Substitute Tacoma for 1st Gen Tundra

I love 1st gen Tundras, Had a 2000 and currently a 2006, both regular cabs. The latter has 200K miles, hail damage and dents and was thinking of getting a regular or access cab with straight body and low mileage, but there are few choices out there. They haven't made them for 14 years and to make it worse, I live in Montana where everything is high mileage and few offerings.

I'm not crazy about 2nd and 3rd Tundras, too big for me and less ride quality (or so I hear), and I don't like the high sides on the bed. Besides, I like earlier models with less electronic and emissions gadgetry.

My second option would be to get a 2008-2011 (or so) Tacoma. There are plenty around with straight bodies and low mileage. The problem is I have never driven a Tacoma and know little about them. How do they compare to 1st gen Tundras in terms of ride quality (I'm 65) and towing?
Any suggestions or advice?

 

I sold my 2015 Tacoma TRD DCSB to buy my 2006 Tundra access cab. 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. And the V8 in the Tundra makes a noticeable difference over the venerable 4.0L in the Tacoma; both engines are famously reliable. No regrets making this change, love my Tundra. And the resale on that Tacoma? Crazy what people pay for used Tacomas...

Ride quality seems the same to me (both of mine are/were TRD versions). And I haven't towed with either.

 

What do you tow and how often? The 4.7 in the tundra is a superior towing vehicle and if you are nearing the towing limits of that you will be severely disappointed towing that with the tacoma. You might not notice the interior size difference much coming from a reg cab, but the tundra is definitely roomier. Go test drive a tacoma and I think you will be able to make your choice.

 

One thing I've noticed from a work tacoma my company has compared to my tundra is just how much more solid and substantial my Tundra felt. it's like going from a Corolla to a Camry.

 

Drive to the South and get a rust free, strait truck to take back to Montana. It's worth the drive.

My tundra is 21 years old and has zero rust on it anywhere. (Been in Texas all 21 years)

Moved here from a rust state and smile Everytime I get under my truck.

 

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Very nice, looks like mine. I love the southwest.

 

I had a base model 05 (first year of the 2nd gen) regular cab 2.7l it was great. I’ve driven in a few late model 2nd gen double cabs, pretty nice, 4.0 has ok power in them, but the SCed one was real fun, that owners complaint was that the frame felt to stiff for the weight of the truck, so a ride quality issue for him. I don’t think I would want to tow with the 4.o, the tranny already like to gear hunt a lot on the hiway and cruise control really sucks in our 4runner that uses the same tranny and engine.
Like others have said, I’d search southern states for a decent low mileage(low as you can find but they are out there) 1st gen with the V8. Or just take your current truck another 200k while you look for another, the ultimate unicorn

 

Thanks for the replies! It's hard to beat a 1st gen Tundra for value and utility.

I have considered going South to find a used Tundra, but it certainly has logistical problems. How to get there if I plan on driving one back, take salesmans word on condition of vehicle, garden goes to hell while I'm gone, what to do with dog, etc etc.
My Tundra has been in Montana 11 winters and only has minor surface rust on frame and differential, I wash it and spray Fluid Film on frame, but yeah, some people don't lift a finger to prevent damage and frame pics would be something to look at before taking a long drive. Another issue that complicates selection is I need a camper shell and buying a truck without one means adding another $2300 to the cost, which i will pay if I have to. Montana only has a population of one million statewide so buying anything used is a challenge.
I don't even mind paying full dealer retail including premium for low mileage, I know I'll get my money out of it....more so than anything else out there. I would probably keep the Tundra I have and use as a beater for a few years so I won't wear out the sunday-go-to-meeting prettier Tundra I buy. Only costs $280 a year to insure and it has permanent tags so I never have to pay another dime for registration.

 

Been to Montana a couple times, beautiful place!

There are some great options here in California if you plan it right. I sold a F150 I had to a guy in Arizona. It was a really clean truck and I gave him all the info he needed to feel assured it was what he thought it was. He flew to the local airport, I picked him up and we drove straight to Chase Bank. We did the deal at the bank and he drove me back home. He then went and picked up a trailer and two quads he had coordinated with another seller and drove everything back to AZ, together.

It does take a little coordination but you might find the last truck you'll ever need! See below:

Checko this 2001 Toyota Tundra SR5 78k miles for $8900 on OfferUp https://offerup.co/hMNEU9mhQ5

Check out this 2000 toyota tundra SR5 for $6200 on OfferUp https://offerup.co/rPhzo1ohQ5

 

Thanks 3.4Tundra. That 2001 looks pretty enticing if it has 4wd. Although I wanted a 2003 to 2006, I guess it doesn't matter as long as it doesn't have the brake problems the 2000 had. If it were nearby I would probably scoop it right up. I have no idea how offerup works. How do you take it for a test drive without making an offer first? I signed up, waiting for email confirmation. It may be beyond my capabilities. I can't bring that much cash on a plane and I don't text.

 

Yeah neither of those I posted are 4wd... I'll take a look again and see if there are any listed locally at the moment.

 

If you can live with the step side bed this truck looks like a pretty good deal:

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/cto/d/woodland-hills-2003-toyota-tundra-4x4/7109584021.html

This truck is literally right around the corner from me and I see it all the time. If you are interested I could go check it out and report back. Miles might be high for you.

https://santabarbara.craigslist.org/cto/d/santa-barbara-4wd-2006-toyota-tundra/7102172265.html

 

Any interest in Double cabs? This one is in MT and looks like a pretty good deal. I know you said that you wanted lower mileage than 200k but that is really nothing for these trucks if they have been reasonably maintained.

https://bozeman.craigslist.org/cto/d/bozeman-toyota-tundra/7098952055.html

https://missoula.craigslist.org/cto/d/missoula-2006-toyota-tundra-4x4/7105298797.html

 

Thanks, seth419!
The step side looks nice, but a regular bed is better for putting a camper shell on, which is a must have for me. I don't want to buy anything with more than about 140k miles and preferably much less. I thought about double cabs, don't know what I would do with that many doors, seats and windows, no kids here. The only thing I like about them is the solid "B" post to slam front doors against as opposed to the lack of a real door jamb on access cabs. They're longer and wider than I want. The RCLB is the most ideal configuration for me. Access cab second. I like sand, green and grey the most. Base model is fine. Craigslist is much less complicated than offerup. I'll just have to keep doing searches on Craigslist in far away places, something is bound to show up, but I'll have to figure out how to handle finances that far from home. I don't want TSA "confiscating" my cash when I check in.