The 2004 and earlier models were good trucks - a little crude compared to the 2nd Gen Tacomas,mbut very tough. Some of the 05-06 Tacomas had auto transmission issues and head gasket failures. Neither issue was common, but neither were recalls, Most of the transmission problems can be cured w/ a dealer flash of the computer, the head gasket not so much....
Great driving vehicles. The short bed 4- dr 2nd gen configuration has close to a 50-50 weight distribution. Decent tires and they drive great un bad weather, 4wd even better. Comments about part time 4wd not being able to be used on the road in bad weather - Wow! Always new and special idiots out there.....
Good trucks, check the frames carefully no major rust issues and you should be fine.
David
