I'm getting ready to buy a Tacoma soon and I'm trying to decide which year I should buy. I want a '96-'99 (can't afford a 2000) 4x4, V6, SR5 or TRD, Xcab. I don't have a whole lot of money but I've seen a few '99's in the paper around here going for under $13,000 with pretty low miles (under 60k). I'm just wondering what the benifits of each year are and if any of the years had problems that were corrected in later years. So what are the differences?

They didn't make a trd till around 99, So if you want a locker you need a 99. My buddie had like a 97 or 98 and the limited slip was pretty week, but the electric locker on my other buddies trd disengages after he goes over 5 mph. theres some info for ya

TRD package started in 97 but the earliest TRD package truck will be a 98 probably.

there are very minor changes through the years. I would get whatever you can find

I have a 97 taco 4 cyl 4x4 with 115k on it. It's been a great truck and is now going to shop duty. I've replaced the starter on it and that is all. I would have bought the V6, but it was new for that year.

Originally posted by big97redtj
I have a 97 taco 4 cyl 4x4 with 115k on it. It's been a great truck and is now going to shop duty. I've replaced the starter on it and that is all. I would have bought the V6, but it was new for that year.

I have a 96 4WD 4 banger. It's getting pretty beat up (body). It still runs like a champ @ almost 150,000.

TRD, whats up with the 3/4 ton Toyota with the desiel. I know you have Toyota hook-ups......... Whats the deal??? I may be looking to get a new tow-rig soon.

no deisel.

Pig, you are going to be better off buying a tundra or american if you need one soon.

when is your rig going to be done?

I am going to try to bring the baja car to Rubicon on the 4th. If i can fix it today :flipoff2:

Originally posted by TRD
no deisel.

Pig, you are going to be better off buying a tundra or american if you need one soon.

when is your rig going to be done?

I am going to try to bring the baja car to Rubicon on the 4th. If i can fix it today :flipoff2:

No deisel...............:(

Rig is coming along nicely................... Bring the Baja to the con on the 4th:confused: :confused: :confused: Well, it will be entertaining at the least, that's if you can keep it together.

i would head over to TTORA for this question. They know everything when it comes to Tacos. They can probably tell you all the little differences with certainty...

Originally posted by PIG


No deisel...............:(

Rig is coming along nicely................... Bring the Baja to the con on the 4th:confused: :confused: :confused: Well, it will be entertaining at the least, that's if you can keep it together.

so are you going to have your new rig for the 4th?

I am in the middle of fixing both cars right now (broke both left knuckles). I think they will hold together fine with careful driving.