Tacoma new vs. old

bowyer2002 · #11 02-21-2006, 11:09 PM

I have an 01 Tacoma double cab 4x4 3.4L Automatic and would love to have the new '05!
Initally, only for the extra interior space , but the more I see the '05s the more I like their looks and the aftermarket companies seem to have products lined up to bolt on too!
I used to have a stick and loved it - but since I've had and automatic I think I like it more since it's easier to drive in traffic, eat & drive and (in some states this is illegal) be on the phone and drive with out shifting... Just my 2 cents

#12 02-24-2006, 02:08 PM

I had a 99 with an auto and the TRD supercharger. It was fun and had enough grunt for the mountains. I pull snowmobiles, atv's, and other toys, so I like the passing power while towing.

I now have an 01 Dcab with auto, and I have not put the blower on it. It is adequate in terms of power in my mind, but there isn't anything extra.

Depends on what your budget looks like and what you're needs are. I drove one of the new ones, and if my check book was fat enough, I'd roll off the lot with one of those in a heartbeat.

Heck, they're all Toyota so how can you go wrong??

Good Luck!!!

apeterson · #13 06-04-2006, 11:11 PM

I had an 2000 taco and I loved it.... I sold it and got a Tundra (because I pull my boat and the taco was just not enought, it would work but it was hard on the engine) with that being said, every time I see one on the road I say "man I wish I still had that truck!" Tundra is nice dont get me wrong, just seems like it is not as fun and an "older guy" truck... hahhahahha!!! I will buy another one one day!

2toy · #14 06-08-2006, 10:02 AM

[ QUOTE ]
Did you get the Automatic trans... I'm betting so because its to hard to find a manual !!!

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think that Toyota offered the double cab in a Manual. At least they didn't used to unless they changed that in the '05 year and newer.

Chad · #15 06-13-2006, 04:26 PM

I've had my '05 DC Taco 4x4 for about 16 months now and love it! I have 15K miles on it. I put a ToyTec 3" lift with rear AAL's, 285/75/r16 BFG A/T's, 16x8 Panther wheels & Total Chaos UCA's.

Checked speed with GPS and I'm going about 1mph faster then stock speedo shows. I also average about 18-19mpg around town and up to 23mpg highway.

Here's a pic...I since put a black grill in it. Getting ready to put a black rear bumper on too...getting rid of the chrome.

JackRabid · #16 06-14-2006, 06:17 PM

tested the new taco. loved the power and feel of the ride. could not get over the look. even though the 05/06 get better gas mileage, I opted for a used 03 w/low miles. Not to knock the new Yota's but the Frontier had more power, better bed rail gadgets, more options that made more sense, but interior felt like plywood. The only thing that beat the nissan was the Yota comfort. God that new yota is UGLY.

#17 08-10-2006, 02:36 PM

the new tacomos haul ass and all and when im riding id hope all the ladies turn and stare at my shiny new truck. But for serious offroading you have to insist with the old. who cares about a new trunk when you're barreling through mudpits and tearing :censored::censored::censored::censored: up

redtoy92 · #18 09-23-2006, 09:44 PM

01 to 04 is the best looking body style i think they have ever offered in the tacoma. They are great trucks and i had an 80 also. Just as long as you keep it a toyota i don't think you could go wrong.

#19 09-23-2006, 11:59 PM

Hello, just my opinions, since you asked. If you are looking to step up, I recm'd the Tacoma's up thru '04. The new-gen Tacomas are not quite the same. I personally own a '93 4x4 X-cab, and I work on Toyotas for a living. I consider the pre'04 Tacos to be every bit as "off-road worthy" as my generation p/u. Now, nothing will compare to the straight-axle trucks. The shop I work in, they're like the Holy Grail, everybody's always lookin' for one.
As far as old Taco vs new, I feel the new-gen sits too low, but more seriously, is too wide and weighs too much for my taste. The '04 and previous models with the 3.4 V6 make good power, and just have a better balance for off-road use. The bed material really isn't much of a concern. I plan on having one as my next truck, but no time soon. There's still afew parts on mine that haven't been replaced yet.

SPS

P.S. I personally would go with a stick. And the TRD w/ locker.

TankRD · #20 09-25-2006, 02:11 AM

I think that if you dont go offroading alot you will like the new Tacoma very much it is fast powerfull and rides well. The older tacomas like my 02 in my eys is better off road because of size and clearance. Im sure the new tacoma is good offroad but i parked next to one in the parking lot and they dont have the clearance that my year has. Is price a consideration? The new tacoma will do great in the snow if that is what you are wondering about.