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03 Taco or 03 Tundra?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by SquirrelybirdDemers, Feb 21, 2020.

  1. Feb 21, 2020 at 7:30 PM
    #1
    SquirrelybirdDemers

    SquirrelybirdDemers [OP] New Member

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    Hey there! Just signed up, I’ve only owned pre ‘94 yota’s up till this point. I’m going to check out 2 rigs this weekend, one is an 03 Taco 4x4 V6 5 speed extended cab, and the other is an 03 Tundra access cab 4x4 V6 5 speed. What’s everybody’s thought on which to go for? Both are nice. The truck would be a daily driver seeing pretty good mileage per week
     
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  2. Feb 21, 2020 at 7:35 PM
    #2
    Y0TA PR0

    Y0TA PR0 Dirt biking & fishing

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  3. Feb 21, 2020 at 7:37 PM
    #3
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Welcome from Colorado......my vote...03 Tundra......condition of course
     
  4. Feb 21, 2020 at 7:41 PM
    #4
    SquirrelybirdDemers

    SquirrelybirdDemers [OP] New Member

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    Both rigs are in nice shape. The Tundra is a little nicer, but the Taco has a nice Fisher plow on it which would sure be nice here in the Adirondacks of NY
     
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  5. Feb 21, 2020 at 7:43 PM
    #5
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    That plow is a plus for sure. Tough decision
     
  6. Feb 21, 2020 at 7:49 PM
    #6
    seth419

    seth419 New Member

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    If it was the 4.7 in the Tundra I would go that route for sure. Since they both have the V6 I would probably lean towards the Tacoma.
     
  7. Feb 21, 2020 at 8:13 PM
    #7
    Hooptytrix

    Hooptytrix Squeaky Chicken

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    I have become partial to the tundra. The access cab is not much bigger than the taco on the outside but loads more interior space.
    05-06 V8 4x4 tundra of southern origins would be ideal. The V8 4x4 would help lug that plow around and push things. Southern trucks have less rust
     
  8. Feb 21, 2020 at 9:23 PM
    #8
    sf319

    sf319 New Member

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    I think either will make you happy. I had a 2000 Tacoma extended cab with the V6, wish I hadn't sold it. My sister has a 2002 sequoia, similar to the Tundra, with 360,000 miles and still going strong. She's up in New Hampshire and it still starts first time in the cold up there.
     
  9. Feb 22, 2020 at 4:14 AM
    #9
    SquirrelybirdDemers

    SquirrelybirdDemers [OP] New Member

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    Both rigs are actually from NH. The extra space of the Tundra is way I’m considering it, even if just the V6. I know they run forever, and a stick stick larger truck has always been the ideal rig. Taco has 200k, Tundra 139k. Tundra is a few hundred more, but again, no plow which is why I was interested in the Taco in the first place. Looking to see what everyone here has for pro’s and con’s about both rides. All the feedback is very appreciated!
     
  10. Feb 22, 2020 at 6:07 AM
    #10
    speedtre

    speedtre New Member

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    Which ever one is less rusty....seriously.
     
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  11. Feb 22, 2020 at 7:23 AM
    #11
    Dog

    Dog sit!

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    This. Rust sucks.
     
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  12. Feb 22, 2020 at 7:28 AM
    #12
    T-Guy69

    T-Guy69 New Member

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    A truck that has been used to plow can have the stuffing beat out of it.
     
  13. Feb 22, 2020 at 8:15 AM
    #13
    SquirrelybirdDemers

    SquirrelybirdDemers [OP] New Member

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    Both look pretty darn good in photos, no visible rust on the Tundra, some rust on Taco bed and bumper. Taco has had a frame done, not sure on Tundra. And I’ve been plowing commercial for years, so I know they take a beating. Supposedly it just did the owners driveway and dooryard, and that’s all I’d be plowing with it here at home. Anyone had experience with a stick shift V6 Tundra and it’s power and mileage? I know it won’t be stellar, but looking for a good idea
     
  14. Feb 22, 2020 at 8:15 AM
    #14
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Tundra. No comparison between the two.

    More power. Check.

    More room. Check.

    Better ride. Check.

    Better looks. Check.

    Better Payload. Check.

    Better Tow Capacity. Check.
     
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  15. Feb 22, 2020 at 8:55 AM
    #15
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Just saw you are looking at V6 Tundra. Skip that and go V8.
     
  16. Feb 22, 2020 at 8:57 AM
    #16
    Hooptytrix

    Hooptytrix Squeaky Chicken

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    There is no fuel savings for that V6, the 8 is the only way to go if you ask me
     
  17. Feb 22, 2020 at 8:59 AM
    #17
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Yep. Better reliability with the V8, as well. Check.
     
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  18. Feb 22, 2020 at 10:59 AM
    #18
    SquirrelybirdDemers

    SquirrelybirdDemers [OP] New Member

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    Yeah, but there’s no such thing as a V8 stick shift 4x4 is there?
     
  19. Feb 22, 2020 at 11:12 AM
    #19
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Not unless you mod one. The automatic transmission is a stick shift on the stalk if thats what you want. Our A340F transmissions are only 3 speed plus a 4th speed (overdrive). You’ll never want to use the OD for plowing and I’d guess you’d only be in first or second (0-35 mph), as I have never plowed.

    If you want true stick, then go for it with V6. I wouldn’t consider these trucks plow trucks, but if I was doing plowing I’d want that V8 grunt and reliability. I’ve seen too many V6 problems here. Many of those have already bitten the dust per @empty_lord our resident Toyota Tech. He is a salt state guy, too.

    I’ve done mucho tow/haul since my truck was bought new in 2002. A few friends made the mistake of comparing Taco and Tundra with bad purchases and ended up selling Taco and going Tundra. I also had and ‘87 Toy P/U for many years prior to the 2002 V8 Tundra.
     
  20. Feb 22, 2020 at 11:15 AM
    #20
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

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    V8 was auto only.
    The 3.4 or 4.0 are solid engines in the tacos or tundras. The 4.7 is a beast though and would probably be best for plowing just because of the torque and added weight. Taco for plow duty is what we use at work though. Little 1998 Tacoma with the 2.7l and an auto with manual hub 4x4. Thing out plows the 2nd gen tundra we use too
     
  21. Feb 22, 2020 at 11:23 AM
    #21
    SquirrelybirdDemers

    SquirrelybirdDemers [OP] New Member

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    Yeah it be a 3.4 in the Tundra. I like the plow on the Taco because it’s there already, if I went Tundra I’d pry just buy a better snowblower, the dooryard isn’t that big. The stick and the condition of the Tundra was my biggest reason to be excited about it. Mostly whatever I get will see 250-600 miles per week as I’m a utility pole surveyor and travel all over eastern and northern NY everyday. The old ‘90 does the job, but it’s pretty darn tired
     
  22. Feb 22, 2020 at 11:29 AM
    #22
    empty_lord

    empty_lord They see me rollin'

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    Biggest thing to look for is rust. Engines in these trucks are all solid. 3.4 has a timing belt, but unlike the 4.7 if the belt snaps it will not destroy the engine.
     
  23. Feb 22, 2020 at 11:33 AM
    #23
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

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    Given those choices I might catch a
    [​IMG]
    for saying this, but I might go for the Taco. Everyone here keeps saying go 4.7 but that's not on your list because it doesn't come manual.

    If you are planning to daily drive it I think the Taco would be better suited. It's a bit lighter, slimmer, more nimble, and should get better gas mileage. The Tundra would be more comfortable because of the room, but might feel a bit heavy with the V6 (I've never driven the V6, just guessing from driving Tacomas). Then again the Tundra V6 4x4 is pretty rare.

    Check the condition of both in person, that might be the only real deciding factor. Also, if either one is black then go with that.
     
  24. Feb 22, 2020 at 11:35 AM
    #24
    SquirrelybirdDemers

    SquirrelybirdDemers [OP] New Member

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    Sorry Darkness, they’re both silver lol. Tundra is a dark silver tho lol
     
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  25. Feb 22, 2020 at 4:09 PM
    #25
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    Basically, it comes down to whether or not you want interior space and room, or more power and fuel economy.

    the tundra is a bigger, more comfortable platform by far. It also will have a lower tow capacity, feel less snappy, and get worse fuel economy by roughly 1-2MPG.

    It rides smooth, the interior is nicer, and the bed and rear cab size make it much more practical.

    I came from a ‘96 Tacoma. they are much smaller, and you can tell. Turning radius is sharper, it’s more nimble, but you can’t fit a sheet of plywood or sheet rock between the wheel wells, it’s louder, and a tougher ride.

    I moved to a Tundra because it’s a better platform for me and my uses. If I was getting a v6, I’d go for the taco, or I’d spring for the auto V8 tundra.

    Edit: for a frame of reference, I got 18-20MPG with my Tacoma. From my research, v6 manual Tundras get 16-18. I get 13-16 with my V8 Tundra
     
  26. Feb 22, 2020 at 10:40 PM
    #26
    Aerindel

    Aerindel New Member

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    I went from a 93 toyota, to a 2000 Tundra.

    I still miss the small size of the 93' sometimes...but I love the tundra in general since I can put a car seat in it and you know...it actually does 0-70....in less than a lifetime.

    Also, my neck of the woods Taco's are going for TWICE the price...at least...of a similar condition Tundra which made it a no brainer for me.
     
  27. Feb 23, 2020 at 7:37 AM
    #27
    Filthyphil

    Filthyphil Lions Not Sheep

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    I would go with the Tacoma, from my experience you will have less maintenance costs, you will have less fuel cost and you will have better resell potential. That being said I love my tundra and the bigger body plus the healthy 4.7 is worth it to me but I don’t drive it everyday also.
     
  28. Feb 23, 2020 at 8:03 AM
    #28
    Hooptytrix

    Hooptytrix Squeaky Chicken

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    Fuel savings is minimal between both platforms, it's a wash. Reliability is not a concern, Toyota. Taco interior is a bit smaller and driving it sounds like a Corolla (tin box). Tundra interior is way more spacious and driving it you can feel the additional heft and it doesn't sound like a Corolla but it doesn't feel as hefty as an American full size truck.
    Drive both trucks, buy what feels good to you. Look out for rust and gauge the amount of $$$ you will need to invest in maintenance, vehicles this old always need something.
     
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  29. Feb 23, 2020 at 8:21 AM
    #29
    Dog

    Dog sit!

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    I sold my 2015 Tacoma TRD DCSB to buy this 2006 Tundra. The '15 Tacoma was the final year of the 2nd gen, and many would say the best year of any Tacoma. It was a great truck for what it was and what I needed. But ultimately I wanted a little more interior room - I am not small - and more bed space. And I find I don't need a back seat to haul people, but just enough back seat to haul luggage, tools, groceries, etc out of the elements. Interior space of the Tundra is superior for my needs. The the bed size is MUCH more useful. And the Tundra feels more sturdy / rugged / well built / solid, just my opinion. Exterior dimensions feel virtually the same between the two. No regrets making this change, love my Tundra. And the resale on that Tacoma? Crazy what people pay for used Tacomas...
     
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