Used 4x4: similar mileage and price, would you chose 1st or 2nd gen Tundra or Tacoma?!!

I'm thinkin' about keepin' the one I have for lookin' pretty, and gettin' another to do dumb tricks in. What'd'ya think about my options, and what should I look out for, with each?

I know to look for cam leaks and rust, and have a buddy lined up to go with me to look.

 

What! No moe inferno in the desert
If it's strictly for wheelin, I'd go Tacoma. You can fit in some tiny trails us tundras can't go through

 

Yeah agree no question if just going off road Taco rules. Whats your budget - First generation Tacoma with TRD package great vehicle.

 

I can't part with the BFT unless I find a very low mileage exact same configuration + 4WD, which is a very rare unicorn. So now I'm thinking a cheaper solution would be a separately play truck.

Super cheap. I'll look for that. Thanks!

 

Those 1st gen Tundras are pretty spry off the road. Not much different in size to the Taco and you have a real decent V-8 to play with.

 

That's what I was thinkin'. Plus I can still claim "Tundra" at the SoCal meets.

 

Modified? You mean 4x4, or TRD with locker, modified somehow?

 

Sorry. I gotta admit, I still don't understand. Do you mean, I can find a 1st gen Taco 2WD TRD with the locker, and trick it into thinking it has lo/ hi? Or am I looking for a 1st gen 4x4 TRD?

Sorry to keep asking, Chris. I rely on your good advice, and appreciate it in this case. There's a coople options I plan to check out tomorrow; if I can sort out what you mean, I'll likely make a better choice.

 

If you want a bad ass, off road capable Toyota, look at the v8 4runners. For me I don't have a need for 2 pickup trucks, so if I wanted a "modern" Toyota off roader, id get a v8 runner for sure.
If I had to choose between what you asked lol, I'd get the taco as a trail or off road rig

 

Yes! I'm looking for a 4x4, and if I can find a manual 1st gen Taco, it may be made more awesomer! Got it!!

Thanks, Chris!!

 

Not one of the options you mentioned but what about Land Cruiser 100 series?

 

or even an older Lexus SUV

 

GX470?

 

Y'all are giving me great ideas!
(Too many )

I did realize, last night, that if I get something with a proper back seat, we'd get more on-road use if it. We're a family of 3 so trucks work, but we host visitors pretty frequently. It makes sense to get something that could be a carrier in those situations, so we can let the

Chevy Cobalt go next time it wants to cost us money.

But, dang, there's a bunch 1st and 2nd gen Toyota 4x4 trucks near me, in the $3500 - $4000 range. I'd have to spend actual money for one of these other options. Hhmmm....

 

Tacoma double-cab, GX, or 4Runner.

Hold out for one with the rear E-locker.
The 3.4 V6 is possibly one of the most reliable, easy to work on, bulletproof engines ever made. It is non-interference, if the timing belt breaks it will not be catastrophic, this gives me a lot of confidence when looking at higher mileage Tacomas or 4runners.

 

What about a 1st or 2nd generation 4Runner? Avoiding the 3.0 of course. And the automatic. 22re/w56 combo is arguably the most reliable combo known to man. The older torsion bar suspension is more rugged in stock form. 2nd gens have 4-doors and a tailgate! In my area 3.0L 2nd Gens are so cheap, you can't give them away! Nice ones too.

 

What does this mean? "22re/w56 combo".

And would you say no to a 3rd gen, automatic, not a 3.0? If so, why?

 

^ "Locker Anytime Mod" or also called "Grey Wire Mod"

4x4 TRD Off Road Tacomas (auto or manual) (1st gen, 2nd gen and 3rd gen) come with the factory e-locker, but it can only be engaged when in 4-Lo. With the grey wire mod you can use your locker in 2wd, 4Hi and 4Lo which is a nice advantage to have!

 

Can this "Grey Wire Anytime Locker Mod" be done on 1st - 3rd gens or just 1st gen?

 

22R-E was an engine used in some Toyota vehicles from the mid 80's through the mid 90's and W56 is a transmission used in the same time frame.

 

1st gen, 2nd gen and 3rd gens Works for auto and manual transmissions as well.

 

I know older thread....being new to this forum I had to chime in about 2nd Gen 4runner 4x4 with a 22RE. I am the original owner of a 91 with the 22re and it has been nothing but solid, plus much more off-road friendly than the mighty Tundra in tight trails and off trail brush busting.

 

How this turned out:

First I got a 2001 4 Runner, 4x4 with "locker", but that wasn't all that. So it became my honey's daily driver, and I bought a 2001 Tundra... which has long travel and kicks ass... or flies!

Later upgraded the suspension in the 4R so it's a lot more capable as well.

 

Sounds like you finally got what suits you.....have a good one.