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 2004 or 2007 Tacoma? Which to Buy?
#777133
01/03/07 07:55 PM
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 697
OP
Rock Warrior
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I have decided to buy a double cab 4x4 Tacoma, but I would like some input on new verses older trucks. I had a Isuzu Rodeo for years and was active in the Isuzu Boards and planed/headed many off road trips in the Phoenix area. Then 2 years ago I bought a Wrangler and have an Altima for my commuter car. I have decided to sell both and buy a 4 door Tacoma (I have 2 small kids).
Originally I was just going to look at 2003 and 2004s because I could buy them outright (no loan) but I see that the new Tacoma (2005 and up) are getting great reviews. If I buy new I will have to take out a small loan.
So my question: is new Tacoma that much greater/better?
One of the reasons for doing this in that I really don't have a lot of time for 4wheeling anymore and only get out 3-4 times a year but I still like to get out. I have never owned a truck before only SUVs and cars and we have a new Sienna for carring kids/family.
Last edited by CPetrak; 01/03/07 07:56 PM.
2007 4x4 Tacoma Dbl Cab with TDR and rear locker - stock for now
2001 Wrangler Sport - sold
1998 Rodeo S 4x4 - traded in
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Re: 2004 or 2007 Tacoma? Which to Buy?
[Re: AZPetrak]
#777134
01/03/07 10:35 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,854
Roll Me Over
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The newer tacoma has more interior room and a bigger engine. You CAN get a 6 speed tho <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> (unlike the 04' where it's auto only for d-cabs). Interior is nicer in the newer trucks as well. I'd take the newer one if i had a family, more room/space, plus it's available with a 6ft bed, where the 04' is only 4 ft....
89 4Runner
3" BL, M/T locks, 33"bfg mt, bilstein, Kayline, tubebumper, toyotafiberglass panels
TBI: Elocker,3.4 w/ORS,b+b,S2Sstg2cams,arias pistons,P+P intake,TRDs/c,URDpullies+7th,downey headers,MAPECU2,WEGO WB, SupraMAF,walboro255,stg4clutch, EPaOo2 sim
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Re: 2004 or 2007 Tacoma? Which to Buy?
[Re: Greg_Canada]
#777135
01/03/07 11:55 PM
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 697
OP
Rock Warrior
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Yes after I started this thread I drove down and test drove a 2004, (I test drove a 2007 a few day ago) man what a difference in interior comfort, it is night and day. The 2004 had no leg suppoert and the seat did not feel comfortable, the interior feel a little cheap, the 2007 felt so much better and looked nicer. But then I realized how much bigger the new DBL Cab Tacomas are, the 2007 felt and looked huge after being in the 2004.
Thanks for the input.
2007 4x4 Tacoma Dbl Cab with TDR and rear locker - stock for now
2001 Wrangler Sport - sold
1998 Rodeo S 4x4 - traded in
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Re: 2004 or 2007 Tacoma? Which to Buy?
[Re: AZPetrak]
#777136
01/04/07 05:20 AM
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 34
Getting the Wheeling Fever
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The new generation Taco is far more sophisticated. With a V-6, auto, and option upgrades, it makes a superb daily driver...as quiet and comfortable as most pasenger cars. Add TRD and 4x4, it is also a fine offroad vehicle. And that new V-6 is vastly more powerful than the previous gen, with little if any decrease in mpg. I have the short bed double cab, which is admittedly a little "short" on cargo capacity. But it meets 95% of our truck requirements, is relatively agile in traffic, and not ungainly in parking lots. If you have kids, you might like the new gen's optional side curtain airbags (we got those.)
On the other hand, when you throw in all the most desirable options, the new Taco is pretty pricey. If you're willing to spend the money, they're well worth it.
If you want to spend around 35 to 50% less, the previous gen is a great bargain. We had an 03 extended cab Taco, and that long running model was refined to near perfection. Probably, one of the most long term trouble free, reliable vehicles in the world. It had front airbags, but almost as much old school "retro charm" as a VW Bus. If I hadn't injured my back, and needed to trade the 03's manual trans for an auto, we would have kept and loved it forever.
The deciding factor is how much money you are able or willing to spend. You can't go wrong either way.
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Re: 2004 or 2007 Tacoma? Which to Buy?
[Re: AzStealth]
#777137
01/09/07 08:35 AM
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 273
Mudrunner
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The new generation Taco is far more sophisticated. With a V-6, auto, and option upgrades, it makes a superb daily driver...as quiet and comfortable as most pasenger cars. Add TRD and 4x4, it is also a fine offroad vehicle. And that new V-6 is vastly more powerful than the previous gen, with little if any decrease in mpg. I have the short bed double cab, which is admittedly a little "short" on cargo capacity. But it meets 95% of our truck requirements, is relatively agile in traffic, and not ungainly in parking lots. If you have kids, you might like the new gen's optional side curtain airbags (we got those.)
On the other hand, when you throw in all the most desirable options, the new Taco is pretty pricey. If you're willing to spend the money, they're well worth it.
If you want to spend around 35 to 50% less, the previous gen is a great bargain. We had an 03 extended cab Taco, and that long running model was refined to near perfection. Probably, one of the most long term trouble free, reliable vehicles in the world. It had front airbags, but almost as much old school "retro charm" as a VW Bus. If I hadn't injured my back, and needed to trade the 03's manual trans for an auto, we would have kept and loved it forever.
The deciding factor is how much money you are able or willing to spend. You can't go wrong either way. Well put. Amen! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
'99 Tacoma Xtra cab V6 TRD
TRD Supercharged, URD 7th injector and 2.2" pulley, 32X11.5 BFG All-Terrains, OME 881 3-inch lift/Toytec AAL, 5100 Series Bilsteins all around, and ProComp 130 lights.
No I'm not some creepy naked guy...
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Re: 2004 or 2007 Tacoma? Which to Buy?
[Re: AZPetrak]
#777138
08/13/07 09:20 PM
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 19
Need a Spot
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I know this post is OLD but I wanted to add something to this. I have also considered a 'new' taco and noticed the '05s were rated at 245hp 282torq (v6) while the '07 is rated at 236hp 266torq.
Basically why the difference? (maybe how they took the measurement)
Thanks in advance, I'm still using the 'search' function on here so please no flames.
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Re: 2004 or 2007 Tacoma? Which to Buy?
[Re: Rob_dup2]
#777139
08/13/07 10:26 PM
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Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,854
Roll Me Over
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I know this post is OLD but I wanted to add something to this. I have also considered a 'new' taco and noticed the '05s were rated at 245hp 282torq (v6) while the '07 is rated at 236hp 266torq.
Basically why the difference? (maybe how they took the measurement)
Thanks in advance, I'm still using the 'search' function on here so please no flames. Different rating types (SAE vs. i forget) but yea no changes. The big difference between the 04'/previous motor/tranny, it has been around since the 80's (the design) where they are still working out the bugs in the 04'+ (1gr was in a 4runner in 04)... and they are definately not as the 5vzfe... i think the 5vzfe was the last of the overbuilt truck motors by toyota, everything now is more "americanized". If you're planning on keeping it stock, go with the 1gr (4 liter) modified? go 3.4, it will take more money to get the same power, but it will LAST... the 5vz bottom end stock has been pushed to over 400 hp, where the 1gr bottom end has been blowing up over 300 unless there is a very good tune... and the motors cost way more to replace. The 1/4 mile speeds on the 1gr is around 15-mid 15 seconds, where the 5vzfe is high 16's low 17's.. so a huge speed difference, but the trd blower can make up for it.
89 4Runner
3" BL, M/T locks, 33"bfg mt, bilstein, Kayline, tubebumper, toyotafiberglass panels
TBI: Elocker,3.4 w/ORS,b+b,S2Sstg2cams,arias pistons,P+P intake,TRDs/c,URDpullies+7th,downey headers,MAPECU2,WEGO WB, SupraMAF,walboro255,stg4clutch, EPaOo2 sim
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Re: 2004 or 2007 Tacoma? Which to Buy?
[Re: Greg_Canada]
#777140
08/20/07 01:32 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 43
Getting the Wheeling Fever
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Great informative posts on the Taco's.
One item I can add on the 07's is that the rear seats in the cab were designed to accomodate a child seat where as pre-07's were not; it could be done but not with the safety of other manufactuers. I have decided to wait until later in '08 to get a gently used '07... Pricey but worth it.
OIIIIIIIO
82' CJ-7, SOA and many other goodies.
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