1st Gens Are Entering Legendary Status

Thats right. Now in their post 20th Year since introduction, they are still mechanically sound if kept properly and even some that weren’t. The Toyota 4.7L Engine is smooth and problem free. The A340f Transmission shifts buttery. Rust free frame 1st Gens are fetching $15-20k+ now.

The underwhelming overpriced Tacos try their best in size fitment but can’t match the V8 Powwa! Bloated Turd Gen noisy/leaky engines with 2 grocery bag payload capacity can’t hold in the pound for pound match up with 1st Gen.

These 1st Gens are becoming like the Toyota Land Cruisers of Lore. Hard to find them still in Original Shape. Hard to find them for sale and when you do they go fa$t!

 

Classic, vintage, antique or just plain old? How do you know the difference, and just when does an older car become a valuable classic car? The truth is that it often depends on who you ask, as different car clubs, collectors and countries as well as insurance companies have varying ways of determining if a car qualifies as a classic. According to dictionaries, the word classic refers to something that, over a period of time is considered the highest quality, is outstanding, and is one of a kind. Based on this definition, the primary characteristics of a classic vehicle are age, condition and uniqueness among other cars. The combination of these features will determine if you have a classic car or if you have a valuable classic car.

It’s a Classic

For a car to be considered a classic, it must be more than 20 years old, in good condition and true to the original design. So, age is an easy concept to grasp, but what does good condition mean? The vehicle should be roadworthy, the body should have no rust, the interior should be intact without tears in the upholstery, flooring or header fabric, and the engine should run. Lastly, the car must match the original factory design as closely as possible. Any one of these factors by itself won’t qualify a car as a classic; all three elements must be present.

It’s a Valuable Classic

Now that you know what constitutes a classic car, it’s time to learn what makes it a valuable classic. There are four basic considerations when determining the value of a classic vehicle:

1. Condition: A classic vehicle in good condition is worth more than a classic car that doesn’t run.
   
2. Rarity: How many were manufactured? How many are left?
   
3. Popularity: The more popular the vehicle, the greater the demand, and the greater the demand, the higher the value.
   
4. Model Quality: When it came off the production line, was it considered cheap or luxury?

How valuable your classic car is depends on how many, or which, of these standards it meets. For instance, a limited production luxury vehicle in pristine condition can be extremely valuable. A highly popular, less expensive vehicle where only a few are left can also be very valuable. By the same token, an extremely rare vehicle in rough condition could also be of great value.

So, when does an old car become a valuable classic car? When it meets the standards outlined here.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/lets-see-your-first-gen-photo-thread.21/

 

No rust coming from Nevada when i bought it, and still has less than 200k too!

 

If I didn’t already have an 2005 Sequoia, this might tempt me.


https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/d/portland-2005-toyota-tundra-step-side/7273354476.html

 

Eh rear wheel drive...

 

https://flagstaff.craigslist.org/cto/d/prescott-2005-toyota-tundra-sr5-4x4/7279735562.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/cto/d/tucson-toyota-tundra-4x4-trd-edition/7280584792.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/apache-junction-2000-toyota-tundra/7279395257.html

https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/mesa-toyota-tundra/7278565514.html

 

There’s a few for ya in the market

 

Missed that, there are plenty of others listed here in the 12-15k range that are 4wd.

 

I have a 2004 rwd ac texas edition. With 75k. Bad thing is paint on the hood... Would 8k be asking touch or too little? Just a question... Thanks

 

Depends where you are located, and the overall appearance of the truck i would say. But even if it is 2wd and the paint is not the greatest with only 75K that would be reasonable. @FirstGenVol @Professional Hand Model these guys are knowledgeable and could probably tell you more accurately.

 

Never heard of a Texas edition. Maybe something a local dealer added on? 75K is low. Shoot for the moon and see what happens.

 

I think they will follow the Tacoma.
I recently saw some 20-year old Tacomas advertised for just about what they cost new.
The only reason for that, as crazy as it might be, is their reputation.

 

People are drawn to older 4x4 Toyota Trucks and SUV's. I know I am. I don't know why it took people so long to catch on to the 1st Gen Tundra. I have a friend on a tight budget looking for a Toyota 4x4. I told him the only model that doesn't cost that much is the 1st gen Sequoia. People haven't started to revive those yet but I wouldn't be surprised if it happens.

I found a 1 owner 4x4 Sequoia with 220K for $3,300. Really not a bad value at this point.

 

All this just has me thinking about all the other Toyota’s I’ve had and sold and how much they could get today. Or all the others that I’ve seen for sale even just a few months ago for 1/2 of what they could easily get now.

 

They slap a Texas edition badge on anything that'll sit still long enough, but you're correct usually just a badge and some random options.

http://www.trucktrend.com/features/texas-edition-trucks

 

People are starting to realize the difference. When the trucks were new 20 years ago people compared them to the competition and looked at bell & whistles, and the fact the Tundra wasn't exactly full size, etc. Now that they are 20 years old and they look back they realize that their big 3 version had transmission replaced, brakes worked on, engine blew up, etc.... and the neighbor tells them that his Tundra has been flawless (for the most part, realistically things can still go wrong, but much smaller scale). Slowly they start to realize that there is a difference in built quality and reliability.

 

Too little IMO. I was looking for a 1st gen for a friend and here in MD trucks with double the miles go for that much.

 

Oh god, you have no idea. Mainy GM and Ford do that but then you also have the conversion trucks that are either “Regency” or “Dallas Cowboys Edition” They throw a lift, some terrible vinyl graphics on it, the most hideous chrome wheels you can imagine, and then charge 20k over sticker.

From Toyota we mostly see the S.E.T. “TSS Edition” buy you can bet there is a conversion package SR5 sitting on just about every single lot with a $60k sticker.

 

Much as I appreciate the sentiment, not quite legendary yet.

This is legendary...

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1990-bmw-m3-evolution/

 

If my 2004 Tundra had been 4wd I'd probably still have it. If my wife's 2007 Sequoia would not have had corrosion issues (and been 2wd) I know we would still have it. If the 4.7 was offered in 2019 4Runner that is what my wife would be driving now instead of the V6 powered. If my fathers 4.7 powered 4Runner was 4wd I would not have just sold it to a buddy. The 4.7 drivetrain in those vehicles proved to be bulletproof for me. I hope the 5.7 in my Gen 3 holds up as well.

 

I only wish I didn't live in the rust belt....I'd keep her indefinitely if I could. Last of the mid-sized (full size) trucks. The new tacoma just doesn't compare.

 

There's some irony. All current Tundra trucks are born in Texas. The 1794 puts a big label on it though.

My 1gen was made in Indiana. RIP

 

Even though I've been a huge Toyota and Lexus fan for ages, I have to admit I had no idea the status our trucks carried when I first started looking for one.
I was looking at 15 - 20 year old Dodge 1500s, F-150s, Silverados... all rusted out, worn out trucks for nearly what I paid for the Tundra.
You guys have no idea how glad I am that I didn't get saddled with an old domestic truck...

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/2002-sr5-on-bring-a-trailer.83629/page-4

 

Definitely a well cared for and awesome truck other than being a 2wd but $20k wow.
I meant to post this in the Bring a a Trailer thread
Oops

 

Genuinely curious.
Is the hate against 2WD because of the lack of badges, TRD etc.
Or legit lack of ability?
I've been on plenty of ice and snow, abandoned skid trails and hundreds of miles of less than optimal gravel roads.
I've never been pissed off or needed the 4Wd.
I'm not in Utah or the Rockies over landing but how many are? I just see so much 2wd shaming lately its almost comical.

On topic I picked up my clean 1st gen for a couple thousand less than the worn out domestics were looking for.

 

Yeah. We need to start asking more for our trucks. I see a little resistance on the high prices of the Auction which I can agree a bit. Keep in mind the Auction collects a fee off the Final Sale? so the owner doesn’t get the entire $.

The old thinking of $4-6K for a nice under 200k miles 1st Gen thinking is stupid. Maybe for a rust bucket that is ok, but not for a well kept truck thats probably never broken down (like mine and others) or will not ever break down for another 100-200k miles (more miles than a brand new Ford Life Expectancy).

Goofy Tacos can’t compare and the Turd Gen only has that nice 5.7L going for it.

Can’t find a used 1st Gen Tundras anywhere on the Shmegslisss nearby. Couple of Sequoias from the High Dolla Soccer Mom District going around $6k which is also a steal but who wants a Soccer Mom Mobile?