the DC is the nannie control when stabbing into traffic. The person that brought it up doesn’t bullshit like me.

I still want to drag race a DC and put this thing to rest.

 

Yea i do have to say, i test drove a 05 a few months ago and that thing never revd to 2,000 rpms cause it was so powerful. Whereas with my 02 at least in 2nd gear i gotta hit 2,000 so traffic behind me doesn't want to kill me

 

2000rpm?....I hit 5k+ in 2nd gear....just because I want to though

 

If you need 4x4, then any year 4x4 FGT condition dependent...if you don't need 4x4 then any year 4x2 FGT condition dependent....

 

Well you guys voted so here she is. Old Blue #2. Drove a 8hours just to get her but super happy that I found her. Super clean for an 01.

 

Well done!! And welcome from SOCAL

 

She’s a beauty! Keep that thing forever, run it until it dies. My grandpa has the exact same truck (Except I believe it is an 03) and it has 350,000 miles. As you probably know, All you got to do with these trucks is do regular maintenance and drive it respectfully. Enjoy your new truck!

 

Wow! Remember turn off o/d when towing!

 

Can't wait to see your build thread, or upcoming projects you tackle.

 

Nice! Love those wheels and that color looks neat.

 

I agree! Love the color! I think its stellar blue pearl?

 

Nice job! How much $ and is she in top mechanical shape? The exterior looks well maintained.

 

She’s is in excellent shape. One previous owner. He kept up with maintenance and gave me a stack of records. He even recently re did all the ballpoints and control arms. No rust whatsoever ever. Picked up for $7k, I know a bit high for a 20 yr old car but this thing has been well taken care of. Decided I didn’t want car payments so will be getting rid of the 4runner.

 

That thing is cleeeeeeaaaan. Congrats!! What's the lift on the front of that thing? Looks maxed out. No RCD carrier hanging down. No body lift. I see spacers above the coils, can't see if the UCA's have been upgraded. I would deep dive that front end. Looks a lot of lift for just coils / spacers. Geometry has gotta be at it limits. Ball joint check for sure. Diff drop installed? Must be some kind of lift coil / spacer combo or Tough country / spacer combo for that much lift. Let us know some more details when you can. Enjoy!!

 

As an owner of an 04 with 4x2, wet/soggy grass is a serious obstacle for my truck...get a 4x4 and never look back!

 

Yea no reason for a 4 runner now tbh

 

Hell, just from the pics 7k is worth it.

 

You just need more skinny pedal and better tires